Posts with the tag primary

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.

Uryahav

Unknown user — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:44:03 EDT

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Unknown user — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:34:22 EDT

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

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

Finally PEACE.

Mona Ali — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:09:42 EST

I am so glad I am alive to see this day.

I have traveled around the world.

I have visited and lived in other countries.

I had the Opportunity to meet many different People in other Countries.

I am Grateful to have experienced the Past Opportunities in LIFE.

It made me who I am today. Pragmatic.

We needed this Election more than some people know.

I see PEACE in the Future.

We are going in the right direction.

*One Snow Flake is weak.

**Thousands of Snow Flakes are strong.

(I'm thinking about all those HARD Snowballs Iv'e been HIT with...OUCH!)

An Avalanche is Powerful.

The USA has the Strength of a Blizzard;

...and the Passion as a Blanket of Snow. (Just Beautiful. Protects Plants, too!)

Today I am glad Barack Obama is OUR PRESIDENT-Elect.

"CONGRATULATIONS Barack Obama!"

The World will be a Better Place to live in.

The United States of America will certainly be a better place to VISIT.

PEACE to All,

Finally

Goodnight My Friends,

Mona Ali

Thank you, Hillary. Really.

sangerinde — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:40:22 EDT

I do my clearest thinking in the thick fog of my morning shower. And today, after reading the lastest poll numbers and chewing on the state of the campaign, I realized I owe Hillary a major-league thank-you.

I was an Obama girl from the first time I watched his Iowa victory speech on Youtube. And I was really, really frustrated by a lot of the attacks from Hillary's campaign, believing in the wisdom of Reagan's Eleventh Commandment, "Thou Shalt Not Speak Ill of a Fellow (Party Member)". Even worse, I thought, was her pointless and self-serving continuation of the primary battle long after her viability as a candidate was extinguished.

And yet.

Look where we are today:

Hillary's attacks flushed out Obama's closet (Ayres, Wright, etc.). Have we really heard any new attacks from the McCain campaign? Everything they raise sounds like tired old news, and has given them precious little traction.

The long, slog of a primary season required Obama to be ahead of the curve in building organizations in all 50 states. Even states which I'd never have thought he'd be competitive today. I mean, look at Indiana, North Carolina, etc...!

So even before the final result is known, I feel like saluting you, Hillary. And eating a little crow. You were a big part of making this possible. Thank you. Really.

Wisconsin Hotly Contested: Allegations Of Voter Fraud Surface

Scott Foval — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:45:33 EDT

EDITORIAL NOTE: This Post Originally Appeared At The Huffington Post / Off The Bus On September 14, 2008.

Visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-foval/wisconsin-hotly-contested_b_126332.htmlto view the original post.

Wisconsin has become one of the most watched battleground states in the country, and forces on both the Democratic and Republican sides have activated their field operations and get-out-the-vote, or GOTV, efforts to woo registered Independent and undecided likely voters. Democrats have been hoping to turn this traditionally red state into a purple or possibly even blue one this year. But just before polls opened last Tuesday for Wisconsin's general assembly primary, numerous, unconfirmed allegations began to surface of a behind-the-scenes effort by the McCain-Palin campaign to manipulate the vote totals in Wisconsin and other key states this November.

On the Monday night before the primary, thousands of Wisconsin registered Independents and voters who have re-registered in the last year received absentee ballot applications enclosed in McCain / Palin direct mail pieces. The pre-printed, re-mailable absentee ballot applications appeared to be customized to the recipient's mailing address, with the addressee's local election office already on the form. Such mailers have been a tool for political campaigns, labor unions, GOTV interest organizations, and state and county election offices for a number of years. Other states reportedly saw similar mailings hit mailboxes, possibly totaling in the millions.

On the surface, the mailings appear to be a legal GOTV effort to re-register targeted recipients for the November 4 general election. But reports in the blogosphere, progressive media, and by other individual sources allege that the forms could instead be part of a larger effort to purposefully manipulate voter registrations in Wisconsin and possibly nationwide. The mailers, if true, may be a type of voter fraud because if someone receives an absentee ballot but does not send it in, he or she cannot go to the polls and vote on election day. The allegations imply that the McCain campaign is sending absentee ballots to people in the hopes that they will not send them in and when they try to vote in person will be turned away.

On Thursday's and Friday's nationally-broadcast Thom Hartmann Show, which airs on Air America Radio Network and streamed online, guest host Lee Rayburn of AAR affiliate The Mic 92.1 FM in Sun Prairie, Wisc., broke the story about the mailings and fielded numerous calls from listeners echoing their concerns about them.

In Wisconsin, the core center of government, the state capitol of Madison, is notoriously liberal. And Milwaukee, the economic center along Lake Michigan, tends to lean left. However, over the last three decades the rest of the state, proud of its independence, its agricultural and green technology industries, and religious conservatism, has proven to be moderate-to-conservative, primarily voting so-called red most of the time. In the last 12 years Wisconsin also has had its share of alleged voting irregularities, although investigations into the allegations have not yet been aggressively pursued by the state assembly or attorney general's offices.

This year, however, may be different. As the economic policies of George Bush have played out, and 3000-plus Wisconsin National Guard reservists were called up last weekend to deploy to Iraq this fall, the state's residents seem to have shifted their opinions of the Republican Party, and the presidential and vice presidential contests. As a result, Wisconsinites are scrutinizing every angle of electing their public officials at a level that has not been seen before. Members of the military who are deployed abroad, by far the largest group of absentee voters, are being courted particularly heavily by the political parties, as dissension in the ranks has swung both political contributions and absentee registrations towards the Democrats and away from Republicans in many states.

Direct mail campaigns containing absentee ballot applications from political parties and campaigns targeted at registered Independents are not new. Wisconsin is an Independent stronghold due to the popularity of Independent U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. Mail campaigns also affect the local and statewide races by activating those potential swing votes. Democrats have been active too, coordinating GOTV efforts for contested Wisconsin General Assembly seats with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). SEIU distributed direct mail pieces to thousands of households on behalf of their endorsed candidates to likely voters in Wisconsin and other states. In Wisconsin both direct mail campaigns hit mailboxes on or before Monday night, September 8, just in time for Tuesday's primary activities. The SEIU mailers did not contain absentee ballot applications, nor did they include endorsements of the national parties or the Obama-Biden campaigns.

McCain's political pitch is targeted squarely at pro-life conservatives. The headline, "A faith that sustains me...," leads to a main story starting with his POW experience in Vietnam, his adoption (with wife Cindy) of a little girl from Mother Theresa's orphanage, and delivers the pro-life position to the reader right between the eyes.

Quoted McCain lines from one of the mailers include these:

"My faith in God sustained me, protected me and gave me the strength to endure."

"That's why I have consistently fought to defend the right to life and the rights of the unborn."

"That's why Cindy and I have worked to promote adoption here and around the world as an alternative to abortion, including adopting our own daughter from Mother Theresa's orphanage in Bangladesh."

"And that's why I will appoint judges that respect the values and protect the rights established in our Constitution, faithfully applying the law without legislating from the bench."

Local party officials and labor union organizers are mixed on the effect the national efforts will have on the races at the local level, and on the results in November. Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District Democratic Party Chairman Peter Rickman, an experienced political operative and labor organizer for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), indicated in a Thursday phone interview that the national campaigns are prioritizing their efforts in Wisconsin towards GOTV efforts, but that more statewide and local media buys would be necessary to sway the voters in his district. Rickman insisted that the local candidates and parties were more focused on winning the Wisconsin General Assembly for Democrats, because local politics, he said, is where "real governing happens," and was pessimistic on whether the Obama campaign had done enough to support the entire ticket in an effort to spur the kind of change Obama spoke about in his Democratic National Convention acceptance speech.

"They're focused on their guy and getting him elected, and that's great, but the Obama Campaign could do a lot more to help out in local and statewide races, supporting the whole ticket," Rickman said. "If they really want to make change happen, it's going to have to be at the grassroots level, and although they have raised a lot of individual contributions and support from the grassroots, I haven't seen much of that money coming back in the way of paid media." Rickman did say, however, that the Obama-Biden Campaign and other national organizations are mobilizing large numbers of volunteers and paid staffers in his state and others to bolster GOTV efforts, which would go a long way to insure that likely voters are delivered on November 4.

Wisconsin Republican Party officials at the state and county levels in several areas were contacted for this report, but numerous requests for comment about the allegations surrounding the McCain-Palin mailings went unanswered. Democratic officials, including Rickman and Dane County Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Bigelow, did not mention the absentee ballot allegations in their respective interviews, but have been contacted for follow-up on this story. Efforts to contact state election officials about the allegations are still ongoing, but at press time, requests for comment have yet to be answered.

Reel In the Hillary Voters Today!

Jarrett in Florida — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 18:15:03 EDT

Sensitivity Training: How To Talk To Hillary's Voters

My name is Jarrett. I am a life-long Democrat who campaigned and voted for Hillary Clinton in the highly contested swing state of Florida. Once again, Florida will decide the Presidential Election for the year 2008/09.

I have now switched my support to Barack Obama because his policies and outlook are far closer to my ideals than those of John McCain. The decision was easier for me than it will be for many Hillary voters because I am more familiar with the cut-throat nature of politics.

What I've noticed, since joining the Campaign for Change, is that many long-time Obama supporters don't really know how to effectively communicate with Hillary's supporters. Without further delay, I will explain the "do's and dont's" concerning the way we should solicit support from a Hillary Clinton voter like myself:

Remember H.I.L. (Humility, Interest, Love)

Humility - Hillary voters don't want to hear about you are the best and you beat them... They don't agree. We know that Hillary Clinton actually won the popular vote in swing states that will matter later on... If Obama supporters seem unaware of this inconvenient fact, they will appear foolish and egotistical to a Hillary supporter. The best thing you can say to a Hillary voter is "We REALLY need your vote/help in this election... We can only do it with support from motivated and knowledgeable folks like yourself."

Interest - Take a moment to hear what Hillary voters have to say and brace yourself... They might want to talk about how Hillary was railroaded by the media, about how sexism prevented her from winning, or about how she had the right idea concerning Universal Healthcare. You must NOT take these statements as a threat to the Obama campaign, but rather assume that these statements are a SUPPORT for the Democrats as a whole. Show the supporter that you agree with their concerns and that is why we need to stick together... Just remember that letting a Hillary voter do the talking will satisfy them - they want to educate YOU, not the other way around. The only thing they want to hear from you is that you are against Bush/McCain.

Love - Hillary solicited votes from Women, Young People, Gays and Lesbians and African Americans by speaking gently and lovingly about how much she cherishes each and every supporter. She speaks at great length about how amazing and inspiring each and every supporter is. You probably missed this if you were watching the mainstream media - but her supporters got wonderful HTML emails expressing gratitude and gifts and warm wishes. At her rallies, Hillary spent hours waving and smiling and shaking hands, and LISTENING to others. Quite frankly, this seems missing from the Campaign For Change because we are approaching crunch time. We need to always keep in mind that these are our neighbors, grandmothers, best friends, classmates and teachers. We have waited our whole lives to see a Female President of the United States of America and we are VERY concerned about Healthcare for our loved ones. Hillary voters WANT to support Barack Obama, but any percieved insult or indifference to Hillary as a person will steer them FAR away from that goal. Do not distract us with old arguments from the past. This is the NOW and we are all friends again.A good thing to say regarding this might be, "Gosh, it's really unfortunate that they wound up running against eachother in the primary because they are both such wonderful candidates."

Hillary voters MUST be reassured of the following things:

Barack Obama likes Hillary and appreciates her support in his campaign.
That Michelle Obama will be a phenomenal First Lady that we can all be proud of - JUST LIKE HILLARY IS.
Hillary is still in the game. She is a great asset to the Democratic party and to Barack Obama's campaign.
That Obama takes Healthcare very seriously and will create a path for Hillary's vision of proper care for EVERY American whereas John McCain simply does not care.
We LOVE Hillary too and we were never really "against" her... It's a race against John McCain and the corruption within the Bush Administration - Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton share a common vision and will work TOGETHER to clean up America!

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please forward it to only your friends who are active in the campaign so we can continue to Ba-Rock the Vote together.

- Jarrett For Obama/Biden '08

Following the Clinton Money Trail

Stephen — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:50:24 EDT

If you want to know what type of support the Clintons will extend to the Obama/Biden ticket, you ought to be looking into where her money has been coming from. There were reports last year that many of the same organizations that had poured money into the McCain race also were contributing to Hillary Clinton's campaign. It should come as no surprise that the two ganged up on Obama in the primary, and are doing it again in the general election.

With the convention ready to start, perhaps some fresh news pieces on her sources of money and connection to John McCain might cause her supporters to re-think their support of her. Elected office is supposed to be "public service," not "self service!"

Here's the link to my discussion following Obama's clinching the nomination:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stevadore/gGBy5v

Article on the Internal Breakdown of Hillary's Campaign in The Atlantic

NoachWolfe — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:25:32 EDT

Not to get down on HRC. (I did vote for her in the MD primary). But you should check out this facinating article in The Atlantic. Here is the teaser blurb from the magazine.

Hillary Clinton’s campaign was undone by a clash of personalities more toxic than anyone imagined. E-mails and memos—published here for the first time—reveal the backstabbing and conflicting strategies that produced an epic meltdown.

The Front-Runner’s Fall

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200809/hillary-clinton-campaign

---

Reading this piece I wondered if the reason Obama came out on top was because he needed to stick to one basic strategy to win and therefore he was able to maintain a consistant message. Thoughts?

August Elections

Alexandria — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:20:09 EDT

So this August's primary was my first ever chance to vote for myself, having just turned 18 the week before. How did I spend it? Serving as a pollworker in St. Louis County. (Civic duty and all that. Okay, or just geekdom.)

According to Wikipedia, "South County is the most politically conservative section of St. Louis county, with the South County chamber of Congress reporting nearly 70% of its residents who voted for George W. Bush over John Kerry in 2004." Well, if I hadn't gotten a hang of that after helping out with various local and national campaigns over the last handful of years, I definitely would believe it after asking for ballot preferences for 13 hours. But the thing that really struck me was an overwhelming sense of a great need for improved voter education. I admire each and every single person who came out on that miserably hot August day to vote, but far too many of them didn't understand what they were voting for. Why were you there, I asked myself time and time again as voters continued to not seem to understand that this was a <i>primary</i> election and that they therefore had to declare a party. But I'd answer myself every time: civic duty, the same reason I was there.

Now, my parents are public school teachers. I graduated last May from a public high school. I know this stuff is being taught in class. But there's still a gap, one that I saw in every demographic on August 5th: the elderly, the recently naturalized immigrants, the couples in their mid-30s, everyone--even among my fellow pollworkers who had to be instructed on the nature of the election during training the week before. Therefore, I bring this appeal to all my fellow Obama supporters and everyone who's got even an inkling of desire to help turn the November election into a fruitful one: don't just pass on information about your candidate. Help make sure that your neighbors and friends understand the process as well. Explain the primary system and the conventions and the electoral college (if you can!) and the nature of any other initiatives that will be on the local ballot; being helpful and friendly goes a long way to ingratiate yourself (and thereby the information you're bringing them) to the masses.

Being a responsible political activist goes beyond just supporting our candidate, it's being an activist for the political system as well.

Ex-Hillary's that Vote McCain

actionsauce — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:57:33 EDT

You have heard of these right? People convinced that Obama is a liar, and lacking integrity. The same people who worship Hillary like she is the Goddess Athena or something. Yes, ex-Clintonites are joining Obama's ranks daily, but there will likely still be disgruntled ones that will cast their grudge vote for McCain just because they are bitter. Nevermind that Hillary endorses and is campaigning for Obama and will through November. Nevermind that the democratic party is doing all that they can to move past a long and hard primary that took all too much focus off going after the GOP. Nevermind that these same people are as beguiled by the Bush administration as we all are. WAKE UP YOU FREAKS! Doesn't the future of our country matter more to you than your pride, and desire to sulk all the way to Jan 20th? Get with the program. Dont vote if you are going to have that kind of attitude. Just stay home and watch Lifetime or Oxygen or TLC, and leave deciding on the next president to people who give a damn about the future of our country.

Obamabot Version 2.8

Obamabot Version 2.8 — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 19:33:40 EDT

Obamabot Version 2.8

Obamabot Version 2.8 is a non-nuclear and land-based Defense System authorized by the Obama for America Political Campaign.

Primary Objectives are as follows:

• Detect the launch of enemy attack articles that are harmful to the Obama Campaign

• Track and Meet incoming attacks

• Run Diagnostics on how best to counter-attack or stunt attack

• Engage and Destroy offensive article and/or author

As of early 2008 the Obama Defense System (ODS) program goes beyond the original capability (C1) of earlier versions of the Obamabot architecture.

Current schematics reflect the paradigm of a general election campaign against Republican Senator from Arizona John McCain, as well as the increased necessity of defense-minded programming.

Version 2.8 offers updated defense programs in all 50 states against threats larger and more covert than the initial C1 architecture was designed to handle.

Version 2.8 includes the following updates over Version 2.7:

• ODS Threshold Requirements lowered to include more unsophisticated attacks

• Increased autonomy from leadership elements (Programming Note: Failures in earlier logic units has lead to several rogue elements and increased backlash in ODS, this version allows for the replacement and upgrading of Obamabots of all versions still in operation in the field.)

• Self-Updating Overwrite functions on logic units to reflect constant issue "clarifications" from the Obama Campaign

• Addition of a Republican Attack Machine Awareness System (RAMAS) and corresponding counter-attack functions

• Better cooperation among units involving Mass Media outlets

• Faster detection speed

• Logs of authorized, unauthorized, or accidental attacks of sophisticated payloads are now sent to HQ for better allocation of Spin and Damage-Control Procedures (SDCP)

HQ: www.barackobama.com

Obamabot RAMAS update resources:

www.redstate.com

www.theobamafile.com

www.freerepublic.com

www.littlegreenfootballs.com

Obamabot SDCP Testing Facilities:

www.politico.com

www.realclearpolitics.com

www.youtube.com

www.cnn.com

www.hotair.com

www.salon.com

SDCP resource centers:

www.dailykos.com

www.reddit.com

www.digg.com

www.democraticunderground.com

Oh, and about that Hillary debt?

Dianne — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:17:12 EDT

I'll send a check four days after the convention.

