Posts with the tag speeches

Forget the Kool-Aid, Smell the Coffee!!

SingleParent — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:27:34 EDT

Can someone explain why we are using words like brainwashing & indoctrination when the President wants to give a speech encouraging students to do well in school?? I mean ENOUGH ALREADY! It is clear that his critics don’t like him but are they so blinded by their hate that they can no longer see straight? First of all, COME ON! Seriously? Even the good he does no longer matters?

Second of all, surely we all agree that this is a positive message and one that our students desperately need to hear. Is anyone suggesting our kids should not do well in school or that they should drop out?

I think his critics need to get a grip on themselves quickly because it is now becoming a question of either intelligence or hatred. At this point, it is hard to tell if they are ignorant when it comes to the facts or if their hatred has simply blinded them to the truth. It has been said that ignorance is bliss but that is not the case. Ignorance is simply ignorance. Bliss requires knowledge of and appreciation for your circumstances thereby ruling out ignorance. FYI, ignorance is not a good look.

According to a news article, the President’s critics seem to have a problem with the questions on the study guide that has been provided to assist in a discussion session to follow his speech. Questions such as “What do you think the President is trying to say to you?” Where is the offense? If the President is the one who gave the speech, isn't it legitimate to ask, “What is the President trying to say”? This is simply getting ridiculous. Instead of making intelligent points, they are grasping at straws and making themselves look less than intelligent. Much less.

Our country is falling behind other countries and our children need encouragement from every quarter and President Obama’s critics want to play politics! You know what? President Obama is not perfect. If he makes a mistake, he should be called on it but this petty straw grasping does not reflect well on his critics at all.

I do, however, have to give our President credit for his incredible ability to stay above the mess. I hope in a similar situation I could react the same but as agitated as I feel now on the sidelines, I don’t think I would handle it as brilliantly as he does.

I should not continue to be surprised at the low level tactics of his critics, yet I am. I am disappointed as well. See, having been born post slavery, it has always baffled my mind that this great country I live in could have such a period of shame in its history. Yet, as each day passes and the hatred becomes more blatant, my mind becomes less baffled.

A speech on the importance of education is now a BAD thing? The President is being criticized for sending out questions to get students thinking about the speech he just made? Not comments, mind you, but questions? So, the students should listen to his speech and then what? Not discuss, not think about it ever again? Not question the message they just heard? I think it is a sign of strength that President Obama didn't just expect to give a speech and have students mindlessly swallow it whole. Instead he chose to spark discussion with the students about the value of education and the wisdom of staying in school. He chose to get them thinking and talking.

Show me the downside! It’s wrong? Really?

I’ll tell you what’s wrong. What's wrong is that it is 2009 and this conversation is historic in that it has never been done quite this way.

When graduation rates dropped, this should have been done!

When the achievement gap widened, this should have been done!

When other countries began to surpass us, this should have been done!

If you want to point fingers, let’s at least point them in the right direction!

I am more than ready for people to stop politicking, roll up their sleeves and get to work! Let’s get to the hard work of getting us back on track! Our situation is entirely too serious for us to still be playing politics! Let’s get to the hard work of getting our kids to see the value of education, what it means for their future and for the future of our country.

It’s time for some people to wake up! Instead of worrying about us drinking the Kool-Aid, I sincerely wish they would start smelling the coffee!!

My crazy New Ideas for World Peace - X Post

Mickiboop (P.O.B.) Be the Change — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:00:53 EST

Good Day All: I just completed celebrating Thanksgiving & my birthday with four days off work. I can truly say that I feel especially blessed this year because I'm thankfully alive, my family and friends helped me celebrate and I received the best birthday present of my adult life - the president that I wanted, wished for, worked for and helped to elect - Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. Yay!!! The only damper I've felt in the past few days has come from the dastardly news going on in Mumbai, India.

So, I've been thinking (a dangerous action), and trying to figure out a NEW and more EFFECTIVE way to go about changing the hearts and minds of the overly sensitive hot-headed terrorists of the world. I don't know that mine or anyone else's ideas would help at this point, and we might just help to make them more desparate & volatile, but I believe we MUST use a new tactic or two. Here are my lofty & realistic ideas:
* President Obama should call a World Summit for Peace by asking the top aids and/or officials of all hostile nations to meet (probably in groups with neutral mediators), work towards consensus on at least two issues and agree to a cease fire (no bombings or terror actions) while implementing the agreed upon changes within a specific timeframe. If successful, the countries can work on the next two issues and keep repeating the process as needed...

* President Obama can ask our U.S. foreign ambassadors to team up with our foreign aid workers to put an AGRESSIVE plan in place and begin helping with the food, medical, clean-water, agricultural and micro-economic issues of the people in nations that are hostile towards America. A lot of the hostility towards western nations is due to the enormous gap between the haves & the have nots! I believe that we could bring an end to some of the hostile angst by helping the resentful nations to feed, clothe and shelter those in need...

* I believe President Obama's humility, diplomatic attitude and calm demeanor will also help to quiet some of the hostility that other nations have toward America. I would like to see President Obama give a few reality check speeches to some of America's hard-core opposition nations so that they can witness his sincerity and hear his message of peace in person. I don't think they would be able to resist Barack's charm and inspiration...

Yes - I know these are a crazy mix of hope, pipe-dream and realism but, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the above.

Kissimmee

j.b. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:11:23 EDT

The speeches tonight were stirring and magnificent. The appearance by President Clinton was well recieved by the audience. Six Days to go.

Words matter, speeches can change America

William Henry Mee — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:48:05 EDT

August 31, 2008

Words matter, speeches can change America; both are tools of great leadership. Leadership that has been absent these last eight years with a seemingly illiterate Administration.

Slogans sell. Remember “Remember the Alamo?”; “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”; “The New Deal”; “The New Frontier”; and “The Great Society.”

Then there are the great quotations: “Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security”; “A day that will live in infamy”; “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. (Eisenhower).”

“A day that will live in infamy” ---allowed FDR to move a very unwilling and completely unready nation to war in World War Two.

Remember a “uniter not a divider”; compassionate conservative”, “I don’t believe in nation-building and won’t get involved in foreign entanglements”---famous words of George W. Bush that many people believed in and became the real basis of their vote in 2000. Things that can be proven today to be totally untrue about a leader some thought was ready to lead. Yet, you fell for them, hook, line and sinker.

"The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate and dishonest --- but the myth - persistent and persuasive....." - John F. Kennedy.

Words did matter for Barack Obama in every one of his 45 minute speeches, when the Neoconservatives picked out a sound byte and held it against him. In dozens of speeches so inspiring that they will guide history---they stand almost forgotten on his website. Worse yet, a small group of greedy right-wing self-interested anti-patriots can destroy our hopes, our dreams, and the change we can believe in by running ads with their carefully crafted sound bytes. Our hopes, our dreams, and the change we can believe in are the central core of the Obama campaign.

A theme echoed some 40 years earlier: "Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not." - Senator Robert F. Kennedy; 1968 Presidential Campaign.

Obama’s opponents dismiss him as a novice and unready; and even level the ridiculous charge of him being an elitist. Yet, the same was said of another President: “The free society who do not take care of its many who are poor will not be able to save it’s few who are rich.” - John F. Kennedy.

John McCain is a rebel not a maverick. A rebel is one that seeks to destroy the system and not work from within.

Sincerely,

William Henry Mee

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Should presidential candidates be required to hold regular press conferences answering questions from the media and public?

Ms CYPRAH — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:35:28 EDT

Candidates should hold press conferences quite regularly, for four main reasons.

First, the regularity would ensure that different subjects were covered in rotation up until the election. A good deal of time could be spent examining an issue and allowing the public to get a definite feel for how the candidate would deal with it. It would allow the public to also envisage that candidate in a 'presidential' capacity, dealing ad hoc with difficult questions, instead of someone just making speeches they have prepared and saying anything they believe the audience wants to hear. It would definitely force them to keep on topic.

What Makes a Good President?

tom jefferson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:02:46 EDT

Lincoln

One term in the US House of Representatives (he once ran for Senator and lost)
Was a lawyer in Illinois
Spent 8 years in the Illinois House of Representatives
Had a talent for making great speeches
Was known to talk against a war when it was unpopular...(Mexican-American War)

One term in the US Senate (he also ran for Senator and lost the first time)
Was a lawyer and community organizer
Spent 7 years in the Illinois Senate
Also has a talent for making great speeches
Was also known to talk against a war when it was unpopular...(Operation: Iraqi Freedom)

If you're wondering what makes a good president nowadays, just remember the greatest presidents of the past and try and find their qualities in a candidate from today.

Lincoln surrounded himself with people that disagreed with him, as does Obama. And as you can see, the similarities do not end there...

Yes We Can - a song and a fact!

Peter from Portland, OR — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:14:23 EDT

Yes We Can (words and music by Peter Armetta) is at http://www.archive.org/details/YesWeCan_111

I guess you can't know how numb you've been until you begin to wake up. Hearing a Presidential candidate unequivocally state an obvious fact, that a government serving the interests of the wealthy and the powerful at the cost of untold pain to ordinary people all over the world is not worthy of us and the country we all love, has made a tremendous difference to me. Senator Obama is right; hope is an American tradition. In the last analysis, it is we ordinary people who make the difference, either by our benumbed and hopeless silence or by beginning to take responsibility for shaping our own destiny. Ordinary Americans of all races and traditions have done it before us, and we can do it, too.

The song at the link above was written the day after Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for President. I hope it will speak to you. Please forward it to anyone you feel may respond to Obama's message: that real change is possible and the time for it is NOW!

But the best advocate is the man himself. Here is a link to a collection of his speeches that really gives a sense of what he's about and what he's asking of us (especially "On Taking Back Government" and "A More Perfect Union"):

http://cid-989b4bad74a5dfb1.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Essential%20Obama%20Audio

I hope this finds you well and successfully engaged in exactly your own way in making the world what Senator Obama's candidacy reminds us it can be.

Peter Armetta

What the h** is going on?

Marston — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:39:22 EDT

This campaign is beginning to look too much like the last two. Who ever is running this campaign needs to get their you know what together. Obama and Biden look unprepared, their answers to questions are unfocused and their speeches are rambling.

Believe you me, the Republicans are not going to leave anything to chance. This campaign shouldn't either.

Get on message and get on message now. This campaign is losing the swing voters it needs to attract and its losing them by letting McCain and Palin make too many cheep shots. When McCain says "Obama believes you need to lose Iraq to win Afghanistan", we need to hit back with "McCain believes we need to win a war that never should have been, while losing Afghanistan to Al Queda and the Taliban"

What this campaign needs is a focus bullet points. Take a lesson from Ross Perot and Newt Gingrich. Why were they so popular - particularly with the crowd this campaign needs to win? Because they understood the basic principle of having short, easy to undertand committments that can be communicated to the average joe. American's remember Perot's graph charts and Gingrich's Contract For America.

> America needs Health Care Plan that keeps Americans healthy, not a Health Care Plan that keeps Insurance companies and Pharmaceutical Companies healthy.

> American needs a Tax and Economic Policy for the Middle Class and those in Need, not a Tax and Economic Policy for the Rich

> America needs a Foreign Policy that creates partnerships in the world, not enemies.

> America needs a Military Policy that focuses on Military missions, not Nation Building missions. A plan that secures America by going after Al Queda where they are - like Afghanistan and Pakistan - not being a police force for Iraqis.

> America needs a Government by and for the People, not by and for the corporations and lobby groups. We need transparency and openness, not secrecy.

> American needs a Government that creates a fair playing field for businesses and workers on an international stage - equal pay for women, protection from aggressive and monopolistic capitalism like China.

> America needs a Government that believes in Science, not Science Fiction. Direct and immediate investment in Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure and in Education.

All I can say is quit screwing this up or the entire thing is going to go into the toilet. Why don't I hear anything about Keating 5? Its time to take the gloves off. I see too many commercials and hear too many speeches on the defensive - get back on the offensive and do it now.

> Get back on Oprah, get back in the churches

Bottom line - don't screw this up.

McCain for Secretery of Defense?

Michael Oakes — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:56:55 EDT

Hi ,I had a response from family concerning the smears they had forwarded me, with one line and more anonymous e-mails attached.No mention of the phony smear e-mail you were so aghast at last time?No mention of the Bridge to no where lies?No mention on the lies about Sen. Obama's lack legislative achievements?No mention of her record as mayor: political firings, banning books, hiring lobbyists to bring in earmarks, and sending that town of 8-10,000 into $20 million in debt?Just another e-mail circulating with no name or source, which looks like more of the non-stop stream of fake e-mails the Right Wing keeps circulating. This one, to put the best spin possible on her actions. Of course it could be real- in which case it was not created but selected to put the best spin on her. If real, all it shows that one or two admitted Republican's who bash all Democrats as corrupt, got to chat with her and like her. Is this a surprise? Now, the details of this case are yet to come out. The Trooper may be bad news, but he deserves a hearing. Was the commissioner who refused to fire him without due process also deserving of being fired without due process? Well there is an ongoing investigation to find out. The Republican's are now trying to squash it. Is the Legislator running the investigation also corrupt? We don't know, but as the anonymous writer slanders all Democrats, we can't blindly accept his biased opinion. Was the Librarian who refused to ban books in Wasilla, and the Police chief, and other officials in that small town also deserving of being summarily fired or threatened with it? Well two of them sued her and one won, so we can likely say, not all of them. The point here is we really don't know her. She may have some good and some bad in her short record. Let's look at what actual facts come out in the wash. However, what we do know is that someone is spreading rumors, lies, and gossip as fact. I suggest we rely on legitimate news sources like the Newsweek fact check I sent you. Check out the Fact-check on Obama's web site, and follow them back to their legitimate sources, rather than taking in every anonymous e-mail as fact, whether it exonerates the Republicans or smears the Democrats. What troubles me for our country is the lack of concern for years evidence of serious corruption in the Bush Administration, which even McCain alluded to, though did nothing about. Election fraud, manipulation of intelligence to promote an illegal war, corporate corruption with Cheney's company, Halliburton, ripping off our military in time of war, and Bush's buddies at Enron nearly bankrupting our state, and destroying the lives of their own employees. Illegal spying, detention, and torture of innocents. Killing of civilians. 1.2 million dead, and 4 million refugees in an unnecessary war. Ignoring the overwhelming worldwide Scientific consensus, and refusing to follow much less lead the rest of the world in averting the disasters of Climate Change for our children. Corruption certainly seems to be in the eye of the beholder. But what can you behold in the posture of an ostrich? From most Republican's I've witnessed a "See no evil" attitude toward their own, and a self-serving credulity and shameless rumore mongering toward Democrates. Coupled with and a disdane for our free press and science, it poisons our civic discourse and undermines our democracy.But all these years you have refused to even watch V.P. Al Gore's Academy Award and Nobel Peace Prize winning documentary on the science of Global Warming, or Michael Moore's Oscar winning documentaries, because you said they were biased. Yet you'll watch Fox News, without knowing who and what its owner, Rupert Murdock is. You'll read and accept books published by the most discredited right wing smear artist. And you accept and pass on demonstrably false rumors, gossip, lies, and smears from fake and anonymous e-mails. Surely, this is biased.The last thing I want to note about the GOP convention, was the paucity of policy. The lions share of all the speeches were about John McCain's biography, with a heavy emphasis on his military family background and mostly his time as a POW. Solid policies were also sorely lacking in Palin's speech. Other than "drill baby drill", they said very little. The overall effect was emotional. The message seemed to be, we deserve to be in office because of our personal stories, not our wise leadership, sound judgment, and well thought out policies. The tone of all but McCain's speech was very sarcastic, derisive and divisive for our country; it was the same old appeal to culture wars that goes back to the '60's, and the Red bating of the "50's. The facts were spun, distorted, and ignored to amp up the emotional attack. And the overwhelming emphasis on military service and personal suffering, and the lack of concrete, comprehensive policies on the major issues of our day made me think he was running for Secretary of Defense, or Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, rather than President. Commander in Chief is only one role our President must play. And he does not plan the strategy and tactics of our wars; that's what our great military does. The civilian authority decides when and where to use our military might - judgment which John McCain, and even more so Sarah Palin, have not demonstrated, and Sen Obama has. The President must exercise skill in diplomatic, economic, intellectual and moral leadership; everything I've seen demonstrates Sen. Obama can do all that, and Sen. McCain can not. Now you might bridle at least at the moral leadership; but when you support a bloody illegal war and never discuss the human and economic costs, when you support torture (as McCain ended up doing after initial resistance), when your instincts are to bomb our way to peace, no matter how patriotic you may feel, you only tarnish the reputation of America as a beacon of justice. Who would make a better war lord? Perhaps Sen. McCain. Who will make better policy and a better President. Definitely Sen. Obama. Who is the more known and qualified V.P., definitely Sen. Biden. That's my considered opinion.I know you may differ on all this, but at least let us differ honestly, base on the facts and not on lies, innuendo, and rhetoric. We owe that to our country.Love,Michael Oakes

-----Original Message-----
Subject: FW: Sarah Palin comments from people who know her

