Posts with the tag PRIMARIES

Healthcare: Why Can't We Get the Congressional Option?

Eric from Covina, CA — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:07:37 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

Healthcare: Why Can't We Get the Congressional Option?

There's at least one thing that Republicans do much better than Democrats, and that's marketing their initiatives. It doesn't matter how regressive the idea, Republicans manage to frame it in a way that if you oppose it you look like you're either degenerate, or at the very least, un-American. For example, instead of accurately calling themselves "The Order of Religious Bigots Dedicated to Shoving Our Version of God Down America's Throat," they market their insanity as "The Moral Majority," and instead of being honest and calling themselves "The Public Vagina Brigade," they call themselves "The Right to Life" proponents (even though they're willing to let that very same life starve to death after it's born). Conservatives get a lot of milage out of their creativity in this area, and progressives would do well to follow suit.

Independent Democrat Senators

Don — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:09:29 EDT

Soon as we got a Democrat in the White House, a bunch of Senators claiming to be Democrats rushed to show how independent they are, declaring they won’t necessarily vote in support of the President’s agenda that he was elected to enact. As a Hoosier, I’ll put Indiana’s Evan Bayh (pronounced “Bye” or “Buy”) at the top of the list.

Mr. Obama is right to allow politicians to vote their “consciences” (oxymoron is obvious). Where he’s wrong is in promising to raise money for them. I won’t give one penny to support ANY Senator who fails to toe the line and earnestly help the President do what he promised. Many promises were made. If they’re not kept because Democrats in the Senate support powerful banks and other lobbies against the people who support Mr. Obama’s agenda, then Bayh-Bayh to them come the primary.

If self-described Democrats in the Senate refuse to push through the President’s agenda, then it’s up to us to FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL. I won’t give money to or raise money for Evan Bayh or Arlen Spector or any of the approximately eight others who have declared themselves “independent” of this cause.

They want our money and votes only to betray us to the powerful lobbyists who own them. We need to start work right now finding better people to run against them in the primaries and start raising the money they’ll need to win.

We kept McCain and Palin out of the White House. We certain can put Bayh, Specter and those other eight “independent” Democrats OUT of the Senate. CHANGE is coming to America.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

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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

Former (London) Times Editor Harold Evans Smears the US Media in an Article in the UK Guardian

mathpol — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:22:33 EST

“Mad about The One. The US media have been captivated by Obama, at the expense of their curiosity and scepticism.”

This is the title of an article by Harold Evans in The Guardian on November 1, 2008. He resorts to the bias he decries in his one-sided column. I have reproduced it below in its entirety, along with my annotations {…} . Phrases that I comment upon are in boldface.

It's fitting that the cynicism "vote early and vote often" is commonly attributed to Chicago's Democratic boss, mayor Richard Daley, who famously voted the graveyards in 1960 to help put John Kennedy in the White House. In this 2008 race, it's the American media that have voted very early and often. They long ago elected the star graduate of Chicago's Democratic machine, Barack Obama. {Obama is a hardly a “graduate“ of the machine. What about Harvard Law, Columbia, etc.?}

I am not talking of editorials in newspapers, though Obama has the preponderance of the endorsements over John McCain. Obama certainly deserves the credit for recruiting impressive advisers and running a more efficient campaign machine than any one in the US's political history.

What's troubling to anyone old-fashioned enough to care about standards in journalism is the news coverage in mainstream media. Forget the old notions of objectivity, fairness, thoroughness, and so on. The nastiest rumours on both sides haven't been published, but the coverage has been slavishly on the side of "the one". {“Slavish”? Evans’s description.}

Introduction to Exploration of Hope

Tunisia — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 22:29:40 EDT

When people ask me why I support Barack Obama, I always feel slightly tongue-tied. I lose a little bit of confidence even though I do have some clear beliefs why he should win office. However, they always end up sounding cliché. For instance, I usually think of the word ‘change’ but how many times have you heard that from an Obama supporter? It’s an abstract truth but not a concrete reason that holds weight with candidates like Hillary Clinton, whose political experience outweighs his or John McCain who has been in politics since I’ve been born. So with this in mind, I’ve been searching for better reasons why I support the Black man with the “funny name”.

Over the last few months, I have been immersed in Obama’s campaign. I’ve read both of his books, the autobiography Dreams from My Father and the more politically driven, The Audacity of Hope, which gives me a more personal and specific look into the man’s upbringing, beliefs and political views. I have also been reading some articles from various sources about his campaign and how he’s been stacking up against his relentless, unflinching opponent, Hillary Clinton. In the evenings, after I come home from work, I sometimes watch Youtube clips from his page, hoping to gain a firmer stance on my position on the issues. I’ve also, sometimes reluctantly, watch CNN, MSNBC and even FOX News (all thanks to my brother whose sudden interest in politics may be all due to Mr. Obama himself). I’ve even volunteered on his behalf, making donations, going to rallies, making a few calls to voters, sending out postcards and agreeing to a random interview with a university as a young supporter.

Now, I will say that prior to this election, I was not into politics that much at all. I’ve never been to a rally for a candidate nor read a political book in my life. I was even a Hillary supporter at first, thinking that Obama really didn’t have a chance at winning the presidency. So I wonder, “What is it about him that makes me believe so much? Why do I feel so driven to be involved and to learn as much as I can about the issues and the candidate himself?”

I’m still in search for that answer. I’ve had some discoveries over the last few months that I will share with you and I know I will have quite a few more during the general election. In consequence, I will share my journey with you on this quest to find out the answer to this very question. I will call it, for now, “The Exploration of Hope”. Cheesy maybe but I kinda like it.

Written on May 19, 2008

Why Obama Will Win (Part 1): Obama Attracts More Voters Than McCain

FiredUpInCA — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:48:40 EDT

He will win because as a career total Obama has won more votes than McCain:

Obama: 2008 (presidential primary), 17,869,542
McCain: 2008 (presidential primary), 9,840,746

As a career total, Obama has won more votes than McCain:

Here's the numbers:

Votes McCain has received in his career:
2008 (presidential primary), 9,840,746
2004 (senate), 1,505,372
2000 (presidential primary), 6,061,332
1998 (senate), 696,577
1992 (senate), 771,395
1986 (senate), 521,850
1984 (house), 162,418
1982 (house), 89,116
= 19,648,806 votes

Votes Obama has received in his career:
2008 (presidential primary), 17,869,542
2004 (senate), 3,597,456
2002 (state senate), 48,717
1998 (state senate), 45,486
1996 (state senate), unknown
= 21,561,201 votes

http://www.jedreport.com/2008/08/obama-leads-mccain-in-total-vo.html

NATEPERKINS.TV: Black Evangelicals Grassroot Hit The Streets of Atlanta's For Barack Obama

NATEPERKINSTV — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:15:10 EDT

ATLANTA, GA. Black Evangelical politics in the United States "Christian theological movements" THE ROAD OF LIFE "BECAUSE JESUS SAID SO" Hip Hop / R&B / Producer: Jawuan Anthony Sheffield //Aug 30, 2008//CNN iReport Video: http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-70870John Hagee on the Issues: Hagee on African-Americans
The San Antonio Express-News reported that Hagee was going to "meet with black religious leaders privately at an unspecified future date to discuss comments he made in his newsletter about a 'slave sale,' an East Side minister said Wednesday." The Express-News reported: Jawuan Anthony Sheffield a Black Evangelical's for Barack Obama. Grassroot's in Atlanta, GA., held the view that the modernist and liberal parties in the Protestant churches had surrendered their heritage as Evangelicals by accommodating the views and values of the world. At the same time, they criticized their fellow Fundamentalists for their separatism and their rejection of the Social gospel as it had been developed by Protestant activists of the previous century. They charged the modernists with having lost their identity as Evangelicals and the Fundamentalists with having lost the Christ-like heart of Evangelicalism. They argued that the Gospel needed to be reasserted to distinguish it from the innovations of the liberals and the fundamentalists.The Road of Life is a life changing, seminar for teenagers and young adults. A two hour presentation, this life changing session contains many doors, people sitting, standing, maneuvering in and out of doors,frontward backwards somewhat appearing to be lost. These configurations will be expressed in detail. The session is very intense and includes motivational speech in an interactive setting. This session will have a positive affect on its audience. The session incorporates music, interactive conversation, objective mastery review and small group activities. The presenter will serve as a travel guide as they take a journey on "The Road Of Life" View THE ROAD OF LIFE's Friends: All | Online | New http://www.myspace.com/theroadoflife Culture choc: Black evangelicals vs. White evangelicalsBlack evangelicals vs. White evangelicals. Interesting article on the Obama pastor brouhaha from Salon.com: The difference between Jeremiah Wright and ...
dantoujours.blogspot.com/2008/03/black-evangelicals-vs-white.html - 93k

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NATEPERKINS.TV: Unite for Change Team TRAINING TAPE FOR OBAMA (ONLINE) GRASSROOT

NATEPERKINSTV — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:28:32 EDT

NATEPERKINS.TV: Unite for Change Team TRAINING TAPE FOR OBAMA (ONLINE) GRASSROOT goto: http://nateperkins.blip.tv for more infor on training... Unite for Change Team NATEPERKINS.TV: GEORGIA'S TRUE-LIVE TESTIMONIALS VOTERS FOR OBAMA (08 4 08)
Dear NATE --

I'm excited to announce that today, the Campaign for Change in Georgia is launching our Unite for Change Team program in every county and neighborhood of the Peach State.

Our Unite for Change Team program is a team-based organizing strategy that will help supporters like you get organized in your community -- to reach out to new and undecided voters near you and deliver Georgia for Barack and other Democrats in November.

If you are committed to change, we need you to get involved with or help lead a Unite for Change team in your area.

Learn more about joining a Unite for Change Team in your area.

These Teams will be an essential part of our grassroots movement in Georgia. And face-to-face contact with people in your community, is the most effective way to spread our message, and build our movement for change.

Taking action in your neighborhood through a Unite for Change Team is one of the most important ways you can help our Campaign for Change.

A statewide training for supporters who want to learn more and take part in a Unite for Change Team will take place August 15th - 16th.

No prior experience is necessary to attend and get involved -- just a commitment to our movement and a willingness to work for change in your area.

Get involved with a Unite for Change Team in your neighborhood today.

Thanks for everything you've done to build our movement in Georgia.

Alex

Alex Lofton
Georgia Field Director
Campaign for Change

Visit: GA.BarackObama.com | Email: Georgia@BarackObama.com
Barack Obama | Event | Barack Obama's Birthday Bash Official Website of Barack Obama 2008 Presidential Campaign.
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NATEPERKINS.TV: Georgia's Jennifer Brook and Friends Celebrated ...
By NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv)(NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv))
Video thumbnail. Click to play Click to Play. Dear NATE -- Join a Georgia Unite for Change Team I'm excited to announce that today, the Campaign for Change in Georgia is launching our Unite for Change Team program in every county and ...
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NATEPERKINS.TV: Unite for Change Team TRAINING TAPE FOR OBAMA (ONLINE) GRASSROOT

NATEPERKINSTV — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:28:28 EDT

http://www.nateperkinslive.com

NATEPERKINS.TV: Georgia's Celebrated Obama 47th Brithday--

NATEPERKINSTV — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:41:42 EDT

NATEPERKINS.TV: Georgia's Celebrated Obama 47th Brithday--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jimDNKC1vwM

ATEPERKINS.TV: Georgia's Jennifer Brook and Friends Celebrated ...
By NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv)(NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv))
Video thumbnail. Click to play Click to Play. Dear NATE -- Join a Georgia Unite for Change Team I'm excited to announce that today, the CNATEPERKINS.TV: Georgia's Jennifer Brook and Friends Celebrated ...
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CNN anchors and Obama's decision to talk with US enemies

Thelma from Denver, CO — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:39:59 EDT

There is a saying (from the bible) that you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I will like to add that "you shall say the truth and the truth shall set us free".

During the Primaries till now, CNN's new anchors (and those of other news media) chose to overplay Obama's statement that he will be willing to sit down unconditionally with our enemies and talk with them. The overplays and resulting commentaries distorted Obama's intention with the statement so much so that he was frequently forced to explain what he meant. The news media took his statement to mean that he was weak on national security and foreign affair policies.

Most media anchors especially those of CNN (permit me to exclude Larry King from the cohorts) and the Republicans pounced on that statement and produced news segments and political advertisements that questioned why Obama should dare make such a statement. They spun the statement to produce doubts about Obama's patriotism, his religion and experiences on both national security and foreign affairs.

Last week, with about six months left, the current administration in an attempt to eek out a legacy for the "likely legacyless" President Bush, decided that it would talk to the Iranian negotiators. Was it a suicidal action on the part of the Bush administration? Did they not realize the implications that this would have on the McCain campaign and the ratings-driven Media commentaries? What it madness or foolery? No. It was a mere exercise of one of the attributes of "truth": you can delay the truth; you can twist the truth; but you can never hide the truth.

Of course, rather than accept that Obama was right to talk with our enemies, the media in an attempt to save face started running commentaries on the issue with such terminologies as "talk", "negotiate" and "a one-time talk". Condeleezza Rice picked on these commentaries and did everything she could to defend the hand that feeds her.

The press (CNN top of the list) did not mention that Obama's statement was exactly that he would "sit down to talk with" our enemies and that he did not say that he would "sit down unconditionally to negotiate with them". So much for Anderson's statement that "we present facts the way we see them and leave you the listener to decide" how authentic the (CNN) reports are.

I believe that more events will occur in the days before November to prove that Obama was right in this and many other issues. What is really wrong in talking to your enemies? I guess this should quiet the critics of Obama on whether he is actually a Christian because Jesus went to the extreme to say that you should not only talk to your enemies but that you should "love and pray" for them.

Again, for those who are not clear (or pretend not to be clear) about what Obama said and what he meant, Obama said that he will talk unconditionally with our enemies (those country-leaders that do not like us) with the intent to reason with them and that he (Obama) would not concede unless there is the likelihood that there were signs that the parties would "give up of current grounds towards a compromising one".

Talking with your enemies does not mean that you agree with them or that you will concede or surrender to them. For the sake of the masses of people in the countries represented by the parties in dispute, talk is better than shun. Remember that embargos or wars will not affect the disputing leaders or negotiators as much as it will for the masses. God bless America.

A Ltr I wrote after seeing Barack in person

Justin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:41:36 EDT

(This paragraph was prefaced by me telling the story of my long wait in line and through security to see Barack at the PA convention center)

Being there: But once I got to hear him speak, i can completely understand why people go crazy for him. he is electric. Everything he says makes sense and he is able to not just talk about the issues but to put them in context and relate them to situations and stories that connect with people. His speeches sound like he's just having a conversation. He's very down to earth. The theme of the speech was to get involved in your community. he did about 10 minutes on the issues and how he plans to fix health care and the housing crisis. but then he told a great story about a woman in a town in greenwood South Carolina; a town of about 20 supporters. The point of the story was that every vote counts. If you can change a person, you can change a town, if you can change the town you change the state, and if you change the state, you can change the country and help make a better world.

On Obama: I guess it's that kind of thinking, that kind of bold logic that grabs me. and it's not something you'll hear from any other candidate. Obama was the underdog from day one and his movement has struck enough people to where he might just win. When i think about how he's organized his campaign on the positive and raised so much money ... i can't help but root for him. Obviously i don't think I'd vote for him if i didn't agree with his policy decisions. I like the solutions he's proposed to a lot of the problems this country is facing, and there are a lot of them. I know his policies and voting records are similar to those of Clinton so for me maybe it comes down to character. Especially after seeing Obama speak in person, I believe that he is a genuinely good person with an incredible personality. I don't feel that way about Clinton. (It goes on to a little clinton bashing from which i'll spare you)

NATEPERKINSTV: Review me at iKarma. Want to spread your own Reputation?