Please Allow Me to Vent...UPDATE 1.1

Nia "Hussein" J. — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:55:06 EDT

I came across this article and after reading I saw red and my eye started to twitch. I'm all for party unity and all that good stuff. I might even toss Hillary $5 bucks...actually you know what, for now scratch that idea. I'll hold out and see how she and her followers behave at the convention and after, so far I'm not impressed. She pandered to Obama supporters by saying that she will throw all her time and energy behind Obama should he be the Nominee. Instead she has gotten lawyer to work out the "Unity" details, still hasn't fully conceded, is still holding all of her delegates tight and won't call off the PUMA henchmen, all while Obama and his campiagn staff have bent over backwards and extended the oilve branch to the point of hiring some of her "top" aides....Uggh!

Okay, let me take a moment to breath, count to ten and think of my happy place because I'm getting worked up again, and I'm trying to think about party unity. But HRC and her ex campaign staff are making it extremly hard and appear to be difficult to work with entitled, selfish and toxic. I'm starting to think she might be better served getting her PUMA folks and the like to raise that money. Right now I have a bad taste in my mouth awarding people with millions for thier own bad behavior and financial mismanagment...no matter how small the donation. I really think that her "top fundraisers and donators" need to get up off thier duff fundraise for Hillary and stop using Obama and his supporters as a crutch. Especially now when the focus should be raising funds to help Obama defeat McCain. Are they really asking for the focus to be taking off of that to now foucs o n Hillary's self imposed debt? Well, I'm going to step down from my soap box and let you all read the article and provide your thoughts...thanks for letting me vent...

July 9, 2008Obama Donors Aren’t Rushing to Aid Clinton By PATRICK HEALY

A prominent donor to Senator Barack Obama recently sent an e-mail plea to other supporters, asking them — for the sake of Democratic unity — to write checks to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to help retire her $23 million in campaign debt.

Some of the replies are unprintable, given the coarse language, the donor said. A sampling of others included:

“Why would I help pay off debts that Hillary amassed simply to keep damaging Senator Obama?”

“Gas prices are up, the markets are in turmoil, my kid’s fall tuition bill is coming soon. Writing checks to politicians I don’t like is not at the top of my list.”

“Not a penny for that woman. Or her husband. Or — god forbid — Mark Penn,” a reference to Mrs. Clinton’s former senior strategist, whose firm is still owed several million dollars for work that included aggressive attacks on Mr. Obama.

As Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton prepare for their first joint fund-raisers to benefit the Obama campaign, in New York City on Wednesday and Thursday, their two camps are straining under the weight of continued resentments, recriminations and feelings that remain raw since the long primary battle.

Mr. Obama has asked his top donors to help raise money for her debt, and so far they have come up with less than $100,000 (though more in pledges), Clinton campaign officials said — a “paltry sum,” in the words of one.

Several Obama donors said in interviews that they were balking at Mr. Obama’s call for help because they believed Mrs. Clinton accumulated most of her debts after she had lost any mathematical chance of winning the nomination and was hanging on only in hopes of an Obama collapse. The idea of helping her now — and lining the pockets of Mr. Penn, a reviled figure in the Obama camp — is galling to them, they said, especially at a time when they say any available money should go to defeating Senator John McCain and the Republicans in November.

While no other presidential candidate has ever amassed so much personal and campaign debt en route to losing the nomination as has Mrs. Clinton, both Clinton and Obama donors say the larger problem for Democrats is that if the Obama camp is seen as unhelpful, Mrs. Clinton, her husband and their supporters could prove something less than a force for unity.

Among the complaints from Obama campaign officials is that Mrs. Clinton’s expectation for help has been a moving target; in other words, it is unclear how much money from Obama supporters will be enough to satisfy the Clintons. Even Clinton officials and donors were at a loss to specify a number, saying only that Mrs. Clinton was helping Mr. Obama with the understanding that he would do more for her.

“There is no lack of emotion among some supporters of both candidates, but what I think the sensible elements of good will are trying to achieve is debt relief for Hillary consistent with getting Barack elected president,” said Steven Rattner, a New York investment banker and leading fund-raiser for Mrs. Clinton, who is working with both camps to help Mrs. Clinton retire her debt.

The bitterness in the Clinton camp about the primary battle is well known, but several Clinton donors and campaign officials said a deeper issue remained unsettled: The belief — or, perhaps, the perception — that Mr. Obama and his aides are half-hearted in their efforts to help Mrs. Clinton and include her top donors on his leadership team.

Some of them griped that major Clinton donors were not being invited to crucial fund-raising meetings; were not being made to feel that they would receive credit for helping Mr. Obama win in November; and were not being given titles within the Obama campaign. An Obama aide said it was still early in the integration process of the two campaigns; he also added that the Obama operation was not as title-driven as the Clinton operation, which had various donors serving as “chairs,” “co-chairs” and “Hillraisers.”

Clinton donors and campaign officials say they remain surprised — and, among some, offended — that Mr. Obama has refused to ask his entire list of donors, more than 1.5 million people, to send $5, $10 or more to chip away at Mrs. Clinton’s debt. (Obama officials said they did not want to distract their donors for the main task at hand, raising money to defeat Mr. McCain.)

“The Obama effort hasn’t yielded much, but we hope it will increase,” said Alan Patricof, a top Clinton fund-raiser and family friend.

“I think most people — I can’t say everyone — thinks that helping Barack is the best way to get help from the Obama camp to help retire her debt, which is a major source of concern for her right now,” Mr. Patricof added.

Mrs. Clinton owes an estimated $12 million to consultants and vendors, like Mr. Penn; she also lent her campaign more than $11 million. That $11 million is listed as a debt, though Mrs. Clinton has told her fund-raisers that she does not expect them or the Obama camp to repay her.

Clinton campaign officials estimated that the millions owed to Mr. Penn and his team was by far the largest part of Mrs. Clinton’s debt, though they emphasized that the money was not only going for Mr. Penn’s time but also for the services provided by his colleagues and his polling and strategy firm. Clinton officials said they could not provide a breakdown of those amounts.

“We’re focused on the vendor debts, especially the Kinkos, the truck drivers and the small-business folks who helped us along the way,” said Jonathan Mantz, the Clinton campaign’s finance director.

Orin Kramer, a leading Obama fund-raiser, said he was working with other members of Mr. Obama’s national finance team, like Frank Brosens and Alan Solomont, as well as Mr. Rattner, Mr. Patricof and other Clinton donors to deal with the debt issue.

The negotiations between the Clinton and Obama camps are so delicate that it is one of the issues being managed by Robert Barnett, the high-powered Washington lawyer that Mrs. Clinton asked to help structure a political relationship between them for the general election.

According to several Democrats who have spoken to Mr. Barnett, he has counseled the Clinton camp that honey will work better than vinegar in the debt talks. But Clinton donors say it is an open question whether the Clintons believe they should play hardball — signaling that they will not rally enthusiastically behind Mr. Obama unless he does more on the debt situation — or appear agreeable with the expectation that the money will ultimately come through.

A crucial test will come at the fund-raisers in New York this week, both sides said. Mr. Obama is expected to ask supporters there to help Mrs. Clinton, and Clinton donors said they were hoping for a great deal more money to come in from people heeding his call.

The New York events are on behalf of the Obama campaign, his aides said; Mrs. Clinton will not receive a cut of the take, but rather, in theory, benefit afterward from Obama donors who decide to help her. Mr. Obama and his wife have each already written checks for $2,300, the maximum donation, to Mrs. Clinton.

“Senator Obama and his staff and his supporters are working very hard on debt relief for Senator Clinton, and will continue to in any way that works best,” said Bill Burton, a spokesman for the Obama campaign.

***UPDATE***

So Hillary wants to keep some dough on hand for a 2012 "Senate" run...yeah right!! My gut is sreaming another presidential run and a re deaux with Obama. Well you decide... here is the link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/15/hillary-asks-to-keep-dono_n_112794.html

***UPDATE 1.1***

Hillary Campaigns memo released - http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200809/hillary-clinton-campaign

Hillary's Debt

Paul in LAX — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:49:43 EDT

Does anyone know how much was contributed from the Obama supporters to retire Senator Clinton's primary campaign debt?

FYI: GA Primaries -- Qualifying Link

EMK — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:59:11 EDT

FYI:

I found the link for the GA Primaries. However, as I said in my last blog, One Blogger's Observations and Opinions on FISA Replies: Dissent and Community Activism:

...[T]his is not just an election of a President. The entire House of Representatives, 1/3 of the Senate, as well as various state and local positions are up for grabs all over the country this November. If you do not believe that your official does not have the best interests of you, your community, your state, or the country at hand, consider looking for a candidate who does have them, or even consider running yourself. I don't remember the requirements for running for office to require political experience, at least not in the Consitution. [Emphasis added]

Here is the Qualifying list for the GA primaries: http://www.sos.ga.gov/cgi-bin/qualifyingindex.asp.

Early voting: 7/7-7-11

Primary Day: 7/15

Not in GA, post your state on the blogs, too!

Good luck

EMK

The Great Divide

My Friend Bob — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:31:56 EDT

I was an avid Clinton supporter before Iowa, all the way past Super-Tuesday, and was rooting for her, even as she seemed to be losing steam against Obama. I had never heard Clinton speak in person, and had seen Obama speak twice, yet I still supported Clinton over Obama.

I didn't even think of supporting another candidate until the third time I saw Obama speak. It was on February 7th, 2008 in Omaha. While standing in a line of 10,000 supporters, I started to see that he was truly inspiring people; people who wanted a real change. After hearing his amazing speech, I began to start to rethink my support.

In fact, I did not make up my mind about who I would support for the Nebraska caucus until I was in line the morning of the caucus. While in another long line, I decided that Obama would be my candidate - even after being faithful to Clinton (donating money and volunteering time) for over a year.

Being the Clinton supporter I was, I am finding it very difficult to understand why some Clinton supporters have gone negative on Obama, instead of embracing him. I read the commentary on CNN.com and see posts from self-proclaimed Clinton supporters stating Obama stole the nomination, etc. I don't understand these comments. I am completely confused about this divide that still exists in the Democratic party. Clinton was an excellent candidate - and I respect her - in fact, I would love for Obama to pick her as his VP. But that is not up to anyone but Obama.

I would love to hear from former Clinton supporters out there. I know I am not the only one. Let's not allow, what I believe to be a vocal minority, to make it seem that the majority of Clinton supporters do not support Obama. So if you're out there - leave me a comment and tell me your thoughts; share your story.

From Yahoo News - Bob Beckel - http://news.yahoo.com/s/realclearpolitics/20080625/cm_rcp/its_not_even_close_obama_shoul_1

FairfaxBrian — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:25:33 EDT

It's not even close. Compare Hillary Clinton to all the names being floated for Barack Obama's running mate and the conclusion is beyond obvious Senator Obama, you are a very smart man which makes me confident you are ignoring the advice of the Washington chattering class who are strongly opposed to you putting Hillary Clinton on the ticket .

The chatterers are nice people but let's face it, most have never been involved in a campaign, know nothing about targeting, or persuadable voters, or analyzing polls beyond the match race and favorability ratings. They are people who harbor negative feelings towards Hillary Clinton formed years ago and who stubbornly ignore the evidence of her political maturation.

On the outside chance Senator you are listening to this uninformed conventional wisdom I offer the following rebuttal of the chatterers arguments and the case for choosing Clinton. For the record I did not support Clinton's campaign for the Democratic nomination.

* The chatterers insist she will be a drag on the ticket and bring the Republican base to the polls in huge numbers. If it is not obvious to the chatterers yet, they should pay closer attention the vicious anti Obama tirades by right wing bloggers and conservative talk radio show hosts. The Right will come to the polls all right...to vote against Barrack Obama in droves with or without Hillary Clinton.

* A drag on the ticket. Please. Hillary Clinton immediately expands the electoral map putting states in play that are currently out of Obama's reach; West Virginia, Kentucky, and Arkansas. She helps move toss up states to leaning Democrat; New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada (if Obama breaks north of 60% of the Hispanic vote he wins all three, Clinton helps get him there). Clinton helps solidify weak Democratic states including Pennsylvania and Michigan; she can bolster Obama's lead in Ohio and probably makes Florida competitive which it is not currently. Any other VP candidate that can expand the map like this? Not even close.

* Chatterers insist Clinton will be a distraction to your campaign. Exactly what does that mean? That she will be on another page and therefore step on your message? Ridiculous. There is no more disciplined, on message politician in America than Hillary Clinton. But the argument raises a question; why would she want to step on the message? If the message doesn't succeed then you don't succeed, then Hillary doesn't succeed. Why would she want that?

* Then there are the Bill Clinton arguments including his refusal to release contributors to his foundation. Fine, get him to agree to release the information but insist Cindy McCain release all her financial holdings, her separate tax returns for seven years, the amount of money her companies have paid in lobbying and pr to promote the sale of alcohol, and every position she holds in every company in which she has a financial interest or is on the board of directors. I think you will find the McCain campaign less insistent on Bill's financial disclosure.

* The Clintons are likely to make gaffes on the campaign trial the chatterers insist. Hillary Clinton has just finished running in 54 contests and got better and better with each one. Name me one of the other VP choices who can come close to matching her campaign skills. Certainly Bill Clinton made some mistakes during the nominating campaign but mostly because he took attacks on his wife too personally. He is still the best campaign horse in the stable. With Hillary on the ticket he'll campaign daily, without her only occasionally. Set Bill Clinton free in Appalachia and watch the anti Obama votes go way down.

* If you are elected Senator, so the charge goes, the Clintons will be constant problems for you. Hillary will promote her own agenda and Bill will wander the West Wing subverting your presidency. Absurd. When you get sworn in as president your stature will dwarf the Clintons. You have the Oval Office, Air Force One, and loyalists staffing the White House that wouldn't listen to Bill Clinton unless you insisted on it. I'd be surprised if he was in the White House more than a few days each year.

* As for Hillary subverting you, see above. Her political future will be dependent on your success; therefore she has every interest in promoting your agenda. The alternative (without her on the ticket) is much more problematical. She will be a huge force in the Senate with her own base and agenda. Would you rather have her out of the tent on the Hill permoting her own ideas or in your tent promoting yours? Not even a close call.

*A few other benefits of Clinton on the ticket; no one will be a more effective attack dog against McCain and the Right than Hillary. She can take the heat and defend you (something you are increasingly forced to do yourself). Every attack on McCain by Clinton will get wide coverage. No one has had more experience than Hillary on taking the Right to the wood shed and beating them to a pulp. She becomes the lightening rod, you go back to change and hope. Can any other VP choice do that? Not even close.

* By putting Clinton on the ticket you marry up the best money and organizational operations in the history of the Democratic Party. It wasn't her national organization that screwed up it was her supposed brain trust. With her money people committed, a $400 million dollar budget is very doable. Does any other VP choice have an organizational and money base like that? Not even close.

* You will sit atop the most unified Democratic Convention since the advent of television. The picture of you and Hillary Clinton together is a nightmare for Republicans. The GOP operatives are yearning for you to pick anyone besides Clinton. You scare them, she scares them, together you are their worst nightmare.

* Finally, and maybe most important of all, McCain and the Right have only one hope of defeating you Senator, and that is to make you too naÃ¯ve and risky to be Commander in Chief. Your vice presidential choice must reek of experience. The argument against Clinton is she represents the past and hurts your change message. Sure the voters want change from what hasn't worked, but they embrace past success. Most voters recall the Clinton years (from a policy perspective at least) as successful. A message of change combined with a record of past success is a more comforting message than change alone. Can another VP candidate provide that level of comfort? Not even close.

a N/NE Portland primary campaign office slideshow

Barbara in Northeast Portland — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:16:38 EDT

Thanks for the tip, Colleen!

a N/NE Portland primary campaign office slideshow [youtube]

Farewell, Tim Russert, old friend

Dr. Owen Scott, III — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:34:39 EDT

The journalism community and all of us who consume healthy news are saddened by the loss of one of the great television reporters of our era. Barack Obama said it beautifully, "I am grief-stricken at the loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Many of us will remember how Tim called the Democratic primary race for Obama after Keith Olbermann asked him, "Did it just end tonight?" and Tim answered, "We now know who the Democratic nominee is going to be and no one's going to dispute it, Keith." I was watching with Yohance and we both laughed, threw back out beers, and bumped fists. Watching the general election coverage with Tim missing will be sad, even as we celebrate a landmark victory and turn the page on the Bush years. Tim will be sorely missed as a family man, a passionate political junkie, and a journalist of the old school who analyzed with minimal spin and called it as he saw it.

Turn a Red State Blue? One can HOPE!

Deborah Simmel — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:52:43 EDT

Just found a terrific article from fellow South Carolinian Linda Hansen, commenting on Senator Obama's campaign for the Huffington Post's Off The Bus coverage. I feel a CHANGE in the wind. With only 144 days left before the election, it's time for every committed supporter to mulitply their efforts. Let's make this happen!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-hansen/the-audacity-of-hope-sout_b_106801.html

The plural pronoun

Chase — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:06:04 EDT

A telling line in a great piece by Frank Rich:

"Mrs. Clinton referred to herself by the first-person pronoun 64 times in her speech, and Mr. McCain did so 60 times in his. Mr. Obama settled for 30."

Welcome Hillary-Democrats Unity

nicolesguide — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:36:54 EDT

I am so excited that HRC is supporting senator Obama. I think Democrats united with a dash of independents will be the winning team in November. I can hardly wait for this fired up team to pull the country up from her knees and secure our standing with the world.

I support Obama with his choice for VP, whoever he or she maybe because the most important thing is not what we feel or who we like-it is what's best for our country.

Yes We Can...Yes We Will....

Securing Nomination

Bennett M. Seibert — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:43:37 EDT

As I watched on TV Barack Obama becoming the nominee, I rememberd nearly a year and a half ago when Obama stood on the Capital's steps, and declared his campaign for the presidency. As soon as I heard him, and the confidence he has for this country and its people, I knew Barack Obama would become President. I stood by him and his message long before the media decided he wa important, I supported him and believed in him when the media was proclaiming he had no chance, and Hillary would be the obvious choice. And as I look back, I cannot believe the progress this campaign has made, and the progress Barack and his message has made. Now that the first portion of the race is over, the second half is just now beginning. This is how I look at it, if Barack could neat HILLARY CLINTON of all people, he CAN BEAT JOHN MCCAIN easily in November. I have no doubt. And my reason for that is this, if a junior senator from Illinois was able to captivate the people, and turn them away from miss Hillary, I know he can captivate people and show them the truth to the McCain agenda. After all, Hillary is a former President's wife, and it takes alot of support to beat someone from the inside. That is why I applaud Barack Obama for his courage to fight for change, and his ideals that he believes that will change this country, and the world.