Abuse of Power maybe in the eyes of the beholders…… Sarah Palin First, comments by a political cynic and Second, those of a Palin relative that lives in Alaska gives us her feelings toward McCain's running mate And from a Alaska man who is a very serious cynic about all things political here is my take on Sara.I met and spoke with Sara Palin about two years ago at our downtown Park Strip. It is a place for walking, carnivals, political outdoor things and such. She was cooking hotdogs at a fund raiser and introducing herself to the public as a Governor hopeful.She came by and said the usual "Hi, I'm Sara Palin and I am running for Governor"...and I expected her to keep on to the next person but she asked me who I was and what I did in Alaska and we ended up talking for 15 minutes about me, Air America (she was all agog!) and my career in the Army and AAM. She is a pilot (Super Cub) I'm told although all she told me about that was that she loved flying.As I watched her over the next six months as she successfully ran for Governor I was really impressed. I was impressed greatly even before that after she resigned a good position (Alaska Gas and Oil Regulatory Commission) because a fellow Commission member (Chair of the Alaska Republican Party) misused their office and position. He was using the FAX, computers, printing room and all to promote the Republican endeavors while in a State job. That is a huge no-no in any government employment position.She resigned and made her point and within weeks Randy Ruderich (the above bad guy) found his ass out on the street and a subsequent investigation found him guilty and he was fined $12,000. Small change actually but a giant point was made.Next she went after our most horrible Governor ever, Governor Murkowski, and damned if she didn't beat him! All of us here in Alaska , except the Democrats, are sick of our State's corruption. That fact was shouted to the heavens after she was elected with an overwhelming point spread.After she got into office she started after corrupt legislators and with the FBI's help we've put four of them in prison, indicted six more and the "Corrupt Bastard's Club" as they arrogantly called themselves (even had hats made with CBC on the front!) suddenly found it no fun anymore. Club membership is now in the toilet!!The current flap which has cost her a ten point loss of popularity (she's still 82%!) was over firing a popular Commissioner of Public Safety who is responsible for our Alaska State Troopers. She fired him for no STATED reason which was her prerogative as the Gov. He served entirely at her option. She and her whole family had a bad, bad experience with a rogue Trooper who was married to Sara's sister. His name is Trooper Wooten. This dimwit Trooper had threatened Sara's father (death threat!), threatened Sara ("I'll get you too"), tasered his 12 year old stepson, drove drunk in his AST cruiser, got a pass by a fellow Trooper who stopped him for erratic driving a second time while in civvies and just a host of other things not yet released to the public. He got away with it and got another pass by the Commissioner's appointed AST Trooper Internal Affairs investigator with a tiny slap on the wrist. Five days off without pay to be exact!!This maverick Trooper is still on the payroll but only just. The Union intervening saved his malcontent ass. He'll yet get his I'm sure. Incredible heat is being heaped on the Troopers. Public heat, not the Governors office.The Democrats had the audacity to appoint a obviously biased investigator, Rep. "Gunny" French (so called because he lied about being in the USMC while running for the Legislature) is a staunch liberal and under the orders of Senate President Lyda Green who hates Sara. She hates Sara because after being elected Governor Sara told the whole Legislature in one of her first meetings with them that, quote; "All of you here need some Adult Supervision!!!". Sara was seriously pissed and not afraid of anyone there.That played wonderfully well with Alaskan's after all of our corruption and after all of her successful battles against a seriously entrenched corrupt government here in Alaska . It pissed off the whole Legislature though! They have stayed pissed but also afraid of her because of her popularity.She reminds me personally of our Alaska wolverine which will fight anything in it's path if it see's fit to do so. No respect at all for size or position. Wife Cindy is in this category too. Unfortunately.In closing I must tell you that she is the best, most moral and most focused leader I've seen since President Reagan. I feel, really strongly, that like Alaska the rest of our country will love her within a few weeks. Put simply, she represents middle America like NO leader we've ever had. I think McCain made a totally brilliant move in choosing her. She's a maverick who is probably tougher and more focused than McCain himself....and she won't be a total "Yes Man" or more appropriately, woman. McCain will love her.In 2012 she will be President.My best to all of you in the hurricane belt. I hope you are all OK. We just had another mini Air America reunion here in beautiful Soldotna , Alaska along the Kenai river. Milt Olson, Mike Seal and Ernie Brace (McCains POW buddy) were all here. Ernie's wife, Nancy, is a class act and a wonderful gal. I wish you'd come up and see us. We'll be doing this every year now I guess. Like our Flying Tiger pal's before us there are not that many Air America guys left. I'm 71 myself this September 16. Where the hell did the years go so fast?My best to you old buddy.Semper Fi from the friend of a friend A relative that lives in Alaska gives us her feelings toward McCain's running mate.We were excited to hear Sarah was McCain's choice.... She is an awesome candidate.... She has proven herself a strong leader in AK and Alaska girls are pretty tough.... Around here their favorite bumper sticker is that " Alaska Girls Kick Ass" and they aren't kidding....Sarah is known for being "common folk" ... she refused her security detail, and picks up her own dry-cleaning. She lives in her own home instead of the Governor's mansion so her kids can go to their regular schools.... He husband is an Alaska Native (Indian) her kids are named after Alaska things... "Trap" is the oldest, Bristol (Bristol bay), Willow and baby Paxon are named for places, and Piper for an airplane (AK's primary transportation) She and her husband Tod still net salmon commercially during the fishing season, and she is an avid hunter, and respects the state's traditions...One of the favorite recent stories concerns the birth of her last baby... She was scheduled to speak at a big conference of Governors in the Southwest and shortly before going on stage her water broke, and she went into labor with her 5th child... She still gave the speech which was 20 minutes long and no one knew she was in labor... she was then whisked to a plane and flew back to AK because she said it just wouldn't do for the Gov. of AK to have her baby out of state!She is also a strong leader, and managed to push through a LNG pipeline contract that the men had been talking about for 20 years without action and she has only been Governor for 2 years.... She has given the good old boys a run for their money, in a state where politics are pretty rough.... She has cut spending, and believes that the PEOPLE own the resources and not the government... remember AK has no income tax, and we actually get paid to live here.... this year we will get about $3300 apiece to compensate for gas prices and our usual share of government oil revenue... She is smart, practical and Real! She also cleans up well and has a good sense of decorum in addition to speaking well and being comfortable in crowds.... Overall we are thrilled by this choice and optimistic that the McCain/Palin ticket will bring the change that the country needs... Can you tell we approve?

From Ireport.com to CNN.com- Getting the REAL message of CHANGE OUT!

Jemier — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:20:55 EDT

I have recently placed two video posted on ireport.com that were placed on cnn.com. Just my response to the Palin and McCain speeches at the RNC. Enjoy, and tell me what you think. Please feel free to leave a post because the McCain supporters certainly are going crazy with the comments! GO OBAMA!

Palin: Woman or Pitt

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-76992

Republican change? A regift

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-78406

SERVICE?! Are They SERIOUS?!

Kristen — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:19:34 EDT

Has anyone else noticed that the RNC speeches are asking for donations by giving out a number that DOES NOT MATCH THE NUMBER ON THE SCREEN?!

It's true, we are watching the Republican National Convention... Dingaroo Press writers are watching the entirety of BOTH conventions, to ensure that our coverage is fair... as fair as possible, considering our passion and dedication to REAL service to local communities. Just like many who spoke in Denver, at the most inpiring example of politics I have witnessed in my lifetime. (a topic for another time...)

Back to my question:

How can it be that day after day, one after another, the RNC speakers stand up and talk about the importance of "SERVICE to others" in vague ways, yet mock the years of low-paying, unappreciated, and glory-less public service by Barack? Not to mention stealing from the opposition both the theme of service and Barack's mantra that "this isn't about me, it's about you."

How can it be, that day after day, one after another, the RNC speakers make a plea for us all to donate to the numbers on the screen, yet every single time the speakers repeat a different number... one 2 on the screen, but two 2s in the speeches.

How can it be that day after day this (perhaps small) mistake is not caught? We might come to the conclusion that accuracy is not a top priority for this campaign. We might even generalize that inaccuracy is commonplace in today's entrenched Republican guard. As time goes on, and we learn more about the realities of Iraq, we watch the growing pile of evidence for such conclusions.

But the simple answer to the donation plea problem? Easy! IT MUST BE THAT NONE OF THEM HAVE ACTUALLY TRIED TO DONATE!

Please, everyone... break the code of silence around speaking politics with friends and family. We must ensure that our country has the opportunity to meet history's call, and ELECT OBAMA/BIDEN THE BEST MEN TO LEAD US INTO OUR CUTTING-EDGE PROSPEROUS DESTINY!

Obama's speeches

Boaz from West Palm Beach, FL — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:00:12 EDT

NO ONE CAN ARGUE THAT BARACK OBAMA IS ONE OF THE GREATEST SPEAKER THAT EVER LIVED. HIS STYLE, HIS CHOICE OF WORDS, HIS INTERACTION WITH HIS AUDIENCE ALL ARE PROOFS OF HIS ORATORY SKILLS. AS A FAN OF THIS GREAT LEADER, I DECIDED TO RANK HIS SPEECHES BY ORDER OF GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. A MORE PERFECT UNION

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1472313547

2. AUDACITY OF HOPE

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid791793079

3. CALL TO RENEWAL

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid416343938

4. NEW HAMPSHIRE: YES WE CAN SPEECH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwms

5. IOWA VICTORY SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1366492713

6. EBENEZER CHURCH (DR. KING HOLIDAY)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1416909230

7. SAN ANTONIO SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1445116743

8. SOUTH CAROLINA SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1394647848

9. THE AMERICAN PROMISE (ACCEPTANCE SPEECH)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1764090280

10. SPEECH ON PATRIOTISM

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1646739168

11. SUPER TUESDAY SPEECH

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid1407950326

12. POTOMAC PRIMARIES SPEECH

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Remembering Fannie Lou and M. L.

Leslye J Allen of Atlanta, GA — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:43:08 EDT

I had to wait a few days and let reality sink in. A man of African descent has been nominated by a major political party for President of the United States. I am going to say that one more time: A man of African descent has been nominated by a major political party for President of the United States. I have already written about the significance of the date on which Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination. His moment in the spotlight not only made me proud, but forced me to examine the significance of what had occurred on August 28, 1963 and August 28, 2008.

Back in August 1963, Washington, D.C. closed all of its liquor stores and prohibited the sale of alcohol in the belief that over 100,000 crazy Black folks were going to descend on the district, get drunk and create all kinds of mayhem. Police officers were equipped with riot gear. White women were warned that because so many Black men were coming to town, they needed to be cautious about possibly being raped. The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom was not seen as the love fest that we see it as now. It was viewed as a recipe for disaster and mayhem. Importantly, most major newspapers did not mention Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. At that time, that speech was not seen as particularly exceptional. Time has aged it and the nation well. I was approximately two years and eight months old; Barack Obama was exactly two years old. We are the first generation of Black Americans who would be one part witness, and one part recipient of the kind of opportunities that M. L envisioned for peoples of color. Time does bring about change.

As Barack gave his monumental address, I thought about Fannie Lou Hamer again. Hamer was a Black woman from Mississippi who organized the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party that arrived with its own legally elected delegates at the Democratic Party’s 1964 convention. A few years earlier in 1962, Hamer was arrested after registering to vote, taken to a jail cell, and beaten so severely there that she suffered permanent kidney damage. So disfigured from her torture, for weeks she would not even allow members of her own family to see her out of the fear that one of them would become so angry they would retaliate against her captors and subsequently get themselves killed. She made the decision to organize the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party after meeting young black college students (who made up a majority of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee’s membership) traveling throughout the South spent their summer vacations educating Black citizens about their voting rights.

Hamer recognized that many counties in Mississippi held a Black majority. She believed that even she, a sharecropper with a sixth grade education, could make a difference. Hamer’s testimony on August 22, 1964 before the Democratic Conventions’ Credentials Committees was so emotional that news networks made the decision to cut away from it. Fortunately, her voice and words are preserved for future generations in numerous biographies and sound archives. (Visit: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fannielouhamercredentialscommittee.htm to hear her statement in its entirety.) When Hamer spoke to the DNC’s Credentials Committee about why the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party delegates should be seated, I was three years and eight months old; a few weeks earlier Barack Obama had celebrated his third birthday.

I have made references to how old we were for a reason. It has been during our lifetimes that these epic changes have occurred. In a span of less than fifty years Black Americans have gone from being beaten and killed for daring to register to vote to a moment when one Black man has become a nominee for President of the United States. As I listened to Barack’s speech this past Thursday August 28, 2008, he invoked a rather forgotten section of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech when he said that, “we cannot turn back.” I am glad that Barack chose that section to highlight.

What we have witnessed has been earned. Martin Luther King, Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and countless others are not here in the flesh to see this moment. Yet they made the down payment on this moment. It was never their speeches and statements that mattered most, but rather their willingness to go to jail, risk being shot at, bombed, fired from their jobs, along with their efforts to politically organize their neighbors that made what we witnessed on August 28, 2008 possible. They literally gave their lives. It is my sincere hope that none of the folks younger than I will ever have to endure what those who have gone before them have endured. But it is also my sincere hope that none of those who are younger than myself ever forget that they too may be called to extreme moments of sacrifice, particularly in the next few months before November 4, 2008. May we all remember that “we cannot turn back,” and “we cannot walk alone.”

Our Campaign's Speeches & Ads: Be More Honestly Factual

Philip Steven Knight — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:09:00 EDT

Below is a note I sent to the campaign on the eve of Barack's nomination speech in Denver. It will probably will get lost in the magnitude of feedback this site gets.

But perhaps others will resonate with its respectfully simple suggestion.

_____________

100% for Obama/Biden But... Let's Keep It Honest Too. One Example with Solution.

I understand the need to emphasize certain things about one side or the other, pros and cons, etc. but it always disappoints me when exaggeration or omissions show up in ads or speeches. Regardless which campaign does it.

And especially mine (ours :)

So here is a recent example where the truth could have been included without excluding the point:

Biden made the point that McCain voted "95%" of the time with Bush. Only partially true: that applied for one year out of the last 8. The fact is that he went as low as +/- 77%.

Biden could have said that he had voted an average of more than 85% (or whatever the exact average is).

I check Politifacts and Factcheck and other sources, so do other.

Why I am sensitive to (and/or pontificating on) this?

Not only because I am like most voters, but I also did some spec speech work for Kerry in 2004. And my father wrote speeches for Democratic Senator and Presidential candidate Estes Kefauver in the 50s.

Kefauver was a very honest man and probably not "political" enough and this may have been one of the reasons he didn't win.

But this is 2008 and an historic moment for all of us.
Elegance and power, honesty and persuasion, humility and conviction -- NONE of these are mutually exclusive.

Applying those more IS part of the change we can believe in.

Joe and Barack have strong moral, ethical and honor centers within them. PLEASE find a way to be more accurate yet still be effective in all future speeches and ads.

Sincerely,

Philip S. Knight

What a SENSATIONAL great time!

Sweetzie1 — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:48:01 EDT

I've been following the Democratic National Convention on television and all I can say is I wish I could be there!!!

I was absolutely floored with Michelle Obama's brilliant, poignant, humble and exquisitely delivered speech. Well Done Mrs. Obama!!! Oh and Senator Kennedy's speech and Senator Clinton's speech - all were absolutely breathtaking. I missed Craig's and Senator Obama's sister's speeches, and I missed Rev. Jessie Jackson's son's speech. I'll catch up however. Everyone that I did hear spoke with great hope, anticipation, change and grace in their presentations and I am so proud to be in the Obama campaign family. So proud that I decided to support Senator Obama in the longrun!!! (I was a Hillary Clinton supporter before hearing Barack Obama speak in February 2008.)

They are currently replaying Senator Biden's speech as I type, and I'll catch the replay of President Clinton's speech. I'm just SO EXCITED. They're having such a sensational great time there.

I'll be catching Barack Obama's acceptance speech either at home on television or at the designated place to watch his speech downtown tomorrow night. I'm now running a small business and it takes a lot of my time, but I'm trying to make my life better financially so there are priorities in my life now, but I haven't forgotten my volunteer duties for the Campaign and I haven't forgotten to donate when I have extra money.

MUCH hugs and luv from me to ALL of you and to the Obama/Biden families of course.

Deborah Cunningham (aka Sweetzie1)

The speeches so far

Erica R. — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:17:39 EDT

I was in complete awe of Michelle Obama's speech - her poise, her grace, her joy of motherhood and of being Obama's wife. I was moved and overjoyed by her overall demeanor and I loved the way the girls reacted when they were on stage and saw their dad. In addition, she looked absolutely fabulous! Her hair was gorgeous! My cousin didn't care for the broach, but I thought she looked classy.

My cousin and I, along with my 14 year old son and 13 year old daughter, watched Hillary give her speech and we were quite pleased. We just wished that she had not ran such a dirty and devisive campaign.

We watched the speeches on C-Span so that we wouldn't be bothered with commercials and news commentators. However, after the convention on Tuesday, we turned on CNN and an African-American Clinton supporter was interviewed. She was in tears because Clinton was no longer the nominee. She said she would still vote for Clinton at the convention, but in November, she might not vote at all. She said Obama has two months to prove to her why she should vote at all - citing that experience matters to her. She stated that she used to be the one to rally her troops to vote, but now she might need the rallying herself. She stated that she was on the threshold of history, being able to elect Clinton. If I could ask her two questions, I would ask her: 1) Doesn't she know she is still on the threshold - being able to elect a Black man; and 2) What first time president actually has 'experience' to be a president? Hillary has never been president; she is a senator such as Obama. I hate the fact that she continuously harped upon her 'experience' and discredited Obama's, and that one of her own ads is now being used by John McCain.