NATEPERKINSTV — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:10:39 EDT

Nate Perkins here. With information from an emailed from Ghana's after she reviewed and logged in to my Barack Obama website and then signed up "to be a part of Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign in Georgia". Link

Remember, I have over forty-two million (s) peolpes watched my shows over the internet. See Gloria E. McCrary emailed below.
----- Original Message -----
From: Nate Perkins Enterprises
To: Gloria E. McCrary
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 2:18 PM
Subject: NATEPERKINSTVRe: Guess what "From Ghana's
Hi Ama! Thanks for signed up to be a part of Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign in Georgia.This times of the season, Ghana's a beautiful place to have a vacation. Also we are broadcasting an 24/7 Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign all over the world. See: Link that you and your friends can review and picked up the latest on history been made by Sen Barack Obama's Campaign. Please shall our broadcasting website with others in Ghana's and thank you for watching our program. Thank you from Atlanta,

Nate
----- Original Message -----
From: Gloria E. McCrary
To: NATE PERKINSTV
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2008 8:10 AM
Subject: Re: Guess what

good job nate perkins. right now i'm in Ghana, west africa. see you soon Ama

----- Original Message ----

From: NATE PERKINSTV
To: lagra.newman@gmail.com
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 5:15:19 PM
Subject: Guess what
I just signed up to be a part of Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Georgia.

I know sometimes the political process seems impossible, superficial, and worse. But we're trying to change that. We're building a campaign of the people, by the people, and for the people.

So please take a moment to learn more about Barack, about the campaign I'm running with him. There's a place in it for all of us.

Link
---------

NATEPERKINSLIVE
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Nate Perkins Enterprises
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Suite 2302
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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.

NATEPERKINS.TV: Rev Jesse Jackson Four Points Demands To Barack Obama »

NATEPERKINSTV — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 17:58:13 EDT

NATEPERKINS.TV: Rev Jesse Jackson Four Points Demands To Barack Obama »http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-44375 NATEPERKINS.TV: Rev Jesse Jackson Four Points Demands To Barack Obama » Rev Jesse Jackson Four Points Demands To Barack Obama nateperkins. tv | Nate Perkins Live [*TV*] Channel Broadcasting ... NATEPERKINSTV: withRev Jesse Jackson ... Nate Perkins TV ... NATEPERKINSTV:
http://www.nateperkins.blip.tv/

NATEPERKINSTV: Presents iReport on Black in America

NATEPERKINSTV — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EDT

NATEPERKINS.TV: Presents iReport on Black in America <embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AwGB+zU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="412" height="340" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>

NATEPERKINS.TV: OBAMA SUPERDELEGATES BLOG'S TV

NATEPERKINSTV — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:23:18 EDT

NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv) said... NATEPERKINS.TV: ELITIST OBAMA BLOG TV
The Reporter-Blogger TV "Embed BARACK OBAMA'S Campaign '08 Now"

http://elitistobamatv.blogspot.com/2008/05/nateperkinstv-elitist-obama-blog-tv.html OBAMA SUPERDELEGATES BLOG's TV http://obamasuperdelegates.blogspot.com/
By NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv)(NATEPERKINS.TV (blog-tv))
NATEPERKINS.TV: OBAMA SUPERDELEGATES BLOG's TV The Reporter-Blogger TV "Embed BARACK OBAMA'S Campaign '08 Now" http://obamasuperdelegates.blogspot.com/ Obama's Superdelegates reluctance to "go negative" on Hillary Clinton during the ...
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Ambivalence Does Not Define Me

kimba — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:47:43 EDT

The only time I am ever ambivalent is when I am in a French wine store and I'm trying to buy a bottle of red wine. I've gotten my French reds down to loving nice dry Cotes du Rhone, but I could also wander around for an hour just looking at labels and wondering what things taste like.

But as far as the rest of my life goes, I'm a woman who knows what she wants.

Which is why it surprised me on primary day that I was weighing out the odds between Barack and Hillary all the way into the voting booth.

In the end I chose Barack.

(Although the state went to Hillary.)

So now that the primaries are over, my ambivalence is gone. Even though my personal politics are more along the lines of social democracy, I am throwing my support behind Barack.

Final Primaries

Khaidji — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:22:06 EDT

The results hardly mattered any more. He needed just 4 to clinch the nomination. And it was done, history was created but one thing leaves me wondering. If Barack had paid more attention to his finish game and secure more wins in the last 9 primaries maybe Hillary wouldn’t have had the contentions on which to boast. She defeated him in the number of people who voted for her and will go down in history as the candidate with the most ever popular votes. How unfortunate but still, I would not fault Barack’s decisions.

Final Primaries

Finish line was already within his grasp

It was 4 delegates needed and the nomination was clasped

Nothing could stop him, it was history

A Black man was going to be the DNC’s Nominee

Lots of votes were counted on that final night

Primaries split between them but didn’t change the fight

Republicans were hoping against it but they’ll face Obama

It was obvious even though Hillary won South Dakota

Montana was won by Obama with a great margin

Although it wasn’t critical for him to win

Reactions varied when she asked what does Hillary need

It appeared she had no intention to concede

Everyone who expected Hillary to give up that night

Shared the same shock when she invited opinions on her website

See other Acrostic Poetry here on Barack Obama
By Khaidji

Final Primaries

Khaidji — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:16:43 EDT

Final Primaries

Finish line was already within his grasp

It was 4 delegates needed and the nomination was clasped

Nothing could stop him, it was history

A Black man was going to be the DNC’s Nominee

Lots of votes were counted on that final night

Primaries split between them but didn’t change the fight

Republicans were hoping against it but they’ll face Obama

It was obvious even though Hillary won South Dakota

Montana was won by Obama with a great margin

Although it wasn’t critical for him to win

Reactions varied when she asked what does Hillary need

It appeared she had no intention to concede

Everyone who expected Hillary to give up that night

Shared the same shock when she invited opinions on her website

See other Acrostic Poetry here on Barack Obama
By Khaidji

Congratulations!

Josh — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:21:38 EDT

I would just like to congratulate Sen. Barack Obama on his victory in clinching the Democratic Presidential Nominee. It was a long hard fight but I knew Sen. Obama would be the victor in the competition. I have not seen a presidential hopeful that I am willing to support 100% like him. Sen. Obama has the most sensible solutions and plans to fix the problems that face America today. Because of his charisma, honesty, dignity, integrity and willingness to listen to the American people, he has earned my undivided attention and great respect. I have not seen the qualities, I see in Sen. Obama, in any other presidential hopefuls in any 2 of the elections I have been able to vote in since I have been the legal age to vote. I didn't used to get too involved in politics until I enlisted in the Air Force and even after that I didn't get too involved until now. Sen. Obama has drawn me closer to politics and has made me want to get more involved in his campaign for the White House. Being a disabled veteran is also another reason I support Sen. Obama. His record for his work for veterans is very impressive and gains my support even more.

All around I side with Sen. Obama on his outlooks and views with just about everything. There has been no other Presidential hopeful in this primary season that I agree with, or respect, more than Sen. Obama. There are a few issues I would like to discuss with Sen. Obama but I do support him 100%.

CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN!!! Go PRESIDENT Obama!!!

Barack victorious, tough times to come - how can Europe help?

Support from Central/Eastern Europe — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:34:04 EDT

Well, it's so far obviously - Barack has made it through the primary season and emerged as the victor! Bravo bravo!!

Having watched and listened to so many speeches by Barack, read his texts in journals, and been quite a lot involved in observing the campaign, I feel quite relieved. The man, who for me and apparently so many other people has been able to bring back hope, because he is so different and so promising a presidential candidate, the man is now entering the final stage of the "battle". I would want to believe that it'll be an easy fight against John McCain. Undoubtedly it won't... But I am really positive that Barack will be able to overcome the national election campaign traps and become it - the next US President.

I wish I could help more than I apparently can, as a non-American living in Europe. But Barack, his people, and America as a whole will need support from outside at a point. And I will always be there to help create and build up such support. Working for my country's Foreign Ministry (an equivalent of the State Department), I hope I will be able to do my bit. But perhaps there are possibilities right now that I am not aware of? These may concern me, other Barack supporters around me, my country or the broader Central Europe (or entire Europe). If you know more than me, just let ME know as well...

Enough so far from me, let's focus on the coming challenges. Anyone wanting to get in touch with me, please do!

Jan

Primaries

Ryan Douglas Larson — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:16:55 EDT

As I reflect on the past few months, I think of how I have come to my decision to support Obama and his campaign. It did not come gradually, it hit hard and fast as I listed to one of his speeches from south carolina, and realized that I was inspired by his words, something that none of the other candidates could do, he gave me hope that our country would return to the ideal of freedom and the potential of all Americans was great and equal. I decided very early in the running that I did not wish to vote for Hilary, this was because her campaign became very poisonous and degrading to the party, her persistance to sling mud and smear Obama, which in the long run will hurt the party, her attitude which has caused John McCain to get ahead by being able to campaign against the democrats. I support Obama because he represents the future.

BREAKING NEWS...

Robert Vertrees — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:00:14 EDT

Sources have just confirmed that Hillary Clinton is going to concede that the Democratic primaries are over...

-Rocky

Almost there!

Chrisi — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:07:09 EDT

Hello my fellow Hopemongers!

I know the end of the official primary season is looming upon us, and we've all heard the various reports going around today about Senator Clinton possibly giving a concession speech tonight (untrue, apparently), and about how Barack has just about hit the magic number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination. (That's one's true! http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D912O2GG0&show_article=1)

But we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Virginia is a battleground state like no other, and we're pushing to turn the state blue in November and put VA in the Win Column for Barack! That means we need YOU to take a stand- this time against Senator McCain and the Republican party, who just want to bring more of the same to this country, and to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Don't think McCain has VA locked up because of the massive military presence here- a lot of the military officers I talk to every day are tired of the way things are being run, and want something better for the brave men and women who are serving this country in a war we shouldn't even be engaged in.

There is plenty to do, and you've all heard me say it before (many, many, many times), but this is where we win. We can't sit down yet, no matter how tired we are! We've come this far!

Please, sign up to register voters, make phone calls to your family and friends, do outreach in your churches and neighborhoods. Our fellow supporters in other towns outside of NoVA need our help too, and we're sending them reinforcements in Fauquier County and beyond. Where ever there is an Obama-friend, we'll be there to support them and stand beside them!

And yes, if you have the means, still donate to the campaign. Even if it's something small- like giving up Starbucks for two weeks in exchange for a donation- it will help.

https://donate.barackobama.com/finalprimaries

There is plenty to do between now and November, so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Yes we can!
Chrisi

just out on Yahoo news

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:38:27 EDT

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080602/ts_alt_afp/usvoteclinton

Rules Meeting

Disabled Vet 2000 — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:34:45 EDT

We need to show up to that meeting in huge numbers! HRC says she has people coming from 32 states - we need to have even more to show the DNC that we will not accept any back room deal that isn't fair to both sides. Show them just how strong our support is for Barack Obama, the next President of the United States.

Please get to the meeting. If you can't, spend your days making calls to voters in the upcoming primary states. Another great idea is to ask the uncommited Super Delegates to step up. Call anyone you know within driving distance of DC to show up at the meeting!

You can also write to the DNC to let them know your opinion. How do you think the delegates should be allocated for Michigan and Florida? I can see the argument for Florida having a 50% representation (even though HRC and everyone else agreed no delegates would be seated, their votes were at least somewhat valid even though some stayed home because they knew it wouldn't count). What about Michigan? How do you seat delegates when many stayed home knowing their candidate wasn't even on the ballot?

Why is it that everyone but the Clintons followed the rules? Why is she now complaining about the very rules she agreed to when she assumed she would win? I would say that some representation should be allowed because it's not the voters fault, but it should be 50% for Florida and less than that for Michigan. Obama shouldn't be punished for one of the most fixed primaries in American history - the Clintons had every advantage at that point, HRC had name recognition, the support of the state party machine, and since the candidates couldn't campaign there, the [Clinton] Party Machine had a huge advantage the other candidates didn't. People didn't get to know Obama and at that point many of those votes were for the Clinton name - she basically ran unopposed. That early in the process and under those rules the only one person that had a chance was Hillary. When Barack is able to make his case to the voters things change drastically.

Those soldiers in Iraq need this nomination solved ASAP so we can ensure that a Democrat will win and bring them home. This is no time for putting one's self above the needs of so many in grave danger. We can't afford conservative new justices on the Supreme court (which a McCain win would certainly result in - threatening Roe v. Wade, seperation of church and state, civil rights, privacy, etc). This country can't stand for another 4 years of Bush economics.

If this goes to the convention McCain will win in an election that is almost certainly a lock for the Democrats. If the party continues to be so split many will stay home because they haven't had time to get over the loss of their candidate. This will hurt down ticket Dems and cost us our majority in Congress.

Obama "Better with Working Class" Than Gore & Kerry

Deborah Simmel — Thu, 29 May 2008 14:59:15 EDT

Don't let the pundits get you down. Mark Mellman, in the Op-Ed pages of the New York Times, reports today that Obama is doing better with the "working class" electorate than either Al Gore or John Kerry was at this same point in those elections.

Read this, and take it to the superdelegates.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/29/opinion/29mellman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

Who would the French vote for

Shodja Ziaian — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:43:10 EDT

In a poll organized by TV5 the French speaking international television run collaboratively by France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Quebec (Canada), the viewers voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama. By Tuesday morning 8 am ET, Obama had 89% of the votes (out of 2125 votes).

Check the interesting and informative site created for the American Elections by TV5:

http://www.tv5.org/TV5Site/election_us/index.php?sondage=1&idsondage=1260#vote

Ségolène Royal, the presidential candidate who narrowingly lost to Sarkozy and is all for Women's power is nevertheless also a strong Obama supporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anatomy of a smear.

mtosner — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:10:19 EDT

Youtube embedded objects seem to be prohibited here So visit my diary here

http://www.mydd.com/admin/story/2008/5/24/124427/411

Here

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/24/5242/36293/879/521877

Hillary Clinton's remarks on why she is still in the race

Franklin — Sat, 24 May 2008 18:03:00 EDT

Here are some interesting remarks about Hillary's recent outrageous comments:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/23/clinton-kennedy-assassina_n_103319.html

Don't forget to listen to Keith Olbermann's special comment: impressive!

She was out, now she is done! Even a leading role in the cabinet should be even harder for her to get! I hope so I least...

For Florida and Michigan, Reballot This: Obama-Clinton v. Clinton-Obama

Ken — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:53:47 EDT

Kentucky results really tell a tale about America, one that even Oregon's numbers can't erase. To determine whether racism or patriarchy is the more powerful agent of social degeneracy, political fragmentation and division within the Democratic party and throughout our body politic at large, here's an idea:

Why not re-run the Florida and Michigan primaries with only two choices on the ballot?

1) Obama-Clinton

2) Clinton-Obama

Binding or not, the results would certainly be interesting...and helpful.

I wonder if anyone else sees the potential for tragedy this fall...

nail biter

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

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

George W. Heath

Lessons from Primaries 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

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

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

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

Obama Less Than 100 Delegates Within The Nomination!

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

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

By DAVID ESPO and SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writers

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

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

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

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

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

Obama Less Than 100 Delegates Within The Nomination!