Fighting for Obama,

-Bennett M. Seibert

A post-mortem on the Primary

Rich Y — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:10:35 EDT

This is an excellant article by Jonathan Alter on why Senator Obama was able to get the nomination. A good read and I totally agree with his assessment.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/140129/page/1

we dreams of metamorphosis

Micah from San Antonio, TX — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:03:12 EDT

if you tolly the tally
tickle the toob
the black caterpillar will win,

believe what the telly tell!

even beat white butterfly's wings to end
-the one with the estranged color.
nobody likes to wait.
so we dreams circle the date
for the great debate.

elephants do dry heat for means to life
it is not for every other.
doily desert does not divide we dreams here
in these united states.

we dreams whisper the beeny jop

to the tickled tack teams.
we dreams wish the polly party to unite
there is still a chiral chance!

we dreams fought the eight years of blunder

like a kinder care nap.
we dreams awake and roll safe in our own signs
in front of plummeting yards

and primitive minds.

We dreams towards an end of meaningless drought of life

The cocoon crumbles.

now the ebony party sits smooth on high steps

and parches the tip of the top wet with wealth un-bequeathed.

the lolly land waits with scorched minds.

field length stretches still to gain.

we dreams wait for the discernible metamorphosis
need any morph!

we dreams to other turns

then the black butterfly with white speckled wings prevails
for a better tomorrow,

for the life of a dream,
we dream.

to Barack Obama

I Witnessed History- Thank You Barack Obama

Cbears8586 — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:49:39 EDT

After a short drive, three and a half hours in line, waiting another two hours inside, I witnessed History. We were talking politics and history with all citizens, both new and born here. I felt an incredible amount of affection for these citizens being excited at casting their first vote in this election.

I just want to say thank you Barack Obama. Thank you for campaigning the way you did, for your faith in the American People, for elevating the debate, for focusing on the issues- for never giving up hope. For never giving up on us, as we did not give up on you. Thank you for doing what you did and saying what you said, for being who you are. Thank you for giving my children hope and strength and the ability to believe in what I have been trying to teach them since they were born. I am grateful beyond words. I Witnessed History. Thank you.

My Congressman Finally Endorsed Obama.

Chris Comninel — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:10:28 EDT

Tonight, my Congressman, Rust Holt (NJ-12), endorsed Barack Obama following his primary win in New Jersey. Here's the link. It's just another one to add to the ever growing list, but for me its a very important and significant one.

MSNBC CALLS NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!

Grand Moff Joseph — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:02:45 EDT

BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW ON MSNBC TV:

MSNBC CALLS THE NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!!

HISTORY IS MADE PEOPLE!!!!!!

Historic Proportions.

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

Hello all,

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

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

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

Thank you all for everything!!

From this day to the ending of the world

amadeusmax — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:49:24 EDT

From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers

As one the most grueling battles ever in the primary process comes to a close, let us all be joyful that we have participated in a moment in United States History. This could be be on primary that will actually overshado the presidential race. Where Democrats have come out to vote 2 to 1 over republicans, and millions of never before voters have made their presence known.

I am not convert. I was waiting for Barack Obama to announce his Presidential bid. I was not alone, as many knew as I did, when he was at the DNC convention and gave that great speech, that awe inspiring speech, that let me know this one was going to president some day. I would have voted for him at that convention.

So let us go gracefully into the next phase, let us meet each challenge, and continue on to Pennsylvania Avenue!

Tonight is OUR Night

Joanne takes a stand — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:45:06 EDT

This morning I awoke with a sense of renewed energy and relief, a little less stressed because I know that Barack Obama will walk away with the democratic party nomination. I even feel a little less angry with Senator Clinton and a little sympathetic for her--but that's where it ends.

This morning, Representative James Clyburn of my state, SC, endorsed Barack Obama and it made me feel a little more proud to be an American living in SC. I feel good as a black American because another black American has made history and will knock down one of those doors that we have not been able to open.

There's a lot that I could say about Bill Clinton and his comments about a particular Vanity Fair article that I refused to read, as I refuse to watch Glenn Beck on CNN. Nothing will change how I feel today.

Today I will pull out my debit card and donate to Barack Obama even though there are bills unpaid. I will buy a tee shirt and wear it proudly. I encourage you to do the same.

What will you do today? How do you feel today?

Democratic Rules Committee Settles Delegate Count for FL, MI

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

Democrats Settle Obama, Clinton Dispute on Delegates

By Brian Faler and Edwin Chen

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

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

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

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

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

Punished for Violation

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

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

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

Obama, 46, applauded today's solution.

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

Rally Party

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

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

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

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

Winners and Heroes

Emma — Wed, 28 May 2008 18:27:44 EDT

Russia won the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. For a casual observer this might not be big news. If you glance at the song on YouTube you might even shake your head in bewilderment. It’s not a very good song even by this contests standard. Russia, as well as the singer Dima Bilan, has come close to winning before but this time they pulled no stops. Next to the singer they had the Hungarian composer and violinist Edvin Marton playing his Stradivarius and the figure skater Eugeni Plushenko, a three times World Champion and Olympic Gold medalist, actually skating on a specially made plastic floor. As much as these components arguably made an impact on the voting process I think it had more to do with the lyrics. When a large part of the population in Europe hears words like these coming from, what we all know is an officially sponsored song, it has an impact.

“Nothing else can stop me if I just believe. […] I believe I can do it all, open every door.” And for the songs big finish, he looks straight into the camera and utters the words “I believe in you.” After decades of fearing an unstable and aggressive Russia, suddenly this large, bear-like nation didn’t seem so scary anymore. It even seemed human. One should never underestimate the power of perception.

For the past eight years Russia, with Putin at the helm, has worked tirelessly to rebuild not just the country’s wealth but also its standing in the world. As all smart people understands, the only way to do that is to gain the hearts and minds of the average person. Doing that on a global scale is not easy but Putin has never shied away from a challenge. He has taken every opportunity to portray Russia in the best light possible, and cover up or redirect attention from all the nasty and vicious tactics still being used. All through his years of power, right up until his stepping down a few months ago, he has done everything right. At the same time, an ocean away, George W. Bush has done everything wrong.

Obama in Spanish

Stephanie -Political Organizer-Middle Georgia — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:25:09 EDT

The Obama campaign is running an ad in Puerto Rico in which Senator Obama addresses the people of Puerto Rico in spanish. It should come as no surprise that Senator Obama has an ear for languages, but I still found it refreshing that he put forth the effort to make such a direct appeal to the people of Puerto Rico.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/channel-08/2008/05/obama_en_espanol.html

Numbers Don't Lie

J.W. — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:23:49 EDT

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

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

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

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

Peep the video.

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

Crossing Boundaries--Interview4Obama

Madama Ambi — Sun, 25 May 2008 16:22:39 EDT

How Hillary has crossed them and how Barack is bridging them, Jennifer's take on lines in the sand in this Democratic primary campaign might push a few of your own boundaries. She discusses Hillary's recent gaffe in the context of addiction, power & control, and the Clinton marriage. Hillary doesn't represent her. Obama offers real hope and will bring prosperity to America, she says. Listen to this episode...48:39 min.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't Fall for the New Sideshow. Don't Get Distracted. Don't Miss the Last Video On This Page!

Ali A. Rizvi — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:23:43 EDT

Don't Fall for the Sideshow! Click HERE.

Oregon loves Obama! Primary Report...

Sarah L. Gerhardt — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:39:03 EDT

Well we did it! We all worked so hard and we won Oregon! Woohoo! Congrats to everyone who put in endless hours for nothing but thank yous. Thanks to all of the out-of-staters who came from all corners of the country. A special thank you to Hannah and Pendry, the two rockinist FOs I know! I can't wait for fall... but since we have a few more primaries left perhaps I will make calls from home.

The day started with some sign waving all over the Portland streets. We hit the morning commuters and were shown a lot of love through honks! It was raining and cold, but we had a great time doing it. I love visibility. It's like being a cheerleader for Obama. In fact I think I will make some pom-poms for the fall. *chuckle*

When we got back from "visibility" in the morning we got prepared for the day. We were sending out canvassers all over Portland reminding people to vote. We picked up a lot of ballots!

The watching party at HQ was so much fun. Everyone was very excited, it was the best way to watch the results start coming in. The results in Portland were overwhelming for Obama (after Sunday's rally we figured it would be). The final (I believe) for PDX was Obama 66% HRC 34%. The state was a pretty big win at Obama 59% HRC 41%. After a speech from Earl Blumenauer and Barbara Roberts we all traveled to Kel's (a local Irish Pub) for food and drinks.

***Photos taken by Oregonian Photographer Michael Lloyd

For video footage of the party go here: http://www.kptv.com/video/index.html
then click on the video that says "Obama wins in Oregon"

AP Photo

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

The Florida Factor

Khaidji — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:15:15 EDT

There is much talk on the Clinton side about the votes in Florida. So much so that they include the 2.3 million to put Hillary’s count over that of Obama’s claiming then that she has the majority of votes, in fact , more votes that have historically achieved by any other candidate. This is much ado about nothing, unless, Hillary is advocating that acquisition by fare or foul means id advisable. But, this shouldn’t be surprising from a lady to vow to obliterate another nation. Do we really need to dig into her bag of no nos?

The Florida Factor

There are millions who voted in Florida

Hillary wants them counted to push her over

Even though they were warned not to bring up their primary

Florida when on defiant of the rules from the DNC

Leaders of the party knew it was wrong

Obama didn’t campaign there but Hillary went along

Repugnant to party laws but she later agreed

In a signed document that she would concede

Delegates from Florida will be counted out

And now she’s behind she wants to exercise her clout

For voters to be disenfranchised of their civil right

And their votes not included to help change their plight

Clinton thinks it’s not fair and we certainly agree

These people should not have been deceived to vote early

Obama should have also been given a fair chance to present

Republicans love their chaotic race for Government

See other Acrostic Poetry here on Barack Obama
By Khaidji

News Update: Obama Gets Ass Handed to Him In Kentucky. Here's Why -

Hidey — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:21:35 EDT

    If you haven’t heard the news yet, Obama got his ass handed to him in Kentucky last night.
   I’ll tell you why: It’s all his campaign’s fault. He signaled to Kentucky that we don't matter to his presidency or campaign.
   Now, before everyone goes nuts and gets mad, let me make this perfectly clear: I support Senator Obama for President. I think he’s the leader we need to lead us out of this American Depression of Honor and Civility.

Barack Obama Captures the Majority of Selected Delegates

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

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

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

As goes...you fill in the blank

Tracy — Tue, 20 May 2008 20:57:12 EDT

After Senator Clinton won Ohio, she told America "As goes Ohio goes the country." Then, she said "as goes W. Virginia goes the country." And guess what's next... Kentucky took that blank. This is an overt effort of Clinton to manipulate the stats and invent expressions that never existed before.Let's think about it... what could this expression be but another possible metric after having forfitted the possibility of all of the others?

Waiting, Waiting

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:03:25 EDT

Is anyone else finding the waiting hard? After so many primary nights, it's tiring. You have to just wait, nothing to do about it. Just wait. If you stay up late enough to see some of the returns, you're wiped out the next day. Who here hasn't had that happen? ;-) At this point, it's really frustrating, too, to have to wait till June 3 for all of the primaries to be over. Or, let's see the dates: tonight, or tomorrow results from today's primaries May 31 results from what Clinton thinks may be her day, DNC meeting about Fla/Mich June 3 the last primaries Then will we still have to wait? The election clock on Americans Away From Home reads: Countdown! 167 days, 3 hours, 13 minutes until Election Day.http://www.americans-away-from-home.com/
So then we still have to wait. Waiting... Carole

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..

GOTV 4 Obama in KY!

freedom4u_n_me — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:32:04 EDT

Today is another primary,! I am anxiously awaiting this evening, watching the results with my family and celebrating a win in Oregan and praying for Obama supporters in KY to VOTE thus narrowing the gap between him and Senator Clinton!

I am saddened by states who buy into the Clinton rhetoric; ie. saying that she is winning?????????????? So, go KY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Join me in donating $1 for each needed delegate from today until Senator Obama wins the nomination! Search for 'Countdown to Nomination' in your event menu.

Let's add up those super delegates................only 109 more! ($10.90 today)

Gail/freeedom4u_n_me

Big KO Primaries

Khaidji — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:52:25 EDT

KO, Knock Out . KO Kentucky Oregon. KO King Obama, may be that’s carrying it a bit too far but when I think of these KOs I think of these.

Many supporters would wish that this Tuesday was the final KO punch to yield yet another KO and Keep Out Hillary. We would like to see Barack with a clear path to the Republicans and as John McCain warms up, he enjoys some fame. Anyway, it’s all short lived because we KO Know Our candidate and his abilities, especially his unquestionable skills to organize people. So KO – Kudos Obama

Big KO Primaries

Barack still needs to deliver that Knock Out punch

It’s more needed now since Hillary doesn’t take a hunch

Got false hopes and she is still staying in

Kentucky may be hers but the nomination she can’t win

Oregon turned yesterday like a human sea

Packing over 75,000 in a ¼ mile with expectancy

Rallying behind Barack cause he’s their choice

It’s clear the unison of Oregon’s voice

May be if the folk in Kentucky had met

Amicable Barack on their turf he’d get

Rivers of supporters from the unexpected Diaspora

It is infectious when you listen to the promises of Obama

Even though these KO primaries are Kentucky and Oregon

Some wish it was the Knock Out and Hillary all gone

See other Acrostic Poetry here on Barack Obama
By Khaidji

What An Amazing Turnout for Obama

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

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

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

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

See the photo here.

Carole

I am hoping this will help with your PRIMARY and you will share it!

LuAnn in Indiana — Sun, 18 May 2008 10:08:13 EDT

I can't be there in person, so I put this together and wrote a little narrative so it would be easy for you to just copy and past and share with everyone so they get to know Barack and his story.

I would be glad to send out more e mails if I had more personal addresses.

Best of luck with your primary! Obama.....2008!

LuAnn

**********************************************************************************

I would like to share this poem about Barack Obama that was put to music. Every person who is preparing to choose our next leader should know the ‘FACTS” OF Barack’s life.

Please watch it and share it with your friends, family, co-workers, fellow supporters and even with some who do not know Barack, are Independents, Republicans or doubters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzSKD0PnVhk

You can simply set by and watch as our next leader is chosen for us or you can get involved and share the life story of Barack Obama.

His story is one of an American boy, who against all odds has elevated himself to the level of possibly becoming our next President of the United States of America.

His life story proves that in the United States of America anything is possible.

Thank you for your time and please consider choosing Barack to lead us through this extremely challenged period for our country.

Together we are strong and we can take back our great nation.

Yes We Can! Barack Obama……..2008

LuAnn in Indiana

http://mybarackobama.com/page/communityblog/luanninindiana

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

Is Hillary actually helping us?

Blue Devil for Obama — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:24:59 EDT

Now don't get me wrong, I do wish this primary was officially over, but while reading the other day, I thought to myself, perhaps she is doing us a favor. Across the board, record numbers of democrats are participating in the primary process. From voters who usually wait for the general election to those who never vote at all. Of course, not every single one of those will vote for Sen. Obama come November, but I believe the results have shown the a large majority will.

Be The Change--Pamela

Madama Ambi — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:24:31 EDT

If you don't understand this Obama campaign slogan, don't worry: Pamela explains the micro & macro of it all. She gets what it means at the molecular level, the sociopolitical level, and the global, sustainable level. Pamela is gearing up for a seat at the Obanomics table. Caution: Listening to this podcast could make you the 100th monkey.

Listen to this episode of Interview4Obama...44:16 min.

This is the best Primary EVER!

Danielle Ricks — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:58:40 EDT

I'm 46 years old. This isn't my first time at the polls. But, and I'm almost ashamed to admit this... this IS the first primary I've ever voted in or even cared about. Up to this point I've always let "them" pick my candidate for me and thought "they" would know what was best for the Democratic Party. Sometimes it worked out and we got Carter and Bill Clinton. Other times... well... the Republicans creamed us or they stole the election from us. But, now I feel like my voice counts.

I was so excited to vote in my DC primary that I skipped in the cold and sang all the way to my polling location. Now, understand this I'm not a newbie at the political game. I am well educated... which I guess means I couldn't be a Senator Clinton support (said tongue in check) and I'm well read. I've lived in the nation's capitol for most of my adult life. I've been a Producer on a nationally syndicated political talk show and yet this is my fist primary. Why did I get involved this time? Why is this time different. Simple, it's because of Obama. I finally feel like my vote does count and I do have a voice.

I've plastered pictures, daily emails from the Obama camp and videos all over my social network. I've volunteered, donated, made phone calls and was clued to each primary coverage. I start and end my day with MSBC. I follow as many news feeds as I can get in a day and I take any shots at Obama very personally. I feel like he's my presidential nominee... a man of the people... and that finally we will have change in this country.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a hopeless romantic, I know that nobody, not even "my" Obama change an entire nation in just four years. But, if ever we were going to get on the right track in this country I think Obama is the man to do it. I'll explain in my next blog... gotta go and see what the spin-doctors are saying about the WV primaries.

Until next time...

West Virginia: "Ordinary Americans"

Graham Kent — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:45:45 EDT

An appropriate article to read as we head into yet another Democratic primary. The 96% white population of West Virginia seems awfully motivated to believe Senator Obama is a bad man who doesn't understand them.

Like most people in Mingo County, West Virginia, Leonard Simpson is a lifelong Democrat. But given a choice between Barack Obama and John McCain in November, the 67-year-old retired coalminer would vote Republican. “I heard that Obama is a Muslim and his wife’s an atheist,” said Mr Simpson, drawing on a cigarette outside the fire station in Williamson, a coalmining town of 3,400 people surrounded by lush wooded hillsides.