I am excited about being in such a position to make history, and I know Senator Obama has just as much experience as Senator McCain and Senator Clinton. As a party, the democrats need to unify and show other independents such as myself that same unity.

My only other comment about Hillary in general is that had she not ran in the primaries, or had she backed out earlier before feelings ran so high, it would not be this difficult to unite this party. I hope by November, people get over their hurt feelings, their desire to see a woman president, and stand behind Senator Obama and elect him to become President Obama.

Stump Speech for the Campaign

Michael — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:05:38 EDT

All through the primaries I have talked about change, about how we cannot afford four more years of a Bush administration, and now I want to tell you emphatically and passionately why I believe this to be true.

Fact: Republicans have lied the American people into an unnecessqry war of choice and it must stop. It must stop sooner rather than later. It must stop because it is morally wrong, politically wrong, displomatically wrong, and financially wrong. Of course we must leave responsibly, we must take all of our weapons and materials with us so as not to provide the means for continuation of a brutal civil war, but leave we must. I vow to change the Bush/McCain policy of war without end or end point. I vow to engage our allies worldwide to assist us in this withdrawal.

Fact: Republicans have recklessly and stupidly financed their foolish war by selling American bonds and increasing the national debt. No American family of any means could finance their lives in this fashion, nor would they try. Our founding father would be spinning in their graves to see the fiscl health of the republic so imperiled. Not satisfied with funding the war, Republicans also wish to fund the reconstruction of Iraq with massive amounts of additional debt. I vow to reverse this reprehensible policy, and I plan to do it by dismantling the tax cut for the wealthiest of our citizens and imposing a pay as you go accounting system in the congress.

Fact: Republicans have not enacted one single piece of legislation which improves the lives of Middle Class and poor Americans. I vow to change this misguided and irresponsible folly by launching a series of legislative initiatives including universal health care, prescription drug coverage, rebuilding of neglected schools, and many others. I vow to change this Republican loyalty to wealth and privilege only by reaching out to all Americans to give them a better life and a more hopeful future for their children.

Fact: Republicans have turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to a sensible renewable energy policy; I voew to stop this short-sighted stupidity for that is what it is. We can drill every square inch of American land and acheive nothing; we can drill into every possible off-shore site and be no closer to a secure energy supply. I vow to start telling the truth about energy use and I promise to change our nonsensical assignment of energy policy to big oil companies.

I promise to discuss these issues and more as the campaign unfolds and I promise to change the way these issues are discussed by politicians. When my opponent or his party lie about details of my life or positions I have taken I vow to take them head on and give them all the fight they can stand. I will not tolerate being lied about, caricatured, demeaned, or dismissed. I will do my best to convince the American people that John McCain is wrong for America, that the Republican party is wrong for America, and that we can and must do much much better in the near future or we risk losing a better future for the country we all love.

Thank you.

Latitude with Platitudes

pservelle — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:29:44 EDT

Latitude with Platitudes

Now that Joe Biden is starting to be “unwrapped” as Obama’s VP still un-announced, but anointed running mate, select media types will dredge up speech pilfering charges against him.To get out in front of this story, I observe the following.

No politician with national name recognition (or wants such recognition) writes everything they say. (I know Agnes, I was shocked to here that, too.)So, let’s not try to establish the parentage of an idea. It is hard enough trying to discern if they believe what they are reading.Here are some words that someone would like to see Obama speak. I agree with the sentiment expressed by these words. If Barack wants to speak them, fine; if not, that’s is also okay, because I have already repeated them myself.

The best expressed words, no matter by whom, will always be repeated; so forget about who said what first.

"Over the past year, Barack Obama has called emphatically for "change" in the United States, and on a range of issues he has offered (especially on his website) detailed analyses of the specific policies he would pursue as president. But many Americans still need to hear what would be the most enduring values of Obama's America. As one who confidently believes Barack Obama is the best choice for our nation, here is part of what I would like to hear him say in his acceptance speech:

It is time for change in America. But what do I mean by change? I mean a change back to "the better angels of our nature." I mean a change back to an America in which citizens once again ask "what they can do for their country." I mean a change back to an America that once again stands for the highest ideals of human civilization. I mean a change back to an America that inspires our own citizens and our friends throughout the world with our national purpose, our national values, and our national conduct. It is time for change in America. It is time to reaffirm once again that in our nation the government "shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech," "the right of the people to be secure . . . against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated," no person shall "be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law," "no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws," and the government does not inflict "cruel and unusual punishments" upon any person.

These are the fundamental truths, the elemental commitments, of our American constitutional system. They define the essential core of our society and our history. It is to attain these liberties that huddled masses yearn to be free; it was to guarantee these freedoms that the Framers of the Declaration of Independence pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor; it was to protect these rights that Americans have fought and died to free the slave, make the world safe for democracy, and unyoke the world from the tyrannies of fascism, communism, and radical Islam.Sadly, in the last eight years we have lost sight of these freedoms, as we have fallen into an abyss of unrestrained government surveillance, brutal methods of interrogation, secret detentions, and secret prisons.

We have lost our way as the world's beacon of justice. We must change in order to relight that beacon for ourselves, for the international community, and for our posterity. We must also change in order to reaffirm that we are one nation. We are not red states and blue states, we are not blacks and whites, we are not Christians and Muslims, we are not the rich and the poor, we are not the straights and the gays -- we are Americans all. Each of us is precious, each of us is a valued member of our American family.

And we are a family, a family that cares for -- that must care for -- one another. Our most fundamental responsibility is to treat others as we would have them treat us. Because we are a great nation and a great people, we must be a family in which we cherish every American's worth and nurture every American's potential. That is not a Democratic idea. That is not a Republican idea. That is the American idea. It is the idea that informed the leadership of Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, John Kennedy, and Franklin Roosevelt. It demands that our government not only protect the interests of the rich and powerful, but also care for the meek, the oppressed, and the disadvantaged.

That is what a family is, and that is what America is, and must be once again.This principle of a national American community, with justice for all, will drive my economic policies, my health care policies, my environmental policies, my foreign policies, my tax policies and my judicial appointments.

We must change in order to recapture the best of our nation, the best of our history -- a history that freed the slaves, granted women the right to vote, ended racial segregation, guaranteed religious liberty, and enacted laws to protect the rights of children, the elderly, and the disabled. Ours is a nation built on a spirit of empathy - on a capacity to see into the hearts of our fellow citizens and to understand what drives them, what sustains them, what makes them different, and ultimately what makes them human. We need to change in order once again to be the America that aspires for what is best for all Americans, that reaches out a hand to those in need, that respects our most fundamental freedoms. As the descendents of those bold and optimistic men who mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to one another more than two centuries ago, we can do no less today.

Forget Joe McCarthy: Fourth Reich, Anyone?

Henry M — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:58:47 EDT

Most liberal pundits have been casting McSame as the reincarnation of red-baiting fascist McCarthyism. Joe McCarthy was a one-note anti-Communist. The breadth and depth of the radical changes envisioned by the far right (and they are radical and not traditional) are much more accurately seen as a parrellel to the visions of the Nazis. This is not a comparison that I make lightly; comparing everyone we don't like to Hitler and the Nazis is an insult to the millions of lives ended by their evil program, as well as to an intelligent understanding of the easy acceptance that greated their all-consuming fascist, jingoist philosophy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.comment
1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy

After we were hit on September 11 2001, we were in a state of national shock. Less than six weeks later, on October 26 2001, the USA Patriot Act was passed by a Congress that had little chance to debate it; many said that they scarcely had time to read it. We were told we were now on a "war footing"; we were in a "global war" against a "global caliphate" intending to "wipe out civilisation". There have been other times of crisis in which the US accepted limits on civil liberties, such as during the civil war, when Lincoln declared martial law, and the second world war, when thousands of Japanese-American citizens were interned. But this situation, as Bruce Fein of the American Freedom Agenda notes, is unprecedented: all our other wars had an endpoint, so the pendulum was able to swing back toward freedom; this war is defined as open-ended in time and without national boundaries in space - the globe itself is the battlefield. "This time," Fein says, "there will be no defined end."
Creating a terrifying threat - hydra-like, secretive, evil - is an old trick. It can, like Hitler's invocation of a communist threat to the nation's security, be based on actual events (one Wisconsin academic has faced calls for his dismissal because he noted, among other things, that the alleged communist arson, the Reichstag fire of February 1933, was swiftly followed in Nazi Germany by passage of the Enabling Act, which replaced constitutional law with an open-ended state of emergency). Or the terrifying threat can be based, like the National Socialist evocation of the "global conspiracy of world Jewry", on myth.

Hitler evoked Christianity in his Munich speech, April 12, 1922

Today Christians … stand at the head of [this country] … I pledge that I never will tie myself to parties who want to destroy Christianity .. We want to fill our culture again with the Christian spirit … We want to burn out all the recent immoral developments in literature, in the theater, and in the press—in short, we want to burn out the poison of immorality which has entered into our whole life and culture as a result of liberal excess during the past … [few] years.

And in his 1928 speech in Passau

We are a people of different faiths, but we are one. Which faith conquers the other is not the question; rather, the question is whether Christianity stands or falls. … We tolerate no one in our ranks who attacks the ideas of Christianity … in fact our movement is Christian. We are filled with a desire for Catholics and Protestants to discover one another in the deep distress of our own people.

And time and time again in early 1933:

And now Staatspräsident Bolz says that Christianity and the Catholic faith are threatened by us. And to that charge I can answer: In the first place it is Christians and not international atheists who now stand at the head of Germany. I do not merely talk of Christianity, no, I also profess that I will never ally myself with the parties which destroy Christianity. If many wish today to take threatened Christianity under their protection, where, I would ask, was Christianity for them in these fourteen years when they went arm in arm with atheism? No, never and at no time was greater internal damage done to Christianity than in these 14 years when a party, theoretically Christian, sat with those who denied God in one and the same Government.
The Government, being resolved to undertake the political and moral purification of our public life, are creating and securing the conditions necessary for a really profound revival of religious life.
Secular schools can never be tolerated because such schools have no religious instruction, and a general moral instruction without a religious foundation is built on air; consequently, all character training and religion must be derived from faith.
We want honestly to earn the resurrection of our people through our industry, our perseverance, our will. We ask not of the Almighty 'Lord, make us free'!—we want to be active, to work, to agree together as brothers, to strive in rivalry with one another to bring about the hour when we can come before Him and when we may ask of Him: 'Lord, Thou seest that we have transformed ourselves, the German people is not longer the people of dishonour, of shame, of war within itself, of faintheartedness and little faith: no, Lord, the German people has become strong again in spirit, strong in will, strong in endurance, strong to bear all sacrifices.' 'Lord, we will not let Thee go: bless now our fight for our freedom; the fight we wage for our German people and Fatherland.

But at Dormund, 9 July 1933, on the day after the signing of the Nazi-Vatican Concordant of 1933:

This is for us a ground for satisfaction, since we desire that the fight in the religious camps should come to an end … all political action in the parties will be forbidden to priests for all time, happy because we know what is wanted by millions who long to see in the priest only the comforter of their souls and not the representative of their political convictions.

A country founded by and lead by religious men and women can receive the benefits of religous thought and belief. State-sponsored religion, however, is just one stick in the helve of fascism. Fundamentalism can only create a false unity that marginalizes a silent-in-fear rather than in complacency, majority.

Henry M

Re: Michael Goodwin in "The New York Daily News"

rwordplay — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:41:01 EDT

If what I've read this morning in Goodwin' column: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/08/14/2008-08 14_barack_obama_blinks_in_hillary_faceoff.html

then, I think those of us who believe Obama can bring significant change, to both the Democratic Party and to our country, will be sadly disappointed. (See except below.) Anyone who has closely followed the politics of the 90s, know that many of the policies that Clinton had advanced—from the deregulation of banking and media and NAFTA, to the culture of greed and commodity worship—have come back to haunt us now.

Bush, as inadequate as he has proven to be, is no less a malignant force than the Clintons. Saying this, I implore Obama and those who advise him to assert his control of the party and deny the Clinton's their delusional belief that the Democratic party belongs to them. (Tell me, will Bill be flying to Denver from Kazakhstan or from South Hampton? )

From Goodwin's column:

Yet already the list of what Hillary wants and what Hillary gets is unprecedented for somebody who lost the nomination. She gets a prime-time address where she will be introduced by daughter Chelsea. She gets her own team to produce a hagiographic video of her.

Hubby Bubba gets a prime-time speech on Wednesday night. And Hillary gets a platform plank that uses "glass ceiling" language right out of her speech to suggest she would be the nominee if not for sexism.

A few more big-ticket items and she'll be the co-nominee. Maybe that's the point.

Public Discourse as a Precursor to Public Policy

Kevin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:05:11 EDT

One of the McCain campaigns most frequent knocks against Barack Obama goes something like "he can give a good speech, but can he lead?" This remark reveals a lack of appreciation for the importance of framing the issues before us as a nation.

As his speech on race in Philadelphia showed us, Barack Obama is extremely gifted in his ability to articulate the challenges our society faces in ways that invite constructive conversation among people from all points of view. This is no small asset. It goes a long way in bringing the best out of democracy like ours.

For too long, we have been polarized not just on the issues of race and class, but also on our views on the war, abortion, gay rights, and the environment, to name just a few. What is needed is an atmosphere where we can hear each other and learn from the insights our various perspectives have taught us. From this discourse, effective and just public policy solutions can make themselves apparent--solutions that have the support of the people because they come from the people themselves.

At the top of the page of this website is a quote that shows that Barack Obama recognizes this. He says, "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I'm asking you to believe in yours." Among us, we have all the wisdom and compassion to move forward in creating "a more perfect union." What we have been lacking is leadership that unleashes the positive public discourse that leads to positive public policy.

Obama's strength is in lifting our sights to such a level. It is a strength that hasn't had the opportunity to shine in this latest phase of the campaign when the focus has been on the policy-position-of-the-week: This week energy, next week, the economy. It is my hope that the convention format is more conducive to his stong suit of using the "bully pulpit" not to bully, but to inpire national conversation that challenges us to apply our shared values to the challenges before us.

Barack's swivel head will doom this election.

Gil from San Francisco, CA — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:20:58 EDT

Barack's declining numbers have nothing to do with negative ads and everything to do with his demeanor at the podium. His style, as projected on nightly TV, is nothing but twitchy head turns (left-right-left-right, endlessly). There's nothing presidential or reassuring about this ceaseless behavior. Viewers are immediately turned off and fear having to suffer through thousands of head turns for the next four years. He needs to look straight into the TV camera and never turn his head. He needs to forget about whoever is in the room (they already support him) and remember that the TV viewer is all that matters. Look straight, lock eyes with the TV audience, and speak straight into their hearts and minds. Isn't someone on his campaign staff paying attention! It's just sickening to see his numbers plunge on what is a simple stylistic mistake.

Music for the Campaign

Kevin from Hillsboro Oregon — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:51:02 EDT

In June of last year, my son and I attended the release concert for Darrell Grant's Truth and Reconciliation CD in Portland Oregon.The CD is a marvelous expression of the power of hope and vision to bring about change in our lives and world.Two songs in particular were very meaningful for me.They spoke directly to the mess our country is in after two terms of poor leadership in our administration.More accurately, they demonstrated what true wise leadership looks like, and could be if we made different choices.The song "When I See the Water" seems to resonate strongly with this campaign.I strongly feel that these words have the power to influence a change in people's hearts. They are so important at this point in our nations history.

When I See the Water

Callin' out the truth for all to hear, People, time to put away your fear. People say they want the world to change, Could it be they do not wish to know, That this world ain't like a TV show. Pouring out its wisdom all around, They will see what man can truly be When you gonna change your heart of stone?, All that really matters is some human understanding, It' been so long, so long.

I Shall Believe

J. F. K. quote -- Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage, and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.
M. L. K. quote -- With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.

Resolution Of Love

Franklin Roosevelt quote -- Since the beginning of our American history, we have been engaged in change -- in a perpetual peaceful revolution -- a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly adjusting itself to changing conditions -- without the concentration camp or the quick-lime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.

In Darrell's own words

The Truth and Reconciliation Project is an expression of my larger vision of using music as a tool for positive change. It began with a personal mission statement:
I choose to believe in the power of humans to change the world. Art is the substance of our dreams and the medium through which resonates our most fervent hopes, highest aspirations, deepest truths, and most profound experiences. Those who create art possess a consequent extraordinary power to communicate, inspire, provoke, inform and to move others to transform society and themselves, and we bear the responsibility to use this power to affect positive change in our communities and the world.
My hope is that the music documented on the recording Truth and Reconciliation will serve as a vehicle through which to pursue this mission and encourage others to do the same.

http://www.darrellgrant.com/truth_and_reconciliation_project

Disproving the myth

Craig Buckser — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:55:01 EDT

I have believed that the notion that Barack has substantively moved to the center (as opposed to emphasizing the more centrist portions of his platform) has been inaccurate. Backing the House leadership's FISA compromise represented a shift, but compromises by definition entail backing off from a previously held position. Other shifts have occurred at the periphery of his platform (e.g., whether the individual right to own guns should have invalidated the Washington, DC gun ban, and the scope of the mental-health exception to bans on late-term abortions).