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

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

By DAVID ESPO and SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McCain's spokesman countered quickly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is tonight the night the Reubenesque Diva Warbles?

jp — Tue, 20 May 2008 17:04:28 EDT

With all due respect to Puerto Rico, Montana, and South Dakota, would love to hear the yeys/yays or nays if this will be the momentous moment in time..

2 MORE SUPERDELEGATES

ObamaBob NSB — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:01:26 EDT

Two more Superdelegates just this morning, the day of the Kentucky and Oregon primaries!

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo Endorses Barack Obama; Delegate Countdown - 107 To Goby Sam Graham-FelsenTuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:10 AMCHICAGO, IL – Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo endorsed Barack Obama today, saying she believes he is the right candidate to move our nation forward.

“Today I have pledged my support as a superdelegate to Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama offers us the leadership needed to address the challenges Guam and our nation will face in the coming years.

Senator Obama is working very closely with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and other Senate leaders to secure more support for H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. Senator Obama fully understands and supports the efforts to seek full recognition for the patriotism and suffering endured by the people of Guam during enemy occupation in World War II.

Senator Obama has also pledged to help improve Guam's economy, including through opportunities with the military build-up—an issue I have worked very hard on since taking office—and I believe he is the right candidate to help move Guam and our nation forward given the challenges we face in our world today.”

Iowa Democratic Chairman Scott Brennan for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 108 To Goby Sam Graham-FelsenTuesday, May 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM

The Quad City Times reports...

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Democratic Chairman Scott Brennan will announce on Tuesday his endorsement of Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, The Associated Press has learned.

The decision adds more momentum for Obama in an important swing state likely to be hard fought in November.

Was This Week's Exchange a Dress Rehearsal or a Trial Balloon?

Ken — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:42:38 EDT

Darned if Hillary didn't sound downright Vice Presidential this week when she covered Barack's back during his response to Bush's inappropriate comments in Israel and his dynamic exchange with McCain afterwards. For the first time, it looked like a ticket. Will this go on? Did we just witness a little trial balloon to test the ordering or a real dress rehearsal for the fall?

Another opportunity to know looms ahead!

Using MSNBC's number - 27 superdelegates to shut out Clinton

Thatcher — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:17:25 EDT

On March 28, over at Chris Weigant's blog, Chris asked his readers to place their bets (in quatloos) when Clinton would drop out of the Presidential race. Well, I've done pretty well so far. I predicted that Obama would surpass Clinton in Superdelegates before the West Virginia primary (got it right) and several of my delegate totals from the primaries were darn close (I didn't do so well on my original delegate estimate for Indiana). Also, I was only 1 day off for the John Edwards endorsement of Obama. My final prediction is Clinton drops out on June 16, just 31 days from now.

27. This is the magic number.

The blog editor won't allow tables ... so the rest of the post is over at The Dead Guy

Well

Louis — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:30:46 EDT

Well we lost West Virginia to Clinton yesterday. Like everybody didn't already see that coming. Did anyone else hear Clinton's snippet of speech where she was saying how she was the best person for the campaign and she is the one to be President? Implying that she was better than Obama and McCain? I just think that that is such bullshit. Do you think Obama will be able to win Kentucky and Oregon in their Primary? Tell me your thoughts

Funny News

Disabled Vet 2000 — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:57:02 EDT

Last night during the West Virginia primary, one of the talking heads on MSNBC made the following statement (I may be paraphrasing as it's from memory, but the sentiment is exactly as the person saying it intended),

Can Hillary win the nomination?

"Stephen Hawking couldn't make the math work for her."

Is West Virginia Welcome in Your Democratic Party?

Dawn in Superstition Springs — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:54:00 EDT

Cross-posted at DailyKos.

It will take more than hope for West Virginia. It will take hard work and understanding. It will take urban city liberals [edited because this hick didn't realize urban meant black, sorry!] getting off of their high horses and coming down to our level -- the level of ordinary folk who are ignorant, misinformed, maybe even, shall we say the word, bigoted. That's right I said our level. I'm an agnostic Democrat who votes on economic and social justice issues, but I'm still more like them than I am like you.

Over the last week or so, I've heard a lot of kossacks writing off West Virginia, making fun of West Virginia, and even saying West Virginia doesn't matter. Some have painted all of Appalachia as racist homophobes who will never change. Some even said that Obama is in mortal danger there. Some have suggested that we revert to Clinton-style "states that matter" campaigning, leaving West Virginia and Kentucky behind altogether.

Well, progress hasn't left us behind, and I hope that progressives won't either. If you think progress is impossible in my neck of the woods, follow me after the jump...

Could Michigan + Florida + Edwards Nominate Hillary?

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:35:50 EDT

A well-meaning American living in France asked this question:

"Let's say Hillary gets Michigan and Florida just the way she wants them, and Edwards endorses her, does that put her over the top because then she gets Edwards' delegates, right?"

She can't win. Period.

Just now, even on Fox News, I saw some clown named Dr. Frank - who is he, anyway? They didn't have the professionalism to say - he literally took off a shoe, said it's not over till the last shoe dropped, dropped his shoe onto the floor, and pronounced, "It's over."

Obama is 155 delegates from getting the nomination, as of yesterday. That means by any combination - superdelgates, or primary votes on May 13 or 20 (W. Virginia tomorrow, Kentucky and Oregon May 20).

By the end of the day May 20, there are this many delegates to be won:

Isn't It About Time

H.G. — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:17:19 EDT

I know all the politically correct reasons for letting Hillary Clinton have her moment before conceding the nomination, but be that as it may, and looking at the kind of campaign she's run, isn't it about time she put her own aspirations aside for the good of the Party. Will either she or Bill recover from the "winnig is everything" mentallity that characterized their efforts. I used to think fondly of President Clinton, but I'm afraid that is no longer the case. If we are to send the Republican scallywags packing, then we need to conduct the kind of campaign that we all can be proud of, and distinguish a clear and ethical difference.

So, I guess I'll tip my hat to the Clintons, but it's time to move on to more pressing issues, and I would hope that the Clintons have the best interests of the Party at heart.

Moral Courage

Valeroso2008 — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:38:12 EDT

As the Democratic primaries come to a close, I ask that we consider these words of a fallen hero:

“Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence.Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change."

Change and Split

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:08:21 EDT

Change works for Barack Obama. Americans do want change; even John McCain embraces the concept.

Do you know anyone who wants things to stay just the way they are?

Did you ever eat or drink something, without knowing how it's made, and realize it took special treatment to make it taste that way? Sometimes when people talk about wine, they say the taste is "complex." Makers of snack crackers know that a combination of different flavors offering salt and sweet make people want their products. Formulations for best-selling products can get bewilderingly complex.

The "mix" in the United States is changing. Confounding tradition, the U.S. has been complicated from the beginning. Yet most Americans would probably say they have an understanding of certain things about the U.S. and the people living there.

Not so fast. Americans wanting change may not be aware of the ways the U.S. has already changed, which in turn transforms what it takes to get elected this year.

Carole

Ugh

H. Alan Scott — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:30:31 EDT

Ugh is my general state right now. It wasn't an easy decision to support Obama. When the Presidential season began, he was my first choice. But overtime Clinton convinced me that she was the one, the candidate for me. I still believe in her, in what she would have done, and in what she will do as a great politician. But after the primaries in Indiana and North Carolina, the time came for her to just stop. It's just time.

Barack Obama is a great man, I recognize this. I fear his flaws, I fear the possibility of another McGovern or Dukakis, but most of all I fear his lack of experience. But I do have hope. I hope he offers me the substance that I need in a presidential candidate (and which I feel he has been lacking).

Time will tell I suppose.

New Math?

Disabled Vet 2000 — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:12:44 EDT

Expect to see new math this week from the Clinton Camp. It's been consistent since Super Tuesday when their poor planning and assumption that they had the nomination gave Obama the opportunity to show the American people that he is our candidate.

Every time it becomes clear that Obama has the nomination, Hillary tries to move the goal posts. Well, in the General Election she won't be able to change the rules to win. Maybe we should be supporting the candidate the can win honestly and without gimmicks and political trickery.

RawStory.com has a stpry about a North Carolina Super Delegate saying that the Clintons tried to buy her vote - link below.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Pressure_Mounting_on_IN_and_NC_0506.html

We now have the Presumptive Nominee of the Democratic Party - Barack Obama.

Stephanie Marushia, Virginia Beach, VA

Why Hillary should give up.

O from Odenville, AL — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:21:37 EDT

This is an article from BBC NEWS.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7387919.stm

'I honestly believe that she will find a way to get out of the race before the next primaries - so as to not hurt her future and to not be blamed for hurting Mr Obama and his chances in the general election.

Here are the reasons:

There really is no mathematical chance for her to win
Her campaign is virtually out of money - and it will be difficult for her to raise significant amounts of money after last night
Not enough happened last night to give her any hope, so continuing would only give the appearance of wanting to damage Mr Obama'

A Campaign for CHANGE

Ben Everhart — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:04:59 EDT

Watching the primary results coming in on CNN I was disappointed that not a single one of the pundits understood what the Obama campaign is about and what we, his supporters, love so much about it. For myself and many other Obama supporters the most important thing about this campaign is its focus on changing the way politics are done in this country. Yet the pundits, including high-ranking members of the Democratic party, insisted that for Barack Obama to win he has to start talking politics as usual and be more like Hillary Clinton and make Hillary Clinton's base his own. Although they will not see this post I wish they would because I would like to make it loud and clear to them that this is NOT the Hillary Clinton campaign.

As clear as it was that these people did not understand that this campaign is about change they also clearly revealed why they don't understand it. It was clear to me that all of the representatives of the Democratic party who spoke on CNN last night believe that winning is the ultimate goal of politics. They kept talking about the Party and the strength of the Party and whether or not the Party will win. I really wanted to tell them that this election is not about the Democratic Party. The Democratic Party needs to grow up and get over its narcissistic fascination with itself and focus on the ISSUES and on making this country better. What is the point of winning and having a Democratic president if that president isn't free to pursue Democratic goals and values?

Or at least, not pursue those goals without having to go back to all the promises they made on the campaign trail to all those people and look them in the eye and say "I was just lying to you so I could gain power for myself to pursue a completely different agenda from what I talked about on the campaign trail." Why win on a lie? Is that really what the Democratic Party is about? Is it all about lying to the blue collar workers and telling them you'll do whatever they want, no matter how short-sighted and stupid it is, just to gain power and pursue a different agenda or, and I'm not sure which is worse, to gain power and actually pursue an agenda set by a group that may be more populous but not necessarily more likely to understand a good plan when they see it.

This also brings me to the other big issue that upset me last night. Most of the talk was about the "uneducated white blue collar worker." So what, African Americans and white collar workers don't matter to the Democratic Party anymore because we might not have enough of us to put someone in the White House? I saw Barack Obama reaching out to White Blue-Collar workers. Maybe he didn't promise them everything under the rainbow. Maybe he didn't make outlandish promises guaranteeing they'll get everything they want. But he did tell them, openly and honestly, that he would work for their interests as much as everyone else's.

On the flip side, I did not hear Hillary Clinton appealing to African Americans or white collar workers. I heard Hillary Clinton say that white blue collar workers are the only voters who matter to her. She tells these people she will do whatever they want her to, no matter the long-term consequences or the consequences to any other group of people who aren't in that group. Anyone who listens to her arguments and says this is not the case is not being fair and objective in evaluating her. I tried to give her a fair chance last night, I listened to her speech in which she claimed victory in Indiana before even truly knowing whether she had won or not, and I tried to listen for something, ANYTHING to indicate she would look out for my interests more than John McCain would. And you know what, I didn't hear it.

So where does that leave things? It leaves me still fighting hard to make sure that Barack Obama gets the nomination and that no Washington insider can possibly come in and take it away from him without paying a horrible price that will show America that the Democratic Party cannot stand on principle and break away from politics as usual. It leaves me still wanting the change that Barack Obama has promised and consistently campaigned on. And most importantly it leaves me hoping that Mr. Obama does NOT change his stance on this, does NOT give in to this idiotic idea of "electability" and remains true to his message and that by remaining true to his message he WILL be the next President of the United States of America.

CLINTON CREDIBILITY: A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS

Eric from Covina, CA — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:23:53 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
CLINTON CREDIBILITY:
A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS

Why are Democrats tolerating Hillary Clinton’s selfish juggernaut to destroy the Democratic Party? You’re sitting around allowing your nomination process to be corrupted, then asking, "Why can’t Obama close the deal?" Open your eyes. The man is fighting Hillary, Bill, the entire Republican Party, plus Rush Limbaugh and the entire FOX news staff.

No wonder Democrats can’t win an election. The Republicans must be falling down backwards laughing at your stupidity. Isn’t there anyone left with enough common sense to see that your acting as accessories to Hillary’s collusion with the Republican Party to sabotage the November election?

Obamath

Dr. Mark Elrod — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:01:55 EDT

Tomorrow, Democrats in North Carolina (115) and Indiana (72) will elect 46% of the remaining pledged delegates in this primary season.

So it's an important day for our democracy, again.

I've mentioned before that the reality of what remains of the Democratic primary is a battle between Hillary Clinton's campaign and some math so simple that even I can understand how it works.

It has also been noted that the delegate projections made by the Obama campaign several months for each caucus and primary has been remarkably accurate. In fact, Obama's delegate count is actually running ahead of what they projected. For example, the Obama campaign projected that Barack Obama would win 75 of 158 delegates in Pennsylvania two weeks ago and he won 73. This weekend, in the all-important Guam primary, a 2-2 split on Guam's four remaining delegates was dead on with Ombamath projected.

As the DailyKos pointed out in March, even in states "lost" by Obama on Super Tuesday (like California) the difference was actually smaller than what was projected. It also gave him a comfortable lead in pledged delegates that has not relinquished.

I've been using the data from Real Clear Politics since Super Tuesday to keep track of the delegate count between Clinton and Obama. There are other good sources but RCP seems to be as up-to-date as any of them.

This is where the count stands as of tonight:

Delegate Count (5/5/08)

Needed to nominate: 2,025

Barack Obama (+139)

Pledged: 1491
Super delegates 256
Total: 1747
Needed to nominate: 278

Hillary Clinton

Pledged: 1337
Super delegates: 271
Total: 1608
Needed to nominate: 417

Total remaining pledged delegates: 404 of of 4,049
Total remaining super delegates: 267 of 794
Total remaining delegates: 671 of 4,843
Difference between Obama projection and delegates needed to win nomination: 53 (281-228)

The bottom line: if the Obamath is correct, Barack Obama will only need 53 super delegates to secure the nomination after the last primaries in Montana and South Dakota on June 3.

Tomorrow, Obama will probably lose Indiana by about 5% and win North Carolina by 9%. But even if they split the two states, Barack Obama will come out ahead of Clinton on pledged delegates 100-87 and will only need another 317 delegates to win the nomination.

N. CA. Attorney General: Charity Group Tied to Clinton Making Illegal Robo-Calls

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:28:32 EDT

A group with ties to Clinton is making robo-calls that confuse voters, possibly aiming at suppressing voting in N. Carolina. The N. Carolina Attorney General says the calls are illegal, according to National Public Radio.

The group made similar calls in Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and four other states over the past five months. The Virginia state police investigated robo-calls just before the Virginia primary.

The Institute for Southern Studies in Durham, N. Carolina, has gotten complaints about the robo-calls, and investigated. That led them to the group, Women's Voices Women Vote. Chris Kromm, the Institute's director, says, "Each time this group is criticized for this activity, they apologize for the confusion."