A visit to Mingo County, a Democratic stronghold in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields, reveals the scale of Mr Obama’s challenge – not only in West Virginia but in white, working-class communities across the US. With a gun shop on its main street and churches dotted throughout the town, Williamson is the kind of community evoked by Mr Obama’s controversial comments last month about “bitter” small-town voters who “cling to guns or religion”. “If he is the nominee, the Democrats have no chance of winning West Virginia,” said Missy Endicott, a 40- year-old school administrator. “He doesn’t understand ordinary Americans.”

Drat. After seven years of the Bush administration in the White House, I'd just started to feel like an 'ordinary American'. Apparently I was confused.

Link: The Financial Times

Let's win the vote..call or emai everyone in West VA..please!

LuAnn in Indiana — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:33:22 EDT

Hi there!

Please watch the video at the bottom of this page and share with everyone in Kentucky or West Virginia.

Let's all help get out the vote for Obama...please.

We came with 2% here in Indiana of winning and she was all over our state with our popular Senator.

I do not want to see Hillary win by a lot or at all.

Yes We Can!

LuAnn in Indiana

http://www.youtube.com/v/QloB5TS3bJU&hl=en"></param><param

No Third Term for Bush! Calling on Congressional Candidates to Endorse Obama

Doug Denneny — Mon, 12 May 2008 23:35:59 EDT

Dear Friends,

Today I am calling on my opponents to publicly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States and pledge to help him win Virginia this fall.

As a candidate for public office I have always believed in being clear and honest about my positions. That's why I stepped forward over two months ago to endorse Senator Obama.

Senator Obama's path to victory in November includes winning Virginia. To turn the Commonwealth blue, Senator Obama will need the support of Democratic Party leaders in Virginia's 11th District. After the June 10th primary, I will help Senator Obama win any way I can - unfortunately, my opponents have not made that pledge.

It's time to stand united as Democrats and fair-minded independents who want to get our nation back on track.

postulated: primary campaign positives

jp — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:29:13 EDT

May 11, 2008 Lessons Learned Upside of Being Knocked Around By MARK LEIBOVICH

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/11/weekinreview/11leib.html?nl=pol&emc=pol

WASHINGTON — So, now that it might finally be over (or maybe close to it,
possibly, perhaps), does Senator Barack Obama come out a bloody mess, or a
battle-tested warrior?

In recent weeks, a wiseguy consensus seems to have settled on the former: the
idea that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has so weakened Mr. Obama in the race
for the Democratic nomination — so diminished him, distracted him, exhausted him
— that he could be a grievously damaged nominee.

The wiseguys invoke the Republican race of 1976 and Democratic contest of 1980
as examples of what happens when candidates — Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter,
respectively — get battered in primaries, emerging damaged in the summer and
losers in the fall. They mention surveys showing almost 50 percent of Clinton
supporters in Indiana telling exit pollsters that they would sooner vote for
Senator John McCain or stay home than vote for Mr. Obama. They suggest that by
staying in the race, Mrs. Clinton is playing a spoiler’s role.

But there is a competing view that says that Mrs. Clinton, rather than being a
spoiler, has in fact been an unwitting mentor to Mr. Obama, a teaching adversary
who made him better. Could competing against Mrs. Clinton have improved Mr.
Obama as a candidate in the same way that competing against Larry Bird and Magic
Johnson in the 1980s made Isiah Thomas and Michael Jordan champions in the
1990s?

Herein, we cover our pundit posteriors with the requisite “to be sure” paragraph
in which we acknowledge that the wiseguys are called wise guys for a reason, and
it’s not entirely sarcastic. And yes, Mr. Obama has all kinds of healing work to
do, the Democrats might really be fractured beyond recognition, the wiseguys
might be right and Obama might be toast.

But amid the supposed carnage, it’s easy to overlook that Mr. Obama owes a lot
to Mrs. Clinton, that without her challenge, he would be a much different
candidate today, and not necessarily a stronger one. Reasons abound:

1. SHE MADE HIM A GIANT KILLER

No matter what happens in the fall, if Mr. Obama goes on to win the nomination,
he will be remembered as the candidate who beat the Clintons.
“He is stronger for having beaten the champion,” says Ed Rogers, a Republican
lobbyist and former aide to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. “Period, case
closed.” Clinton-slaying brings with it a level of stature and prestige that,
say, John Edwards-slaying or Joe Biden-slaying never could. Some aides to
Michael Dukakis were thrilled in December 1987 when Gary Hart re-entered the
Democratic primary race after dropping out that May, thinking it would give Mr.
Dukakis, the Massachusetts governor, a giant to vanquish (as opposed to “the
Seven Dwarfs,” which the Democratic field of that year had been dubbed). Mr.
Hart, however, was a nonfactor by the time the voting started, and wound up
dropping out again in March.

2. SHE MADE HIM ANGRY

Mr. Obama’s relentless hope-hope-hope campaign put him in danger of being seen
as soft, a 2008 version of the “wimp factor” that haunted George H. W. Bush 20
years ago (before Mr. Bush, then vice president, embarked on one of the most
aggressive, some say dirty, presidential campaigns in recent memory). The term
“Obambi” entered the lexicon late last year, but has barely been heard of late.
Indeed, a candidate gains a certain political street credibility by being in a
fight. Aides to the current President Bush when he was governor of Texas said he
was greatly enhanced by the challenge posed by Mr. McCain in 2000.

“One of Bush’s liabilities coming in was that he was seen as a silver spooner
who had lived a charmed political life,” said Dan Bartlett, a top aide to Mr.
Bush in Texas and in the White House. Overcoming Mr. McCain, Mr. Bartlett said,
was a show of toughness. “He took a punch and got up off the mat,” Mr. Bartlett
said of Mr. Bush. “You could argue the same about Obama now.”

3. SHE LED HIM TO THE WORKING CLASS

If Mr. Obama goes on to win the nomination, one of the signature challenges of
his general election campaign will be his ability to win over the traditional
Democratic blue-collar voters that have flocked to Mrs. Clinton in states like
Ohio and Pennsylvania. In a sense, Mrs. Clinton’s success with this constituency
exposed his vulnerability with it — a vulnerability he might not have known
existed to such an extent had Mrs. Clinton dropped out early and Mr. Obama
breezed to the nomination.

In recent weeks, Mr. Obama started doing more retail events, talked more about
his family’s economic challenges growing up (to address a creeping rap of
elitism, however ill-fitting that label is). He saw what played well (a
tough-love opposition to the gas tax holiday) and what needed work (his
bowling). He worked to escape the pigeonhole that he was a big arena rock star.
He has recently done fewer big rallies and more one-of-you performances (pick-up
hoops games in Indiana). He seemed to heed Mrs. Clinton’s recurring criticism
that Mr. Obama was all about “creating an atmosphere” and “giving great
speeches.” There have been fewer shots of a larger-than-life Mr. Obama at a
podium, more of him face-to-face with workers (or waffles). More listening photo
ops, in other words, and fewer talking ones.

4. THE WRIGHT FIGHT

While this doesn’t involve Mrs. Clinton directly, the long primary battle
allowed the emergence, and re-emergence, of Mr. Obama’s former pastor, the Rev.
Jeremiah Wright Jr., to take place now, rather than later. It’s generally
assumed that Mr. Wright would have been an issue at some point, so better for
Mr. Obama now than October.
“It’s entirely likely that we’ll hear from Reverend Wright again,” said Dan
Payne, a Democratic media consultant. “But from now on, the Obama people will be
able to play it as old news.”

As a corollary to the “made him angry” benefit, Mr. Obama’s handling of the
Wright controversy signaled an evolution that could serve him well. “The
Reverend Wright thing struck me as Barack learning to be president,” said
Richard Ben Cramer, author of “What It Takes,” the exhaustive examination of six
candidates for president in 1988. “When your friend causes you trouble, a
president gets rid of those friends. It may come to pass that they become
friends again. But for the time being, this is more important.”

5. SHE HELPED DEFINE HIM

Consider Mr. Dukakis and John Kerry, both serious and sober sons of
Massachusetts who enjoyed relatively easy primary races before getting beaten in
their respective general elections in 1988 and 2004 by their respective George
Bushes. Both could have benefited greatly from tougher early tests. “Tough
primaries can give you antibodies,” Mr. Rogers said.

Bill Carrick, who ran the 1988 Democratic presidential campaign of
Representative Richard Gephardt, recalled that Mr. Dukakis had been pilloried
for claiming that the election would be more about competence than ideology. “It
was a weak message,” Mr. Carrick said. “And he could have honed it into
something much more meaningful if he had been challenged more in the primaries.”

Likewise, Mr. Kerry emerged relatively unscathed from his nomination fight, but
also largely undefined. “That gave Bush an opening to fill in the blanks,” said
Stephanie Cutter, a top communications aide to Mr. Kerry’s campaign. Mr. Bush
did just this that spring, Ms. Cutter recalls, by running ads ridiculing Mr.
Kerry for his line about supporting a funding provision for Iraq before opposing
it. The Kerry campaign had no money to respond, and by the time it did, the
damage was done.

By contrast, Mr. Obama is now a better prepared and better defined candidate,
and no doubt a stronger one, than he would have been without his rival. He went
through 21 debates against a tough opponent, Mrs. Clinton, and improved steadily
(with an exception in Philadelphia last month). He has made mistakes, but
nothing fatal, and nothing he can’t learn from.

6. AND HAS THE RACE BEEN SO BAD?

It has become a kind of operating assumption that the Democratic race has been a
bloodbath, with mud slung in all directions and grudges that will never be
resolved. Throughout the campaign, Mrs. Clinton has pooh-poohed this idea.
“There really is no cause for nervousness,” Mrs. Clinton said at a fund-raising
event in Washington last week. She has seen and been in far worse, she said.

So have others. “I find the idea that this has been such a negative campaign to
be way over the top,” Mr. Carrick said. There have been some heated moments,
mistakes and gaffes, he said. “But we haven’t seen the thermonuclear warfare in
paid advertising. We haven’t seen a tremendous ideological divide like we did in
1968 and 1972.”

Mr. Carrick and others point out that ideological splits can be much more toxic
to a nominee than stylistic or even demographic ones. For instance, the
Democrats were divided over Vietnam, a highly emotional issue that laid bare
irreconcilable fault lines. Some years later, a cultural and ideological gap was
exposed by the bitter campaign between Edward M. Kennedy and Mr. Carter in 1980.

Others point to the primary challenges posed by Ronald Reagan against Mr. Ford
in 1976 and Pat Buchanan against the first President Bush in 1992. But as has
been said so many times, Obama v. Clinton has been waged in uncharted territory,
a battle of firsts.

Mrs. Clinton has also been criticized for using arguments against Mr. Obama that
Republicans might use in the fall. She has suggested, in so many words, that Mr.
Obama is all talk, that he is not experienced, that he might not be ready to be
commander in chief.
“Yeh,” Mr. Rogers said, “like we couldn’t have thought of that.”

Avalanche Warning

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:51:15 EDT

It's raining delegates, storm warning dispatched. What was a trickle of four, then five, became 20, with no promise of letting up.

What's an avalanche anyway?

"Anything like an avalanche in suddenness and overwhelming quantity: an avalanche of misfortunes; an avalanche of fan mail."
"To overwhelm with an extremely large amount of anything; swamp" (Random House Unabridged Dictionary).

Did you know there's a verb, avalanching?

A friend of mine writes that she's tired, just finished having company. "Sleep now," I wrote back, "An avalanche is coming, and it's so exciting you won't be able to sleep later."

Snowy white, pure and clean. Fresh air. It's here.

It smells avalanchy (new word).

Carole

150 Delegates Away: Idaho Democrat Chair Endorses Obama

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:40:27 EDT

Superdelegate Keith Roark endorsed Barack Obama for President today.

Roark, the Chairman of the Idaho Democratic Party, said Obama's candidacy will give a "once in a lifetime boost" to rebuild the Idaho Democratic Party.

"The unprecedented enthusiasm Senator Obama has generated here in Idaho is unlike anything I have seen in the past 31 years of active political participation in this State," Rorak explained.

Young voters' "mint fresh optimism" has been captured by Obama, Roark said.

281 Number of superdelegates endorsing Obama

150 Number of delegates needed to secure the nomination

Carole

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka Endorses Obama

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:06:54 EDT

Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka endorsed Barack Obama today, saying he has great hope Obama will achieve "more tolerance and understanding, an appreciation for common goals and interests, rather than an emphasis on our differences."

Obama is "the antidote we need to cure Washington of the uninspired, partisan politics that has plagued our country far too long," the Senator added.

Obama in the Derby City!!!!!

Haven — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:24:24 EDT

i can't wait to hear my man Obama tonight. This primary fight is almost done and I can't wait! I want to get the general campaign going. McCain has had long enough to push himself to the center. Now it's time to show the country for what he really is. Bush 3. We are so close. Yet so far away!

Go OBAMA!

YES WE CAN!!!!

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:

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

The Uncommitted Superdelegates

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:48:11 EDT

213 Preference Unknown

Daniel K. Akaka, Senator, Hawaii Mr. Akaka will not make an endorsement, but is willing to support whoever the Democratic nominee is, according to a spokesman. All the major candidates are qualified, Mr. Akaka said.

Tom Allen, Representative, Me.

Jason Altmire, Representative, Pa. Says that he remains on the fence for now but was wondering whether he had a "moral obligation" to let voters know his preferred candidate.

Max Baucus, Senator, Mont.

Joyce Beatty, Party official, Ohio

Howard L. Berman, Representative, Calif.

Steven Beshear, Governor, Ky.

Joseph R. Biden, Senator, Del.

Donald Bivens, Party official, Ariz.

Anita Bonds, Party official, D.C.

Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Representative, Guam

Dan Boren, Representative, Okla. "I don't think Hillary will carry Oklahoma. I'm not going that far. But if you look at the tide across the country, Democrats rank ahead of Republicans on just about everything except terrorism."

Barbara Boxer, Senator, Calif. Although she does not plan to endorse either candidate as long as both are running, she says she plans to vote for Mrs. Clinton at the convention because Mrs. Clinton won the California primary, saying "the will of the voters is paramount."An aide to Senator Barbara Boxer of California said Ms. Boxer would cast her superdelegate vote for the winner of the California primary.

Nancy Boyda, Representative, Kan.

Bill Bradbury, Party official, Ore.

Robert A. Brady, Representative, Pa.

Donna L. Brazile, Party official, D.C. "I don't want to superimpose my personal views; I want to reflect the will of the voters. Honestly, I don't want to decide this."

Phil Bredesen, Governor, Tenn. Three years ago, he said that Mrs. Clinton would face an "uphill road" to win the White House. "Surely in the United States we can go further than having to have a single family dominate one side and a single family dominate the other."

Scott Brennan, Party official, Iowa

Sherrod Brown, Senator, Ohio

Raymond Buckley, Party official, N.H.

Elsie Burkhalter, Add on delegate, La.

Robert C. Byrd, Senator, W.Va.

Margaret Campbell, Party official, Mont. "I am very interested in endorsing Obama, but party rules preclude me from endorsing." "It's been emotional, it's been frustrating. It has been very frustrating. It is a huge responsibility."

Benjamin L. Cardin, Senator, Md.

Robin Carnahan, Party official, Mo.

Thomas R. Carper, Senator, Del. "I frankly don't care a lot who ends up at the top of the ticket, but I hope at the end of the day they could be convinced to run together."

Jimmy Carter, Party official, Ga. "Obama's campaign has been extraordinary and titillating for me and my family. We have four children with their spouses, we have 11 grandchildren, four or five of them are married, and all of them, except one, are for Obama. I think that Obama will be almost automatically a healing factor in the animosity now and the distrust that relates to our country and its government."

G. Nick Casey, Party official, W.Va.

Don Cazayoux, Representative, La.

Cheryl Chapman, Party official, S.D.

Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Party official, Mo.

Linda Chavez-Thompson, Party official, Tex.

James E. Clyburn, Representative, S.C. "I still remain studiously neutral. I think that the historical significance of so-called superdelegates — these are unpledged delegates — is very, very important for us to maintain. We are in place in order to either extend the wishes of the voters or to try to make corrections if they need to be made."

Gilda Cobb-Hunter, Party official, S.C. "I'm undeclared because I think it's important for the process to play itself out. I don't see inserting myself into the process. I'm not interested in being wooed. I'm not important." "It seems to be making me a pretty popular kind of girl in some circles, at least with the media."

Larry Cohen, Party official, D.C.

Jim Costa, Representative, Calif.

Ed Cote, Party official, Wash. "I am still firmly uncommitted and I am going to stay uncommitted. I do not have to vote until the week of Aug. 25. This is only Feb. 11."

Joe Courtney, Representative, Conn.

Robert E. Cramer, Representative, Ala. Has said that he would not been endorsing anyone in the nomination phase.

C. Richard Cranwell, Party official, Va. "I think the fray will be settled long before the convention starts."

Inez Crutchfield, Party official, Tenn.

John Daniello, Party official, Del.

Susan A. Davis, Representative, Calif.

Lincoln Davis, Representative, Tenn. Says he will head to the convention uncommitted, adding: "Senator Clinton won by a sizable margin in my district, better than 70 percent. I usually try to be sure I represent the wishes of the people in my congressional district."

Ralph Dawson, Party official, N.Y.

Howard Dean, Party official, Vt.

Jennifer DeChant, Party official, Me.

Joseph C. DeCotiis, Party official, N.J.

Nancy DiNardo, Party official, Conn.

Frank Dixon, Party official, Ore.

Joe Donnelly, Representative, Ind.

Wayne Dowdy, Party official, Miss.

Mike Doyle, Representative, Pa.

Nancy Drummond, Party official, Wyo. "I do have a favorite, but I'm remaining uncommitted. If it gets down to the superdelegates as a deciding factor, I want to be sure I represent Wyoming."

Brad Ellsworth, Representative, Ind. "I don't think anyone knows how long the race for the Democrat nomination will go or what role the superdelegates will play. But I am glad that, for the first time in a long time, Indiana will likely have a say on who the nominee will be."

Rahm Emanuel, Representative, Ill. "Everybody knows I worked for the Clintons. I'm very close to the Clintons. And I'm very close to Barack. Let's be honest, does anybody want to pick among friends? It's a human thing, not a political thing. At some point, if I have to make a decision, I will. But I prefer, you know, they've got to go on and develop their campaigns."

Bob Etheridge, Representative, N.C.

Sam Farr, Representative, Calif.

Jimmie Farris, Party official, Tenn.