The most preposterous accusation of a flip flop involved Barack's Iraq-withdrawal platform. Four and a half months ago, the Clinton campaign pounced when Samantha Power said that the execution of the withdrawal would take conditions on the ground into account. Yet, the press lambasted Barack on July 3 for saying that he'd refine the withdrawal plans based on the conditions in Iraq. This op-ed in The New York Times further shows that there has been no policy shift.

Who Is Going to Define Who Barack Obama Is?

Bill Hankin — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 21:58:38 EDT

Just listening to a little bit about the campaign on Fox, POTUS '08 and MSNBC today I can see that the push is on to define the candidate by explaining to the press what Barack's speeches really mean. The question arises, Who makes up the mind for the Press? Do they buy into the spin of the opponents or do they actually do the work of listening to the whole speech and parsing it for themselves?

The hot topic tonight was whether BO is flip-flopping on Iraq by saying that he wouldn't force a precipitous withdrawal from Iraq. The Republicans and also McCain lambasted Barack for being inconsistent, whether or not they agreed with what they misconstued his original position to be.

It is necessary to go beyond what the pundits say an listen to Barack's and McCain's speeches in full to see what is really bgeing said. How many citizens will take the time to do that? It is up to all of us to learn who we are supporting and answer or friends and families' misconceptions.

100K Movement

Manesh from New York, NY — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 02:20:11 EDT

There has been some rumors that, instead of having BO's Convention Acceptance Speech in the standard covention hall with Delegates and High Value Donors (which would amount to a few thousand people), the campaign is thinking about having it at Mile High Stadium which will seat around 75K people in the seats and another 25K on the field...almost a hundred thousand supporters kicking off this movemonet for change.

In order to Win! (and we must), this has to turn into a major movement. The repulicans are openly conceding that if it becomes a movement, their entire strategy will have to be reworked. It is their biggest fear.

The republicans know that no one will care about policy flip flops, crazy reverends, or shady real estate dealings. No one will care about MO's patriotism, the Iraq pull out strategy, or your word on public campaign financing. No one will care about the cocain, fist bumps, or drilling. No will even care if you're a Muslim...Ok we won't go that far ;)

No one will care because its a Movement

We need to make this happen. BO, if the DNC can't afford it, we need to pay for it.

And I also hear Grateful Dead is thinking of getting together for an Obama Concert...thats also a great movement event...We'll save that for another post.

This event will prove to the nation that its a movement and its calling the masses to join. We are nowhere close to that right now although it may seem like that to a lot of you reading this. Our entire nation and generation needs to see this.

http://www.politicswest.com/democratic_national_convention/26547/mile_high_obama_invesco_field_may_be_venue

Obama speaks to Veterans in Fargo

Becky Furgason — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:18:58 EDT

As Independence Day approaches, Senator Obama, today, spoke to Veterans in North Dakota at the Children's Museum at Yunker Farm in Fargo . While the event was small and town hall in nature, it was also open to the public.

Retired Veteran Bill Anderson who served in Vietnam, announced the Senator. He got the event started off on a lighter note

Any man who carries his own jackknife is worth a dollar more. Well, Secret Service has my jackknife, I guess they're due for a raise.

He talked about how, in Vietnam, we fought in a conflict that need not have been fought and likened that to the current war in Iraq. He spoke of Barack being a champion for Veterans. He said Obama will treat them fair and back the GI Bill of Rights helping to propel the VA into the 21st century.

Barack spoke of the sacrifice of servicemen and women,

Their sacrifice has made possible the freedom that we enjoy. And keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism. Because America's commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end...These sons and daughters of America are the best and the bravest among us. When our troops go into battle, they serve no faction or party; they represent no race or region. They are simply Americans. They serve and fight and bleed together out of loyalty not just to a place on a map or a certain kind of people, but to a set of ideals that we have been striving for since the first shots rang out at Lexington and Concord - the idea that America could be governed not by men, but by laws; that we could be equal in the eyes of those laws; that we could be free to say what we want and write what we want and worship as we please; that we could have the right to pursue our individual dreams, but the obligation to help our fellow citizens pursue theirs.

He also spoke of his commitment to those who so bravely served and those who are currently serving as outlined in his pledge to build a 21st century VA as President.

You can read his full remarks here.

What makes an event successful are the people who attend it. The supporters and the curious alike. Although our stories, our beliefs, our struggles and our concerns may differ, they also bring us together, as they did today.

Among those in attendance was Randy, an Air Force Veteran, having served 23 years. Randy was initially a John Edwards supporter, but started leaning towards Senator Obama after learning more about him and where he stands on the issues. When asked what brought him here today, Randy said,

I want to hear him speak today to solidify in my mind that I made the right choice.

With Randy was Dorothy, what really impressed her was walking into the campaign office and seeing all the youth, of all different backgrounds and all different ethnicities. Dorothy said, “The youth have to be involved for things to change.”

Remembering Tim Russert, Host of "Meet the Press" (1950-2008)

Lynne — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:02:33 EDT

The death of Tim Russert last Friday was a blow to journalism. He epitomized the finest of everything to be found in political reporting, emphasizing fairness and compassion with his incisive interviews of politicos and others who dared to face him across the table on Sunday mornings.

Russert is the model and ideal to which any hard-working American should aspire. Every interview found him well-prepared, eager, polite, civil, and compassionate. Even when he caught an interviewee off-guard or woefully under-prepared, Russert would go out of his way to allow the person the chance to recover. In a time when the media is looking for the sound bite that makes or breaks a politician, Russert made certain that his guests had the opportunity to correct their mistakes. If someone still managed to hang him or herself on "Meet the Press", they most certainly deserved it.

Talking about Tim Russert on this site dedicated to the election of Barack Obama has a purpose. The things I most admire about Russert are clearly evident in Obama. He has shown himself to have the same great love of family and friends. Obama supports and encourages people who have larger-than-life dreams. He listens, really listens, to what people have to say. That includes opposing viewpoints. That, more than anything, is what impresses me about Obama.

Barack Obama had the temerity to go on television before all of America to support and defend his Chicago minister. Even when he took the sad step of leaving the church, he did so in such a way as to minimize damage to the church and his minister. Before that moment, I was firmly planted in the Hillary Clinton camp, but his nobility in the face of that particular situation won me over. He showed me that he had a clearer understanding of both the failings and finest aspects of humanity than any other person running for office.

Obama, like Russert, doesn't seem glued to the sound bite. When he speaks, the audience really listens. His ideas aren't trivialized into three-second clips for the evening news. No, he expresses complex ideas and plans for the future in full sentences and clear rhetoric. We haven't seen such care and clarity in public speaking for more than three decades. I for one, want to hear more.

It is my sincere hope that when Obama is elected he will have the chance to implement his goals and vision for the future of America.

Lynne (16 June 2008)

Speechs matter

Sue — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:06:30 EDT

I just rewatched some of Obama's speeches. I seriously think he's the most inspirational speaker of our generation. I think he's the most capable of restoring some dignity and respect to both the White House and the United States.

Seriously, am I the only one who's excited at the prospect of having a president who doesn't sound like a crackhead?!

Three Speeches

Doc — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:20:12 EDT

George Washing was the only president who did not have to clean up after the previous administration

A Tale of Three Speeches

The Old Warrior: Senator McCain spoke from Kenner, Louisiana and praised Hillary Clinton for her courage and tenacity and for breaking barriers that would open doors for his daughters. He was less gracious toward Barack Obama, noting that "Pundits and party elders" selected him as the nominee. The good senator sounded like a Hillary Clinton Super Delegate.

The Republican candidate tried to distance himself from the current administration and borrowed from the Obama's campaign theme of change. He agreed that change was necessary but qualified the need as "the right change." The candidate was grandfatherly and almost wistful as he discussed American history and touched on recurring themes of education, economy, health care and technology. And oh yes, national safety, although the Senator continued to try to distance himself from Mr. Bush by saying he disagreed about the Iraq war strategy.

The meat of Senator McCain's speech attacked Senator Obama and his positions on energy (stating that Obama was aligned with Bush/Cheney. Huh?), the economy, trade, and national security. He concludes his speech by stating that the kind of change the country needs is the cooperative spirit and common purpose shown after 9/11.

Senator McCain seemed a nice enough man. The green background might have been symbolic. The crowd sounded like one from the Retirement and Alzheimer's center down the street. I almost fell asleep so I looked up the transcript online to be sure to not misquote. I get the feeling that John doesn't really want to be president. He kind of backed into the nomination and doesn't really know how to get out. Besides, Cindy will look good as first lady so he'll do his obligatory speeches and take lots of naps and if elected will probably do a fair job.

So close but no cigar: The stage was set for Senator Clinton to make her concession speech. She'd fought a good battle, continued to use phantom statistics to boost her claim of a populous victory, and maintained a loyal and vocal group of supporters in New York. She began by erroneously stating that South Dakota, rather than Montana, was the last primary then congratulated Senator Obama on the race he'd run - not won. She continued to pat herself on the back for groundbreaking women's opportunities (never mention the huge minority groundbreaking). She implied that she would be the strongest candidate to be commander-in-chief. Wait a minute. Didn't the party just select its candidate who was not her? She then announced her victory. Huh?

She continued to extol her own virtues even admitting that it was she who "sounded the alarm on the mortgage crisis well over a year ago." The Senator continued on her speech outlining her virtues and victories one by one and telling how so many people had done so much for her. Oh yes, she mentioned the party once. But she used the word "I" 62 times and "me" or "my" 28 times.

When the Senator was growing up she learned self discipline, tenacity, and drive. As she grew and observed the political world she learned to slant the facts, ignore the ones that did not suit her, and play to the people. During her campaign she learned a lot about being a politician. Two lessons that were lost on her, however, were humility and grace.

Democratic nominee toots Toot's horn: The third speech of the night was given by the presidential nominee of the Democratic party. Senator Barack Obama started his speech by paying tribute to the grandmother who reared him and "...made me what I am today." She lives in Hawaii and he affectionately calls her by the Hawaiian word for grandma, "Toot."

The Senator was clearly the most presidential of the three speakers, as he did his obligatory thank you to all who helped, then congratulated and praised Senator Clinton for her campaign and for breaking ground for those women who will follow her path. He was much more gracious toward her than she to him, stating it was an honor to compete with her.

The Senator then made what might have been the most profound statement of the night, "We honor the service of John McCain, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine." He then disputed many of the points made by Senator McCain. That's politics. Both men will be running in the fall to become our next president. He spent the bulk of the rest of his speech outlining point-by-point the changes that are needed in this country.

His "touché" moment came ins response to Senator McCain's chiding him for not spending more time in Iraq. Senator Obama stated that if Senator spent more time in inner city schools, including those in New Orleans (where McCain spoke),he'd understand that drastic changes are needed. His speech ended with the echoing of the theme, "This is the moment."

The pundits do not know where Hillary will land. Perhaps the Clintons just can't give up the spotlight. Perhaps Hillary has something to offer and will do so. But this writer looks forward to watching the campaign unfold.

A little blogging music Maestro... "Heat of the Moment" by Asia.

Dr. Forgot
http://drforgot.com

A Candidate Who's Presidential

smffy — Mon, 19 May 2008 04:48:08 EDT

In a conversation I had today, someone I consider to be politically astute told me he was going to vote for Obama because he is articulate. After years of being embarassed by the president, I look forward to listening to speeches that are presidential. I don't know what David Letterman will do about his very funny spot highlighting Bush's bumbling speeches. I don't know if we'll miss laughing about a president. (a laugh is always good)

However, I look forward to having dignity restored to the White House.

Read Sen. Obama's Announcement Speech

Bill Marjenhoff — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:30:55 EDT

I’ve just read for the first time (yes, I’m embarrassed) Sen. Obama’s speech announcing his candidacy for the presidential nomination. If you’ve never read it, or haven’t read it lately, it’s truly inspiring. Here’s the close:“As Lincoln organized the forces arrayed against slavery, he was heard to say: "Of strange, discordant, and even hostile elements, we gathered from the four winds, and formed and fought to battle through."That is our purpose here today.That's why I'm in this race.Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation.I want to win that next battle -- for justice and opportunity.I want to win that next battle -- for better schools, and better jobs, and health care for all.I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America.And if you will join me in this improbable quest, if you feel destiny calling, and see as I see, a future of endless possibility stretching before us; if you sense, as I sense, that the time is now to shake off our slumber, and slough off our fear, and make good on the debt we owe past and future generations, then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you. Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.”Read the complete text of Sen. Obama’s announcement speech here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/10/AR2007021000879.html

Race speech with Spanish subtitles

debedb — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:49:20 EDT

http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=a5smignrecul

Why can't this be embedded, I wonder...

On Obama's Speech about Race

Liz — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:28:31 EDT

((I'm recycling some of my content from my personal blog, just to get a little something up here. This is from after I watched Obama's speech on the issue of race.))

Obama supporters like to talk about hope, it's our schtick. It's his schtick too, and I like it. For all the Clinton campaign has a point that we've got our heads in the clouds, I think head in the clouds hopefulness is something this nation, its people and its political process could desperately use.

With the campaign becoming mired in the Rev. Wright issue, Obama made what I think is the best possible choice. He spoke to the nation on the issue of race. He spoke frankly and honestly, he spoke to us like we're adults, something no one ever does in an election year. He spoke as though he believed that the American people were capable of understanding that race is a complicated issue in this country, and that there is no easy answer. He did not pander, he did not sugar coat, he spoke eloquently and accurately about the issue and raised the level of debate from a question of whether one preacher made some unfortunate comments to whether the nation is ready to address these issues head on and make them better.

Barack Obama reminds me of this guy...

Matt Rando — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:07:00 EDT

http://www.thesixtyone.com/unastronaut/collection/collection_item/12353/

the beautiful world we think we live in by clockwork automata

I mean he reminds me of the speaker, FDR (Jan. 6, 1941).

Podcasts of his speeches?

Arielphf — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:07:18 EDT

With all of the clipping and cutting and pulling out of context that today's media does, I'd really like to see (or hear) for myself what the candidates say. Is there any place I could go to find podcasts of Obama's speeches? I'm not talking about someone's comments on them, I mean the actual speeches? I work out in the woods, so a youtube link isn't helpful. What I need is somewhere to download at least the audio of the actual, unadulterated speeches. I want to hear what Obama himself says, not what the pundits tell me he says. Can you help me?

Listen, Learn, Speak

MontcoPA Region5 — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:23:23 EDT

Barack Obama launched himself into the national political spotlight with his keynote address at the 2004 Democratic convention. He's known for his speeches -- loved and criticized, too. His most recent speech on race has gotten almost as much attention as the bedroom antics of New York politicians. As James Bingley of our own Region 5 wrote, reaction has been "split." Most objections criticize the content of the speech, not the delivery (except for the usual blowhards on Fox News, who are deftly taken down by "The Daily Show" -- around the 1:28 mark). I liked the content, but I really want to discuss why Obama's ability to write and deliver such speeches is more important than his critics pretend.

Obama Speech

Disabled Vet 2000 — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:56:40 EDT

I was very moved when I heard Obama's latest speech. It would have been easier for him to ignore the race issue, his pastors comments, and the media's insistence that we break down all polling data by race and make it an issue. He is not one to take the easy road, he takes the right road for America. It's an uncomfortable topic, that many, especially whites, would rather ignore.

I'm glad he has the courage to stand up to those that would ignore this. We need to keep the discussion going.

These Are The Times That Try Our Collective Soul

Gerry Filippatos — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:56:04 EDT

Over the past month or so -- since Ohio and Texas (which we will still win at the end when all of the caucus votes are counted) -- I, along with many of us, asked Senator Obama to be more forceful with HRC and he was. Then, when the Dr. Wright story broke, I, along with a few of us, asked Senator Obama to deliver a definitive speech explaining his relationship with the Trinity United Church of Christ in the context of race, and he did ... and then some. Many of us have also called upon Senator Obama to be more substantive in his stump speeches and he has done so, especially over the past two weeks and the last two days, with great authority. His speeches on Race, Iraq and Iraq and the Economy yesterday and today were -- as always -- almost flawless and directly on point. We should once again thank him for that!So why are we slipping in the polls and continuing to endure a thumping in the media? Well, I believe that there at least three reasons: (a) there is a double standard in America that requires minority candidates to be better than establishment candidates -- and I would include in that statement women as well well as African Americans because neither group is a majority within the corridors of power; (b) our campaign has not been nimble enough in dealing with the media; and (c) politics (new or old) is a tough game and requires resilience, as does the presidency. To her credit, albeit with questionable tactics, HRC has demonstrated her toughness in this regard.So what is to be done now? (1) Continue doing what we’ve been doing in terms of raising the substance bar, but with even more volume and intensity – i.e., follow up the three great speeches this week with two more next week, and two more the week after that all the way through the PA primary on April 22nd. These speeches should deal with middle class issues such as inflation – focusing not only on the price of gas but milk as well; veterans affairs -- including the possibility of a draft if our forces continue to be a thinly stretched as they are; the environment, including a detailed explication of our energy and renewable fuels policies that rebuts HRC’s inaccurate claims that we are similar in that regard to Dick Cheney; healthcare, including a pledge of universality without penalty; education, including universal preschool and college tuition assistance; jobs; including fair trade practices and NAFTA reform (some useful information has surfaced regarding HRC’s dealings as First Lady in that regard), and the housing crisis, including how unfair it is for GWB to bailout investment banks to the tune of $30 million, while turning a blind eye to homeowners in foreclosure. (2) On Larry King’s show tonight, Senator Obama should (a) recite all that he has done to explain the Dr. Wright issue, including a round of news interviews last Friday, the speech this past Tuesday, and Anderson Cooper last night – all of which went really well by the way; (b) answer the question why he continued to attend TUCC with his children if there was any chance of Dr. Wright making statements such as the ones that have been shown on YouTube; and (c) declare that while he will continue to speak about race relations in this country, he will no longer discuss the Dr. Wright issue in public because there are more important things to talk about in the campaign. (3) Senator Obama’s surrogates – but not Senator Obama -- including Michelle Obama and Rev. Otis Moss, should give interviews explaining the many good things about TUCC and Dr. Wright, including video clips of his positive messages from the pulpit – we must fight YouTube fire with fire. (4) Keep HRC on the defensive by continuing to paint her with the same brush as John McCain and GWB as regards Iraq – I’m so happy that both Senator Obama and his surrogates are starting to make the point about HRC voting against her party without reading the NIE on the 2002 Iraq War Resolution. It’s Hillary McSame! (5) Keep attacking John McCain directly on both foreign and domestic policy issues and, with respect to Iraq, add to the excellent point that he has not answered how we are safer now than five years ago with that he has not defined victory in Iraq while trying to scare us with the vague prospect of “failure”. (6) Spend a lot of time in PA, especially our key urban centers!