The leaders of Women's Voices mostly have ties to Hillary Clinton and her campaign, although there are some Obama backers among the leadership, according to the Center for Investigative Reporting.

Maggie Williams, Clinton's campaign manager, used to be on the Women's Voices leadership team, and did consulting for them. Board member John Podesta was President Clinton's chief of staff. Founder Page Gardner worked on Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign. Women's Voices Women Vote is a 501 C-3 charity.

Here's what the robo-calls say. This one went out in N. Carolina last week:

"Hello. This is Lamont Williams. In the next few days, you will receive a voter registration packet in the mail.
All you need to do is fill it out, sign it, date and return the application. Then you will be able to vote and make your voice heard. Please return your registration form when it arrives.
Thank you."

It was past the deadline to register. The call went to many registered voters, already expecting to vote in next Tuesday's primary. The call, and follow-up mailings, made many people wonder if they were registered or not, and would be permitted to vote. The calls seemed to be aimed at African-American communities, places where Obama is expected to win easily, according to the NPR report. It appeared to be an example of sowing confusion to suppress voter turnout.

The N. Carolina Attorney General says the robo-calls are illegal because state law requires automated calls to identify the sponsoring group and give a way for people being called to reach the group, neither of which was done in these phone calls.

276,000 mailers from Women's Voices are being pulled from the postal stream by Democracy North Carolina, a fair-elections group, working with Women's Voices.

Last week, Page Gardner wrote to let the N. Carolina elections board know about the calls and the mailing. She said it was an "unfortunate coincidence" that Women's Voices would be raising the voter registration question just before the primary, and said she hoped it wouldn't be confusing, according to NPR.

Why don't U.S. election laws specifically outlaw all attempts to interfere with voter turnout, and in particular, where found to do so by the Attorney General of a state involved?

What's confusing to me is: how many dirty tricks like this will be caught before they have the desired effect by people pulling them? (NPR story here)

Carole

I can see clearly now

Common Sense for Obama — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:37:58 EDT

I was watching the Daily Show the other day when Jon Stewart and I had a big ‘Aha!’ moment about the race. This whole time we’ve been trying to gauge who’s winning by using archaic methodology like votes and delegates. We were wrong! The only accurate lens we should have been looking through is the *Spinton. (It’s in stores now!)

Your thoughts on who should decide this nomination should be shaped by the Clinton prism. Let Hillary guide you through this intricate step by step process… in her own words.

On Meet The Press…
January 9, 2008
HRC: “Ultimately you have to be humbled because it’s up to the voters, voters get to decide.”
January 13
HRC: “Look, I trust voters, voters decide on whatever basis they think is important to them…”

Freaking caucus voters had to ruin it for all of us by violating Hillary’s trust. Because you guys in Iowa voted for Obama and Edwards, you’ve been cut out of the Clinton will.

February 11
HRC: “Um… my sense of caucus states, they’re primarily dominated by activists. They don’t represent the electorate.”

Now you may be thinking ‘so why did she lose the primaries in South Carolina & Louisiana where voters represent real people?’ Hold that thought because, as Bill and Hillary explain, it’s clear that SC & LA weren’t real primaries.

Bill: “Jesse Jackson won in SC twice, in ‘84 and ’88.” (Feb 11)
HRC: “The case of Louisiana… you know… a very strong and very proud African American electorate… which I totally respect and understand.” (Feb 11)

Of course everyone knows that black people in Louisiana, like party activists in Iowa, are a monolithic voting bloc that just had to go for the black guy en masse. Duh!

So, given that Obama also won primaries in Georgia, Wisconsin, Alabama, Vermont, Virginia, and Maryland… are those real states, Hillary?

March 25
HRC: “I’ve won the big states; I’ve won the states a democrat has to win.”
We can’t keep having these tiny girly states in the equation. While we’re at it, states with more than3 vowels in their name should also be arbitrarily banned from the electoral process.

Because voters keep screwing this thing up by voting for Barack Obama, Hillary explains why it’s incumbent on superdelegates to save you from yourself.

February 23
HRC: “We do a great disservice to those who have a record of service; who have independent experience with candidates; people with those kinds of personal experiences which voters don’t have. (Voters) see us from afar… they come to a speech… they watch us on television… and they vote. And that is part of the process, an important part.”

Voters, it’s your fault that in 4 months you’ve gone from being the ultimate deciders to being just “part of the process”. You only have yourselves to blame.

Ok, I sense you guys are not convinced so let’s try some hypotheticals…

April 23, 2008
HRC: “If you actually count the votes that have been cast, more people have actually voted for me.”
But you can’t count the “latte-drinking, Prius-driving, Birkenstock-wearing, trust-fund babies” because the first syllables that came out of their cute little mouths were “ba” and “ma”.

If you don’t believe Hillary, checkout her friends….

April 6
Ed Rendell: “If you count FL and MI, in truth, Hillary Clinton would have won.”
Of course the fact that Barack Obama was not even on the ballot in Michigan is totally irrelevant.
March 23
Evan Bayh: “If you look at the aggregate… uh… uh… popular vote…”
March 16
Bill Clinton: “If we had the Republican system…”

And Hillary to bring it all together…

April 23
HRC: “If we had the same system as the Republicans, I’d already be the nominee.”

Added Tom Brady: “If we had played the NY Giants again in January in New York, and not February in Arizona, we would be Super Bowl XLII Champions.”

Also, if pigs had wings, they would fly.

[*Spin + Clinton = Spinton]

MAKES NO SENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richard J. Hutchins — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:53:32 EDT

Ok. Lets look at whats happening right now. this Rev Wright situation seems problematic for our hopes for Barack to win the presidency. How do you hold on to the words that One man says as the words of another. I can't say that Rev wright said anything wrong other than trying to peg Sen. Obama as just another polititician saying what politicians have to say to get elected. even he knows barack is not th average candidate/politician. Wright is as we heard a very intelligent man, yet he didnot use the wisdome that he should have as one of our community elders. I admit I admire him for his wealth of knowledge, yet am disappointed that he seems to be leading one of his sheep out to slaughter. He had every right to defend himself, because he has been unfairly charactorized,yet he is supposed to use discression, especially when is comes to protecting one of your own as Sen. Obama did for him. It would be a shame if we loose the hope that GOD provided for us as he has provided in times past and will continue to do so. Now is the time to actually cut ties. America deserves a president with Sen. Obamas values, beliefs, and plans to bring unity for once in this country. I'm not foolish, thinking that everyone will fall in line with the nations coming togather. Rush limpbaugh, sean hannity, quin and rose, have hearts of stone and are incapable of unifying for the overwhelming hate that they contiue to preach that talk radio continues to promote. they are nothing short of being the perfect examples of modern day racism at it's best. you can disagree with a mans platform without slander, misrepresentation of the facts. Hopefully the nation will pull together to have them all arrested for ' opperation chaos. it's evil and these are the people that accuse democrats of voter fraud. They have not looked in a mirror. although Penn has already voted, I will continue to work hard for Sen. Obama. After all he's been through in the latter part of this campaign; He deserves us to fight against those that seek to destroy his good name, and intentions, so he can take his rightful place in the White House.

WE WANT NO MORE DRAMA!

VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!

THE REV. WRIGHT IS WRONG

Eric from Covina, CA — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:06:14 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
THE REV. WRIGHT IS WRONG:
IT IS GOD’S WILL THAT WE USE COMMON SENSE
Most people who have any interest at all in Sen. Obama’s campaign for president are scratching their heads over what could possibly be governing Rev. Wright’s decision to go public at this time. When I first learned that the reverend was being interviewed by Bill Moyers, I naturally assumed that he and the Obama campaign had decided upon a strategy of allowing the American people to see who the reverend really is, in order to offset the media portrayal of him. While I could understand the rationale behind such a move, it seemed to me that it was an extremely risky endeavor, and ill advised. Then I learned that not only was Rev. Wright being interviewed by Bill Moyers, but he was also going before the National Press Club, and all on his own accord, without bringing Obama into the loop. It was only then that I realized that we had a loose cannon on our hands, and we were also facing yet another political disaster.

Clinton's Blind Eye to Voters

Barbara Bellows-TerraNova — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:28:37 EDT

So, Hillary claims a victory in Pennsylvania. Who could have predicted that?

Maybe Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

"I’m not saying anything bad about my candidate but I– it is funny at New Hampshire that all the ones that were hand-counted went for Obama and all the ones that were machine counted went for Hillary."

That was Bobby talking to Bill McKibben on the March 8, 2008 broadcast of Ring of Fire Radio (approximately half way in).

Dear Bobby, he couldn’t keep down the ironic chuckles as his endorsee’s primary successes and his knowledge of methods of election theft were irrefutably dancing in front of him.

I’ve been paying attention to RFK Jr. ever since I read his Crimes Against Nature in 2004. With approximately 20 books on Bush under my belt leading up to that election, it was Bobby’s book that was the answer to NPR’s question, "What is the most important book to read before the 2004 Presidential Election?"

Bobby is a brilliant, funny, fearless and passionate speaker. Did you see him at Live Earth last year?

He would be one hell of a great endorser.

If his heart was in it.

But Hillary’s silence on the real voting issues that have been rampant in every state’s primary must give Bobby pause.

The fact that the world has suffered great consequences from the illegitimate certifications of the last two Presidential elections for George W. Bush and his psychologically unhealthy teammates – should be inspiration for legitimate candidates seeking election to demand that voters get to vote and get to have their votes counted.

In each and every primary.

Not just the ones where Senator Clinton won delegates by dishonorably campaigning after an agreement was made that the candidates would not do so.

Senator Clinton’s pretense to care for the voters who deserve to have their votes counted is revealed as rather selective by her silence on the continuous problems that have occurred in every state primary.

Starting with New Hampshire, problems with confusing new voter ID laws irregularly and sometimes illegally enforced, improperly trained poll workers, registered voters missing from lists, shortages of staff and machines and ballots, long lines, voter intimidation, and the stubborn clinging to voting machines that have long since proven to be hackable, unreliable, and unverifiable have resulted in people not voting, votes not counted at all, and incorrect and unverifiable vote tallies across the nation.

But Hillary Clinton has said nothing about any of that.

Perhaps it is, as Bobby suggests, that often the results of the these problems seem to help her get delegates.

Nor does she mention Rush Limbaugh’s Operation Chaos – his urging Republicans to vote in Democratic primaries, even if it means they have to switch affiliation, and vote strongly for Senator Clinton.

Is this how she wants to win? Doesn’t she realize that the Republican have a reason to want Hillary to win?

Consider this: Remember that U.S. Attorney firing scandal? Remember that one of the replacements for U.S. Attorneys who weren’t cooperating with the Bush/Cheney/Rove agenda was a "friend of Karl Rove’s" (always a dangerous sign)? A little man named Tim Griffin was put in place as U.S. Attorney – where?

In Arkansas. Why Arkansas? Because that’s where he can research the history of Hillary Clinton.

Would he have done such a thing? Oh, yeah. As Greg Palast points out, it was Mr. Griffin who was behind the emails of caging lists sent out in 2004 - a detestable method of purging registration lists of tens of thousands of voters, voters who appeared to live in low-income, urban areas, homeless shelters, and military bases.

Griffin was sent to Arkansas for a reason. Republicans want Hillary for a reason. And those reasons are slimy – and do not bode well for, uh, democracy, America, the world, etc.

And Bobby knows this. I can’t imagine his endorsement is sitting well for him. It’s certainly not the subject of any of those impassioned speeches he’s so good at.

As Bobby said to Bill McKibben back in March, when Bill noted that in his town in Vermont where paper ballots were used Obama was popular, winning 175 to 68:

"He’s popular any place where they count the votes by hand."

*****

To keep up with voting/election issues, I strongly recommend Bradblog as a great source.

Another Debate ?

Fredrik from Marathon, FL — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:08:12 EDT

Barack Obama needs to get off the defensive:

Continue to refuse to debate Clinton before the Indiana and N.C. primaries.

But, challenge Clinton to a moderated debate just before the Puerto Rico primary. Preferably to be simulcast in Spanish translation and in English, nationally. The argument is that unlike the rest of the U.S., Puerto Ricans have not been overexposed to debates in their own language and should have an opportunity to get to know the candidates better, before they vote...

Imagine how the Clinton campaign will jump at that opportunity!

Such a debate will also provide an opportunity for Obama to reach out to Hispanics nationally, before the national campaign against John McCain begins.

What's Happening in Maine?

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:06:59 EDT

Here's an update from Maine, for Americans in, and out, of the U.S.

Captain Denis O'Brien signed our Guestbook. What he wrote is so interesting it belongs here.

Please take a look at our Guestbook, in the left column under the welcome message. Please sign if you're comfortable doing that. What's new with the election where you live?

Carole
_________________________________________________

Captain Denis O'Brien, Maine, US
Mon, 04/28/2008 - 02:13

Hello from the country of Maine, well it might be a part of the USA, but until Obama is elected, I'll be claiming otherwise. Well the message from my neck of the woods, is how our caucus went in my town. Four years ago we had a record Democratic turnout of 127 people. At this years caucus there were 127 for Hillary alone, and 535 for Obama!!! The encouraging news is that there were 27 Republicans who switched parties to vote for Barack and none for Hillary. At the Republican caucus the week before, there was a total turnout of 15, yes that's 15 people, that is 44 times the turnout for our side, WHAT FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well keep up the good work overseas and make those calls to North Carolina and Indiana.

Update on Presidential Debates

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:57:11 EDT

Here's an update from the Obama Campaign.

"We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Senator Clinton. Senator Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina," Obama campaign Communications Director Robert Gibbs said Saturday.

"Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place."

Carole

Indiana a MUST WIN for Barack

Robert S., Round Lake IL. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:04:58 EDT

The following is a sampling as of April 25, 2008, at 4pm CDST.It is imperative that you call anyone you know in Indiana and convince them why Barack will be our 44th President. Just read the Indiana "negativity" poll below.HRC will say or do anything to steal this nomination. I am sick of it. We have come a long way since Iowa. There's a long way to go and a short time to get there. Let's all make it happen. This is OUR election. OUR future, and that of our children and grandchildren depend on US.

April 25, (from Selzer &Co.) Barack Obama: 41%

Hillary Clinton: 38%

APRIL 25: A Research 2000 poll of the Indiana primary shows exactly why many people are calling Indiana the next big battleground state:

Barack Obama 48%
Hillary Clinton: 47%

QUESTION: Which candidate do you feel has run the most negative campaign, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama?

Clinton Obama Both Equal Not Sure

All:

48% 23% 21% 8%

Men:

57% 15% 15% 13%

Women:

41% 29% 26% 4%

White:

41% 27% 24% 8%

Black:

84% 2% 3% 11%

Other:

79% 10% 6% 5%

DV8: Take Back The Mic

urbanteck — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:14:54 EDT

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You are invited to a special event for the Healthcare Education Project Youth Team...

DV8: TAKE BACK THE MIC

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/soulfire4ever/2414329001/

Obama's Campaign Needs to Challenge HRC's Leadership "Experience" (or the lack thereof...)

Robert S. — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:28:31 EDT

This is my first blog posting, and I apologize for typos, etc.

The PA primary showed that HRC's willing to implement a "scortched-earth" campaign, and I hope that the Obama camapaign is ready for an even uglier fight in NC and Indiana. Senator Clinton can't catch Barack in terms of pledged delegates, and it's unliklely that she'll catch him in the popular vote, either. The only way HRC can capture the nomination that she's viewed as her birthright is by playing on class/gender/race issues that might scare sections of the electorate, as well as some super delegates.