Russ Feingold, Senator, Wis. "I'm having a hard time deciding between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, as are many people. Those are the two I take the most seriously. I go back and forth, to be honest with you. I'm torn on this whole issue of who's more likely to be progressive and really seek change vs. who's ready to do the job today. It really is a true dilemma in my mind."

Bob Filner, Representative, Calif. "It's my dream that each side will get 2,024 delegates, and I'll cast the deciding vote. There seems to be too many delegates this time. Too many people not making decisions who haven't had to be elected in support of a candidate."

Thomas Foley, Party official, Wash.

Carnelia Pettis Fondren, Party official, Miss.

Jim E. Frasier, Party official, Okla.

Lawrence Gates, Party official, Kan.

Yvonne A. Gates, Party official, Nev.

Alice Travis Germond, Party official, W.Va. "We're all hopeful that one way or another it will be resolved without having our first vote at the convention be a test vote or a vote that in any way appears to show Democrats in disarray."

Gabrielle Giffords, Representative, Ariz.

Terry Goddard, Add on delegate, Ariz.

Bart Gordon, Representative, Tenn.

Al Gore, Party official, Tenn.

Jenny Greenleaf, Party official, Ore. "Because I'm an officer of the state party, and we don't want the state party to be seen as providing more or better services to one candidate or another, I plan to stay neutral until Oregon's late primary in May."

Karen Hale, Party official, Utah Has said that she is considering switching her support to Mr. Obama because some party insiders believe the excitement of an Obama candidacy will boost the chances of Utah Democrats running in state races. "I'm conflicted. There has been a lot of pressure to change my vote."

David Hardt, Party official, Tex. Officially uncommitted because he is president of the Young Democrats of America, but plans to vote for Mrs. Clinton after fielding calls from her, Mr. Clinton and Chelsea, who also visited him in Nevada. "It's always shocking when you get a call from someone like that."

Tom Harkin, Senator, Iowa "I haven't made up my mind yet. I'm still neutral in this race, and I intend to remain that way."

Vicki Harwell, Add on delegate, Tenn. "At this point, I'm leaning toward Senator Clinton." She met Mrs. Clinton personally and found her to be a "dynamic, dedicated Democratic woman." "I certainly think she has earned the right to run and certainly to be our nominee."

Kamil Hasan, Party official, Calif. "I think the difference between the delegates for the two candidates will be so small that none of them will have the majority. It looks very likely that the superdelegates will end up deciding who the next Democratic nominee will be."

Alexis Herman, Party official, Va.

Tim Holden, Representative, Pa. "I haven't made a decision on either Obama or Clinton. I usually don't get involved in the primary when there is an open seat. We really haven't talked about it."

Chris Van Hollen, Representative, Md.

Ivan Holmes, Party official, Okla. "My inclination at this point is to stay uncommitted to the end."

Rush Holt, Representative, N.J.

Mike Honda, Representative, Calif.

Steny H. Hoyer, Representative, Md.

William J. Jefferson, Representative, La.

Blake Johnson, Party official, Alaska

Joe Johnson, Party official, Va.

Marcy Kaptur, Representative, Ohio

Awais Khaleel, Party official, Wis. "I don 't think anybody my age, 23 years old, expects to be this deep in the process right now."

Wayne Kinney, Party official, Ore.

Helen Knetzer, Party official, Kan.

Herb Kohl, Senator, Wis.

Debra Kozikowski, Party official, Mass. "I appreciate my position as a party leader and don't shirk those responsibilities. I just don't want to run out on a street corner and scream it out."

Dennis J. Kucinich, Representative, Ohio

Reggie LaFayette, Party official, N.Y.

Nick Lampson, Representative, Tex.

Mary L. Landrieu, Senator, La.

Frank R. Lautenberg, Senator, N.J.

Claude Leach, Party official, La.

Jim Leaman, Party official, Va.

Jerry Lee, Add on delegate, Tenn. Said he intends to "listen very closely" to both Democratic frontrunners in the coming weeks and then vote at the convention "for the one I think is most electable in November."

Belkis Leong-Hong, Party official, Md.

Sam Lieberman, Party official, Nev. "If it had been a blowout for one candidate, I would have probably gone with the Nevada candidate. Because of how close it was ... it will probably play only a small role in my decision."

Pilar Lujan, Party official, Guam

John Lynch, Governor, N.H.

Eileen Macoll, Party official, Wash. "They have so much to offer. It's an amazing experience to be a superdelegate and in this position. I truly am undecided." "I'm going to watch the traffic and watch the flow and see which way it's going. I'll especially be watching how the vote goes in the large states that remain, like Pennsylvania, Texas and Ohio. That will perhaps lead me to a decision."

Joe Manchin, Governor, W.Va.

Edward J. Markey, Representative, Mass.

Christine Schon Marques, Party official, Dem. abroad

Jim Marshall, Representative, Ga.

Catherine Cortez Mastor, Party official, Nev.

Jim Matheson, Representative, Utah

Jim McDermott, Representative, Wash.

Dennis McDonald, Party official, Mont. "Out of respect for this process, our superdelegates will not take a position. Certainly not until after the June 3 primary."

David T. McDonald, Party official, Wash. "Delegate-by-delegate fights are very emotionally intense. There is a great risk to all of us that the support base of the two candidates will not be able to work for the other. The single best way for a Republican to win is for us to have a fight that gets out of hand. Whoever we support, the overriding concern is to not have a Republican in the White House next year."

Mike McIntyre, Representative, N.C.

Jerry McNerney, Representative, Calif.

Leila Medley, Party official, Mo. "I still haven't made a commitment, and I still don't know what to do."

Charlie Melancon, Representative, La.

Michael H. Michaud, Representative, Me.

Glenard S. Middleton, Party official, Md.

Carole Migden, Party official, Calif.

Harry E. Mitchell, Representative, Ariz. "I've read the position papers of the candidates, I've been contacted by them and their surrogates and I'm still not committed yet."

George Mitchell, Party official, N.Y.

Heather Mizeur, Party official, Md.

Alan B. Mollohan, Representative, W.Va.

Dennis Moore, Representative, Kan.

Jennifer Moore, Party official, Ky.

Theresa Morelli, Party official, Dem. abroad "The fact that she has devoted her life to helping children and those less fortunate speak volumes about Hillary Clinton’s character. She has not only an incredible grasp of the issues facing America, but a track record of delivering real results. Hillary is the strongest Democratic candidate to beat John McCain in November and restore America’s standing in the world."

Mike Morgan, Party official, Okla.

Bob Mulholland, Party official, Calif.

Phil Murphy, Party official, N.J.

Jay Nixon, Add on delegate, Mo.

Donald Norcross, Party official, N.J. "We need to seize this momentum, attract a new generation of leaders to our party, while rallying behind the candidate who can best unite the country during these uncertain economic times. That candidate is Senator Barack Obama."

Cynthia Nunley, Party official, Wyo. "It's too early in the process to be in the mode of one-candidate-take-all. There are a lot of voices to be heard yet and there are a lot of questions to be asked."

Muriel K. Offerman, Party official, N.C.

John W. Olver, Representative, Mass.

Ben Pangelinan, Party official, Guam

David Parker, Party official, N.C. "Frankly, I'm torn both ways. My mind is with Hillary, my heart is with Obama, and I'm waiting for my gut to report."

Jay Parmley, Party official, Okla. "I guess if it's still undecided at the convention, I'll be free to make a decision one way or the other."

Gregory Pecoraro, Party official, Md.

Christine Pelosi, Party official, Calif.

Nancy Pelosi, Representative, Calif. Ms. Pelosi says she remains neutral in the race and that her "focus is on reelecting a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives".

Dwight Pelz, Party official, Wash.

John A. Perez, Party official, Calif.

Carol W. Peterson, Party official, N.C.

Collin C. Peterson, Representative, Minn.

Roberto Ramirez, Party official, N.Y.

Robert Rankin, Party official, Calif. "I try to listen to everybody. I would like to weigh everything together before I make a decision. We should consider our own people that we feel we represent."

Gail Rasmussen, Party official, Ore.

Richard Ray, Party official, Ga.

Chris Redfern, Party official, Ohio

Jack Reed, Senator, R.I. He has said the votes of Rhode Islanders will be a major factor in his decision about whom to back. He sees both Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama as potentially "very capable" candidates and presidents. "But the qualities of the candidates are important, and so is electability." "There's no on-off switch, there's no simple formula."

Harry Reid, Senator, Nev. Says he is "not going to weigh in on this at all" until the states finish voting.

Jeffrey Richardson, Party official, D.C. "The Democratic Party has an opportunity, with the groundswell of support Sen. Obama has built in his campaign with independents and young people, to expand the party long-term."

Betty Richie, Party official, Tex.

Boyd Richie, Party official, Tex.

Bill Ritter, Governor, Colo.

Keith Roark, Party official, Idaho

Kevin Rodriguez, Party official, V.I.

Roy Romer, Party official, Colo.

James Roosevelt, Party official, Mass. "I would urge superdelegates who are undecided to wait and see to get a better gauge of electability of the candidates."

Eliseo Roques-Arroyo, Party official, P.R.

Ken Salazar, Senator, Colo. "How I'm going to decide the question is to look at each and determine who would be best for Colorado. I'll look at their positions on all the issues in detail."

John Salazar, Representative, Colo.

John Sarbanes, Representative, Md.

Gray Sasser, Party official, Tenn. Says he is fretting over the idea that insiders will "get in the back of some smoke-filled room and decide it." "I'm still hopeful this will be decided like every other nomination in recent history."

Brian Schweitzer, Governor, Mont.

Jerome Wiley Segovia, Party official, Va

.Lottie H. Shackelford, Party official, Ark.

Marva Smalls, Party official, S.C

.Nathan Smith, Party official, Ky.

Meredith Wood Smith, Party official, Ore. "We don't have to make a choice right now. It's too early for that. There are still caucuses and primaries going on."

Edward M. Smith, Party official, Ill.

Zack Space, Representative, Ohio

Cindy Spanyers, Party official, Alaska [Referring to the idea that superdelegates may override the decision of the voters] "I had no idea it would come down to this." "I find myself getting a little sickened over the prospect of that being the key decision."

Sam Spencer, Party official, Me. "I want to figure out how to most broadly represent Maine Democrats in the Democratic National Committee." "Superdelegates are sort of outdated; it's not a very democratic way of doing things."

John M. Spratt, Representative, S.C. He is "lying low," according to a spokesman.

Pete Stark, Representative, Calif.

Irene Stein, Party official, N.Y.

Crystal Strait, Party official, Calif. "I saw my role, being one of two women under 30 on the [Democratic National Committee], to advocate for young voters. It's crucial to understand what they think real investment in general election in the youth vote will be. Neither has come forward with that. The Clinton campaign has been much more serious in their delegate outreach. Senator Clinton and Chelsea Clinton have called me. Obama had Governor Napolitano call me."

David Strauss, Party official, N.D.

Robert Strauss, Party official, Tex.

Marie Dolly Strazar, Party official, Hawaii

John J. Sweeney, Party official, Md.

Gene Taylor, Representative, Miss.

Lena Taylor, Party official, Wis.

John Temporiti, Party official, Mo.

Jon Tester, Senator, Mont. "Jon will vote for the candidate he feels would best serve Montana and represents Montana values. But he won't make any decisions about his vote until at least after the Montana primary," Tester spokesman Aaron Murphy said in an e-mail message.

John F. Tierney, Representative, Mass.

Art Torres, Party official, Calif

.Niki Tsongas, Representative, Mass.

Susan W. Turnbull, Party official, Md

.Joe Turnham, Party official, Ala.

Mark Udall, Representative, Colo.

Tom Udall, Representative, N.M.

Keith Umemoto, Party official, Calif.

Peter J. Visclosky, Representative, Ind.

Patricia Waak, Party official, Colo.

Christine Warnke, Party official, D.C.

Vernon R. Watkins, Party official, Calif.

Henry A. Waxman, Representative, Calif.

Jim Webb, Senator, Va.

Yolanda Wheat, Party official, Mo.

Chris Whittington, Party official, La. He has said Mr. Obama's decisive victory in Louisiana will partly influence his thinking, but the main consideration is who looks to be the eventual nominee. "I think we need to go with a winner."

Charlie Wilson, Representative, Ohio

Harriet Smith Windsor, Party official, Del.

Joshua Wisch, Party official, Hawaii

Beverly Withington, Party official, Hawaii [Referring to Mrs. Clinton's plan for troop withdrawal in Iraq] "It can't be done in less than six months, that's for sure. I believe the sentiment of the majority of America is to get the troops out sooner, but everyone understands that can't be overnight because there needs to be a phase-out, but I don't believe anyone should be there until 2013."

Nancy Worley, Party official, Ala.

Ron Wyden, Senator, Ore.

Steven Ybarra, Party official, Calif. "Hillary Clinton's campaign is in trouble and the highest ranking Hispanic in her camp is paying the price. Campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle stepped down this weekend — after Barack Obama beat Clinton handily in four states scattered in different regions of the country."

Paula Zellner, Party official, Wis.

The Superdelegates Who Support Obama

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 11:37:12 EDT

New York Times Count of Superdelegates

265 Supporting Obama*

Based on public announcements, verified lists from the Clinton and Obama campaigns and telephone surveys by The New York Times and CBS News. The tally below does not include confidential responses to the telephone poll, unless the delegate's preference was subsequently publicly announced. Updated May 9.
*One superdelegate who expressed support for Mr. Obama on the telephone poll but wished to remain anonymous is not included in Mr. Obama's total below.
Neil Abercrombie, Representative, Hawaii "I think part of his appeal is the fact that he understands our diversity. He defines us, rather than divides us. And that's a message that I think needs to be taken into this poisonous political atmosphere. I believe he'll do very well. I believe he'll be nominated. I'm certainly going to work very hard for that to take place."

Anibal Acevedo, Governor, P.R. "Not only is he the right leader for Puerto Ricans, but he is the right leader for the Hispanic community and the right leader to unite all Americans. He has the determination to make our collective future great. Senator Obama demonstrates the strongest commitment to Puerto Rico that we have seen in recent times in U.S. politics."

Steven Achelpohl, Party official, Neb. "Sen. Obama continues to transcend 'politics as usual' and focus on the issues that really matter to American families and workers." "Our party can unite behind Sen. Obama and his positive campaign.""I am truly undecided. Hillary is such a lightning rod, and I know she would dampen turnout in our down-ballot races in Nebraska. I know Obama has greater appeal to young people, and I am influenced by the fact that Nebraska went so heavily for Obama."

Steven K. Alari, Party official, Calif.

Yvette Alexander, Add on delegate, D.C.

Joe Andrew, Party official, Ind. [On why he switched his support from Clinton to Obama] "I am convinced that the primary process has devolved to the point that it's now bad for the Democratic Party." "While I was hopeful that a long, contested primary season would invigorate our party, the polls show that the tone and temperature of the race is now hurting us." "John McCain, without doing much of anything, is now competitive against both of our remaining candidates. We are doing his work for him and distracting Americans from the issues that really affect all of our lives.""My commitment to her is profound, but I would be troubled if either she or Barack Obama actually became the nominee because superdelegates decided, opposed to actual voters going to the polls and pulling the lever."

Kitti Asberry, Party official, Okla.

Anthony Avallone, Party official, Conn.

Brian Baird, Representative, Wash.

John Barrow, Representative, Ga.

Willie Barrow, Party official, Ill. "I support Barack because exemplifies a real man. He is a Christian, husband and father. Universal healthcare, employment and education are the primary issues for me. Our children are not going to school and not graduating. The state is closing schools and opening jails. I think that people of faith have to broaden their ministries outside the walls of the church. Anyone can sing in the choir or serve on the deacon board but how many know the level of unemployment in their community or the number of people losing their homes?"

Melissa Bean, Representative, Ill.

Xavier Becerra, Representative, Calif. "Barack Obama is our strongest candidate for president because of his great crossover appeal that spans parties and regions and his unique ability to rally the American people behind a common purpose."

Teresa Benitez-Thompson, Party official, Nev.

Cecil R. Benjamin, Party official, V.I.

Jeremy Bernard, Party official, Calif. "The only way I could honestly sell her to people would be to say she's going to win. What's the point of that? When we started our company, we wanted to pick only candidates we would be enthusiastic about. Obama was that candidate. He absolutely has the best record on gay and lesbian issues."

Judy Bevans, Party official, Vt. "I'm personally very much leaning toward Obama. I'd love to be able to vote for a woman for president ... but I decided Obama represents a fresh start and it's time to be done with the Clinton-Bush years."

Jack Billion, Party official, S.D. "The overall mood of this state probably leans toward Obama."

Jeff Bingaman, Senator, N.M. "To make progress, we must rise above the partisanship and the issues that divide us to find common ground. We must move the country in a dramatically new direction. I strongly believe Barack Obama is best positioned to lead the nation in that new direction."

Sanford D. Bishop, Representative, Ga.

Margaret Blackshere, Party official, Ill. "Every day he was in the State Senate, he was standing up for working people. When the steel mills were shutting down, Obama said to me 'You know, I see the difference when someone belongs to a union and when they don't. You're their advocate, and I'm going to be an advocate for all of you.'"

Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor, Ill. "I know that Senator Obama will fight to make sure that working families have access to health care, good paying jobs, and opportunities to provide for their children. Senator Obama supports the very best of these Democratic values; they are values that he and I share, values I know he will fight for. Senator Obama has the vision, skills and dedication necessary to bring people together and make real progress in Washington to help solve our country's greatest and most pressing problems. Senator Obama offers real hope for the American people and I am proud to give him my support."

Earl Blumenauer, Representative, Ore. "Senator Obama is demonstrating a unique ability not just to unite Democrats, not just to bring in the vast pool of independent voters that are ultimately going to play such a critical role, but I'm convinced based on what I have seen, what I've heard, what I know, that Senator Obama can unite America."

Connie Borde, Party official, Dem. abroad

Rick Boucher, Representative, Va. "He has the broadest appeal of any of the candidates." "His positive message and steadfast focus on the future inspire hope and enable him to attract support from Democrats, independents and Republicans in a way that no other candidate can. He presents our best opportunity to win the presidency and to govern effectively with bipartisan support from the Congress."

Bruce Braley, Representative, Iowa "It's hard not to be excited about Barack Obama. On a cold January night, and again during Saturday's First District Convention in Iowa, I saw countless people participating in the political process for the very first time because they were so inspired by Senator Obama's unique ability to transcend the politics of fear and division that have crippled this country for the past eight years."