Video: "A More Perfect Union" Obama on Race & Politics

Cristi B. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:56:06 EDT

"A More Perfect Union.."

Listen to one of the most important speeches of our generation:

Posted on YouTube 3/18/08
http://www.barackobama.com/2008/03/18/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_53.php

Brilliant and straight from the heart!

Barack Obama speaks
openly and honestly.
Again, he speaks of the importance of
coming together,
putting racism in perspective,
honoring our past for what it is,
what it taught us.

I love that Barack Obama did not
apologize for the anger that some feel.

Instead, he got honest.

He understood why his Pastor may feel that way,
knowing he came of age in an era of racism,
an era of segregation,
and brutality.

Barack understood that.

.. some have every right to feel angry.
...Every right.
Anger can be healthy at times.
But then comes a time when it is not
healthy anymore.

And you think about it.

And you think about change.

Which feels better?
Hate or Hope?
Do which feels better.
You can choose to turn anger into forgiveness
and forgiveness into hope...
You can't just "wish it away"
because now it is not politically helpful.

Racism,
what's the real price?

What opportunities of growth,
unity,
and prosperity
are we missing out on
when we continue to focus on what's wrong,
and continue to beat the drum of
hate
unfair treatment,
racism?

We are not without hope.

We have hope.

America can change.

Look at what we have already achieved.

Look who is running for office...

Hmm.. how did that happen?

It happened because................

CHANGES WERE MADE.

CHANGES HAPPENED.

...It is where we begin. Again and again,

we make changes.

This is why I am voting for Barack Obama to be my new president
of the UNITED States of America.

- Cristi B.

Listen to one of the most important speeches of our generation:

Posted on YouTube 3/18/08
http://www.barackobama.com/2008/03/18/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_53.php

A More Perfect Union

Dr. Mark Elrod — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:03:35 EDT

When I heard that candidate Barack Obama was going to make a major speech today on race in America, I thought to myself that if anybody could pull it off successfully, it would be Barack Obama.

I wasn't able to watch the speech live today but I read the text this afternoon and just finished watching a replay of it on YouTube.

I think Obama did a good job with appearing sanctimonious or pandering to any particular ethnic group. Obama's story about his which grandmother harboring racist thoughts reminded me of my own family members expressed prejudice toward people who didn't look like us.

They were otherwise good people and I couldn't bring myself to stop loving them because of that particular character flaw.

As Obama said, we can either keep making race and religion an issue in American politics and imposing an informal religious test to candidate, or we can move on to something more substantial.

If anything, perhaps Obama will finally convince the 13% of Americans who still think he's a Muslim that he's actually a Christian.

Inspiration from the 2004 Convention

Cristi B. — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:59:10 EDT

At the 2004 National Democratic Convention, Barack speaks from the heart, and here it is evident, one more time, that he is the right person, at the right time, for this presidential election, right now.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid791793079

- Cristi B.

What I would like to hear Barack say in ads or speeches

DonkeyHotey — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:45:20 EDT

I am pretending I have been given an assignment to come up with lines to use in the campaign. These lines could be used in speeches or ads.

Flag Pin Patriots, Pledge and Bible
I have been criticized for not wearing a tin flag pin made in China. I see a lot of flag pin patriots working day and night to undermine our hard fought rights under the Constitution. As president I will put my hand on the bible and pledge to protect and defend the Constitution. I will salute the flag and I will fight these flag pin patriots to restore our democracy.

Clintons want to win at any price
Senator Clinton will try anything to get elected. Now she is using the kitchen sink approach. She is dancing around, waving her hands, using a sarcastic tone and just throwing anything at me to see if it will stick. That is right out of the Karl Rove play book. In a fast moving campaign theatrics and spin can pay off temporarily. But as George Bush learned when you play by Rove's rules you pay a price in governance. You may get elected, but you fracture the country in the process.

Winning Texas

We won the battle in Texas, but Hillary did not get the memo. She is still doing a victory dance worthy of a Super Bowl winning touchdown. Face reality Senator, people aren't buying all your posturing and theatrics.

Blueprint for Change

Eric VDH — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:35:09 EST

I really like that Obama put an entire bluprint on his site for what he wants to do as president. I have a hard time even navigating on Clinton's website, much less finding her plan as president. Seeing as she has accused Obama of offering speeches, not solutions, I would think it would be the other way around. But Obama seems to not only offer solutions, but offer very detailed solutions, and more solutions than Clinton.

Just Speeches? Lofty Rhetoric Not Just Talk.

Shaun — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:32:17 EST

Something has been running through my head lately. Shots have been fired at Barack Obama, claiming that while he is a great orator, and his speeches certainly can motivate and inspire, organize and coalesce voters and legislators alike, it simply isn’t good enough when running for the highest office in the land. The cynics say that to be Commander In Chief one must be able to “do” and talk is cheap.

Wil I Am (founder of "Yes We Can" video) has a new Obama video!! It's called, "We Are the Ones"

San Ramon Charles — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:49:29 EST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU

Just came out on the 29th! its another great video that takes exceprts from his "We ARe the Ones" speech.

George Lopez, Tyrese, oh man..i lost count of the stars... Watch it and pass it on!

Hillary's speaches

Ira from Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:28:05 EST

Hillary says: "I have given hingreds of thousands of speeches"

Well, I did a calculation: 100,000 speeches over her "35 years of experience", 365 days a year gives about 8 speeches a day.

Hillary, at this rate, are you sure you had time left to DO anything else?

- Ira

The race is on

UNIQUE CLOCKS — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:33 EST

IRS investigate Senator Obama church, on a speech he made their No wrong was done per church spokesman. artricle from newsmaxs.com Senator Obama won the debate. And should not change his words to suit Hilary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama drawing record crowds

Mason Dixon — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:04:46 EST

Clinton’s audiences – of impressive size, certainly drawing more than Republican presidential candidates – are nonetheless dwarfed by Obama’s. And that trend is continuing in Ohio and Texas this week, with an even more disparate ratio.
Obama drew 6,000 people in Cleveland, yesterday. And the Plain Dealer put him on the front page, above the fold, with the headline: “Obama says he’s humbled by response to his candidacy.”
Clinton, in contrast, drew less than half that sized crowd in Cleveland – 2,500 – a day before.
The same thing is happening in Texas, to an even more staggering degree.Last night, Clinton drew 600 (plus “a few hundred” more) to an event scheduled in Houston, a city where Obama packed 19,000 into the his event last Tuesday night.(These are closer to Michelle Obama sized crowds, who drew 700 in Columbus last week, and 600 in Cleveland.)
And Clinton drew just 1,000 in Dallas on Friday, where Obama had drawn 17,000 two days prior.
Selected quotes from: http://ruralvotes.com/thefield/?p=741

Obama: How to Out-organize, Out-fundraise, Out-speechify, Out-hustle, Out-dress and Out-presidential the Clintons

Herman — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:38:15 EST

I just read a brilliant article by Lawrence Kudlow over at The Drudge Report that highlights the brilliance of our movement. In an effort to honor the integrity of his article and 'viralize' it, I'd like to reproduce it here with adequate credit to him and a link to the original article at the end of this post. This is a marvelous piece. The title of his article is "It's Over". Here we go:

It's Over
A Commentary by Lawrence Kudlow

Allow me a dose of hardened market realism concerning Barack Obama's landslide victory in Wisconsin. The race is over. Hillary Clinton is over. Her electability is over.

Bill Clinton's political invincibility is over. The Clinton Restoration is over.

It's over.

Obama got to the far left faster than Hillary did. He out-organized her, out-fundraised her, out-speechified her, out-hustled her, out-dressed her and out-presidentialed her. He outbid Hillary for votes, one promised government check at a time. His 17-point margin of victory in Wisconsin was incredible. It says he can't be stopped.

Outside of the whacko ultra-left Madison college population, which is even worse than the Ohio State population, Wisconsin is a lot like Ohio. And Ohio campuses will go for Obama. Think faculty voters, grimly determined for a left-wing takeover of America "from the bottom up," to use the Saul Alinsky community-organizer phrase. As goes Wisconsin, so goes Ohio.

Not even Hillary's last-minute bashing of business, free trade and free-market capitalism -- which was a complete repudiation of her husband's presidency -- could save her. Obama got there first, with a style and elegance that Hillary simply couldn't match.

And it came out of nowhere. On the eve of the Wisconsin primary, Hillary did a hard-left imitation of John Edwards' populist and demagogic soak-the-rich rhetoric. She trashed some of the greatest businesses in America -- oil, credit-card, insurance and pharmaceutical firms. Wall Street and lending firms. It all must have come as quite a shock to the alumni of the Bill Clinton White House who are working for her campaign.

Robert Rubin may have been too busy tending to Citigroup's subprime collapse to keep Hillary on the reservation. But where were Wall Street's Roger Altman and Washington's Gene Sperling when Hillary discarded the pinstripes for the polyester lefty-union pantsuit?

Bashing business comes naturally to Obama. But for Hillary, it was a complete failure. Exit polls from Wisconsin say the trade protectionists went with Obama. Union members? Obama. People who think the economy is in trouble? Obama. Folks who don't think it's in trouble? Obama. People making less than $50,000 a year? Obama. More than $50,000 a year? Obama.

And it only gets worse.

Voters went with Obama on healthcare by 8 points, on the economy by 16 points and on Iraq by 20 points. Churchgoers and non-churchgoers went with Obama. Most qualified to be commander in chief? Obama. College degree or no college degree? Obama. Democrats, Republicans and independents went with Obama. So did blacks and whites.

White women did, in fact, lean toward Hillary, by a small 52 percent to 47 percent margin. But Hillary only got 31 percent of the male vote, while tying the female vote. White males? They went with Obama by a full 29 points.

Obama won both married men and women, and he tied on unmarried women -- a heretofore Hillary stronghold. Most likely to unite the country? Obama, by almost 30 points. Most interested in improving relations with the rest of the world? Obama, 56 to 40.

You think these trends are going to change in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania? I don't -- no matter what last-gasp neutron-negativism tactics the Clinton team employs.

Bash Obama for plagiarizing Deval Patrick? That negativism backfired. Go after Michelle Obama's incredible anti-American speech? Women are coming 'round to Obama, so try again. Go super-negative over the next two weeks? That'll mean Obama beats Hillary by 35 points instead of 20. Lift the sanctions on the Michigan and Florida delegates? That's an Obama trump card. Bribe or rent the super-delegates? Make my day, Obama is thinking.

If Hillary wants to preserve her career as a professional politician, her best bet is to pull back in Texas and Ohio as a prelude to withdrawal. Bill will say no, 'cause his career is even deader than hers. But Hillary has more class than her husband. She also has some vague sense of reality -- of the difference between right and wrong.

The Intrade pay-to-play prediction market showed Obama with a 10 point gain after Wisconsin, giving him an insurmountable 81 to 19 lead. It's as if Hillary has suddenly become a steeply inverted yield curve, with a rapidly declining credit rating and a liquidity pool that's quickly drying up. She won't be able to raise two wooden nickels going forward. Not even Bill can raise enough money in Dubai to keep her out of bankruptcy.

The market has officially pulled the plug on Hillary, terminating her campaign. What's left for her now is to muster some grace, humility and character, and begin the process of pulling out. To do otherwise will destroy the Democratic Party, and what's left of the Clintons' badly tarred and tattered reputation.

Find the original article here.

Obama's Tone

DiLyFly — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:49:50 EST

If you listen to me at all about the Presidential race I am going to slip into the conversation at one point or another that I was completely shocked to find out our precinct captain was a life long Republican. How does that happen? Why does it happen?

The tone of Senator Obama is one of inclusion. I thought Democrats were the only ones tired of division tired of having politicians saying and doing anything to get elected. But Obama’s words always reflect the tone of his campaign. His tone is hopeful. And that gives opponents a chance to say that his beautiful words mean nothing that they are pretty but nothing more. But as he speaks more and more people listen to his theme of unity. He asks people to forget the divisions of the past and to move forward. His tone lets us know that bitterness serves no purpose and that there is too much at stake. We are a world leader and need to start acting like the tone of Obama’s campaign. Inclusive and willing to roll up our sleeves to make the world a better place. Senator Obama deflects criticism by offering solutions by the tone of his words, inclusion and working together.

One Democratic mom says that Senator Obama promises to change too many things that it is too much for one politician to accomplish. Senator Obama understands, as we do that the last 7 years cannot go unchallenged. His tone is of leadership. He inspires us to do more. He inspires us to let go of bitterness that has torn this country apart. His tone tells the world that we are willing to reach out to them to make things better than they have been.

So his opponents say he cannot change anything because his experiences is lacking. They hope you will listen to their words and forget about the accomplishments of his career. He taught Constitional law and the tone of his campaign reflects our need to recapture our rights. He has worked for his state with the poverty stricken neighborhoods and the tone of his campaign inspires us to make our poor less needy. His tone directs us to pass more legislation to keep money in the pockets of the poor and elderly and less to people that have more than enough. He has worked hard in congress and championed many bills and worked hard along side those that now try to lessen his words and diminish his accomplishments. That is the tone of their campaign to diminish others to look better themselves in order to gain their own special interests. That tone carries with their campaign. Will they be willing to listen to others that have a difference of opinion or will they be exactly like the administrator we have now?

Regardless of cynics more and more people flock to hear those inspiring “pretty” words. His tone has not changed and it will not. A leader inspires us and helps people become better by setting a good example and calling on us to reach our full potential. In businesses a leader is not a substitute for team work. It is up to the people to take back their own voice and Senator Obama inspires them to do so.

It is time for Washington to change there is no dispute about that. And yet still his opponent’s counter that words cannot change politics. The young voters have always been inspired by words and yet lacked the willingness to follow through with taking the time to cast a simple vote- until now. Independents have long since distanced themselves from either party- until now. Republicans are willing to listen to his words because of this new tone - inclusion. When Democrats and Republicans can come together to make our country strong the way it can be it is indeed a time of awe. Did I tell you that the Precinct captain at our district caucus was a Republican? Sorry if I repeat myself but I love hearing the tone.

Speeches AND Solutions...not Speeches OR Solutions

Britons 4 Obama — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:34:10 EST

“We need to keep dreaming; dreaming keeps us hopeful,” Mrs. Clinton said. “Without dreams we can’t aspire to be great, but without action we cannot turn those dreams into reality.”

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/21/us/politics/21campaign.html

No doubt you will recognise this as the usual loosely veiled attack peddled by the Clinton campaign...

of course anyone who has listened to Obama knows that Barack is definitely a man of substance.

In fact he's written a best-selling book ('The Audacity of Hope') that is full of substance on the issues of today.

But as Hillary Clinton...

'return[s] to what has become a central theme of her retooled, sharper-edged campaign, saying at one point: "There's a difference between speeches and solutions, between talk and action."

it is important to remember that in addition to Barack's perfectly valid point that...

"...contrary to what she was saying, it's not a choice between speeches and solutions. It's a choice between the politics of divisions and distractions that did not work in South Carolina, that did not work in Wisconsin and that will not work in Texas."

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/18/AR2008021802236_2.html?sid=ST2008021802264

its NOT about Hillary Clinton's falsely implied concept of Speeches OR Solutions, it IS all about Speeches AND Solutions!

Barack Obama will be a President who can provide the American people with action, AND a President who can reassure, lead, inspire and talk to the American people.

America needs a President who can do BOTH.

Obama for Speeches AND Solutions

Yes We Can!

Is Barack Too Young? A Good Answer

Ken — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:29:04 EST

In light of last night's debate, first or third person, a good answer to the question, "Is Barack Obama Too Young or Too Inexperienced to be President or Commander in Chief?" might be:

Too young? Let's take a look at 3 great presidents. John F. Kennedy, a great Democratic President, was younger and saved the nation from a nuclear war and launched our manned space program. He was elected at the age of 43. Theodore Roosevelt, a great Republican President, was younger still, and he extended our reach and influence around the world and brought runaway monopolies under control. He became President at the age of 42. William J. Clinton, a great American President was also younger and he presided over one of our nation's greatest periods of economic growth and expansion as he streamlined government and balanced the budget. He was 46 when he was elected.