I think Barack Obama needs to sharpen his economic message and draw in more anecdotes about growing up in households headed by women.

Obama's team also needs to refute Hillary Clinton's pitch to the superdelagates about her "winning big states" that are critical for the general election. That's nonsensical, and I can't envision a scenario where states like New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, etc. will vote for John McCain over Obama once he officially becomes the standard bearer for the Democrats. Plus, it ignores that Obama won states like Virginia, Missouri, Iowa, etc. that while Senator Clinton couldn't.

Finally, I think Senator Obama needs to push HRC on her lack of leadership skills. For example:

1) HRC talks of the need for universal health care, but omits the fact that's she's one of the reasons why the country didn't move closer to that goal in 1993 (At the time, Democrats had control of the House, Senate and White House). HRC and her team of experts had a "big government" approach to health care reform, and they didn't bother to seriously involve congressional Democrats or Republicans in crafting health care reform legislation until it was clear that "Clinton Care" was cooked (Read The Agenda by Bob Woodward for more specifics.)

2) When celebrating her single digit victory in PA, HRC reiterated platitudes like she's fighting for all Americans. However, this omits the fact that in 2007, this primary was HRC's to lose, and that's just what she did. In 2007, HRC acted like the primary was less of a campaign and more of a coronation, and she didn't bother to organize people in all 50 states. (The MSM parrots HRC's claims that she's fighting for all Americans, but they ignore the fact that HRC wasn't willing to campaign and earn the votes of citizens in states like KS, CO, WY, etc. until she'd fallen behind).

3) HRC implies that she's behind Senator Obama in fundraising, but that's entirely of her poor leadership. The only reason why she had to give her campaign a $5 million loan (and her campaign's in the red) is because HRC decided to set aside over $20 million in donations for the general election. (Refer to the following NY Times article from March: Link )

If you can't manage a presidential campaign, and you don't take accountability for the actions of your campaign team (Ferrarro, Mark Penn, Pres. Clinton, etc.), why are you qualified to lead the nation?

Ruminations

Patrick — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:09:41 EDT

It's been a while since I've written one of these postings. Waiting, I suppose for the Pennsylvania shoe to drop. And it has, with a 'thud.' If one looks closely enough, you'll find that the shoe still contains the foot and the ankle of the body politic still within; the foot having been chewed off by the pit-bull motherdog from the State directly to the north of Pennsylvania. Blood's going everywhere as the Democratic Party seemingly wants to throw itself once again into the suttee of electoral might-have-beens instead of taking up residence at (appropriately enough) 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue come next January.

It's musical tunes that are wandering through my head, Maureen McGovern and her song from The Poseidon Adventure, "There's got to be a morning after..." Donovan from Atlantis offers the next bit, "And as the elders of our time choose to remain blind.." How can these people be so enthralled with her as to want to win the primary battle against Senator Obama, only to march like lemmings to certain defeat in November?

Perhaps it comes down in one sense to fear. A saying of mine is "the status quo has the greatest inertia". After seven years of the Bush administration, the Country wants and needs change. Which is what it fears the most as change is disruptive of the status quo. Perhaps those people in Pennsylvania who went for Hillary felt that Obama represents too much change for them to handle. Through the rose-colored glasses they want the slow and predictable change that is the hallmark of Clintonism, forgetting the newspaper and media litany of "Clinton Scandals," "Clinton sexual escapades," "Clinton impeached!" How quickly they dim the memories of the work of the Clinton administrations that got into NAFTA, bad security, Chinese espionage, questionable campaign financing, and so on. All of these and much more set the stage for all the things they valued, jobs, health care, security to be taken away, shipped overseas or trampled away under the remains of the fallen World Trade Center and damaged Pentagon. How quickly they forget the Heroes of Flight 93, which ended up in their own backyards in Pennslyvania! People who might well be alive today if the security lapses made possible in the 1990's didn't bear such awful fruit in the new century!

It may well take the wisdom of another Illinois President, the first Republican, no less, who's words are quite prescient for the current state of the Democratic Party, though they applied to the Country as a whole in the mid-1800's:

"A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved - I do not expect the house to fall - but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other." Lincoln's 'House-Divided' Speech in Springfield, Illinois, June 16, 1858.

The modern take in our current situation is that the Party cannot be half Hillary, nor half Obama. In our modern case I fear for the house of the Party to survive if it continues in the present course. Not, at least until 2012, by which time it will have squandered the best and most justifiable opportunity its had to come back to power in the White House in a long time.

The motherdog needs to be shown back to the kennel and put there. Her mate needs a muzzle and an equally short leash. Rush the body politic into the ER for reconstructive surgery on the foot! And let's make sure it's "Dr." Barack Obama doing the surgery, not "Dr." John McCain!

Life After Pennsylvania

Bill Marjenhoff — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:20:33 EDT

The Indiana primary on May 6 will be close. Sen. Clinton will undoubtedly carry southern Indiana, with Sen. Obama winning Indianapolis, Bloomington, and the western counties in the Chicago TV market. Sen. Obama is likely to win North Carolina, South Dakota, Montana and Oregon. Sen. Clinton will most likely win West Virginia, Kentucky and Puerto Rico. At the end of the day Sen. Obama will end up 150-160 pledged delegates ahead of her, and have about a 500,000 edge in the popular vote. He will have won about 32 states against Sen. Clinton’s 20. Sen. Obama is still going to win the nomination, folks. Just keep on working hard and keep on donating what you can to the campaign. It's crunch time!

The Beauty of Proportional Delegate Distribution

Jill - One Hopeful Mom — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:55:06 EDT

Turn that frown upside down! Accoding to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Election Results page, Senator Obama received 45% of the vote to Senator Clinton's 54%. There are 158 pledged delegates to be awarded in the contest.

Some are awarded based on the state's breakdown and others are awarded by congressional seat vote count. But even if Senator Clinton picked up 90 delegates and Senator Obama received 68, Senator Obama would still be ahead 1588 to 1339, and with 30 state wins to her 15.

And over 10,000 new donors added their support to Senator Obama after the PA primary.

So, don't dispare! There are still 9 primaries to go...

JillS - One Hopeful Mom

Siege Warfare: PA and Beyond

Dr. Mark Elrod — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:31:01 EDT

At the risk of disagreeing with almost everyone in the nation's mainstream media, the campaign for the Democratic nomination for president isn't a bloodbath and it really isn't that close when you get right down to it.

What remains of the 2008 election isn't a horse race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It's a siege that has Obama fighting to bring down a castle defended by the Clinton campaign.

As military campaigns go, siege warfare isn't that interesting. It's just a matter of slowly choking your opponent to death before help can arrive.

It's slow, meticulous and predictable. In most cases, the only people who won't accept the inevitability of the final result are the defenders of the castle.

The reality is that Barack Obama is probably going to lose in Pennsylvania tomorrow by a margin of 6-7% and Hillary Clinton will net about seven delegates against Obama. This will put Clinton seven delegates closer to Obama but will also put Obama seventy-five delegates closer to wining the nomination.

An Obama upset in Pennsylvania would be welcomed but it's not likely. On the other hand, neither is the double-digit victory that the Clinton campaign needs to make the argument that she is more electable in pivotal electoral college states.

Next Tuesday, Obama will negate Clinton's marginal gains in Pennsylvania by winning North Carolina by at least 15% and seven delegates. Indiana will be so close that even a Clinton victory would not result in a significant change in the delegate count.

Obama is comfortably ahead in delegates, the popular vote in Democratic primaries and he's raising more money from more Democrats that Clinton. By next Wednesday, the remaining superdelegates should start breaking decisively for Obama with the understanding that there just aren't any more chips on the table for Hillary Clinton to win.

Like I said, it's not very interesting but I'm not trying to sell advertising time or space based on the illusion that there's any doubt as to where this thing is going.

For all the good it'll do

Jim 'Redshift' Edwards-Hewitt — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:38:13 EDT

I'm on Hillary Clinton's email list because we went to a fundraiser for her senate re-election campaign. (For what it's worth, it was a very pleasant event. Even though there was the usual "VIP Reception" beforehand, she stayed around until all of us non-VIPs had a chance to meet her and speak with her.) As a result, I got a request for input from her new campaign strategist. I decided to give some sincere advice on the slight chance it'll actually get some consideration:

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SUPERDELEGATES

Eric from Covina, CA — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:22:26 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SUPERDELEGATES

I realize that many of you feel that you owe the Clintons your loyalty, and others are waiting to ensure that you act in the Democratic Party’s best interest, but when is enough enough? Even the most rabid Clinton supporters have to recognize by now that Hillary can’t possibly secure the Democratic nomination without literally tearing the Democratic Party apart–and Hillary knows that better than anyone. So it must be clear to everyone by now that Hillary is no longer in this race to win. Hillary’s sole purpose at this point is to stay in the race as long as she can, and sling enough mud on Barack Obama to prevent him from winning in November. Then, since at McCain’s age he’s not expected to remain in office but one term, Hillary will still be young enough to run in 2012. I’ve mentioned Hillary’s strategy before, but it bears repeating, since it stands as a monument to mean-spirited selfishness.

Clinton Is Losing Support Among Women in the Polls

Dawn in Superstition Springs — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:40:07 EDT

Cross-posted at DailyKos.

One of Pennsylvania's dailies has released an article tonight that provides evidence that Clinton is losing support among women, and particularly among white women. They rely on several different polls to make what I think is a pretty good argument. Obama is chipping away at Clinton's base.

More below the fold...

Bitter?

Disabled Vet 2000 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:42:27 EDT

This is the most insane issue yet! I guess it's frustrating for the Clintons (with their long list of scandals) not to be able to get anything on the candidate himself and have to settle for going after his friends.

Now, they go after the only candidate not born and raised in top income brackets by taking a true and innocent comment out of context. People are acting like he condemned religion, hunters, or poor people. He didn't. He didn't condemn anything.

He simply said that when times get rough, people can go a little further to the extreme than they normally would. The reason it ends in hatred of immigrants, other races, single issue voting (guns/abortion), or religious extremism is that people have been shut out of the political process and government. They feel powerless to change their situation.

Hillary made a big deal out of this because she wants people to fear Obama and she is desperate seeing the polling out of PA. Out of the three candidates Barack is the only one that can relate to the struggles people in PA, IN, and WV are experiencing. He actually lived in a paycheck to paycheck household. Neither McCain or Clinton can claim that - that is why she is fear mongering. It threatens her that she is actually having to run for the nomination. Indignant, she thinks she deserves to be crowned - she had the audacity to question Obama's judgement and experience even though she made no plans for any campaigning beyond Super Tuesday? Talk about elitist and out of touch!

Obama has changed politics dramatically. He's gotten young people involved, he's inspired us to do more in our communities, he has taken the high road and is succeeding. It's infuriating Hillary and I'm tired of her scratching and clawing at anyone who stands in her way. She is damaging the party, her own reputation, and is making Obama's run in the General Election more difficult.

She sounds pretty bitter. Hillary's new campaign slogan - Poorly Run From Day One

Vote in Pensylvania

Johnb86 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:08:00 EDT

There has been some controversy about what Barack said in Pennsylvania. He said that voters there are "Bitter". I would like to know what you think about the things he said. Any ideas?

How to Win PA, IN, NC

Disabled Vet 2000 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:42:50 EDT

I have worked on a lot of campaigns. I've driven elderly voters to the polls, I've stood near entrance ramps to highways in near DC holding signs, made thousands of phone calls, and stuffed a lot of envelopes.

"What can I do?" is the question I've been hearing a lot lately. First, get on the phone, but for those of you that live in PA, IN, and NC, we need to show the political establishment that it is possible to win with grassroots organizing for things campaigns used to pay for.

1. Volunteer to drive voters to the polls.

In the past ward leaders dipped into campaign coffers to pay for drivers, there is no need for this. We have done incredible things across this country the new way - with internet organizing and a volunteer army! We have to show the country we care, and one of the best things you can do for this campaign is to help get every voter to the poll you can - give them the freedom to cast their vote. Don't let age or poverty be a barrier to Democracy! It's also a lot of fun - I heard great stories from older voters about elections held 50 or 60 years ago, the crazy political machines that used to dictate who won, stories about WWII, the depression, and the civil rights movement. You will be tired after a day of doing this, but you'll feel incredible and leave with a greater understanding of our country's people, past, and political process!

2. Be an Obama Ambassador! Put out yard signs, wear Obama gear, write letters to the editor of your local paper, put bumper stickers on your car, and a sign in the window!

Most of all learn the issues, familiarize yourself with what Obama has accomplished in the Senate, state legislature, and as a community activist. I actually sat down and wrote a point by point position paper on why I support Obama so I could more easily communicate my position when speaking to potential voters on the phone and when speaking to friends and neighbors who aren't as involved in politics as I am.

3. Organize a rally for April 19 - NationForChange.com and ObamaBrigade.com have state by state areas on their sites so you can find others in your area and have a rally. In many places they already have rallies planned, but they need you to show up! Make sure you contact local TV stations, newspapers, bloggers, and radio stations to let them know about the rally. Ask them to make an announcement that it's happening and ask them to cover it!

Why do this? We need to show Super Delegates and Pledged Delegates how much support Obama has and that we expect them to support the candidate that voters chose in their district/area.

4. Set Goals - here are some ideas:

Speak to at least 3 people every day about why I support Obama and why it's important to vote in the primary and the GE.
Talk to as many neighbors as possible - especially if they fall outside of Obama's typical demographic.
Hold get togethers in your area (as simple as meeting up with other supporters at a restaurant or bar) to keep the momentum going. Ask them to bring a parent or friend that is still undecided!
Offer to give rides ro co-workers or neighbors to the polls if you can't sign up to drive the elderly and those without transportation to the polls.
If you know a lot of Obama supporter, throw fund raising parties, BBQ's, or gatherings. Again, if you have a group of passionate supporters, try to get some people who aren't sure who they will vote for, or Hillary supporters. You would be amazed at how many hearts and minds you can change!
Buy one of the Support Packs from the Obama store and hand out or raffle/auction bumper stickers, tee shirts, buttons, and stickers.
Get your kids or parents involved and ask them to talk to their friends!

Thanks for your time! The primaries may seem far off still, but we need every vote we can get and it will take hard work to win these primaries and unite the party behind the best person for the job, Barack Obama!!!

Stephanie Schiffman Marushia

First survey in PR gives Hillary 13 pt lead.

Chuck — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:03:38 EDT

Hillary started with the right foot in Puerto Rico

Survey gives him a huge advantage on Barack Obama.

By Javier Davila Colon / jcolon@elnuevodia.com

Hillary Clinton leads in Puerto Rico over Barack Obama, her opponent in the Democratic primary, with a comfortable advantage of 13 percentage points, a survey released yesterday by the company Research & Research shows.

The intent of voters who identified themselves as Democrats, showed a 50% backing for the Senator from New York compared to 37% for Illinois senator. Another 13% were identified as undecided.

Notably, Clinton achieved her lead of 13 percentage points with only just over half of Democrats saying they definitely will vote in the primary June 1.

''As the campaign Obama take force, with the advantage that starts Hillary will dash and Puerto Rico will be no different " said Pedro Pierluisi PNP candidate for resident commissioner.

According to Bruno Haring, president of the polling company, that 53% continues to reflect a high interest in participation.

For Francisco Domenech, a Democratic Party superdelegate that has declared his support for Clinton, the survey result should not surprise anyone "because Hillary knows Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico knows Hillary."