Gail Bray, Party official, Idaho

Joyce Brayboy, Party official, N.C.

Roy LaVerne Brooks, Party official, Tex. "I have listened to the words of many seeking to lead this Party and to lead this nation and I believe that the words, sincerity, vision and actions of Sen. Barack Obama prove he is the best candidate to lead our nation. Senator Barack Obama has gained my trust in that he, like I, seek to bring a better life to our communities. As I strive to make this a better place for future generations, I stand for a system of inclusion, a system of change and most of all a system of fairness and equality. Senator Obama will provide affordable health care for all Americans, end the war in Iraq and provide the care our veterans deserve, and I am proud to support him today."

Michael Brown, Party official, D.C.

Mark Bryant, Party official, Mo. "If the Missouri primary had been overwhelmingly in favor of Hillary Clinton, I would have felt obligated to support her."

Jeanne Buell, Party official, Idaho Said she backed Mr. Obama because he campaigned in the state. "I was tired of people flying over the state and not stopping." "I promised my support to the candidate, a serious candidate, who would come to Idaho."

Anna Burger, Party official, D.C. "S.E.I.U. members are waging an unprecedented effort to mobilize their co-workers and communities to elect Barack Obama. We are committed to bringing all of our resources to bear to ensure he is our next president."

Grant Burgoyne, Party official, Idaho

Stewart Burkhalter, Party official, Ala.

G.K. Butterfield, Representative, N.C. "In what has become a two-person race for the Democratic nomination, I believe our country needs Senator Barack Obama."

Carol Ann Campbell, Party official, Pa. "This used to be a Clinton city, but I don't know if this is going to be a Clinton city in this election." Referring to Obama, she added, "This is the first person I've seen on the horizon who is a wonderful example for a little black person — to set their goals higher."

Lois Capps, Representative, Calif. "This wasn't an easy decision for me. Democrats were blessed this year with many talented and capable candidates, and I believe both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama would make fine presidents. But Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America, and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans eager for change made the choice for me.""As a superdelegate, I have decided to stay neutral in the race for the time being. I deeply respect and admire both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton."

Michael E. Capuano, Representative, Mass. "I wouldn't endorse him if I didn't think he could win in November. I've seen him on the stump and as a member of the legislative body. I think he's shown the ability to be a leader and to put his nose to the grindstone and keep pushing."

Ian Carleton, Party official, Vt. "Vermonters overwhelmingly embraced Senator Obama's message of hope and change in our State's primary earlier this week, and so it is with great excitement and optimism that I pledge my support for Barack Obama. Since the very beginning of his campaign I, along with so many Vermonters, have been deeply moved by Senator Obama's commitment to moving beyond the negative partisan rhetoric that has sadly characterized our nation's politics for so long. His leadership and vision for a more productive and decent future is exactly what this nation needs at this moment in history."

Russ Carnahan, Representative, Mo.

Andre Carson, Representative, Ind. "Senator Obama, I believe, will work day and night to ensure that the U.S. government is fighting for everyday hard-working American families."

Rob Carver, Add on delegate, Del. "I strongly believe that this country needs a leader who can lead and who has a fresh and positive outlook for our future. From what I have seen and heard, Barack has those qualities and that confident outlook we so desperately need!""The more they get to know Hillary, the more they realize she is not the right choice for the Democratic party. On the other hand, Obama is having just the opposite effect. As he continues to meet with and impress the likely voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, people get a real appreciation for his character, his positive message and his compassion and sincerity. He is the Bill Clinton of 1992, not Hillary."

Bob Casey, Senator, Pa. "I believe in my heart that there is one person who's uniquely qualified to lead us in that new direction and that is Barack Obama." "I really believe that in a time of danger around the world and in division here at home, Barack Obama can lead us, he can heal us, he can help rebuild America."He said he wants to avoid creating divisions within the party by endorsing a candidate.

Donna Cassutt, Party official, Minn.

Ben Chandler, Representative, Ky. "In these tough economic times, when many in our nation and right here in Kentucky are struggling to make ends meet and to provide for their families, too much is at stake for us to do nothing. I hope all Kentuckians and citizens throughout the nation will join with me in firmly supporting Barack Obama to lead our nation to a better future and to a place of respect for our country around the world."

Will Cheek, Party official, Tenn. "If they use the power to draw the process to a close with the candidate who has momentum, that's fine with me. But if we thwart the electorate, I'm offended by that."

Martha Fuller Clark, Party official, N.H.

William Lacy Clay, Representative, Mo.

Steve Cohen, Representative, Tenn. "Senator Barack Obama is the candidate that I trust to be the agent for change that our nation so desperately needs at this time. Barack Obama is the agent of change. He will demand higher ethical standards so that the government finally belongs to the people once again, and he will bring our troops home. This nation can be proud to have such a candidate running for president."

Brian Colon, Party official, N.M. "I believe that Senator Obama has presented a positive message of change while continuing to focus on our real opponent; a John McCain presidency and another four year term of failed Bush policies."

Toby Condliffe, Party official, Dem. abroad

Kent Conrad, Senator, N.D.

Jim Cooper, Representative, Tenn.

Jerry F. Costello, Representative, Ill.

Jeanette Council, Party official, N.C. "I know that we've got to do more than just talk about solutions. We've got to get people to the point where they work together and they are involved and are inspired enough to come up with solutions."

Michael Cryor, Party official, Md. "I have been inspired by what he represents."

Chet Culver, Governor, Iowa "I believe it's clear that the American people are hungry for change. I believe they're looking for a president to push back on the special interests, and I think it's also time for a fresh new approach to governing in Washington, D.C., and believe Senator Obama represents this new approach. I do think it matters too that Iowans have spoken loudly and clearly. And because of that, in part, I felt compelled to also stand with him."

Elijah E. Cummings, Representative, Md. "This campaign is the audacity of hope. Obama will be the next president of the United States."

Barbara Flynn Currie, Add on delegate, Ill.

Jean Lemire Dahlman, Party official, Mont. "At this point, after thinking about it long and hard, I would like to endorse Barack Obama." "I would just like to honor the Montana primary votes by saying that I would reconsider if there were a significant difference in the outcome on June 3." "I don't feel lukewarm about endorsing Obama. His leadership potential is amazing, and he has brought so many new people into politics."

Richard M. Daley, Add on delegate, Ill. "Of course, I'm endorsing Sen. Obama. He has made that decision and I think this is an exciting time for the country. It brings a new voice in regards to what is taking place far too long in Washington, D.C., the lack of moving the agenda forward in regard to the quality of life for the people of America."

Tom A. Daschle, Party official, S.D.

John Davies, Party official, Alaska [Referring to the role of longtime party activists as unpledged delegates] "The original intent by the party was to provide some long-term perspective on who should be the nominee."

Artur Davis, Representative, Ala. "What tonight shows, in every part of this state, in black neighborhoods and white neighborhoods, in every part of this state, people believed in this man."

Yvonne Davis, Party official, Tex.

Danny K. Davis, Representative, Ill.

Celita Arroyo de Roques, Party official, P.R.

Lois M. DeBerry, Party official, Tenn.

Peter A. DeFazio, Representative, Ore. "Senator Obama has proven he is able to energize young Americans, independents and even moderate Republicans to support his candidacy." "I believe he represents our best hope of winning in November.""You both claim to be better suited than the other to take on the so-called Straight-Talk Express, so prove it. Run the next six weeks of your campaign against McCain, not against the other Democrat. Go after McCain for his policy positions, not the other Democrat for theirs. Allow the Democratic voters to believe in a campaign that can provide a new direction for this country and stop McCain from continuing the failed policies of the Bush Administration. In the end, it is the candidate who can take the fight to McCain and win that deserves my support and, most importantly, the support of the Democratic Party.""This has never come up in my political lifetime. I have no idea how this will play out."

John deJongh, Governor, V.I.

Bill Delahunt, Representative, Mass. "The election of Barack Obama will restore America's image in the world and also reaffirm our claim to moral authority." "It will enhance our national security and our national interest."

Rosa DeLauro, Representative, Conn.

Arrington Dixon, Party official, D.C.

Christopher J. Dodd, Senator, Conn.

Lloyd Doggett, Representative, Tex. "Whether Obama or Clinton lead the ticket, it will be historic. I welcome the opportunity to work with both."

Byron L. Dorgan, Senator, N.D.

James E. Doyle, Governor, Wis. "Obama listens to competing points of view, but makes strong decisions; he identifies problems, and builds coalitions to confront them; and he inspires people to come together behind a vision of change. He has campaigned like he will govern, by bringing people together and inspiring average Americans to participate in the political process so that we can take on the special interests and the great challenges we face."

Martin Dunleavy, Party official, Conn.

Richard J. Durbin, Senator, Ill.

Mary Ellen Early, Party official, Calif.

Al Edwards, Party official, Tex.

Chet Edwards, Representative, Tex. "It's not Senator Clinton's fault, but the baggage she carries is the divisiveness of the 1990s. People are wanting to turn the chapter to the future rather than going back to the last chapter. It's not fair but that is the reality."

Keith Ellison, Representative, Minn. "Obama supporters were ecstatic about the explosion of democracy we saw."

Anna G. Eshoo, Representative, Calif. "Senator Obama's candidacy is historic, and so is the reaction to it. He has brought thousands of disaffected and skeptical people back into the political process, and he has struck a chord with thousands of young voters. Still more are poised to participate in the days ahead. Barack Obama is a true son of America."

Edward Espinoza, Party official, Calif. "This needs to be over and done with by Memorial Day."

Kathleen Fahey, Party official, Neb. "I think he's the one who could come up with something different in terms of being able to handle the nation's problems. It was a difficult decision because if there is any woman so qualified to be a great president, it would be Hillary. But you either love her or you hate her, and I don't think she could get elected in November."

Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, Party official, Am. Samoa "I have nothing against Hillary and respect her very much for her leadership and services to our country, but I believe Obama's style of leadership and his ability to bring people from all different walks of life and political persuasions is what our country needs right now."

Chaka Fattah, Representative, Pa. "This is a transformational moment in the history of America." Obama "motivates ordinary Americans to accomplish extraordinary things."

Adrian M. Fenty, Party official, D.C.

Charlene Fernandez, Party official, Ariz. "Senator Barack Obama is strengthening the Democratic Party by bringing in new voters, young and old, into the process. I believe Senator Obama has the best ability to win the White House in November and lead this country forward."

Michael L. Fitzgerald, Party official, Iowa "Endorsing a candidate this early is no ordinary occurrence in the Iowa caucuses — but Barack Obama is no ordinary candidate. He spoke out in opposition to the war in Iraq before it started, and today he has an aggressive plan to redeploy our troops out of Iraq by the end of March of 2008. We believe that Senator Obama has the vision to meet the challenges America faces, and that his message of hope and unity will lead us to a new kind of politics where we are not defined by our divisions but united by our love of country."

Stephen Fontana, Party official, Conn.

Bill Foster, Representative, Ill.

Carol Khare Fowler, Party official, S.C. She said she will base her decision on who she thinks is most likely to win in November, and "I don't have the answer to that yet."

Ken Foxworth, Party official, Minn.

Kalyn Free, Party official, Okla. "Barack Obama is a once-in-a-generation kind of leader and the best hope the American people have to rebuild the erosion our collective foundation has endured the last eight years. In 2008, we must elect a President who will restore our faith in the possibilities of each and every American, including the First Americans."

Dave Freudenthal, Governor, Wyo. "The negativity, partisanship and lack of purpose that characterize our national debate and government are crippling this country." "While no one individual can effect this change alone, the change must begin with someone. Senator Obama is the Democratic candidate with the openness, honesty and skill to end this vicious cycle of business as usual."

John Gage, Party official, Md. "Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama's campaign."

Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker, Party official, Calif.

Eric Garcetti, Party official, Calif.

Liv Gibbons, Party official, Dem. abroad

Parris N. Glendening, Add on delegate, Md. "I do not have anything against Senator Clinton. I just think Obama would provide the fundamental change we need."

Lauren D. Glover, Party official, Md. [Saying she based her decision to endorse Obama on his lead in pledged delegates and popular votes, she called him the best candidate to] "move our country past where we are now."

Charlie Gonzalez, Representative, Tex. "I think as people get to see him up close and personal, they will be moved and they will be inspired."

Enid Goubeaux, Party official, Ohio "I am endorsing Sen. Obama because his message, 'Yes we can' has inspired so many voters, especially younger voters, to take part in shaping our country's future."

Al Green, Representative, Tex.

Christine Gregoire, Governor, Wash. "He is leading us toward a positive feeling of hope in our country, and I love seeing that happen. I believe the nation faces significant challenges domestically and internationally and Obama is the person who has the ability to reach across artificial divides and move our national forward. Barack is that kind of leader."

Janice Griffin, Party official, Md.

Raoul M. Grijalva, Representative, Ariz. "The best opportunity to win in November rests with Senator Obama. I am proud to support Senator Obama as we move forward toward the nomination. This election is not merely about moving the pieces around in Washington, D.C., but to fundamentally change the rules of the game. I am proud to help Senator Obama work toward that change."

Stan Gruszynski, Party official, Wis. "Senator Obama will bring the change we need here in Wisconsin and across America to strengthen the middle class and standing for regular Americans." "From saving jobs from being sent overseas and creating new ones for our hard-working families, to creating universal health care and making college affordable to all, Senator Obama is a leader who will change America."

Luis V. Gutierrez, Representative, Ill. "In December of 2006, when he invited me to his office to talk about running for president [Mr. Obama asked] what do you think Luis, would you support me? And I said absolutely."

Dan Hannaher, Add on delegate, N.D. "Because Barack here won with 61 percent of the vote in a February 5th caucus, that brought out unprecedented numbers of new voters to the caucuses. He'll expand the map if he's the nominee and not start discounting the states before the race even starts."

Phil Hare, Representative, Ill.

Fred R. Harris, Party official, N.M. "I'll be [for] Obama for as long as he's in the race, unless he withdraws, which I don't expect."

Inola Henry, Party official, Calif.

Brad Henry, Governor, Okla. "Senator Obama is uniquely positioned to unite our nation and move beyond the divisiveness and partisan skirmishes that too often characterize politics as usual in Washington."

Stephanie Herseth, Representative, S.D. "I hope the superdelegates are not the ones deciding. It should be the pledged delegates who should be deciding."

Baron P. Hill, Representative, Ind. "Some have advised me to be cautious, to wait and see which way the electoral winds may blow. I confess that I have listened to those voices and been tempted by their reasoning. But, the stakes are just too high. We cannot continue to pursue the same politics of personal destruction we have engaged in for a generation, some never-ending 'groundhog day' endlessly playing out the cultural wars of forty years ago." "I believe Senator Obama has the capability to change the tone and tenor of politics in Washington."

Mazie K. Hirono, Representative, Hawaii

Paul W. Hodes, Representative, N.H.

Wayne Holland, Party official, Utah "Sen. Obama has helped to energize our State Party. Obama was clearly the choice of Utah Democrats on Feb. 5 and is the choice of the majority of Utah Democratic candidates to head the ticket in November. While it is not only important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate whom I believe will help unite the many voices of our 'big tent' Utah Party and help us build for the future.""I've always been pragmatic. I'll vote for what I think is best for the party."

Steven Horsford, Party official, Nev. "I think that the majority of the delegates — those that are representative of voters of states — should decide who the nominee is."

Constance Howard, Party official, Ill.

Waring Howe, Party official, S.C. "While I have great respect for the other two major candidates, Barack Obama has consistently demonstrated that he's the one candidate in this race who can move us past a '50 percent plus 1' politics and build a new, working majority to deliver change we can believe in. With him at the top of the ticket, Democrats will have a candidate they can run with, not run from."

Therese L. Hunkin, Party official, Am. Samoa

Thomas C. Hynes, Party official, Ill.

Jesse L. Jackson, Representative, Ill.

Wilber Lee Jeffcoat, Party official, S.C. Has said he could stay unpledged until the convention and that he was concerned about "taking away what the people back home voted."

Ben L. Jeffers, Party official, La.

Tim Johnson, Senator, S.D. "He is bipartisan and insists on bridging the difference between parties. That's what I see in him."

Denise Johnson, Party official, Tex.

Eddie Bernice Johnson, Party official, Tex. "Senator Obama's campaign has generated interest in young Americans who have never before been involved in politics. American needs these young people not only for their vote in this election, but for their continued participation in the future of our country."

Hank Johnson, Representative, Ga.

Emil Jones, Party official, Ill. "Barack Obama has spent 20 years delivering change we can believe in to communities across Illinois." "Every time we needed his help, Barack Obama stood up for us, and we need to stand up for him by voting on Feb. 5 to elect Barack our next president."

Raymond Jordan, Party official, Mass.

Peter Jorgensen, Party official, Wyo. "Having lived over 70 years and been down [in Cheyenne] six years, I know we need to tip the wheelbarrow over." "We need real change." "My inclination is to stick it out to the end." Saying you will support whoever wins your state "is a very popular thing to say until it comes down to analysis of who can win against McCain."

Steve Kagen, Representative, Wis. "What I plan to do is listen to the will of the people in my district. As they go, so will I."

Tim Kaine, Governor, Va. "Barack's success indicates his broad support and his ability to appeal to folks from across the political spectrum."

Edward M. Kennedy, Senator, Mass. "I'm not only supporting Barack because of what he has done. What counts in our leadership is not the length of years in Washington, but the reach of our vision, the strength of our beliefs, and that rare quality of mind and spirit that can call forth the best in our country and our people. That's why I'm most excited about the promise of President Obama."

Patrick J. Kennedy, Representative, R.I.

John Kerry, Senator, Mass. "I believe more than anyone else, Barack Obama can help our country turn the page and get America moving by uniting and ending the division we have faced."

Jane V. Kidd, Party official, Ga. "In Georgia, we're making grassroots voter contact our top priority in 2008, and I'm convinced that Senator Obama shares our dedication to neighbor-to-neighbor contact. I strongly believe that having Senator Obama as our nominee puts Georgia into play, and I know that, as the nominee, he will invest in our efforts to turn Georgia blue this year."

E. Lee Kinch, Party official, Kan.

Ron Kind, Representative, Wis. Has announced that his vote at the convention would go to whoever wins his district. "No person, regardless of position or office, should have his or her vote count more than anyone else's."