So no, given the historical record, I would not say that Barack Obama is too young to be a great President. Rather, 46 years of age is exactly the right age to handle the great many tasks at hand!

His words gave me a voice

DeShanne Collins — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:43:01 EST

My voice:

I would like to voice my relief. I am relieved that Obama has not been worn down my the currupt politics of Washington. I am relieved that he has not been able to manipulate the system and disregard the needs of his constituents in order to further his own political career. I am relieved that he has not cast bogus votes or presented meaningless proposals just for the sake of saying "I did this". I am relieved that he has not had enough time to join the ranks of government officials that are so out of touch with the American people that they would allow us to suffer behind their petty "party" differences.

Everyone wants to focus on what Obama has done in the Senate. Personally, I support him for what he is doing right now and what I believe he will do once he is in office. It is evident that he has the power to envoke a spirit of change. He has been able to draw people, that never before have been involved in the political process. This is a very BIG factor that is not getting the congratulations it deserves. Considering that our government is supposed to be "of the people, for the people and by the people", It is a BIG deal when someone comes along that can get people interested in their government, especially when they have been excluded from it for so long. It was not the Senate or the House that sparked abolition of slavery or the civil rights movement, or the woman sufferage movement. It was the people. People that were inspired by voices screaming for change; "Motivational Speakers". Congress decided to act because the people were demanding to be heard and demanding change. Had congress been left to their devises we could very well still be a nation of slaves, surpressed women , and minorities with no rights.

Well, the issues maybe different this time around, but the need is no less severe. I see our nation being divided not by color or gender but now it is the "Haves" against the "Have-Nots". A nation where you have to be wealthy live a quality life. You have to be wealthy have access to better quality food, education, and healthcare. This is not acceptable. It is not fair. It is not right. The messages that have been delivered by Barack Obama have made me recaluate my effect on the world around me. It is not just enough to recognize that their is something wrong. It is my civil duty to fight to change it. "Ordinary people can do extrordinary things". This is one of many statements made or "delivered" by Senator Obama that has changed my life.

Now, I want my government back. I want someone in office that will fight hard to put the issues in the hands of the American people AGAIN and not make back room decisions and policies that only support their own personal agendas. I want a government that will cater to the needs of it's nation. People "WE" are the Government. We are supposed to be calling the shots. Our representatives in Washington are supposed to be "civil servants" to us. We are the majority. The only reason Washington has been able to run thier own side- show for so long is because, "we the people" were not paying attention. We were not engaged. We were not holding these politicians accountable. We were not holding the media accountable. Now, largely due to Barack Obama, we are watching, we are paying attention. Washington, you can not trick us anymore? I want to know your every move? Tell me face to face why our jobs are leaving? Sit down at my kitchen table with me and tell me why I can barely afford to buy fresh produce? Take a drive with me and tell me why my gas tank is never full anymore?

"Ordinary people can do extraordinary things". Baracks presidential campaign has made us aware of our forgotten power to control our government. We do matter. Our words matter. They are not empty speeches. Words can spark your imagination, your imagination can spark ideas, your ideas can spark plans, your plans can spark actions, and your actions will produce results. These results would be the change that we seek. "For once in my adult life", I am inspired. I feel like I can make an impact in my government. I feel like getting involved and not sitting back on the sidelines... and to think it all started with one man giving a SPEECH. "YES WE CAN".

What Senator Obama has accomplished could never be measured by the cynical and condescending rulers of the media. His accomplishments go deeper than the rationalized thought process of the media. You can not measure or tally the power of Faith or Hope, because the power is infinite.

San Antonio, TX and Philadelphia, PA!

Tim from Atlanta, GA — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:04:03 EST

When Barack Obama rides into Texas, why not kick things off with a speech in San Antonio at one of the arenas there? The people in San Antonio know how to rock! Years ago I remember seeing the Spurs play at the Alamodome and the energy was electric! And when Barack gets to Pennsylvania, a speech at the Spectrum in Philadelphia would be a great way to "kick start" things there! Philadelphia knows how to rock, too!!!

How should Obama counter Clintons "solutions comments"

Eric — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:34:24 EST

I, personally am tired of the Clintons making it seem as if all Mr. Obama does is give speeches. They fail to realize that since he's graduated..he's been full of action. He has impacted the common man more than they will give him credit for. They are trying to take his strengths and promote them as weaknesses.

So my question, is what should he do? Today Clinton put out a 13 page report of details to help the economy. I saw her on the news and she was having the supports to ask her questions because she "likes to listen, instead of talking all the time"

I believe in Obama, and I believe that he has a plan. What can he do to promote the plan and the details of his plans? Until he does that...people are going to continue to say "he doesnt give details" and will continue to label us as following him without knowing his plan and its details.

What do you think?

Overcoming the Fear of Change

Paul from Washington, DC — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:14:35 EST

The change Senator Obama proposes is not a superficial change. The change he proposes goes beyond electing a Democratic President or bucking the gender or racial demographic trend that has defined the American Presidency. It goes beyond discreet policy proposals doomed to be derailed by special interests behind the scenes or in the fog of ignorance and apathy.

Senator Obama proposes to coalesce the largest ever cross-section of Americans into an unstoppable force for transforming government into a more perfect instrument of the people’s will. This will change America as we know it, and this scares many Americans.

Fear of real change runs deep in the human psyche. Thomas Jefferson wrote in his masterful Declaration of Independence that “all experience hath shewn [sic] that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.”

The American people have been resigned to the Washington to which we have become accustomed. We have not dared to try to change it because politicians divide us, confuse us, and persuade us that the alternatives are too uncertain or too dangerous.

Yet the change that Senator Obama envisions is not a revolution or a seismic shift. It is not uncertain, dangerous, or scary at all. The change he envisions is a reaffirmation of America’s democratic creed and historical purpose – that out of many, one people should come together to secure the life, liberty, and happiness we all yearn for.

If we flinch at this moment, we may not have another moment like this for a long time to come. And if we shrink, it will not be because we are faced with a powerful and all-encompassing political machine. If we turn back now, it will be because we are afraid of seizing our destiny. If we turn back now, we will embrace certain powerlessness and a legacy of mediocrity that our founding fathers found more insufferable than facing the British Empire and utter annihilation.

More than a good speaker

Michele — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:04:43 EST

I am listening to the latest tactic of the Clinton's - disparaging Sen. Obama's oratory talent as if that is all he was- a good speaker. Certainly, the contrast between Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton in that regard is uncomfortable for the Clinton camp. But let's not tear down the effects of a good speaker. I listened to Sen. Clinton carefully last night and her new technique.Paraphrasing: I am a solutions person. I get things done. I, I, I, me, me, me. Don't worry folks about all this bad stuff happeing to you and the world. I will take care of everything.

Really?

Then I listened to Obama's speech in Wisconsin. He is asking us - the citizens of this country to come up with the solution. He does not have the arrogance to say he can do it all. And that is what makes him believable.

Sen. Obama is more than an entertainer. He told students that college tuition would not be free. They had to so something. Sen. Obama recognizes the potential of the American people if they are properly led. We can do anything. Look what Americans did when Roosevelt asked the people to sacrifice - led us to recycle, ration, our food - and sacrifice for the war effort. Brokaw was right - that was the Greatest Generation - in large part because they were led down that path of greatness.

In comparison, look what happened after 2001. George W. Bush had the country eating out of the palm of his hands. Our cohesiveness and national patriotism was at fever pitch. What did he ask us to do? What call to action did he require from us? Nothing. We missed a tremendous opportunity because we were not led. As a life-long Republican, one of the gripes I have had with the Democratic party is that they talk to us like we are victims - " don't worry - we will take care of you poor things." "Thank God we are here to figure things out for you." That kind of theme. It's irking and insulting. Sen. Clinton is saying the same old thing again. Sen. Obama caught my eye for many reasons, but the one major one that put me in his camp, is his call to individuals to act - to join - to become involved. A call to action and a call to greatness. And you know what. We like being called. We like feeling needed. Who wouldn't?

Yes he is firing us up. We are getting off our sofas (dare I say our increasingly large behinds) and signing up. He makes us feel important. Yes it is hope, but it is much more. He wants us to be players - he wants us to be Power Brokers for a new cause. I am sorry, Mrs. Clinton, but when you have that kind of motivation and leadership at work, the Solutions are going to come fast and furious. And they will be fresh solutions. Solutions infused with creativity and energy. They will be solutions that will work - because they will be ours!

Thank you Sen. Obama for inspiring us. Don't let anybody cheapen that.

Michele,Lewes Delaware, Registered Republican and Proud Sen. Obama supporter!

Why Hope?

Robert from Wauconda, IL — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:01:49 EST

Why We Dare to Hope

In an electronic world where macro-information comes in bits an bytes, with little fact-checking and an almost reckless pursuit of the country’s highest office, I refuse to get caught up in the information flow – mainly because I really can’t tell what factual, what’s a lie and everything in-between.

Over the past several months I focused on candidates with experience, like Hillary and McCain. I felt change could only happen in small incremental steps, led by experienced politicians able to navigate the complex waters of politics. However, the more I thought about it, the more I came to the realization: why can’t we shoot for the stars? Why can’t we reach as high as possible? Why can’t we take a giant step? Is it risk we fear? Is it change we fear?

I believe strongly that we can create a better world with more security for our citizens, a better way of life, and prosperity – while marginalizing those who conspire against us.

Here’s why I hope for Obama and hope for America to rise again in the hearts of all citizens and in the hearts of foreigners who aspire to live the American dream:

Security

Foreign Policy

Our ability to improve the opinion of America does not come from forcing our way of life on others. Instead it comes from inspiring foreign people and countries to be like us; a land of opportunity and prosperity; a land of compassionate giving; a land of support for those choosing freedom and independent thinking.

Military Strength Through Precision

By inspiring people around the world to have aspirations of an American way of life, those who conspire against us will be isolated, remote and therefore more visible among free-thinking societies. By illuminating smaller, more precise targets around the globe we will still have the military strength to protect our citizens through precision attacks from a distance. Without a need to occupy, we will keep our soldiers at a safe distance from our enemies.

Innovation

We are the most innovative country in the world. The people of the United States have innovative ideas and supportive technology far advanced from our adversaries. We’ve demonstrated this with our military technology. Now we should use this unprecedented capability to protect our citizens with port security, border security, transportation security and a pinpointed focus on individuals and groups that conspire against us.

The Economic Responsibility of the Superpower

The Glass House

Before we can help others outside of our country, we must first help those at home. Our country has the means and our people have the ability to help those in need. As a country that can afford to help our citizens, we are obligated to do so. As Katrina pointed out, no citizen of this country should ever take a back seat to those efforts abroad. We had a unique opportunity for citizens to rally around the needs of Katrina victims, but were handcuffed by our commitments abroad – and we failed our citizens. Every law-abiding, hard-working citizen of this country deserves a chance to have a peaceful, free, and most-of-all, fair chance to succeed and contribute to a better America. It starts by giving everyone a solid foundation on which they can stand.

Health Care

We don’t need to give away or mandate health care for all of our citizens. Instead we need to allow our citizens the freedom to choose heath care, and freedom to do so comes first from an affordable set of options, not a mandated universal system. Those of us who can afford health care, or have it provided by our employers should have the freedom to choose to keep it. However, we must address the needs of others who are less fortunate. We need to make sure children are protected. In doing so we close the divide between rich and poor, and ultimately across gender and racial divides too. The health care system in America shouldn’t be government-run – it should simply be more affordable to all.

Job Opportunity

With a focus on efficiency and bottom-line profits, its no wonder so many companies outsource to foreign lands for cheap labor. However, this comes not from the financial greed of CEOs, but rather from the pressure of U.S. citizens to keep prices down and affordable. As citizens, we must consider sacrifices in support of our countrymen, including the potential for higher prices and even a higher sales tax. Remember the times when “Buy American” meant supporting the jobs of hardworking auto workers? Remember when Wal-Mart only sold American-made goods? It’s time for us to put our words back into action by imploring our companies to bring jobs back to the U.S. and accept the slightly higher prices that come with it. Think of the sacrifices our parents made during the WWII era – we can accept the change and responsibilities they did.

Infrastructure

We have an opportunity to change the focus of our resources to domestic infrastructure, including our programs for energy dependence, infrastructure safety, and education. To do so, we must first reduce our dependency on foreign resources. It’s our dependency on foreign oil, foreign manufacturing, foreign food and drug production that puts our country at risk. We should shift our focus on being less dependent on foreign influences to support our country’s infrastructure while improving our long-term investment in education for all of our citizens in every corner of our country.

Compassion for Others

Secondary to providing equal access, equal support and equal opportunity to our citizens we can focus on helping those outside of our country. We have the ability to improve life for millions outside of our country, and as the world’s superpower we’re morally obligated to do so. This is not an issue of race, gender or religion. It’s the obligation of the highest power to help others in need, beginning with those who need it most – those whose lives depend on the help of others; those in war-torn countries, those who are starving; those who die of curable disease but cannot get access to medicine; those who need clean water; those who depend solely on the compassion of others to survive. It is this gift of compassion, given simply because we can.

Hope: The Role of President

Not since John F. Kennedy have we had a President who inspired citizens to act on behalf of country and people with a gift of inspirational speech. FDR, Truman, and others had a unique ability to inspire the citizens of this country to reach deep within themselves to support one another, support our troops, support our economy, and support our ideals. The citizens, like my mother and father, were known as “The Greatest Generation”, not because they were rich and successful but because they gave for their country and other citizens in a way no one has done since. But today, politics have changed. No more is it enough to create goals, vision and inspiration. We require our candidates to tell us exactly how their plans are to be executed – we want details. Has any President delivered results in line with the exact details provided during their candidacy? No – it requires a team effort from cabinet members, staff and congress. That’s why it’s more important to focus on who they want on their team then how the plan would be executed.

I expect our President to create goals and vision for our country, build a team of capable leaders to formulate a plan outlining how these goals can be achieved, and building teams to execute in support of the President.

Hope is important. In fact hope is critically important because we need inspiration and promise that our lives and the lives of others will be better. We expect the President to inspire us to create our prosperity, not to simply hand it to us. Obama dreams and tells us we need to contribute to our own success; we need to sacrifice to achieve independence from foreign resources; and we need to be compassionate to the less fortunate.

That’s why I am hopeful.

Petition

Laddie Howard — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:47:57 EST

With the recent efforts in the campaign relative to the super delegates, it appears to me that it is no longer necessary to use this space to facilitate a petition. I would like to turn my attention to defeating this latest thematic shift by Clinton to "solutions v. speeches," and the upcoming fight with John McCain.

First point: it is painfully clear that Clinton has chosen to switch to the usage of another theme that she hopes will create traction for her campaign. Remember the first one: "two for the price of one" (that was the subtle theme). But it backfired when it became clear that Americans do not favor this dynastic idea and former President Clinton made incredible mistakes in South Carolina. Then the second theme: experience v. change. It became very clear that "change" is exactly what the country wants and needs, in spite of the "perception" that Hillary was more experienced. Something else happened to and continues to happen with that theme: people recognize that Hillary is not really more experienced, she's just be in public view much longer because of her marriage to the former President.

The third shift in themes emerged: "Ready from Day one." You know what happened, future President Obama made it clear that its important to be "Right from Day One." But they are still holding on to that one while they shift to one they hope will work better:

"Solutions vs. Speeches." This one we will expose ourselves by highlighting the simple facts. Those facts are: a failure during the former President's two-terms in office to provide healthcare, the loss of Congress, and welfare reform. She has no solutions and is only trying to create another false perception.

I've said enough. Tell me what you think. We will focus on the fight with McCain next.

Philosphy Bites on Freeloading - and Inspiration

John Hummel — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:11:35 EST

I found this episode of Philosophy Bites on Free Loading to be rather interesting.

It looks at the challenge of getting individuals to participate in things such as voting, health care, global warming, etc, when realistically their contribution is neglible in the face of the problem. What it boils down to is moving people to understand that as one person they have little impact - but by acting as part of a set, their contribution can be enormous.

I think this is part of the key in engaging in people in general, and something that Obama and his supporters have figured out. My $10 is minor - but with 100,000 other people, my $10 is part of $1,000,000 that can help buy ads, pay for transportation, set up events, and get the word out. Which then can move another 100,000 people to participate, so my $10 might be what wins a state - and can change the world.

Granted, the audio episode is high on philosophical ideas, but I thought it was interesting to listen to. When we have people now saying things like "Well, the civil rights movement helped, but it was a President who did it", or "Speeches don't put food on the table", it's important to realize that inspiration is a critical part in politics. It's the thing that can change a person's mind from "My contribution is too small to matter" to "My working with so many others can create great change."

Substantive specifics added to your talented Oratory, Sen. Obama....

julieannayoga — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:46:38 EST

your policy of your campaign:

DEAR SEN. OBAMA:

PLEASE TELL US / WE THE PEOPLE ---- SOME SUBSTANTIVE SPECIFICS AS TO H O W YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE CHANGE?

HOW will you change Healthcare? HOW will you do your Plan?

HOW will you change the Iraq situation? HOW will you bring the troops home, without revealing too many details...

HOW will you prevent lobbyists from running D.C.?

HOW will you bring more Arts into the Schools?

HOW will you expand the Peace Corps and domestic Vista?