However, Andres Lopez, one of the representatives of the Obama campaign at the State Elections Commission and Pedro Pierluisi, a candidate for resident commissioner in Washington for the New Progressive Party (PNP), the result reflects the same trend that Clinton always starts at the front because of the recognition factor and then loses ground.

"This phenomenon is what has helped the senator to the comprehensive and insurmountable advantage that he has," said Lopez.

"As the campaign Obama takes off, the advantage that starts Hillary with crumbles and Puerto Rico will be no different," added Pierluisi.

For the survey interviewed 800 people who identified themselves as Democrats. The margin of error of the survey is 4.4% and expenses incurred in its preparation were met by Research & Research, a specialist in imaging studies, and measurement of customer satisfaction from private companies.

[ Translated from El Neuvo article by Google, with some edits for readability by Chuck ]

Obama's Big Give

Disabled Vet 2000 — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:58:15 EDT

There are a few things we can do to help Obama garner more support in the following weeks. One is attending the Nation For Change Rallies across the country on April 19. Go to http://NationforChange.com to find out about rallies in your area.

One of the best ways to bring people into the Obama Movement for Change is to show people in your community that he is already changing the world. Put on your Obama gear and volunteer! Mentor teens and college students, help with community clean ups, join walkathons and marathons, and get involved with local non-profits.

You don't need a lot of time to do this. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor or help them with yard work. Call local churches, non-profits, and community service organizations and let them know you are a campaign volunteer and want to help them make positive changes in your area. There is plenty you can do even if you don't have much time.

By wearing your Obama gear while helping out, you show the community that this is a real movement that goes beyond politics or a single election. You also put a face to the voices demanding change. Educate yourself on issues that are important to you and your community. Look at the Issues section of this site so you can tell people what Senator Obama will do for this country and how he will effect change. When speaking to college students or volunteers, I like to talk about Obama's plan to offer college money in exchange for community service. It lets them know that we value their service, realize it makes a difference, and that we feel everyone deserves access to education. $4000 a year could fund your associates degree at a community college. Good grades at community college could lead to scholarships at 4 year institutions. If used correctly this will mean access to better jobs for people that never believed they could get a degree before and had to accept minimum wage jobs.

Please get out there and do something! We need every vote we can get to keep our lead in the delegate count and popular vote! With Hillary fighting to get Michigan (where we weren't even on the ballot) and Florida reinstated, we need to work even harder. Especially in places where we are in the lead. There isn't a single vote that doesn't count. We need every one to ensure that the nomination isn't stolen.

We also need to show current Clinton voters and Independents that this campaign is the real thing. The media has been trying to portray us as blind followers or all talk. Let's show them what we can do!

Don't forget a note pad or index cards to get information from potential voters and volunteers. Get their email addresses so you can send a link to the campaign website and follow up after you meet them. Also let them know when they need to be registered to vote in order to participate in primaries and the General Election.

FALL OF THE HOUSE OF CLINTON

Eric from Covina, CA — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:15:00 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
FALL OF THE HOUSE OF CLINTON

Hillary Clinton's ravenous ambition and sense of entitlement has clearly blinded her to reality. If she wasn't so blinded by the arrogance of believing that America owes her the presidency, she'd realize that her antics in this election is not only undermining any chance she has of becoming president, but it's also wreaking havoc on the Clinton legacy. The one thing the Clintons had going for them was America's belief that, with all their flaws, they were primarily motivated by what was in America's best interest. But that's no longer the case. Now we see the Clintons for what they are–a couple who's willing to lie, cheat and steal to promote their own greed and self-interest. That, in turn, has caused many Americans to take a second look at both, their character, and Bill's presidency through the lense of this new information, and a large number of them don't like what they see.

Now, many Americans are beginning to ask themselves questions, like how can we trust Hillary to answer that call at 3 a.m. When she seems to be totally oblivious to facts that are staring her in the face–especially when those facts don't conform to what she wants to see? For example, doesn't she realize that by continuously slinging mud at Obama instead of addressing the issues that it's making her look desperate and less than concerned about the fate of the Democratic Party? And what about her judgment? What could she have possibly been thinking when she repeatedly endorsed the Republican nominee over Obama? Then there was the Bosnian matter. Didn't she realize before she told that blatant lie about the Bosnian trip that there were news cameras there to document that she was lying? And if that wasn't stupid enough, she then went on The Tonight Show and tried to joke about it, as though lying to the American people was all in fun. Now, as a direct result of that lie, a Pew research survey indicates that 29% of Democrats asked describes Hillary as phony. In addition, she's also placed herself in a position where every syllable she utters, and every scrap of paper she releases is going to be scrutinized with a fine tooth comb--and that doesn't bode well, considering her dubious past.

Clinton baker: Obama will win!

Franklin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:00:04 EDT

(CNN) — A key Hillary Clinton supporter appeared to be a bit off message during a recent interview with a Canadian radio station.

Learn more:

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/01/clinton-backer-obama-will-win/

Hillary's lead in Penn is shrinking!

Franklin — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:55:50 EDT

Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary Pennsylvania: Clinton 47% Obama 42% Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Senator Hillary Clinton’s lead in the Pennsylvania Primary is shrinking.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Pennsylvania shows Clinton leading Barack Obama by just five percentage points, 47% to 42%. For Clinton, that five-point edge is down from a ten-point lead a week ago, a thirteen-point lead in mid-March and a fifteen-point advantage in early March.

Support for Clinton slipped from 52% early in March, to 51% in mid-month, 49% a week ago, and 47% today. During that same time frame, support for Obama has increased from 37% to 42%.

Obama recently received a key endorsement from Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey and has also spent more on television ads than Clinton. If Obama is able to pull off an upset in the Keystone State, it would effectively end the race for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Obama currently leads Clinton nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. However, while an Obama victory could end the nomination battle, Clinton remains ahead in the state and recently demonstrated her ability to finish strong in the Ohio and Texas Primaries.

Tensions clearly remain in the contest. If Obama is nominated, just 56% of Clinton supporters say they are likely to vote for him against John McCain. Forty percent (40%) of Clinton voters in Pennsylvania say they are not likely to vote for Obama.

On the other hand, if Clinton is nominated, just 67% of Obama supporters say they are likely to vote for her against McCain. Twenty-nine percent (29%) are not.

Just 21% of Pennsylvania’s Primary Voters say that Clinton should drop out of the race while 18% would like Obama to leave. Those figures are similar to results from a recent national survey. Fifty-one percent (51%) in Pennsylvania say it’s very likely the contest will not be resolved until the convention in Denver. That figure includes 61% of Clinton voters and 38% of those who support Obama. Overall, another 33% say a convention decision is Somewhat Likely.

Forty-seven percent (47%) say they have followed news stories Very Closely about Clinton’s Bosnia misstatements. Another 27% have followed those stories Somewhat Closely. Overall, 19% consider that issue to be Very Important in their voting decision. That figure includes 6% of Clinton supporters and 36% of Obama voters. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Pennsylvania voters say that most politicians lie or embellish the truth when discussing their own accomplishments. Only 12% disagree.

Clinton voters, by a 64% to 26% margin, believe that American society is generally fair and decent. Obama voters are evenly divided—45% hold that optimistic view while another 45% say society is generally unfair and discriminatory.

Among voters who say the economy is the top voting issue, Clinton maintains a sixteen-point lead over Obama. Among those who view the War in Iraq as the top issue, Obama has a seventeen-point advantage. Among those who say health care is most important, 48% prefer Clinton and 40% choose Obama. Overall, 54% say the Economy is most important, 19% say it’s the War in Iraq, and 10% say Health Care.

In the Keystone State, Clinton is now viewed favorably by 74% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters, Obama by 73%.

A separate survey found that both Democrats are in a competitive race with John McCain for Pennsylvania’s Electoral College votes. Nationally, McCain currently leads both Democrats in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll. Looking at the Electoral College, the race is essentially a Toss-Up.

Just 3% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters rate the economy as good or excellent while 70% say it’s in poor shape. Just 2% say it is getting better while 91% say the economy is getting worse. Nationally, the Rasmussen Consumer Index shows that consumer and investor confidence has fallen to the lowest level of the past seven years.

Top 10 Myths Keeping Hillary in the Race

Paul C. — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:31:07 EDT

Chip Collis over at The Huffington Post had a good editorial blog post the other day (see title).

It's mostly a good piece, and it's a good framework/set of talking points for your frustrated Hillary-supporting friends. I take exception to his semantics and semantics about semantics regarding the disenfranchisement of Michigan and Florida voters, however. He's right that the problem is with the state parties and state legislatures/governors, but if you want to get all functional and say that MI and FL votes being meaningless is the same as Republican votes since McCain clinched the nomination became meaningless, why not just go all the way and say that all of our votes are meaningless because none of us individually will cast the deciding vote?

It's not about the results, it's about what it means to the people actually voting.

Is Hillary kidding? You have to read this ...

LaLa in KCMO — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:45:54 EDT

While I've tried my very best to not write anything that might be construed as "attacking" the Clinton campaign, I cannot let this one sit by ...

You HAVE to read this ...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080331/ap_on_el_pr/clinton_primaries

The voter turnout in most (all?) states has been record breaking. Obama is the KING of registering voters AND getting them to the polls. Now, Clinton is accusing him of wanting to stop people from voting ... ? Is she crazy? Is this part of the "Kitchen Sink Strategy"? What is this? It makes no sense. What will this woman say next?

Laughable is the comment the Obama camp said. And so fitting.

Yes We Can. And We Are. And We Will.

Obama 2008 and 2012

(If the link doesn't work, copy/paste it to your browser - or go to Yahoo for the story.)

Missing Effective Internet Strategy

Disabled Vet 2000 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:38:19 EDT

Why isn't the campaign using effective search strategy on the internet?

Today I searched for important political topics, thinking links to the Obama site would appear (you can "buy" high placement in the search engines). McCain is already doing this, his ads are everywhere. I was very concerned when no ad or search result came up for the Obama campaign website on any of the following issues:

1. Economy, US Economy - McCain ads, no Obama or HRC ads

2. Global Warming, Climate Change, Environment - no Obama ads or links

3. Iraq War, Peace - no Obama ads or links

4. Education - no Obama ads or links

5. Veterans, Homeless Veterans - no Obama ads or links

6. Civil Rights, Equality, Gay Rights - no Obama ads or links

7. Politics, Democrat - no Obama ads or links

8. 08 Primaries, elections - McCain ads

9. Hillary Clinton - we should have an ad here but don't

10. Hope, Change - nothing!

11. race, race speech - articles but no campaign link, at least one negative article in the top ten which we would knock off of the first page with an ad!

This would drive quite a few people to the site, those are potential donations and potential votes! This is not an expensive ad buy, but it's very important when a lot of your supporters and potential supporters get much of their news on the internet.

Who missed this? This campaign has built much of it's grassroots support on the internet and I'm very concerned that no one is making it happen!

Please write to the campaign and ask that they buy those search terms. We need all the votes and positive exposure we can get leading up to PA, WV, and NC!

IF WE ALLOW OUR BEST TO BE DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUD . . .

Eric from Covina, CA — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:43:52 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
IF WE ALLOW OUR BEST TO BE DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUD
THE AVERAGE AMERICAN DOESN’T HAVE A CHANCE

Along with the ability to inspire, a president should have the intelligence to see the big picture, the maturity to handle power, and the class to ensure that his or her own personal needs remain secondary to that of the people. This election process has given us an excellent opportunity to assess those qualities in both candidates, and while Hillary Clinton has demonstrated that she is an exceptionally intelligent woman, she’s also demonstrated that she leaves much to be desired in the area of maturity and class. If we’ve learned nothing else about Hillary during these primaries, we’ve learned that nothing is more important to her than becoming President of the United States–not the nation, not the people, and certainly not the Democratic Party. Hillary has shown that she is more than willing to throw the entire Democratic Party under the bus–along with the Senate, Congress, and the Supreme Court--if it means she’ll end up sitting in the Oval Office.

Hillary’s behavior has been so radically single-minded during these primaries that it sounds like I’m indulging in hyperbole, but the facts will bear me out. Essentially, Senator Obama has won the primaries–he’s won more states, he’s won the popular vote, and he has an insurmountable lead in pledged delegates. If Hillary won all of the remaining primaries, she’d still fall short of Obama’s lead. Hillary knows that quite well, and she also knows that the longer she slings mud at Obama, the greater the chances the Democratic Party, along with many of its elected officials, will go down in defeat. So the classy thing for her to do would be to swallow her pride and encourage her supporters to get behind Senator Obama’s candidacy with all of the enthusiasm that they’ve brought to her campaign. But instead, she’s endorsed the Republican candidate as more qualified to be president than Obama, and she continues to sling mud in the vain hope that she can hurt Obama so badly that his candidacy will lose all viability. She’s calculated that if she hurts Obama badly enough, even if the party doesn’t nominate her by default, Obama will lose the general election. That way, since there won’t be a Democratic incumbent in the race, she’ll still be young enough to run in 2012.

That’s not only a cynically self-centered agenda, but it’s exactly the kind of selfish immaturity that we currently have running the country with George Bush–and it’s also the kind of politics that we’re so desperately trying to get away from. In addition to that, her Bosnian chronicle demonstrates that she’s willing to lie to the American people without cause or provocation. Is that the kind of person we want heading the Democratic Party? And after already being embarrassed by first, her husband, then Bush, is that the kind of flawed character that we want representing America before the world?

Hillary: "I Took Her Stuff & Then I Left"

""""Jeff C."""" — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:37:38 EDT

Cross-posted at Daily Kos:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/24/212132/992/591/483519

As the election cycle joylessly grinds on, it's wonderful to have the occasional opportunity to enjoy a hearty laugh. Possibly even a chortle or two.

Luckily for me, I have a transcript of Hillary Clinton's stab at attaining the endorsement of the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial board, which is linked here:

http://www.attytood.com/2008/03/exclusive_clinton_acknowledges.html

Actually, it's just the part where she's confronted with her categorical falsehood--excuse me, I mean when she "misspoke" about her trip to Bosnia. Since everyone knows this story every which way by now, I'll just write about her comments today.

The Inquirer stated that "Clinton acknowledged yesterday for the first time that it was a 'misstatement' when she said in a major prepared foreign policy speech last week that 'I remember landing under sniper fire.'

But wait--it gets much better.

The reporter proceeded to ask Clinton about the discrepancies in accounts of the trip. Note that by discrepancies, he means what she said happened and what actually happened.

Sen. Clinton was "quick to answer," stating: "Now let me tell you what I can remember, OK -- because what I was told was that we had to land a certain way and move quickly because of the threat of sniper fire. So I misspoke -- I didn't say that in my book or other times but if I said something that made it seem as though there was actual fire -- that's not what I was told. I was told we had to land a certain way, we had to have our bulletproof stuff on because of the threat of sniper fire. I was also told that the greeting ceremony had been moved away from the tarmac but that there was this 8-year-old girl and, I can't, I can't rush by her, I've got to at least greet her -- so I made a -- I took her stuff and then I left, Now that's my memory of it."

That's rich, but it gets better.

The reporter followed-up with a question of whether having misspoke might damage her foreign policy credentials and overall credibility. Sen. Clinton answered: "No, I went to 80 countries, you know. I gave contemporaneous accounts, I wrote about a lot of this in my book. you know, I think that, a minor blip, you know, if I said something that, you know, I say a lot of things -- millions of words a day -- so if I misspoke, that was just a mistatement."

"I say a lot of things," but that doesn't mean that the voters should believe them. Or that they should reflect on my character if quite a few of them turn out to be bald-faced lies. Hey--I'm trying to get elected here.