Paul G. Kirk, Party official, Mass. "After the attention paid to the poisonous and polarizing diatribe of recent days, Senator Obama's clear and compelling message which appeals to our best instincts as Americans is more important than ever. For all these reasons, I heartily endorse Senator Obama and hope my colleagues will do the same.""Once the contests are over, do the math. By mid-June, we must unite behind the candidate who has won the most delegates under a process we all understood and approved in advance. After eight years of Bush-Cheney, if we cannot unite our constituencies behind the Democratic nominee, shame on us!"

Amy Klobuchar, Senator, Minn. "I am endorsing Barack because he is a new kind of leader -- speaking with a different voice, bringing a new perspective and inspiring a real excitement from the American people. He is able to dissolve the hard cynical edge that has dominated our politics under the Bush Administration." "The energy that Barack has unleashed is impossible to contain."

John Knutson, Party official, Me. "It is clear that this presidential campaign will come down to a race for delegates, and I believe that by pledging to support the winner of Maine's caucuses, I will help to increase Maine's importance in the nomination process."

Frank LaMere, Party official, Neb.

Rick Larsen, Representative, Wash. "For me, what happened in North Carolina and Indiana ended up being a game changer." "Especially in Indiana where he came back after getting hit hard for a couple of weeks.""If I need to exercise my vote as a superdelegate in order to have a nominee this fall, then I will. I believe the grass roots of the party should select the candidate. The grass-roots process is not done. We should let it finish."

John B. Larson, Representative, Conn.

Nancy Larson, Party official, Minn. "I just think they are both wonderful candidates. Its been really difficult for me to make up my mind." "But I think the thing that really swung me over to Obama was his wonderful grassroots type of campaigning and the number of people he's got helping him out and supporting him.""They never anticipated that we would have two superstars locked in a dead heat, so I think there is no playbook for this." She hopes a decision gets made "before we have to step in."

Patrick J. Leahy, Senator, Vt. "Many around the world have lost respect for America and the hope that America once gave them. That's a tragedy. We need a president who can reintroduce America to the world and reintroduce America to ourselves."

Barbara Lee, Representative, Calif. "I am convinced that Senator Obama is the candidate who is a real agent of change; a man who can lead our nation in this young century in a new, progressive and positive direction. This century cries for social, environmental, diplomatic, global, and neighborhood solutions to the misery that confronts far too many people in our own country and around the globe. Senator Obama promises leadership to meet these challenges."

John Lewis, Representative, Ga. "In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit." "Something is happening in America and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap." "I've been very impressed with the campaign of Senator Obama. He's getting better and better every single day."

Cordelia Lewis-Burks, Party official, Ind.

Daniel Lipinski, Representative, Ill.

Dave Loebsack, Representative, Iowa "In a field of strong candidates, Barack is the strongest. What impresses me about Barack is his commitment to changing the way business is done in Washington. He understands that to pass universal health care, make energy independence a reality, and meet the other challenges we face, we need leadership that can bring all Americans together around a shared purpose."

Zoe Lofgren, Representative, Calif. "This year, above all, we need inspiration. We need a candidate and president who will summon us to unity, who will allow us to believe that America is a country whose ideals and principles matter and a country whose exceptional history can once again serve as a beacon of hope for the world."

Mary Long, Party official, Ga. "After careful thought, it is my honor today to endorse Sen. Barack Obama who day by day and state by state is challenging politics as usual and engaging so many new, diverse, Democratic voters -- voters who will propel Sen. Obama to victory in November and help elect great Democrats at the state and local level. As a delegate in August, I choose to be on the side of Georgians and on the side of history as I cast my vote for Barack Obama."

Leon Lynch, Party official, Pa.

Patrick Lynch, Party official, R.I. "The spirit, energy, intelligence, vision and inspiration that he offers is what our country needs right now."

Richard Machacek, Party official, Iowa "I think it needs to be over, and in good conscience, I can't fly in the face of my precinct, county and district. The raw numbers coming out of the district conventions really sat me down hard."

Michael Madigan, Party official, Ill. "For people who have had an opportunity to work with him and to see him and observe him, they are prepared to trust him with the most important office in the land."

Mark Mallory, Party official, Ohio

Debbie Marquez, Party official, Colo.

Iris Y. Martinez, Party official, Ill. "I really believe that, you know, we are headed towards a change in this country and I think the only one who can lead us there is going to be Barack Obama."

Jim Maxson, Party official, N.D.

Claire McCaskill, Senator, Mo.

Jennifer L. McClellan, Party official, Va. "My role is to vote in what is the best interest for my party as a whole."

Betty McCollum, Representative, Minn.

Rhine L. McLin, Party official, Ohio "I said all along that however Dayton and Montgomery County went, that's how I would use my superdelegate. I'm going with how the area went. That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Jerry Meek, Party official, N.C.

John Melcher, Party official, Mont.

Brian Melendez, Party official, Minn.

Moses Mercado, Party official, Tex. "I thought he was the right candidate for the country."

Brad Miller, Representative, N.C.

George Miller, Representative, Calif. "Barack has the skills and experience that's necessary to really challenge the status quo in Washington, D.C. I'm very encouraged by the energy of the people responding to him and his vision of how people can come together to solve the problems that confront us."

John A. Millin, Party official, Wyo. "If Barack Obama is the Democratic presidential nominee, we will be the party of new ideas that understands that a united America will be much better able to address the serious problems facing our country than a divided America. If Hillary Clinton is our party's nominee, every Democratic candidate in Wyoming will be painted with that same liberal, big-government brush. We will also be the target of the locker room jokes that rightfully belong to Bill Clinton."

Susan Montee, Add on delegate, Mo.

Dannie Montgomery, Party official, N.C.

Gwen Moore, Representative, Wis.

James P. Moran, Representative, Va.

Mee Moua, Party official, Minn.

Patrick J. Murphy, Representative, Pa. "I am inspired by Senator Obama's call to service and believe he is best suited to bring about the changes we need in our country."

Christopher S. Murphy, Representative, Conn.

Janet Napolitano, Governor, Ariz. "I think we need fresh voices and fresh messages of unity and coming together. I think he's a new, young voice who has new appeal, particularly for those of us in the West."

Sonny Nardi, Party official, Ohio

Ben Nelson, Senator, Neb.

Nick Nemec, Party official, S.D. "South Dakota is a pretty bright red state, and I think a lot of South Dakota Democrats were sick of being beat around the head and shoulders with the Clinton name."

Mary Jo Neville, Party official, Md.

WASHINGTON -- Jeff Radjewski of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is pretty sure he's backing Barack Obama. Same goes for Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Oakland County Commissioner Eric Coleman.

"Probably get the letter out next week," said Coleman.

All three are undecided superdelegates -- a group of Democrats virtually assured of deciding whether Obama or Hillary Clinton becomes the party's presidential nominee. While their support isn't written in stone, it suggests an unmistakable momentum swing.

On Thursday, that shift was evident when former U.S. Rep. David Bonior of Mt. Clemens endorsed Obama. Though he's not a superdelegate, Bonior, who has deep ties to organized labor and ran John Edwards' failed presidential campaign, could help sway those who are.

He called Obama the "one candidate who has proven he can bring the kind of change to Washington that will mean more jobs, better pay for American workers and health care for every single American."

Meanwhile, Michigan party leaders said they would move ahead with a plan to ask the Democratic National Committee to seat their disallowed delegation with 69 delegates going to Clinton and 59 to Obama even though Clinton -- who would have won 73 delegates if the results of the Jan. 15 primary had counted -- rejected it.

Although Obama's 14-point victory in North Carolina this week and the 2-point win Clinton eked out in Indiana appeared to make it almost impossible for her to catch him in the delegate count, many superdelegates still aren't prepared to decide the contest.

Michigan has 29 superdelegates; 27 have been named and two more will be appointed next month by state party Chairman Mark Brewer, if the state's disallowed delegation is reseated. Of those superdelegates, seven have endorsed Clinton, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. John Dingell. Two are backing Obama: Rep. John Conyers and DNC member Virgie Rollins.

Of the undecided, the Free Press found three leaning strongly Obama's way, none who said they were moving toward backing Clinton and many who are outwardly or apparently waiting for more signals or the naming of a nominee.

The UAW, for instance, hasn't endorsed a candidate, and the union's two superdelegates aren't likely to make a pick public until it does. The same is true for other unions represented by superdelegates, like the National Education Association, which represents teachers.

Other superdelegates, such as U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, National Committeewoman Debbie Dingell, Reps. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and Bart Stupak, and Brewer weren't expected to make a selection at least until the state's delegation is seated. The state lost its regular delegates because it scheduled an early primary.

"I'm going to wait," Levin said Thursday.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has a vote, too. His spokeswoman said Thursday, "He's talked to both campaigns and it's not going to be hard for him to make a decision, but he's not ready to make an announcement."

Rick Weiner, former chief of staff to Granholm and former head of the state party, said he has a preference but won't reveal it; not yet, not even to his wife. And Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence said she's close but wants to wait for one more primary -- next Tuesday's vote in West Virginia.

It may have been telling, though, when she said: "The numbers have to be there for a nominee."

Lauren Wolfe, a 25-year-old University of Detroit Mercy law student, is president of College Democrats of America, and she's appealing to students on YouTube.com for advice on who to back.

Radjewski, of IBEW Local 58 in Detroit, said he had been leaning toward Obama and "Tuesday really strengthened that." Making his decision official, he said, was a matter of making sure the people he represents know who he intends to back.

"I wanted to support the candidate who could best win in the fall," he said.

Said Ficano: "It's reaching a point where it seems the math is going to be difficult at best and is looking almost impossible" for Clinton.

The Wayne County executive was waiting to work out details before making an announcement.

As for Coleman, he'd pretty much made up his mind that Obama represents the fresh start the nation needs.

"All you've got to do is add up all the delegates from all the remaining elections and she still comes up short," he said.

• Watch Lauren Wolfe's YouTube video

Obama Now Takes The Lead in Superdelegates Too

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 10:24:29 EDT
    Obama Now Takes The Lead in Superdelegates Too
ABC News' Karen Travers Reports: For the first time this campaign season, Barack Obama has surpassed Hillary Clinton's support among superdelegates, according to the ABC News delegate estimate.
Sen. Obama, D-Ill., picked up two superdelegates this morning giving him a new metric to tout in addition to his current commanding leads in pledged delegates, popular votes, states won, and money raised.
Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., switched his endorsement from Clinton to Obama and Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., endorsed Obama. DeFazio was previously uncommitted.
With these endorsements, Obama has the support of 267 superdelegates and Clinton has 265 superdelegates.
Every news organization's superdelegate count is a little different because it is an imperfect science. Since October 2007, the Political Unit has continuously reached out to the nearly 800 superdelegates to determine their candidate preference. We also reach out regularly to the Obama and Clinton campaigns for their superdelegate lists and work to confirm any that they include on their lists.
Clinton’s advantage among superdelegates was once massive and has been dwindling steadily since Super Tuesday, when she was ahead by over 60 superdelegates.
Clinton’s institutional support from within the Democratic Party allowed her to build a commanding lead in superdelegates over Obama in the early part of this nomination battle.
Despite several rough weeks on the campaign trail, Obama has maintained momentum in picking up superdelegates. Obama has outpaced Clinton at every marker of this campaign since Super Tuesday -- after the controversial comments of Rev. Wright came out, after Clinton’s big win in Pennsylvania and after the Indiana and North Carolina primaries.

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:38:40 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:36:53 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:19:18 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:12:28 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:10:43 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:08:35 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 09:06:35 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE


Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Zax — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:53:56 EDT

Hi everybody. Sorry I've been out for a while. i've been very busy caring for my 24 year old son. He was critically injured in an accident on his job close to three years ago. A forklift he was driving tipped over onto him. He has been going through surgery after surgery since then. He just recently had another surgery and is schuled for another surgery yet in about a month. Hopefully this will be his last one. I haven't forgot about my blog here on Obama.com, I just haven't had the time or mind set to concentrate on my blog recently. I will attempt to post at lease one blog day for now. Thank you all who read my blog and/or wondered what may have happened to me.
Zax
sTAY iN pEACE



Hussein? I Just Had to Respond

mtnwizard — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:19:38 EDT

I was on the forum of an NFL team and came across a thread that read: "What makes you think Barack HUSSEIN Obama can defeat John McCain?" I saw red and responded:

"You know little about politics. Isn't it funny that someone who wants people to think Obama is a Muslim wants to also make him responsible for the words of his Christian pastor. Guess you like it both ways.

Take it from someone who shook Bobby Kennedy's hand one day and watched him win the California primary the next -- and be murdered. I've worked in many presidential campaigns, and Barack Obama is a great man -- period. You can try to pin the words and deeds of others on him, but he has demonstrated his loyalty, his character, and his calm demeanor under stress, plus he has a nice soft jumper from the corner.

As to leadership, he has outwitted, outplayed, outmanaged, outfoxed and outfinanced the great Clinton machine that has been in existence for 20 years. She started out with a 40-pt lead in every state and a $100 million war chest. He started out with HOPE and no money.

His awesome organizational skills have created the greatest ground operation of any political campaign in history. He has all kinds of money left over. Hillary blew her $100 million relying upon a Super Tuesday wipeout that never happened. WHY HASN'T HILLARY BEEN ABLE TO CLOSE THE DEAL? HE EVEN GAVE HER A HEAD START. WHAT A GENTLEMAN!

This man is destined to be our next President. Deal with it. His organization will clean McCain's clock. There will be MILLIONS more Dems voting than Repugs, and McCain's tax cuts that you crow about have NOTHING to do with you. They are only for the wealthy. If, however, you are suffering at the gas pump, Obama will put strict mileage standards on the manufacturers and give a $1,000 tax break to middle class Americans. Know what you are talking about before making such uninformed statements."

Click here to enjoy his great inspirational Acceptance speech:

http://candidblogger.blogspot.com/2008/05/democratic-primary-we-have-winner.html

==========================
There -- I got that off my chest.

Introducting OhBoyObama.com

OhBoyObama.com — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:38:40 EDT
Oh Boy Obama is the unofficial campaign think-tank. Created by Obama supporters for the purpose of giving the Obama grassroots a platform to submit and vote on ideas to better the 2008 primary and general election campaign of Barack Obama. All supporters are welcome to contribute.

Is it Over?

Triscuit — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:34:58 EDT

After the closely contested primary in Indiana last night, pundits and editorials are busy arguing over whether or not the race is effectively over.
This morning, Jim Rutenberg from the New York Times said he thinks the majority of newspapers are declaring the race over in favor of Barack Obama, and that this feeling should solidify over the course of the day. Then Katharine Seelye, also of the New York Times, said that the Clinton campaign has acknowledged that even the full delegate count from Michigan and Florida won't be enough to give them the nomination. This could be a sign that the NYT as a whole has decided that the primary has concluded, which would be a death knell for Clinton's campaign.
On the other hand, the LA Times remains undecided, with a series of articles that indicate that Clinton is still in the race, albeit in tough times. This view will be echoed in many of the morning dailies, which went to press before Clinton's lead in Indiana dropped to only 16,000 votes.
It will be interesting to see how the conversation changes over the next couple of days. Even if it doesn't finish off Clinton's chances, it will affect the outcome of the upcoming primary in W. Virginia. Her only chance is to maintain popular support through to the next round of primaries in Clintonian states, and then heavily contest the last round that is leaning towards Obama, before wrapping the thing up in the convention.
Clinton's campaign will have to work hard to prevent this line from hardening, or the superdelegates will move and the race really will be.

Kitchen Sink Strategy Sinks Clinton

Edie — Wed, 07 May 2008 03:49:41 EDT

With an Obama win in North Carolina and only a 2 % loss in the Indiana primary the nominee for the Democratic Party is blatantly obvious. Barack Obama will be the Democratic Party Nominee and he will be the next president of the United States of America. There was a period of uncertainty after the Pennsylvania primary. Barack lost some of his magnetism, he didn’t perform well against Clinton in a debate, the controversy surrounding Reverend Jeremiah Wright took him off of his core message, and Clinton was in her best form yet.

It looked as if Clinton was in a position to win all of the next primaries by wide margins. Clinton herself asked, “Why can’t he close the deal?”   She needs to now ask herself the same question.    She was supposed to be the inevitable nominee. She has not lost, but she is not winning.    Clinton is in great form and she will keep fighting. Although I am an Obama supporter, I want Clinton to stay in the race. She is giving Obama the preparation he needs to face the Republicans in November. Clinton’s kitchen sink strategy has been great for Obama. There will be nothing the Republicans can bring up that Obama has not already dealt with.   The kitchen sink strategy is not helping Clinton win the nomination, but rather helping Obama win the Presidency.

No Sleep Tonight!

Disabled Vet 2000 — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:16:26 EDT

The returns in Indiana just switched to 51%-49% (still Clinton but only by 20,000 votes) and Hillary has canceled her morning show appearances. I am losing my mind!
Thank you North Carolina and Indiana! This is incredible - I've said it so many times in this campaign - I have never seen anything like this! To top it off a Union Rep just called Obama the "Presumptive Nominee!"

Worked the Hamilton County Polls

Chuck — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:19:31 EDT
My wife, Sharon, and I, worked at a Westfield poll today - me as the Democratic judge, and Sharon as the Democratic clerk. It is an experience I recommend to everyone, as you see the process from the inside.In our precinct, Obama got twice as many votes as Hillary!! We did great work in Hamilton County!!! This is even with a significant Operation Chaos showing. We had quite a few Republicans ask for Democratic Ballots. No big deal, since we like crossovers for sincere reasons, but several of these people were "wink wink nudge nudge" so I believe they were voting Hillary to screw with the Democratic primary.A gentleman showed up, in a VERY nice suit, and said he was the "~~RNC~~ GOP Chairman." He asked how many Democrats were voting versus Republicans. We told him there were significantly more Democrats than Republicans. He grinned hugely and said, "Operation Chaos," and raised his eyebrows a few times, apparently showing approval for the illegal, treasonous Limbaugh plan to sabotage the Democratic primary.For the past several weeks the media has said this exact scenario - a huge win for Obama in North Carolina, and a minor win for Hillary in Indiana, means Hillary loses any further justification for remaining in the running. So, Yes We Did!