HOW will you give the $4,000 to Students each year for college tuitions and have them do community service? Does Congress have to pass this, etc.

HOW will you help the foreclosure situation, specifically? And how much does Congress have to be involved in creating a solution to this problem?

HOW will you help prevent crime in this Society?

HOW will you improve the Prison System?

HOW will you downsize or even eliminate prostitution and drug rings, as they so wisely have done in Sweden? Will you look at other countries' models / successful solutions to this and many other problems?

HOW will you upgrade the sorry Education System?

HOW will you balance the economy?

HOW will you balance the Gov't Budget after this cheneybush disaster?

HOW will you build up our infrastructure?

HOW will you do this and that:

We are hungry for some substance added to your hopeful and eloquent oratory.

We realize that your ISSUES page at your website gives many answers; but we would like to see you speak some specifics, at least some, in every speech you give. There is criticism out there that you are not bringing enough substance to you speeches.... We want to hear even more "HOPEFULNESS" from you by your telling us=======

how you are going to effect change....

and WHAT changes do you feel confident will be made under your administration?

Thank you.........

julieanna
activist
marina del rey, ca

p.s.---- Wife Michelle was lovely, interesting on the Larry King Show the other night; albeit, she does not need that much eyeliner.... she is softer and prettier without it, I believe. I realize she was a little "nervous", just relax, just relax, and enjoy the Momentum... let go, and it will all come to you :)

Change -in our pockets for a change!!!

Godslovelyrose — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 06:51:57 EST

I was listening to McCain say the same things Bush has said for the past 8 years, during one of his campaign speeches. (Keep your friends close but your enemies closer) One comment he made was in reference to the Slogan, "Change." His comment was (not an exact quote), "Change is all you'll have in your pocket after Barak gets in office." Well, I've been going through a really hard time since Bush has been in office, because I am disabled. The Republican party has taken away many benefits I desperately need, and when I heard McCain make that comment, I thought to myself, "Well, 'Change' in my pocket with Barak is better than bills in my pocket with the Republican party!" I have had nothing BUT bills since the Republicans have been in the White House....higher gas bills, higher heating bills, higher taxes...yes, nothing but bills! I am praying that Barak will be elected as our next president. I am proud that he is running, and proud that others across our nation are now seeing a man who is qualified for this position without seeing the color of his skin. It is about time!

It's gotta come from their socks!

Annalee — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:24:50 EST

Senator Obama's speech to supporters in Chicago just ended. Good lord, that man can give a speech. Sam Seaborn would be proud of him, because when people stand up to clap for Senator Obama, it really does come from their socks.

It's too late at night and way too warm in this room for me to try to deconstruct what he said, but it just worked on every level. I'd like to buy his speechwriters a round sometime on the off chance that their awesome is contageous.

I'm one of those frightened cynics you talked about in your speech tonight, Senator. I'm struggling to let hope light my way out of fear and doubt. Thank you for shining your light in the face of cynics and doubters like me. Thank you for standing up and saying "Yes, We Can." Thank you for bringing a message of change that even I can believe in.

Feelings welling up inside me

markyboy — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:42:42 EST

I am still adjusting to the feelings that well up inside me when I hear Barack speak. Incredibly inspiring. How do we get others to experience those feelings? There are only so many places he can be.

Advertisement Suggestions for Super Tuesday

EMK — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:00:52 EST

I agree about the info contained from the blog "Obama Keeps winning....news and info from around the world," but one thing that Clinton's got on Obama are that her ads have more elaboration (and are longer), and her interviews also have more explanation and plug-in style answers than Obama. Part of Obama's strategy are one-on-one, interactive campaigning (as mentione on some of the links from the referenced blog); however, Super Tuesday will have nearly half of the states voting at once, so he needs to get his message out in a way that a lot of people can get to know him.

Obama will need his ads to have more detail about his plans while maintaining the inspiration from his speeches, and maybe he can use some of his speeches from his early states in his ads. Those speeches are really good. In his interviews, he'll need to plug-in some of his plans. Two weeks isn't enough time to see nearly half of the country, but it may be enough time to get out his message and plans.

It may be possible for freelancers to create some ads and send them to him. Very useful, wouldn't it?

Any other suggestions, or problably some improptu ads?

I hope someone from Obama's advisors will read this blog.

Just my 2 cents,

EMK

Speeches

Tapinder Katoch — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:00:45 EST

Speeches Archive of Speeches Given by Senator Barack Obama Obama: Culture in Washington Must Change, Implement Tough Ethics Reform

August 21, 2007

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor in support of the Honest Government and Leadership Act. This legislation would provide increased transparency and accountability, reduce the influence of lobbyists and special interests, and bring about the concrete changes we need in Washington. In January, Obama joined with Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) to introduce Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act, which set a standard for strong ethics legislation this Congress. Obama also sponsored an amendment to the Honest Government and Open Leadership Act that required the disclosure of lobbyists that bundle campaign contributions for candidates.

Obama Initiative Would Revisit Radical Changes to Immigration System in Five Years

June 6, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama today delivered the following statement on the Senate floor on an amendment to the immigration reform bill he introduced with Senators Menendez and Feingold to sunset the points system to obtain citizenship after 5 years:

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama on the Iraq War

March 21, 2007

On Thursdays, Senator Durbin and I hold a constituent coffee so we can hear from the folks back home. A young man came a few months ago who was about 25, 26 years old. He had been back from Iraq for a year. The first months of that year he spent in a coma. An explosion had shattered his face, blinded him in both eyes, and has left him without the use of one arm.

Statement of Senator Obama on Zimbabwe

March 15, 2007

Mr. President, the events of the last few days in Zimbabwe are outrageous and warrant universal condemnation. It is time for the government of Robert Mugabe to cease its repressive and divisive actions, and to allow Zimbabweans to pursue their hopes for legitimate political change and opportunity.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama Floor Statement on New Leadership Resolution on Iraq

March 13, 2007

Mr. President, the news from Iraq is very bad.

Last week, a suicide bomber stood outside a bookstore and killed 20 people. Other attacks killed 118 Shiite pilgrims. On Sunday, a car bomb went off in central Baghdad and more than 30 people died. And the road from the airport into Baghdad is littered with smoldering debris, craters from improvised explosive devices, and the memories of our sons and daughters.

Statement of Senator Obama on Latin America

March 8, 2007

Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, later today, President Bush will start on a six day visit to five countries in the Western Hemisphere – Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico.

The trip comes at an important time for the region, and for U.S. relations with our hemispheric neighbors. In an historic convergence, during a 13 month period beginning in November, 2005, and ending this past December, a dozen countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean held presidential elections. Those elections are a testament to the tremendous democratic strides made throughout the Americas during the past two decades, and saw governments elected to power that span the ideological spectrum.

AIPAC Policy Forum Remarks

March 2, 2007

Thank you so much for your kind introduction and the invitation to meet with you this morning.

Last week, this event was described to me as a small gathering of friends. Looking at all of you here today; seeing so many of you who care about peace in this world; who care about a strong and lasting friendship between Israel and the United States, and who care about what’s on the next page of our shared futures, I think a small gathering of friends fits this crowd just right.

Floor Statement on Iraq War De-escalation Act of 2007

January 30, 2007

Mr. President, today in Iraq, we sadly find ourselves at the very point I feared most when I opposed giving the President the open-ended authority to wage this war in 2002 - an occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences in the midst of a country torn by civil war. The American people have waited and the American people have been patient. We have given chance after chance for a resolution that has not come, and, more importantly, watched with horror and grief the tragic loss of thousands of brave young American soldiers.

The Time Has Come for Universal Health Care

January 25, 2007

On this January morning of two thousand and seven, more than sixty years after President Truman first issued the call for national health insurance, we find ourselves in the midst of an historic moment on health care. From Maine to California, from business to labor, from Democrats to Republicans, the emergence of new and bold proposals from across the spectrum has effectively ended the debate over whether or not we should have universal health care in this country.

Floor Statement on President's Decision to Increase Troops in Iraq

January 19, 2007

Mr. President, I would like to speak briefly on what is a roiling debate not only in the Senate but across the country, and that is the President's policy with respect to Iraq. There are countless reasons the American people have lost confidence in the President's Iraq policy, but chief among them has been the administration's insistence on making promises and assurances about progress and victory that do not appear to be grounded in the reality of the facts.

Race Against Time - World AIDS Day Speech

December 1, 2006

I took my own trip to Africa a few months ago. As I'm sure Rick and Kay would agree, it's an experience that stays with you for quite some time. I visited an HIV/AIDS hospital in South Africa that was filled to capacity with people who walked hours - even days - just for the chance to seek help. I met courageous patients who refused to give up for themselves or their families. And I came across AIDS activists who meet resistance from their own government but keep on fighting anyway.

A Way Forward in Iraq

November 20, 2006

A few Tuesdays ago, the American people embraced this seriousness with regards to America’s policy in Iraq. Americans were originally persuaded by the President to go to war in part because of the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and in part because they were told that it would help reduce the threat of international terrorism. Neither turned out to be true. And now, after three long years of watching the same back and forth in Washington, the American people have sent a clear message that the days of using the war on terror as a political football are over. That policy-by-slogan will no longer pass as an acceptable form of debate in this country.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony

November 13, 2006

I have two daughters, ages five and eight. And when I see the plans for this memorial, I think about what it will be like when I first bring them here upon the memorial's completion. I imagine us walking down to this tidal basin, between one memorial dedicated to the man who helped give birth to a nation, and another dedicated to the man who preserved it. I picture us walking beneath the shadows cast by the Mountain of Despair, and gazing up at the Stone of Hope, and reading the quotes on the wall together as the water falls like rain.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama on the Military Commission Legislation

September 28, 2006

Mr. President, I am proud to be sponsoring this amendment with the senior senator from West Virginia. He's absolutely right that Congress has abrogated its oversight responsibilities, and one way to reverse that troubling trend is to adopt a sunset provision in this bill. We did that in the Patriot Act, and that allowed us to make important revisions to the bill that reflected our experience about what worked and didn't work during the previous 5 years. We should do that again with this important piece of legislation.

Floor Statement on the Habeas Corpus Amendment

September 27, 2006

Mr. OBAMA. Mr. President, I would like to address the habeas corpus amendment that is on the floor and that we just heard a lengthy debate about between Senator Specter and Senator Warner. A few years ago, I gave a speech in Boston that people talk about from time to time. In that speech, I spoke about why I love this country, why I love America, and what I believe sets this country apart from so many other nations in so many areas.

An Honest Government, A Hopeful Future

August 28, 2006

The first time I came to Kenya was in 1987. I had just finished three years of work as a community organizer in low-income neighborhoods of Chicago, and was about to enroll in law school. My sister, Auma, was teaching that year at this university, and so I came to stay with her for a month.

Xavier University Commencement Address

August 11, 2006

I want to start by thanking you all for allowing me to share in your miracle today. Over the past year there has been no shortage of doubts about whether this college would live to see another commencement - and doubts remain still about the future of this great city. But on this summer's day in New Orleans, less than one year after the worst storm in American history beat down your door, I look out at the largest class to ever graduate from this college and know that one thing is certain - Xavier University is back.

AFSCME National Convention

August 7, 2006

We meet here at a challenging time for labor and a challenging time for America. All across the country, from nurses in Chicago to correctional officers in Atlanta to sanitation workers in L.A., Americans have been looking to the future with more anxiety than hope. As transformations in technology and communication have ushered in a global economy with new rules and new risks, they've watched their government do its best to try and shift those risks onto the backs of the American worker. And they wonder how they will ever keep up.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on his vote against the Gulf of Mexico Energy Bill

August 1, 2006

Every one of us in Congress has heard from our constituents about the high cost of gas. A gallon is now $3 or more in most parts of the country, and there is every reason to believe that figure will continue to climb throughout the rest of the summer.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama In Support of H.R. 9, the Voting Rights Act

July 20, 2006

That's why I stand here today. I would not be in the United States Senate had it not been for the efforts and courage of so many parents and grandparents and ordinary people who were willing to reach up and bend that arc in the direction of justice. I hope we continue to see that spirit live on, not just during this debate, but throughout all our work here in the Senate.

Statement of Support for Stem Cell Research

July 17, 2006

Mr. President, a few weeks ago I was visited by two of my constituents-- Mary Schneider and her son Ryan. When Ryan was just two years old, his parents and doctors noted severe delays in his motor and speech development, and he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His parents were devastated, as the prognosis for many children with cerebral palsy is quite grim, and given the severity of Ryan's condition, his doctors didn't have much hope for his improvement.

Campus Progress Annual Conference

July 12, 2006

I want to congratulate all of you at Campus Progress for the work you've been doing to build a new generation of progressive leadership in this country. At a time when too many in the media have written off your generation as apathetic or uninvolved, you're proving not only that you care very deeply about the future of this country, but that you're willing to do something about it.

'Call to Renewal' Keynote Address

June 28, 2006

"...This is why, if we truly hope to speak to people where they're at - to communicate our hopes and values in a way that's relevant to their own - we cannot abandon the field of religious discourse. Because when we ignore the debate about what it means to be a good Christian or Muslim or Jew; when we discuss religion only in the negative sense of where or how it should not be practiced, rather than in the positive sense of what it tells us about our obligations towards one another; when we shy away from religious venues and religious broadcasts because we assume that we will be unwelcome - others will fill the vacuum, those with the most insular views of faith, or those who cynically use religion to justify partisan ends."

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Iraq Debate

June 21, 2006

Mr. President, in October of 2002, I delivered a speech opposing the War in Iraq. I said that Saddam Hussein was a ruthless man, but that he posed no imminent and direct threat to the United States. I said that a war in Iraq would take our focus away from our efforts to defeat al-Qaeda.

Northwestern University Commencement Address

June 16, 2006

A few months ago, I came across an article in your student newspaper by Elaine Meyer. Elaine, give me a little wave if you're out there. There she is. Glad to see you made it to graduation. So, Elaine wrote this article entitled, "Challenge us, Senator Obama." I thought this seemed like a fair request, so I kept reading. And I noticed that Elaine set out a few expectations for this speech.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama: Take Back America

June 14, 2006

My friends, we meet here today at a time where we find ourselves at a crossroads in America's history. It's a time where you can go to any town hall or street corner or coffee shop and hear people express the same anxiety about the future; hear them convey the same uncertainty about the direction we're headed as a country. Whether it's the war or Katrina or their health care or their jobs, you hear people say that we've finally arrived at a moment where something must change.

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Federal Marriage Amendment

June 5, 2006

Today, we take up the valuable time of the U.S. Senate with a proposed amendment to our Constitution that has absolutely no chance of passing. We do this, allegedly, in an attempt to uphold the institution of marriage in this country. We do this despite the fact that for over two hundred years, Americans have been defining and defending marriage on the state and local level without any help from the U.S. Constitution at all.

University of Massachusetts at Boston Commencement Address

June 2, 2006

More than half of you represent the very first member of your family to ever attend college. In the most diverse university in all of New England, I look out at a sea of faces that are African-American and Hispanic-American and Asian-American and Arab-American. I see students that have come here from over 100 different countries, believing like those first settlers that they too could find a home in this City on a Hill - that they too could find success in this unlikeliest of places.

Senator Barack Obama Floor Statement General Michael Hayden Nomination

May 25, 2006

We don't expect the President to give the American people every detail about a classified surveillance program. But we do expect him to place such a program within the rule of law, and to allow members of the other two coequal branches of government - Congress and the Judiciary - to have the ability to monitor and oversee such a program. Our Constitution and our right to privacy as Americans require as much.

Senator Obama's Floor Speech in Opposition to the Amendment Requiring a Photo ID to Vote

May 24, 2006

There is no more fundamental right accorded to United States citizens by the Constitution than the right to vote. The unimpeded exercise of this right is essential to the functioning of our democracy. Unfortunately, history has not been kind to certain citizens in protecting their ability to exercise this right.

Floor Statement by Senator Barack Obama Employment Verification Amendment for the Immigration Bill

May 23, 2006

One of the central components of immigration reform is enforcement, and this bill contains a number of important provisions to beef up border security. But that's not enough. Real enforcement also means drying up the pool of jobs that encourages illegal immigration. And that can only happen if employers don't hire illegal workers.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Commencement Address

May 20, 2006

Looking out at this class of 2006, I think my hope is well-placed. With the field you have chosen, you've already shown how much you care about the lives of others; how strongly you have heard the calling to be healers in this world. Today, I ask you to remember that call always, and to remember how it could include more than the patient sitting in your office. It could also include the patients who can't afford to get there, the ones who aren't being provided the best care, and the general health of all Americans.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at Emily's List Annual Luncheon

May 11, 2006

We meet here today at a time where we find ourselves at a crossroads in America's history. It's a time where you can go to any town hall or street corner or coffee shop and hear people express the same anxiety about the future; hear them convey the same uncertainty about the direction we're headed as a country. Whether it's the war or Katrina or their health care or their jobs, you hear people say that we've finally arrived at a moment where something must change.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on his Amendment to Stop No-Bid Contracts for Gulf Coast Recovery and Reconstruction

May 2, 2006

Mr. President, after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, millions of Americans opened their hearts, their homes, and their wallets to help the victims in the Gulf Coast. Even before Katrina’s winds and rains died down, Americans across the country called national hotlines and pledged their hard-earned dollars, their time, and their prayers to the relief effort.