Sen. Clinton, I do believe your pantsuit is on fire. Geez . . . you'd think that someone that was married to Bill for all these years would be a better liar. I don't think rapid fire, you know, stammering helps, you know, convince people that, you know, your telling the truth. Maybe that's just me.

Memories are strange things. Especially under the stress of, you know, sniper fire.

Folks, we have to band together to put an end to this type of say-anything to win politics. And the best place to start is to make a small donation towards taking back our government.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/JeffCronin

Keep up the good work and, as always, take care.

Jeff Cronin

JEREMIAH AND AMERICA'S BLIND SPOT

Eric from Covina, CA — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 01:17:34 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE
JEREMIAH AND AMERICA’S BLIND SPOT

The American media has become absolutely fixated on Rev. Jeremiah Wright. How could he say what he did bout America? Why didn’t Senator Obama storm out of the church in protest? And how can Barack Obama be the man he claims to be and embrace such a man? These are all questions that might have also been asked of another man and his supporters over two thousand years ago, and just as then, the answer is short and sweet–because the man speaks the truth.

The controversy over Rev. Wright’s sermon says much more about America’s blind spot than it does about either Rev. Wright, or Sen. Obama. Because while the words were indeed ugly, the truth therein was as pure as virgin snow. Thus, the problem is not with Rev. Wright or Sen. Obama, the problem is with America’s inability to handle the truth, and as long as that continues to be the case, America is doomed to be led by demagogues whose claim on leadership will be based on lies, and the very worst in an otherwise great nation.

Do the Math Hillary, and Bow Out: New from Truthout and The Politico

Paul Evans — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:42:38 EDT

Do The Math Hillary, and Bow Out

Editor's Note: Politico reporters Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen write, "One big fact has largely been lost in the recent coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning." Earlier this month, Truthout Executive Director Marc Ash presented a similar argument, "Time to Bow Out." TO/vh

Go to Original

PE: The Las Vegas line on Hillary getting the nomination is running that she has a 20 – 25 percent chance. But a Clinton insider said it’s more like ten percent.

    Story Behind the Story: The Clinton Myth
    By Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen
    The Politico, as carried by www.truthout.org

Friday 21 March 2008

One big fact has largely been lost in the recent coverage of the Democratic presidential race: Hillary Rodham Clinton has virtually no chance of winning.

Her own campaign acknowledges there is no way that she will finish ahead in pledged delegates. That means the only way she wins is if Democratic superdelegates are ready to risk a backlash of historic proportions from the party's most reliable constituency.

Unless Clinton is able to at least win the primary popular vote - which also would take nothing less than an electoral miracle - and use that achievement to pressure superdelegates, she has only one scenario for victory. An African-American opponent and his backers would be told that, even though he won the contest with voters, the prize is going to someone else.

People who think that scenario is even remotely likely are living on another planet.

As it happens, many people inside Clinton's campaign live right here on Earth. One important Clinton adviser estimated to Politico privately that she has no more than a 10 percent chance of winning her race against Barack Obama, an appraisal that was echoed by other operatives.

In other words: The notion of the Democratic contest being a dramatic cliffhanger is a game of make-believe.

The real question is why so many people are playing. The answer has more to do with media psychology than with practical politics.

Journalists have become partners with the Clinton campaign in pretending that the contest is closer than it really is. Most coverage breathlessly portrays the race as a down-to-the-wire sprint between two well-matched candidates, one only slightly better situated than the other to win in August at the national convention in Denver.

One reason is fear of embarrassment. In its zeal to avoid predictive reporting of the sort that embarrassed journalists in New Hampshire, the media - including Politico - have tended to avoid zeroing in on the tough math Clinton faces.

Avoiding predictions based on polls even before voters cast their ballots is wise policy. But that's not the same as drawing sober and well-grounded conclusions about the current state of a race after millions of voters have registered their preferences.

The antidote to last winter's flawed predictions is not to promote a misleading narrative based on the desired but unlikely story line of one candidate.

There are other forces also working to preserve the notion of a contest that is still up for grabs.

One important, if subliminal, reason is self-interest. Reporters and editors love a close race - it's more fun and it's good for business.

The media are also enamored of the almost mystical ability of the Clintons to work their way out of tight jams, as they have done for 16 years at the national level. That explains why some reporters are inclined to believe the Clinton campaign when it talks about how she's going to win on the third ballot at the Democratic National Convention in August.

That's certainly possible - and, to be clear, we'd love to see the race last that long - but it's folly to write about this as if it is likely.

It's also hard to overstate the role the talented Clinton camp plays in shaping the campaign narrative, first by subtly lowering the bar for the performance necessary to remain in the race, and then by keeping the focus on Obama's relationships with a political fixer and a controversial pastor in Illinois.

But even some of Clinton's own advisers now concede that she cannot win unless Obama is hit by a political meteor. Something that merely undermines him won't be enough. It would have to be some development that essentially disqualifies him.

Simple number-crunching has shown the long odds against Clinton for some time.

In the latest Associated Press delegate count, Obama leads with 1,406 pledged delegates to Clinton's 1,249. Obama's lead is likely to grow, as it did with county conventions last weekend in Iowa, as later rounds of delegates are apportioned from caucuses he has already won.

The Democratic Party has 794 superdelegates, the party insiders who get to vote on the nomination in addition to the delegates chosen by voters. According to Politico's latest tally, Clinton has 250 and Obama has 212. That means 261 are uncommitted, and 71 have yet to be named.

An analysis by Politico's Avi Zenilman shows that Clinton's lead in superdelegates has shrunk by about 60 in the past month. And it found Clinton is roughly tied among House members, senators and governors - the party's most powerful elite.

Clinton had not announced a new superdelegate commitment since the March 4 primaries, until the drought was broken recently by Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) and West Virginia committeeman Pat Maroney.

Clintonistas continue to talk tough. Phil Singer, the Clinton campaign's deputy communications director, told reporters on a conference call Friday that the Obama campaign "is in hot water" and is "seeing the ground shift away from them."

Mark Penn, the campaign's chief strategist, maintained that it's still "a hard-fought race between two potential nominees" and that other factors could come into play at the convention besides the latest delegate tally - "the popular vote, who will have won more delegates from primaries [as opposed to caucuses], who will be the stronger candidate against McCain."

But let's assume a best-case scenario for Clinton, one where she wins every remaining contest with 60 percent of the vote (an unlikely outcome since she has hit that level in only three states so far - her home state of New York, Rhode Island and Arkansas).

Even then, she would still be behind Obama in delegates.

There are 566 pledged delegates up for grabs in upcoming contests. Those delegates come from Pennsylvania (158), Guam (4) North Carolina (115), Indiana (72), West Virginia (28), Kentucky (51), Oregon (52), Puerto Rico (55), Montana (16) and South Dakota (15).

If Clinton won 60 percent of those delegates, she would get 340 delegates to Obama's 226. Under that scenario - and without revotes in Michigan and Florida - Obama would still lead in delegates by 1,632 to 1,589.

The only remote possibility of a win in delegates would come if revotes were held in Florida and Michigan - which, again, would take a political miracle. If Clinton won 60 percent of the delegates in both states, she would win 188 delegates and Obama would win 125. Clinton would then lead among pledged delegates, 1,777 to 1,757.

The other elephant in the room for Clinton is that Obama is almost certain to win North Carolina, with its high percentage of African-American voters, and also is seen as extremely strong in Oregon.

Harold Ickes, an icon of the Democratic Party who is Clinton's chief delegate strategist, points out that every previous forecast about this race has been faulty.

Asked about the Obama campaign's contention that it's mathematically impossible for Clinton to win, Ickes replied: "They can't count. At the end of it, even by the Obama campaign's prediction, neither candidate will have enough delegates to be nominated."

This is true, as a matter of math. But even the Clinton campaign's own best-case scenario has her finishing behind Obama when all the nominating contests are over.

"She will be close to him but certainly not equal to him in pledged delegates," a Clinton adviser said. "When you add the superdelegates on top of it, I'll think she'll still be behind him somewhat in total delegates - but very, very close."

The total gap is likely to be 75 to 110, the adviser said.

That means Clinton would need either some of those pledged delegates to switch their support - which technically they can do, though it would be unlikely - or for the white-dominated group of superdelegates to join forces with her to topple Obama.

To foster doubt about Obama, Clinton supporters are using a whisper and pressure campaign to make an 11th-hour argument to party insiders that he would be a weak candidate in November despite his superior standing at the moment.

"All she has left is the electability argument," a Democratic official said. "It's all wrapped around: Is there something that makes him ultimately unelectable?"

But the audience for that argument, the superdelegates, will not easily overturn the will of the party's voters. And in fact, a number of heavyweight Democrats are looking at the landscape and laying the groundwork to dissuade Clinton from trying to overturn the will of the party rank and file.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who has not endorsed either candidate, appears to be among them. She told Bloomberg Television that superdelegates should "respect for what has been said by the people." And she told ABC's "This Week" that it would be "harmful to the Democratic Party" if superdelegates overturn the outcome of elections.

A Democratic strategist said that given the unlikelihood of prevailing any other way, Clinton now must "scare" superdelegates "who basically just want to win."

The strategist said Clinton aides are now relying heavily on the controversy over Obama's retiring minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, to sow new seeds of doubt.

"This issue is the first thing that's come along that I think is potentially fatal to his electability argument," the strategist said.

"They're looking ahead and saying: Is it possible this thing is just going to drip, drip, drip, drip - more video? Where does that leave us if he's our presumptive nominee and he's limping into the convention and the Republicans are just read to go on him, double-barreled?"

The strategist also said Clinton's agents are making more subtle pitches.

"I've heard people start to say: Have you looked at the vote in Ohio really carefully? See how that breaks down for him. What does that portend?" said the strategist. "Then they point to Pennsylvania: In electorally important battleground states, if he is essentially only carrying heavy African-American turnout in high-performing African-American districts and the Starbucks-sipping, Volvo-driving liberal elite, how does he carry a state like Pennsylvania?"

Her advisers say privately that the nominee will be clear by the end of June. At the same time, they recognize that the nominee probably is clear already.

What has to irk Clintons' aides is that they felt she might finally have him on the ropes, bruised badly by the Wright fight and wobbly in polls. But the bell rang long ago in the minds of too many voters.

----------

Avi Zenilman contributed to this report.

Negativity

Scott in Nac — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:01:54 EDT

Many thanks to Tamara, the "Mid America Mom," who read my blog entry today and asked me to post it to her group, "Moms for Obama." Count me a "mom supporter!" Here's the entry:

I'm bummed out by Frank Rich's column in the Times today. Clearly he's right that Clinton's only remaining shot at the nomination is some sort of Obama melt-down. And I'm afraid she's willing to risk the well-being of the nation not only waiting but actively rooting for just that.

By going negative, the Clintons are doing nothing but campaigning for John McCain. Implications that Sen. Obama is not ready to be commander-in-chief or that he doesn't love his country (good grief, Bill!) will only hurt the Democrats' chances to prevent a third term of Bush-Cheney policies, judicial choices and generally regressive influence on the country and the world. I really don't want to think that she might be imagining she'll only be 64 in 2012 and hoping she'll have another shot against then-President McCain.

I guess Gov. Richardson is right when he says that it's none of our business to tell someone when to get out of the campaign, but I wish that 1) more influential leaders of the party would stand up in favor of getting this wrapped up so we can get on with the business at hand, 2) the press would stop fomenting conflict and pretending that the Clinton campaign is still viable for the sake of their ratings, and 3) that the Democratic voters in Pennsylvania would see what John Edwards, Al Gore, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi and several other poo-bahs can't (yet): that Obama's our guy now, and it's time to get behind him.

I heard several interesting things on the pundit shows this morning: that Michigan and Florida are not going to re-vote so Clinton can certainly not hope to catch up in either the popular vote nor earned delegates, that many of Clinton's advisers and supporters are waiting impatiently and eagerly for their chance to get behind Obama, and--the bad news--that the new earliest likely time for Clinton to drop out is in May, with an Obama sweep of North Carolina and Indiana.

The way to get it done earlier, of course, is to help Obama win Pennsylvania. By winning even 51% there Obama would deliver a knock-out punch, I think the Chris Matthewses and George Stephanopoli of the world would have to admit. I don't know if even that's realistic at this point, but I'm not going to stop working for it, and if he ends up winning 70% instead, so much the better.

But let's get on with it already!

Political Gaming Throws a left hook!

Randy — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:03:44 EDT

I am so sick and tired of Politics as usual, the games and dirty tricks, are once again proof that the Clinton's and the conservatives are still stuck in the politics of the past. Hillary's playing to the voters of Michigan and Florida, the same ones, that she was the first to disown several months ago. Proof once again that she will sell her soul to get a vote. Obama is standing by his decision not to play to our two rogue states. then you have the racist conservatives playing up the comments of Rev. Wright. As a white male, with racist elements in my own family I am sickened. Last time I checked Rev. Wright wasn't running for President but Sen. Obama is, and his Address yesterday was one of the most eloquent and provoking speeches of our time. The address will go down in history as a turning point in race relations for our great nation. Time and time again Obama proofs that he is the true candidate of change and not playing politics of the past. I say, Yes We Can!

REGARDING MY PREVIOUS BLOG, "race and religion: pattern of clinton accidents or campaign ploys?"

jonathan | cvg — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 22:26:10 EDT

REGARDING MY PREVIOUS BLOG, "race and religion: pattern of clinton accidents or campaign ploys?"

MY PREVIOUS BLOG LINK

allow me to elaborate that i am fully aware of the honorary role wright was reported to having served with a spiritual african-american committee associated with the campaign. i've known of this since the last debates. but, allow me to reiterate my distinction between a supporter who serves on a committee associated with a campaign versus:

the candidate, hillary clinton, who apologized for her comments following losses on super tuesday (clinton blamed proud black communities that voted for barack. she entirely dismissed the educated voters and youth support obama also turned out in record numbers)

former president bill clinton, husband and advisor, for whom hillary has also apologized

geraldine ferraro, lead advisor-fundraiser-member of finance committee, for whom hillary has also apologized... but did not repudiate the remarks until after ferraro resigned days later and after having appeared on virtually every major network defending her commentary

perhaps that distinction is better defined since i "glazed" over the known fact that wright served an honorary role on a committee associated with the campaign. what i said clearly distinguishes that he was neither a staff member or lead advisor such as ferraro or samantha power. let us remain cognizant that a stark difference exists when compared to the candidate, lead advisor, or staff member.

TONIGHT'S NEWS:

from msnbc:

"Obama’s campaign announced that the minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr., had left its spiritual advisory committee after videotapes of his sermons again ignited fierce debate in news accounts and political blogs."

"African American Religious Leadership Committee, a loose group of supporters associated with the campaign"

OBAMA SAID IN HIS INTERVIEW:

“I strongly condemn” Wright’s statements, but “I would not repudiate the man,” Obama said. “He’s been preaching for 30 years. He’s a man who was a former Marine, a biblical scholar, someone who’s spoken at theological schools all over the country.

“That’s the man I know,” Obama said. “That’s the man who was the pastor of this church.”

But Obama acknowledged that “there’s no doubt this is going to be used as political fodder, as it has been in the past.”

“What I hope is [that] what the American people will trust is what I believe,” he said, that “my values, my ideas, what I’ve spoke about in terms of bringing the country together will override a guilt by association.”

~ j

Democratic party delegates & Clinton

Fredrik from Marathon, FL — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 17:42:45 EDT

So, all candidates originally agreed without exception to comply with the DNC ruling that Michigan and Florida delegates would not count at the convention, and did not campaign there. Now, the apparent loser Clinton objects...the media and her supporters play along. 'Win, at any cost to the party or the country.'