Ari Melber: Key Voting Blocs Boost Obama in Indiana - Huffington Post

Christopher Martin — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:54:02 EDT

So Barack Obama is back. The results on Tuesday did not provide the "game changer" Hillary Clinton so desperately needed. Instead, Obama built on his leads in delegates and the popular vote. His aides pointed to May 20 as the day when he will clinch a majority of elected delegates, essentially becoming the party's presumptive nominee. And that's not all.

In Indiana, Obama improved his support across several key demographics, despite a bruising month of attacks on his pastor, patriotism and populism. Compared to Ohio and Pennsylvania, he generally drew more votes from white women, Catholics, gun owners, households earning under $50,000 annually, voters prioritizing the economy, and voters without a college degree. A Democratic field operative sent in this graph of the progress:
More

Gas Tax Costs Hillary General Election

Disabled Vet 2000 — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:50:47 EDT

What happens to Hillary's populist argument when she can't pass the Gas Tax Holiday in a Democratic Congress? How will she convince people that she can reach across the aisle and end gridlock when she can't even get her own party to rally behind her.
This will be the headline in November if people don't get behind Barack Obama. The Gas Tax promises Hillary made, but can't keep by any stretch of the imagination will end our hopes for an end to the Bush era. Hillary won Indiana by claiming she could give people a break on the gas tax - polls show that Rev Wright did not impact Obama much, if at all with white voters - his numbers remained steady, which says to me that once we have a nominee he won't have much trouble swaying white voters in the General once Hillary is no longer an option.
We need a Democrat in office and if a backroom deal takes the nomination away, one of the biggest wild cards no one is talking about for the general election is what will happen when Hillary's Gas Tax Stunt fails. McCain will say that even in a Democratic Congress and Senate Hillary did not keep her promise. He will say that it is even more proof that she is a politician that will say anything to get elected, but fail to deliver to the people that got her elected. McCain can simply blame the Democrats for a failure to pass the Gas Tax, saying it's further proof that Democrats don't care about the working class voter.
If Obama is the nominee he can simply show what happened in the past with Gas Tax Holidays. In the end they benefit Big Oil and Obama will use this as proof to the American people that McCain was pandering for votes. He can also say that with all of his experience McCain knew from the start who this "Holiday" would benefit and it will be more evidence that he is loyal to Big Business and Special Interests over all else. Over the past 8 years we have learned just how dangerous it is when Big Business essentially runs the government.
Even if you support Hillary or are undecided, tonights primaries have proven that she simply can't get the delegates to win. It's time to back the only viable candidate for the nomination before the Democratic Party self-destructs. If the Super Delegates have to decide this at the convention, we will have no time to come together to defeat McCain.
Hillary has to discount states or change rules to even make the argument that she can win the nomination. Obama has the math (any way you slice it), the money, the delegates, and the popular vote. Now Hillary is trying to change the number of delegates needed to win because she knows she can't reach the target currently set. It seems that if she can't win within the rules - change them again and again until she figures out a way to win.
So please, vote for the good of the American people and the Democratic Party. We can't win if the black community and voters under 40 stay home in November. We also need the Independents and Republicans that will vote for Obama but not Clinton. Many conservative voters will stay home rather than vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee, but the antipathy they have for the Clintons will cause them to come out en mass to defeat her if she somehow got the nomination.
Many Independents are upset with McCain for going so far to the right appease the extremist Jerry Fallwell/Pat Robertson contingent in the GOP. There are many that are sick of Bush and have left the GOP or gone a bit to the left because of a disasterous 8 years and the hold the extreme Christian Right now exerts on the party. Many have gone independent because of the war in Iraq and Obama has a much better shot of getting their votes than Hillary does. I have spoken to many of them when making phone calls for Senator Obama's campaign and I have changed quite a few minds and have swayed even more that were leaning towards Obama but still undecided to get behind him.
My final argument is that Hillary has not been "battle tested" as she claims. Obama has not stooped to Rovian tactics to get elected and McCain thus far has focused on Obama. In this election no one has not gone after her on any of her financial scandals. They have barely touched on her exaggeration of her foreign policy experience, neither has the main stream media. That will change drastically once this is a Democrat vs. Republican race instead of and intraparty struggle. If McCain and the GOP "Swiftboat" 527 organizations get to run against her in the General Election. They will also go after all of Bill Clintons pardons, Lincoln Bedroom "rentals," and Bill's Chinese business deals. This is going to get nasty, but Hillary has already dragged out anything she could get on Obama, and frankly all she can find is a couple of people he knows - nothing on the man himself.
Stephanie Marushia, Virginia Beach, VA

Republican Turnout In Indiana

Candace N. - V.O.B — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:58:03 EDT

I heard a few moments ago that there has been a huge turnout of republicans voting in Indiana. In my opinion I think there may be alot of them voting for the wrong reasons. We really need election reform. I hope that our party will work on this issue, it is hard not to see that the democratic party election system sucks (to be blunt).
I hope everyone will continue to make calls, donate and volunteer as we head into the last primaries. We need change and we know that Senator Obama is the only candidate that is going to make that change possible.
YES WE CAN !!!!!!

Primary Day in Indiana

Theresa Bescher — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:45:12 EDT

Tuesday, 6:15 am:
I voted at 6 am, to discover no Obama sign at our town polls location and an entire "Hillary table" in the parking lot. I was prepared to take an Obama yard sign up to plant it (and that is being done by my husband right now), but an entire table to Hillary blew my mind (made me nauseous, quite honestly).
I would love to set up an Obama table and sit there all day, but can not do that with a 2.5 yr old in tow. Anybody in the area who is looking for somewhere to sit today, or have extra Obama signs they'd like to put up, let me know. I'm sure there are bigger cities that people are concentrating on, but every vote counts, right?
Tuesday, 7:45 am:
After stewing about it for about 45 minutes (and waiting on my toddler to get out of bed), I went back up to the voting booths at 7:30 am and had a conversation with the Hillarious ones. They looked scared when I walked up to their Hillary table with my Obamaness showing (a shirt with Obama's face on it), but I handed them my contact card and told them that I assumed we would all be voting for the Democratic candidate in November (they agreed with me). I said, "I know that this is a Republican state, and in our town of 1800 people we're especially a minority, so here is my contact information and I hope we can work together in November to get the Democrat elected." Having reached out with my olive branch to the Hillary supporters, I am feeling pretty good about it. They seemed to appreciate it - and agreed that we will vote the Democratic ticket together in the fall. With all the ugliness of this campaign, it is good to know that the Hillary supporters I just met will be supporting Obama WHEN he wins the nomination.I saved a yard sign for this very occasion (I just knew that there wouldn't be one up at the voting place) and yanked the one out of our yard, so we have 2 Obama signs at the voting place in Kentland Indiana.

Thanks for listening to me ramble with my update,
Theresa
P.S. Reading these emails, and especially a few from John Schlegel, were my inspiration for going back up to talk to the Hillary supporters, so THANK YOU!
Tuesday, 11:30 am
I have received a dozen or so emails this morning from people who are offering their own olive branches and yanking the Obama signs from their yards and taking them up to the polling stations. I have great progessive hope from this conservative state of Indiana. And, most certainly, my faith in my fellow Obama supporters has been reinvigorated!!
I have also gotten one email from an Obama supporter saying she will vote Republican if Obama does not get the primary nomination. I adore Obama and desperately want him to win this primary--I'm sure there are Hillary supporters who feel the same, so we must reach out to them and bring them into our groups.  We can not allow John McCain to steal this thing from us in November. We must come together. For the Democrats, this is ours to lose, so let's not blow it! Thanks for your valuable time!

Today We Vote!

ObamaMama Kris — Tue, 06 May 2008 05:56:28 EDT

And so this is the day. I have to admit I would rarely get up this early, but today we vote. I will get my kids off to school and head off to my polling place.
Yesterday, two twenty-something Obama volunteers stopped by my house to leave a door-hanger, encouraging residents to vote and listing our precinct's voting location. They knocked at my door and wanted to say "Hi," apparently because I had an Obama for President yard sign out. We talked for maybe 5 minutes or so, and I thanked them for all their work.
Then one of the guys came back a couple of hours later in a frenzy. He said that when I had mentioned to him where I would be voting today, it hadn't registered with him -- but it was at a different church than was written on the door hanger (I hadn't even looked at it...just put it down on our dining room table). I said, "Well, it is sorta new -- the location moved there in 2006 -- before, we voted at our fire station." I told him the name of our new polling place again and said I'd show him my voter location reminder card that had come in the mail on Saturday. It confirmed what I had mentioned.
That's when they realized that they had been given the wrong door-hangers for our precinct. They were so disappointed (and frenzied!) because they had been working for over 3 hours getting our area covered. They were terrific though -- they said they'd work as long as it took to make sure every house was hit again.
That kind of commitment and enthusiasm seems so abundant with Obama volunteers. Nothing was going to stop these two young men. I think that has been one of the main reasons I am so hopeful that Senator Obama is nominated as the Democratic candidate for President and is elected. He inspires that kind of commitment in all of us...not just saying what HE can do for America, but what ALL of us can do.
We have not seen that type of vision and challenge for many years.
As it now approaches 6 a.m. and our polls open here in Indiana, my thoughts and prayers are with Senator Obama and Senator Clinton, all of their volunteers and supporters, and all of the people of Indiana and North Carolina who will exercise our right to select the next Democratic presidential candidate.
It is a great day.

Podsnack 4 North Carolina & Indiana

Madama Ambi — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:51:13 EDT

Voicemails I've received recently from supporters of Barack Obama...a little valentine from 5 voters to North Carolina and Indiana...
Click here to listen...4:07 min.

Obama replies - To Clinton's Latest Attack Ad

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:24:50 EDT

Do attacks solve our problems?
Sen. Obama thinks they don't, and says so in his latest ad. Obama replies to Hillary's latest attack ad in an ad released by the Obama campaign, called "Hometown."
“We need honest answers... And a president we can trust." That's what Obama says, adding, "The same old Washington politics won't fix our problems."
The ad points out that Hillary's hometown newspaper, The New York Times, describes Hillary's attacks as the "low road." (Latest Obama ad, "Hometown," here).
Carole

ABC Clinton Lovefest on "This Week"

ObamaMama Kris — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:01:28 EDT

Well, this is just too, too dandy. Stephanopoulos moderating (not interviewing) a 1-hour lovefest for Hillary.
Why doesn't ABC just give her a 1-hour Hillary for President infomercial instead?
The "questions" from audience supporters are simply intros for her to launch into her campaign talking points. And those camera cuts to the bobble-head audience members -- "Oh, Hillary, yes, yes, yes!!! You are so wonderful and so brilliant!!!"
I think I'm going to puke!

I Couldn't Bear an Obama Bust

ObamaMama Kris — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:47:43 EDT

Big day in the Fort. The Obamas will be downtown for a "family picnic" at Headwaters Park. I'm delighted they'll be here (should be a nice, sunny day out, too), but after my Bubba Bust yesterday, I'm not about to go down there to be part of the chaos! It will be crazy!
I"m looking forward, however, to watching NBC's "Meet the Press" in a few minutes to see how Tim Russert handles his opportunity to interview Senator Obama.
MSNBC seemed to run it's Obama/Rev. Wright special multiple times yesterday. I'm not sure there's an objective way to determine whether that particular show is a + or - for the Obama campaign, but I just feel uncomfortable with the graphics promoting it -- and host Dan Abrams has a pretty snarky vibe going throughout. I don't know. Maybe I'm mis-reading it.

SNEAK PREVIEW - OBAMA TV ADS

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:47:34 EDT

Want to peek at the new Obama ad going on TV in Tuesday's primary states?

The ads are 2 minutes long. There's one for Indiana and one for N. Carolina. It will be on TV mainly during the evening news Monday night, but will appear in some places on Sunday.

Obama speaks out against a gas tax holiday, saying it's only the usual Washington politics. He outlines his plans to stop the divisive politics in Washington.
(Indiana version here). (N. Carolina version here).Carole

Obama Wins Guam . . .

mtnwizard — Sat, 03 May 2008 19:16:12 EDT

by 7 votes. 8:50 a.m. — When all of the ballots were finally counted -- a process that lasted through the night until well after the sun was up -- Sen. Barack Obama had the most votes from Guam Democrats in the party’s caucus held yesterday.

Obama finished with 2,264 votes to Sen. Hillary Clinton’s 2,257 votes – a 7-point difference. Obama never trailed from the first vote count.

OBAMA WINS GUAM

277 Delegates To Win The Nomination!

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:48:43 EDT

Barack Obama only needs 277 delegates to become the Democratic nominee for President.

Three delegates were added to Obama's delegate count today: Superdelegate Brian Colon, Chair of New Mexico's Democratic Party, and two delegates who were added-on from other contests.

Here's the math!!
Carole

What Obama Proposed Today!

Carole@www.Americans-Away-From-Home.com — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:37:45 EDT

In his speech today in Indianapolis, Sen. Barack Obama proposed new ideas for the U.S.
Obama said his proposals were not "gimmicks" but real ideas to help Americans, referring to the gasoline tax holiday proposed by Hillary Clinton.
(Obama's proposals here).
Carole

Wayward Yard Sign

ObamaMama Kris — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:14:45 EDT

When I got up this morning and went outside to get our newspaper, I noticed my Obama '08 sign wasn't there. Hmmmmm...
We had some thunderstorms on/off yesterday, but little, if any, bad weather overnight -- that I could hear. My sign was anchored on it's wire rods about 8" deep, so I thought that was pretty sturdy, and the vinyl "envelope" sign was tautly covering the wire frame.
When I went out to inspect, one rod was still standing in it's original location, the other rod (and top wire part of the frame), plus the sign were at the edge of my yard...unharmed, but a bit crumpled.
Opposition vandalism -- probably not -- wind-blown, hard to say. I had noticed one other incident of what looked to be attempted vandalism a day after I put it out, right after the PA primary...the sign had been hiked up along the side rods. That definitely wasn't a wind thing.
Maybe anxiety in our highly Republican precinct -- and one that is not ethnically diverse -- is building up 3 days before the Indiana primary.
I "got hope" it was just the wind.

Bubba Bust

ObamaMama Kris — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:58:59 EDT

Got an e-mail a couple of days ago -- President Clinton was going to be doing the Rural Bubba tour through small towns in northeast Indiana. I always thought Bill was a solid Prez, minus the Monica BS, even if I don't have a fondness for his wife.
When I'd talked with the Clinton volunteer on the phone yesterday (prior blog post), I mentioned that I was planning on driving to one of his stops today. She said to be sure to take something to sign -- that he wouldn't do each one "with you," but volunteers would collect anything that attendees wanted signed and after his speech, he'd go to where the items had been taken and sign everything.
So I found my "Clinton Wars" and "Living History", stuck labels with my name on them, and headed 25 miles north to Kendallville, a town of 10,000, 89% white, 9% black. Bill's speech was going to be an indoor/outdoor deal at a fire station. I got there about an hour before the event (which started at 10:15), but realized I'd probably be too late to find decent parking.
I was right. This was NO PLACE for any kind of big gathering. It was on a road a block from Main Street, and very poor access. It should have been held at a local school -- where there would be adequate parking. The line of people was about 3 blocks deep -- not unexpected -- but there was absolutely no parking, so I just headed back home.
Hey, I was willing to go see Senator Obama and be at his town hall meeting 3 hours early, but just couldn't see doing that for Bill. I did tear up on the drive home -- I really would have liked to have seen him (because he has been the best president, IMHO, in my lifetime), and I would have liked to have heard him to see how his anti-Obama rhetoric would have been spinned and spewed.
Oh well...it wasn't to be. Time for me to change gears and go make Tuesday more successful for Senator Obama.

Posts with the tag primary

Independent Democrat Senators

Uryahav

Poemak

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Finally PEACE.

Thank you, Hillary. Really.

Wisconsin Hotly Contested: Allegations Of Voter Fraud Surface

Reel In the Hillary Voters Today!

Following the Clinton Money Trail

Article on the Internal Breakdown of Hillary's Campaign in The Atlantic

August Elections

Ex-Hillary's that Vote McCain

Obamabot Version 2.8

Oh, and about that Hillary debt?

Please Allow Me to Vent...*UPDATE 1.1*

Hillary's Debt

FYI: GA Primaries -- Qualifying Link

The Great Divide

From Yahoo News - Bob Beckel - http://news.yahoo.com/s/realclearpolitics/20080625/cm_rcp/its_not_even_close_obama_shoul_1

a N/NE Portland primary campaign office slideshow

Farewell, Tim Russert, old friend

Turn a Red State Blue? One can HOPE!

The plural pronoun

Welcome Hillary-Democrats Unity

Securing Nomination

A post-mortem on the Primary

we dreams of metamorphosis

I Witnessed History- Thank You Barack Obama

My Congressman Finally Endorsed Obama.

MSNBC CALLS NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!

Historic Proportions.

From this day to the ending of the world

Tonight is OUR Night

Democratic Rules Committee Settles Delegate Count for FL, MI

Winners and Heroes

Obama in Spanish

Numbers Don't Lie

Crossing Boundaries--Interview4Obama

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

Anatomy of a smear.

Don't Fall for the New Sideshow. Don't Get Distracted. Don't Miss the Last Video On This Page!

Oregon loves Obama! Primary Report...

nail biter

The Florida Factor

News Update: Obama Gets Ass Handed to Him In Kentucky. Here's Why -

Barack Obama Captures the Majority of Selected Delegates

As goes...you fill in the blank

Waiting, Waiting

Is tonight the night the Reubenesque Diva Warbles?

GOTV 4 Obama in KY!

Big KO Primaries

What An Amazing Turnout for Obama

I am hoping this will help with your PRIMARY and you will share it!

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

Is Hillary actually helping us?

Be The Change--Pamela

This is the best Primary EVER!

West Virginia: "Ordinary Americans"

Let's win the vote..call or emai everyone in West VA..please!

No Third Term for Bush! Calling on Congressional Candidates to Endorse Obama

postulated: primary campaign positives

Avalanche Warning

150 Delegates Away: Idaho Democrat Chair Endorses Obama

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka Endorses Obama

Obama in the Derby City!!!!!

Could Michigan + Florida + Edwards Nominate Hillary?

Change and Split

The Uncommitted Superdelegates

The Superdelegates Who Support Obama

Obama Now Takes The Lead in Superdelegates Too

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Missing You All At mybrackobama.com

Hussein? I Just Had to Respond

Please Allow Me to Vent...UPDATE 1.1