The DNC should stick to its guns-no primary reruns for Michigan or Florida. At the convention, the delegates for both states should be allocated in proportion to the cumulative pledged delegates for the two candidates, and then be seated. The delegates will thus be "counted" without changing the overall result.

The Florida primary was a joke. I live here, there were not even any supporters demonstrating at some polling centers. Democratic voters came to vote on the Florida property tax/save our homes referendum. They knew the primary wouldn't count. The results cannot be considered a serious reflection of the preferences of the party's membership, then or now.

With only her name on the ballot, Clinton has the nerve to argue the Michigan results are valid and should be counted! This irrational position makes me question her judgement and ability to make good decisions as President. Frankly, it's scary.

The superdelegates category should be abolished after this primary season is over. If the DNC cannot trust the judgement of the party's voters, it should just give up and disband! How embarassing that the 800 "party elite" could potentially reverse the democratic will of the party's millions of voters.

The nominee must win the majority of pledged delegates, period. The total # of votes and superdelegates should be irrelevant. The argument that if you lose the primary in certain larger, blue collar states you won't get them in the general election is so facetious, it is mind boggling that the media is playing along.

Once it is clear that she cannot win the majority of pledged delegates by competing in the remaining 10 primaries, Clinton should bow out of the race, endorse Obama and campaign vigorously for him. She has much damage to make up, ammunition for McCain's Fall campaign. All he has to do is run ads showing her rants against Obama...Many objective analysts say that time is now. Why do we have to continue this suicidal charade for 6 more weeks? Clinton may already have permanently damaged her position and future prospects within the Democratic party. She needs to think about something other than herself.

The Beggining of the End of the Primaries

Verbal Kint — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:34:03 EDT

Pensilvania is the begining of the last moment of the Primaries, begin in Abril, continues on May on Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota. And the moment crucial in the Convention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdUODI-yqWA

From the streets where Rocky Balboa prepares its first great combat, in the city of Philadelphia and where you forges part of the spirit of United States like free and model nation, from there it starts up in April it finishes it stage of the democratic career, the final sprint where the quickest, more complete and more audacious corridor will define its classification to the Olympiads: The presidential general election of November.

It is the 9 final turns, in those which, Obama is favorite according to the surveys in 6 states: Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, Dakota of the South, Oregon and Islands Guam. Of being confirmed Obama he/she would come closer to win 36 States of the American Union, almost 70% of the whole country, more than enough to confirm who is the Representative of the Democrats to aspire to the Presidency.

Any candidate in the history of the democratic elections with a percentage of victory in that quantity of states has stopped to be the one Nominated to the Presidential Elections. All this added to the quantity of delegates, superdelegados and the popular voting configures a good candidate, faced a very competitive rival as he/she has been the Senator Rodham, but that definitively he/she will have to conform to with being second in the career.

Florida and Michigan

Gerry Filippatos — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:11:34 EDT

Let's just agree to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations under the following stipulations and be done with it: (1) both campaigns acknowledge that FL and MI broke the rules and that the elections do not count as far as the popular vote is concerned; (2) in FL the delegation is seated at 50% as per the rogue primary; and (3) in MI the delegation is seated at 50% -- with the "uncommitted" vote going to Senator Obama -- as per the rogue primary.So we loose a few delegates; we can afford it. What we gain is focus on Pennsylvania and the nine contests thereafter, as well as a definite electoral map to show the uncommitted super-delegates after June 6th, which, of course, will dictate that Senator Obama is the nominee by any objective measure. Moreover, HRC's "big mo" strategy is foiled.

Some additional thoughts:Rules are rules -- the Democratic-controlled legislature in Michigan and the Republican-controlled legislature in Florida decided to flout the DNC rules by moving their primaries up although they were warned that their delegates would not be counted if they did so. Then, both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton swore, pledged, promised (use whatever extremely unambiguous word conveying agreement you wish) in writing that they would neither campaign not acknowledge those rogue elections. And then, HRC started to loose and get desperate, so she broke her promise.

Anyway, it's a false issue since the delegations will likely be seated at the convention and symbolically cast their delegates for the nominee of the Democratic Party while also participating in the formation of the Democratic Party Platform.

race and religion: pattern of clinton accidents or campaign ploys?

jonathan | cvg — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:29:09 EDT

what does retired minister wright from obama's church have to do with obama's qualifications? could this be another pathetic attempt by clinton surrogates to tarnish obama's superior record of leadership? was today's release of another sermon simply to deflect from an undeniable pattern of remarks made directly by hillary clinton, directly by bill clinton, and directly by campaign speakers/staff such as geraldine ferraro?

obama has publicly rejected any decisive sentiments that might be spoken from his former minister or any other person speaking decisively against clinton or any group in a roundabout way of supporting obama. obama's true message is about inviting, welcoming, and uniting diverse backgrounds... among his most famous quotes is the one he ends: "this is the united states of america."

obama has publicly described his former minister as “an old uncle who sometimes will say things that i don't agree with.” i can see no logic in faulting obama for his retired minister's words. because obama's position is consistent and because obama previously addressed his former minister as noted above, the equivalent would be someone holding the words of my republican, baptist father against me. my father's words no more reflect my progressive, inclusive paradigm as wright's words reflect senator barack obama's paradigm.

the commentary by geraldine ferraro is relevant, not because race should be, but because the event is in no way isolated and ferraro played an official lead advisory role with "team clinton." incidentally, ferraro resigned wednesday. before her resignation, however, geraldine ferraro invoked racial division against senator barack obama multiple times in the past week. she also made similar comments regarding reverend jesse jackson. in an april 15, 1988 article, the washington post quoted ferraro saying "if jesse jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."

in addition to a pattern deriving from ferraro, there is a growing, no-longer-undeniable pattern deriving from key players in "team clinton." top supporters aiding in campaign efforts, former president bill clinton, and senator clinton, herself, misspoke along racial/religious lines leading to national divide. one might speculate whether this pattern of racial/religious divide is a repeated clinton accident or campaign ploy? after all, had obama not rallied record turnouts in the black community, consolidating the white vote under one candidate would have lead to more victories for clinton.

let's not forget this is more than just racial divide. i have not forgotten former nebraska senator bob kerrey, a major clinton backer, who asserted that an obama presidency may improve the world's image of our country because of obama's "muslim roots." similarly, i do not dismiss senator clinton's noncommital denouncement of muslim rumors as recently as two nights before the ohio and texas primaries. 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." the exit polls in ohio showed that obama lost protestant and catholic votes which, as we all know, encompasses the majority of religious denominations in ohio.

ironically, the retired minister who the press and clinton supporters continually use against obama formerly worked at a church of christ, a christian denomination where obama and his family have attended for more than two decades. the implied "muslim roots" are relatives on obama's deceased father's side which obama never met until a visit to his father's grave before harvard law school. barack obama is christian and he has never been muslim or attended a muslim school.

from cnn:

"I don't think Geraldine Ferraro's comments have any place in our politics or in the Democratic Party. They are divisive," Senator Obama told the Allentown Morning Call.

"I think anybody who understands the history of this country knows they are patently absurd. And, I would expect that the same way those comments don't have a place in my campaign, they shouldn't have a place in Senator Clinton's, either," he added.

Earlier, Obama's top strategist, David Axelrod, called for Clinton to sever ties with the former New York congresswoman, who serves on her campaign's finance committee.

"When you wink and nod at offensive statements, you're really sending a signal to your supporters that anything goes," Axelrod said.

from msnbc:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXBXD2zizIY

keith olbermann is spot on with his assessment of hillary clinton's insensitive, questionable management or lack there of. you must watch this honest, well-articulated perspective on the past week's activities by senator clinton and her tepid response. clinton failed to publicly denounce or reject geraldine ferraro until after she received a resignation on wednesday. yet, when samantha power dubbed clinton a "monster" off the record and apologized, senator clinton gave one of her typical hollywood attack speeches calling for samantha power to resign because her "monster" characterization was inconsistent with OBAMA FOR AMERICA messaging. samanatha power did, in fact, apologize and, within hours, resign. instead of apologizing, ferraro defended herself on virtually every major newtork and waited more than 48 hours to resign.

anyone believing that comparing obama’s former minister who is NOT WORKING ON obama’s campaign staff or as a lead advisor AND something said directly by hillary, bill, geraldine, or any other campaign speaker/staff/advisor... well, that anyone is not only making illogical, misleading comparisons... but such a person should look in the mirror. such a person should delve inward and question the ethics or true motivations behind such comparisons/rebuttals.

while it is your choice to be a "stubbornly uneducated" american, as bill maher so wisely coined, in this age of information and resources to verify information, you should be ashamed and embarrassed to spew:
factually inaccurate...
blatantly false...
speculative and debunked...
as well as unresearched propaganda aimed at misleading impressionable minds, perhaps like your own, for benefit to a candidate or to an issue indefensible on merit or on consistently proven, documented records.

such vile behavior is not only reckless, but it is the lowest form of manipulation and i, for one, deem it unacceptable.

pattern of clinton accidents or campaign ploys? frankly, my dear, i don’t give a damn. anyway you look at it, "team clinton" is wrong.

~ j

Margins of victory shows real story of the primaries

Tracy — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:41:19 EDT

I was just looking over the primary numbers so far and was struck not just by how many states Barack Obama has won (28) vs Hillary Clinton (14), but also by the much wider margins of victory he has maintained over her, beating Clinton by an average of 27% vs her average margin of victory of only 13%. In fact, I was so impressed by these numbers, I drew up a quick chart to illustrate:

These numbers are based on the primary results listed at MSNBC.com as of 3/12/08, omitting FL and MI, and crediting each with a win for TX due to the primary/ caucus split.

It seems so significant to me that the majority of Clinton's wins have been by less than 10%, whereas the majority of Obama's wins have been by a margin of 20% or more.

In fact, it was so significant to me, I finally signed up at my.barackobama.com so I could share it!

Florida Recount in Sen. Obama's Favor

DAaron4Obama'08 — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:20:27 EDT

As I was looking at the Florida Primaries, wondering why we are deciding on a recount, I noticed the diversity of Democratic nominees being selected. All across North Florida, to be precise, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards were all winners in these diverse counties. Obviously influenced by the states above these counties, Sen. Obama won most of the Northeastern counties, Clinton won the majority of the Central counties, with Edwards taking a few for himself, and Sen. Obama picked up the Northwestern counties near the state's border.

As we all know, Senator Barrack Obama never got to campaign in the counties, nor throughout the rest of Florida. As far as we all knew, Florida wasn't being counted. Obviously, The Clinton campaign, seeing as how they (currently) have a head's up with Florida in their favor, they want to include the state. I assume this is why Florida is "screaming" for a recount. Now that we have all had some time to get to know Sen. Obama a lot better, maybe we will have the power to give Sen. Obama the boost he needs to collect his delegates and correct popular vote.

We would love to see Senator Obama here in Florida. Although, I doubt there is time to fit us in, regardless, many Florida residents are excited about the Obama campaign. I think Florida has felt at a disadvantage and I think a recount would allow us to redeem ourselves and make our primary count.

Spread the word! OBAMA WON TEXAS!

allison rae — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:31:07 EDT

Caucus win gives Obama more Texas delegates than Clinton Obama won more delegates in Texas than Clinton.

(CNN) — Illinois Sen. Barack Obama has won the Texas Democratic caucuses and will get more delegates out of the state than his rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, who won the state's primary, according to CNN estimates.

too many have been invisible for too long

jonathan | cvg — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:01:11 EDT

i saw a clip of hillary clinton's new hampshire victory speech... the state she won by 3%... i found a few quotes very interesting based on what she has alleged more recently about states that matter... "cherry-picking" states she has won as those voices that should be most heard.

"Too many have been invisible for too long. Well, you are not invisible to me."

"I intend to be that president, to be a president who puts you first"

"There will be no more invisible Americans."

"I invite you to come join us at Hillaryclinton.com."

so i did... i went to hillaryclinton.com, as i have done before when educating myself on her positions and false rhetoric. my first impression has always been that given the emphasis on technology and job creation... savings that are generated by technology to fund new programs...

the two remaining democrats' web sites present stark differences between obama and clinton. if this is the example of technology she offers, then no thanks. obama's web site runs circles around clinton's web site.

however, i was able to lift the above quotes from her newsroom tab. absurd. she promised only a couple months ago that people would not be "invisible." yet, clinton has dismissed the majority of states... claiming the big states are what matters. and you know, typically, the big states are all that a primary candidate can target due to shoestring budgets and hard resources such as people.

typically, the united states allows the large states to decide the presidential nominee for each political party. this is just one in many ways obama is turning the page on old politics and changing washington to represent the people. obama considers every state important and, incidentally, has won the majority of states by significant margins... often double digits. he has won the popular vote nationally as well as the most pledged delegates.

in spite of her previous position on this matter of "there will be no more invisible americans", senator clinton now asserts that the vast majority of states... the same states that voted against her or awarded her less delegates like texas... well... these states should be invisible and dismissed. although she won them largely by smaller margins of victory and the states clinton won yield second place in popular vote and pledged delegates nationally, the big states are the ones that count. typical.

along these lines, i received this fund raising email today from OBAMA FOR AMERICA:

"
It's tough to think of two states more different than Wyoming and Mississippi.

But we won Wyoming on Saturday, and we just learned that we won Mississippi by a large margin tonight.

Between those two states, we picked up enough delegates to erase the gains by Senator Clinton last Tuesday and add to our substantial lead in earned delegates. And in doing so we showed the strength and breadth of this movement.

But just turn on the news and you'll see that Senator Clinton continues to run an expensive, negative campaign against us. Each day her campaign launches a new set of desperate attacks.

They're not just attacking me; they're attacking you.

Over the weekend, an aide to Senator Clinton attempted to diminish the overwhelming number of contests we've won by referring to places we've prevailed as "boutique" states and our supporters as the "latte-sipping crowd."

I'm not sure how those terms apply to Mississippi and Wyoming -- or Virginia, Iowa, Louisiana, or Idaho for that matter.

I know that our victories in all of these states demonstrate a rejection of this kind of petty, divisive campaigning.

But the fact remains that Senator Clinton's campaign will continue to attack us using the same old Washington play book. And now that John McCain is the Republican nominee, we are forced to campaign on two fronts.

It's up to you to fight back.

https://donate.barackobama.com/themath

Thank you,

Barack
"

~ j

STAY ABOVE THE FRAY

BRGHTSD1 HOPE & COURAGE — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:52:53 EDT

I realized last night as I was putting out "pithy and witty" blog entries that I was falling right into an old trap of "fighting" and negativity.

Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting a different result. This behavior (the fighting, the mud slinging, the being oh so offended) is insanity.

The answer is to stay above the fray, to remain positive to respond with only the things that are good and true about this campaign and the next President Barack Obama. Engaging gives energy to the annomosity and building annomosity never builds coalitions. We need those Hillary voters in August and beyond, we want them...we welcome them...they ARE us. They are interested, they are concerned, they want what's best for their lives, their family, their neighborhood, their community, their state, their country, their world. The only difference is the way they're viewing these things.

This DOES NOT MEAN that we don't write the powers that be; that we don't point out what needs to be corrected. WE just stick to the facts when we do so and don't fall into the trap that Geraldine Ferraro did herself with her statements.

This is not intended to be lecturing on any level...I write it primarly as a reminder to me as to why/what I'm doing here and I thought it might be a good thing to share.

PEACE!