But they didn’t just pledge – they also delivered. They delivered to the tune of $3.5 billion dollars. Many of these donations came from working-class families who didn’t have much to give, but they gave what they could.

Energy Independence and the Safety of Our Planet

April 3, 2006

For decades, we've been warned by legions of scientists and mountains of evidence that this was coming - that we couldn't just keep burning fossil fuels and contribute to the changing atmosphere without consequence. And yet, for decades, far too many have ignored the warnings, either dismissing the science as a hoax or believing that it was the concern of enviros looking to save polar bears and rainforests.

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Immigration Reform

April 3, 2006

I come to the floor today to enter the debate on comprehensive immigration reform. It is a debate that will touch on the basic questions of morality, the law, and what it means to be an American.

Remarks of Senator Obama at Fellowship Baptist Church

March 20, 2006

The Englewood community vowed that the deaths of two girls will not be in vain at an anti-violence rally on Monday March 20th. Officials had to turn people away after hundreds packed Fellowship Baptist Church to remember Siretha White, 10, and Starkesia Reed, 14, who were both killed by stray bullets within a span of eight days.

21st Century Schools for a 21st Century Economy

March 13, 2006

The ideal of public education has always been at the heart of this bargain. From the moment we built the first schools in the towns of New England, it was the driving force behind Thomas Jefferson's declaration that "...talent and virtue, needed in a free society, should be educated regardless of wealth, birth or other accidental condition."

Senator Obama's Floor Statement on Meals Amendment

March 8, 2006

I rise today in support of Senator Feingold's amendment to eliminate a loophole in this bill that would still allow members and staff to receive free meals from lobbyists up to $50 in value. Now, of all the ethics reforms we take up this week, this should be an easy one. Because I can't think of a single reason in the world why we shouldn't be paying for our own lunches in Washington.

Senator Obama's Opening Statement for Floor Debate on Ethics Reform

March 7, 2006

The American people are tired of a Washington that's only open to those with the most cash and the right connections. They're tired of a political process where the vote you cast isn't as important as the favors you can do. And they're tired of trusting us with their tax dollars when they see them spent on frivolous pet projects and corporate giveaways.

Energy Security is National Security

February 28, 2006

"...every single hour we spend $18 million on foreign oil. It doesn't matter if these countries are budding democracies, despotic regimes, or havens for the madrassas that plant the seeds of terror in young minds - they get our money because we need their oil. One need only glance at headlines around the world to understand how dangerous this addictive arrangement truly is."

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on S.2271 - USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization

February 16, 2006

Mr. President, four years ago, following one of the most devastating attacks in our nation's history, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act to give our nation's law enforcement the tools they needed to track down terrorists who plot and lurk within our own borders and all over the world - terrorists who, right now, are looking to exploit weaknesses in our laws and our security to carry out even deadlier attacks than we saw on September 11th.

Opening Statement of Senator Barack Obama Foreign Relations Committee regarding Lugar-Obama legislation S.1949.

February 9, 2006

The Lugar-Obama legislation, S.1949, does two basic things. First, it enhances our ability, working with friends and allies, to detect and intercept illegal shipments of weapons and materials of mass destruction. Second, the bill bolsters ongoing efforts to destroy conventional weapons such as lightweight anti-aircraft missiles.

Senator Obama's Floor Statement on the Hurricane Katrina Child Assistance Amendment

February 1, 2006

The Amendment achieves two goals. First, it helps keep a promise the President made to rebuild the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Second, in a $70 billion bill laden with tax cuts for the wealthy and well-connected, it sets aside less than 1 percent for the neediest in our society.

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito, Jr.

January 26, 2006

As we all know, there's been a lot of discussion in the country about how the Senate should approach this confirmation process. There are some who believe that the President, having won the election, should have the complete authority to appoint his nominee, and the Senate should only examine whether or not the Justice is intellectually capable and an all-around nice guy. That once you get beyond intellect and personal character, there should be no further question whether the judge should be confirmed.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the Lobbying Reform Summit

January 26, 2006

Now, I've been asked by my caucus to take a role in lobbying reform - a role I'm proud to have. As many of you know I'm from Chicago - a city that hasn't always had the cleanest reputation when it comes to politics in this country. But during my first year in the Illinois State Senate, I helped lead the fight to pass Illinois' first ethics reform bill in twenty-five years. I hope we can do something like that here.

Senate Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on The PATRIOT Act

December 15, 2005

Four years ago, following the most devastating attack in our history, this body passed the USA PATRIOT Act in order to give our nation's law enforcement the tools they need to track down terrorists who plot and lurk within our own borders and all over the world - terrorists who, right now, are looking to exploit weaknesses in our laws and our security to carry out even deadlier attacks than we saw on September 11th.

Moving Forward in Iraq

November 22, 2005

Today, nearly 160,000 American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are risking their lives in the Middle East. They are operating in some of the most dangerous and difficult circumstances imaginable. Well over 2,000 men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice - given their full measure of devotion. Thousands more have returned with wounds like those that I saw at Walter Reed.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award Ceremony

November 16, 2005

I come to this with tremendous humility. I was only seven when Bobby Kennedy died. Many of the people in this room knew him as brother, as husband, as father, as friend. I knew him only as an icon. In that sense, it is a distance I share with most of the people who now work in this Capitol – many of whom were not even born when Bobby Kennedy died. But what’s interesting is that if you go throughout the offices in the Capitol, everywhere you’ll find photographs of Kennedy, or collections of his speeches, or some other memento of his life.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the National Women's Law Center

November 10, 2005

As I was thinking about tonight's dinner and all the progress the women's movement has made in the last century, the first thing that came to mind wasn't all the legal cases won or the legislation passed; it wasn't the issues debated or even the individual rights secured. I thought about my daughters.

Remarks of U.S. Senator Barack Obama regarding the "Sex on TV 4" Report

November 9, 2005

I want to start by thanking the Kaiser foundation for the work you've done not only on today's report, but on making these issues of media and family a part of the national conversation. This is a subject many of us come to not as politicians or policy makers, as but as parents most of all.

Non-Proliferation and Russia: The Challenges Ahead

November 1, 2005

Good morning. As some of you know, Senator Lugar and I recently traveled to Russia, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan to witness firsthand both the progress we're making in securing the world's most dangerous weapons, as well as the serious challenges that lie ahead.

Statement of Sen. Barack Obama on the Chicago White Sox

October 27, 2005

Senate Floor Statement I rise today as a U.S. Senator, as an Illinoisan, and as a proud resident of the Southside of Chicago, to congratulate the Chicago White Sox for winning the 2005 World Series. As my fellow Southsiders know,...

Teaching Our Kids in a 21st Century Economy

October 25, 2005

The other day, I was reading through Jonathan Kozol's new book, Shame of a Nation. In it, he talks about his recent travels to schools across America, and how fifty years after Brown v. Board of Education, we have an education system in this country that is still visibly separate and painfully unequal.

Statement of Senator Obama on the Death of Rosa Parks

October 25, 2005

Mr. President, today the nation mourns a genuine American hero. Rosa Parks died yesterday in her home in Detroit. Through her courage and by her example, Rosa Parks helped lay the foundation for a country that could begin to live up to its creed. Her life, and her brave actions, reminded each and every one of us of our personal responsibilities to stand up for what is right and the central truth of the American experience that our greatness as a nation derives from seemingly ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Statement of U.S. Senator Barack Obama on the Avian Flu

October 18, 2005

We are continuing to witness the relentless spread of avian flu, carried slowly but predictably by wild, migratory birds from countries in Southeast Asia to Western China, to Mongolia, and then over the Ural Mountains into Russia and Ukraine. From there, avian flu has spread over the past week to Romania and Turkey, and we have just learned, possibly into Greece.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama on the Confirmation of Judge John Roberts

September 22, 2005

First of all, let me congratulate Senator Specter and Senator Leahy for moving the process of confirming the nomination of Judge Roberts along with such civility, a civility that I believe speaks well of the Senate. Let me also say that I remain distressed that the White House during this confirmation process, which overall went smoothly, failed to provide critical documents as part of the record that could have provided us with a better basis to make our judgment with respect to the nomination. This White House continues to stymie efforts on the part of the Senate to do its job.

Securing Our Energy Future

September 15, 2005

The days of running a 21st century economy on a 20th century fossil fuel are numbered - and we need to realize that before it's too late. Our persistent dependence on oil is a danger our government has known about for years. And despite constant warnings by researchers and scientists, major corporations and our own government officials, it's a danger they have failed to prepare for, listen to, or seriously try to guard against.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

September 6, 2005

I just got back from a trip to Houston with former Presidents Clinton and Bush. And as we wandered through the crowd, we heard in very intimate terms the heart-wrenching stories that all of us have witnessed from a distance over the past several days: mothers separated from babies, adults mourning the loss of elderly parents, descriptions of the heat and filth and fear of the Superdome and the Convention Center.

AFL-CIO National Convention

July 25, 2005

It would be naive of me to start without acknowledging what's been on everyone's mind during this convention. As America tries to find its way in a global economy, we meet here at a challenging time for the labor movement. There are questions of strategy and tactics, leadership and power. And I can imagine that many of you are anxious not only about labor's future, but yours. You're wondering, will I be able to leave my children a better world than I was given? Will I be able to save enough to send them to college or plan for a secure retirement? Will my job even be there tomorrow? Who will stand up for me in this new world?

Remarks of U.S. Senator Barack Obama on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill and the Avian Flu

July 19, 2005

Mr. President, I rise today in support of H.R. 2057, the Foreign Operations Appropriation Bill. I'd also like to highlight one aspect of the bill. Since coming to the Senate six months ago, one of the foreign policy and health issues I have focused on relates to the avian flu. I am pleased that this bill includes $10 million to combat the spread of this potential pandemic, adding to the $25 million that the Senate provided in the supplemental appropriations bill in April.

American Legion Conference

July 16, 2005

Over the last few months and throughout the campaign, I've been able to travel the state and meet veterans from all across Illinois. And no matter how many stories of heroism I hear, I constantly find myself in awe of your service and inspired by your sacrifice. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said that "To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might."

U.S. Senator Barack Obama addresses the American Library Association

June 27, 2005

Thank you. It's an honor to be here with the hundreds of dedicated librarians who make up the American Library Association. Before we begin, I'd like to say a special hello to ALA member Nancy Gibbs, who is the mother of my communications director, Robert Gibbs. Believe me, I have no idea how the biggest mouth in our office came from a family of two librarians, but we're proud to have him on board and I'm sure you are too.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the Pritzker School of Medicine Commencement

June 13, 2005

Congratulations! After four long years of endless studying, sleepless nights, and constant stress, who's ready to kick back, relax, and jump head first into their residency?

Remarks of U.S. Senator Barack Obama on the nomination of Justice Janice Rogers Brown

June 8, 2005

I rise today to speak on the nomination of California Justice Janice Rogers Brown to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Now, let me begin by saying that the last thing I would like to be spending my time on right now is talking about judges.

Remarks of U.S. Senator Barack Obama at the Knox College Commencement

June 4, 2005

Good morning President Taylor, the Board of Trustees, faculty, parents, family, friends, and the Class of 2005. Congratulations on your graduation, and thank you for allowing me the honor to be a part of it.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

May 30, 2005

This is my first time visiting the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, and as I was driving through I thought to myself that the staff and the volunteers who have made this possible should feel very proud of the work they're doing - this is a beautiful place for our veterans to come home to.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama About America's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Policy

May 26, 2005

Mr. President, throughout the last half of the 20th Century, one nation - more than any other on the face of the earth - defined and shaped the threats posed to the United States.

Remarks by Senator Barack Obama at the Rockford Register Star Young American Awards

May 7, 2005

Thank you, and congratulations to all of this year's Young Americans. Now that you've each received your award, I have one question for all of you: What are you going to do with it?

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner

May 2, 2005

Thank you. Half a century after the first few hundred people sat for justice and equality at these tables, I am honored to be here with this crowd of thousands at the 50th NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.

"A Hope to Fulfill"

April 26, 2005

Thank you. It's great to be here at the National Press Club - I want to thank the club as well as the FDR Institute for arranging this luncheon together. I'd also like to thank Anne Roosevelt and Jim Roosevelt, who inspire us all by carrying on the proud legacy of their grandfather.

SIUC College of Agriculture's 50th Anniversary

April 23, 2005

Thank you. It's always great to be here in Carbondale, and a real honor to speak here at SIUC's first Agriculture Industry Day. Now, I'll be honest - I haven't done all that much farming living on the South Side of Chicago. But I have to say, my fondest farming memory is when I once offered to help out a friend with his harvest. Knowing the full range of my agricultural experience and expertise, he took one look at me and said..."no thanks."

Remarks by Senator Barack Obama at the Opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

April 20, 2005

Let me congratulate all of those who have helped to make this wonderful vision a reality. But we gather here today not to celebrate a building. We gather to celebrate a man.

Statement of Senator Barack Obama About His Amendment to Provide Meals and Phone Service to Wounded Veterans

April 14, 2005

Statement of Senator Barack Obama Amendment to Provide Meals and Phone Service to Wounded Veterans Wednesday, April 14, 2005 M. President, today I am offering an amendment to the fiscal year 2005 Emergency Supplemental, which I am pleased to announce...

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Nuclear Option

April 13, 2005

Mr. President, I rise today to urge my colleagues to think about the implications the nuclear option would have on this chamber and this country. I urge you to think not just about winning every debate, but about protecting free and democratic debate.

Opening Statement of Senator Barack Obama at the Confirmation Hearing of John Bolton

April 11, 2005

Mr. Chairman and Senator Biden, the position of United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations is one of the most important diplomatic positions in the entire U.S. government.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at the Herblock Foundation Annual Lecture

April 11, 2005

Thank you for inviting me here tonight. It's been a pretty busy week, but I figured I'd better do my best to show up here since I can't think of an easier target for political cartoonists than a tall, skinny guy with big ears and a funny name.

Obama Remarks to the American Legion Legislative Rally

March 28, 2005

Remarks by Senator Barack Obama American Legion Legislative Rally Tuesday, March 1st, 2005

CURE Keynote Address

March 11, 2005

Since I first learned about this organization from David and Susan, I've often thought about the simple act of hope that began its journey. I've thought about three mothers, sitting around a kitchen table, sharing the pain and the helplessness that go along with watching the child you love, the child whose happiness you live for, struggle with a disease that mom and dad can't fix. A disease that doesn't necessarily go away with the doctor's medicine, that isn't talked about most nights on the news, that isn't funded and recognized like a lot of the other diseases.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at TechNet

March 8, 2005

We're here today because when it comes to the global economy, the rules of the game have changed. This is a fact not only understood by a roomful of Silicon Valley CEOs, but by families I met all across Illinois during the campaign. They know that when it comes to their jobs and their wages, they're not only competing with workers in Naperville and Carbondale, but in New Delhi and Calcutta.

Floor Statement of Senator Barack Obama on S.256, the Bankruptcy Abuse and Prevention Act of 2005

February 28, 2005

Mr. President, I have come to the floor today to address this pending legislation. This issue should force us to face a fundamental question about who we are as a country, how we progress as a society, and where our values lie as a people: How do we treat our fellow Americans who have fallen on hard times, and what is our responsibility to cushion those falls when they occur?

John Lewis's 65th Birthday Gala

February 21, 2005

Thank you. It's an honor to be here tonight to celebrate one of the most courageous and compassionate Americans of our time. Happy Birthday John. When I was first asked to speak here, I thought to myself, never in a million years would I have guessed that I'd be serving in Congress with John Lewis.

Advice for Obama: Bore Us

Preyanka Clark Prakash — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 04:39:18 EST

A January 13th Chicago Tribube article suggests Obama should hold off on his soaring speeches for a while and talk issues, even if it bores us a little. I agree. While Obama supporters love his message of hope and change, it's time for him to tout his experience and detailed plans for the country. He has more years in public office under his belt than does Hillary; he needs to make that a prominent line in his stump speeches. Otherwise, the momentum is going to shift for Hillary, and her insistance that Obama represents inspiration without action is going to pay off. Obama has an advantage: people want to hear him speak. The world is watching, so it's the perfect opportunity for him to use the air time to deliver some serious, pointed information on the policies he intends to implement as president. Yes, he does this in interviews and on his website, but that's not enough. He needs to do it live.

For the first time in a long time!

Michael in Pasadena CA. — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:25:50 EST

This is my first time to blog.... I felt the need to share my enthusiasm for this movement that Mr. Obama is leading.

Like many people in this Country I have grown scenical about our system. Our goverment has let the American people and the international community down for a very long time. The fabric of our unique culture has been challenged and compromised by corporate greed and the williness of politicians to sell out. The media and the money machines behind them feed us bias reports that lean either to the right or left. There has not been a voice from the middle ground of honest bold straight truth in a long time. We as people who vote these politicians into office have been manipulated to the point where we no longer believe or trust them, from our local government, all the way to the White House. I now question whether our Country is still the greatest? I no longer believe that we as a Country are invincible. Our culture, our sense of purpose has dwindled to mediocrity. As a result some might argue that our once great nation is sinking into oblivion. History books remind us of the once great nations of our past, that appeared to be invincible but, were not. They were vulnerable to many of the same factors that we are currently faced with in our once proud Country. This blog of mine is begining to sound like an opinion article in the L.A. Times. (Sorry if it sounds like a guy who might have had a bad day at the office and pounded a couple of cocktails). I just can't help but express my true disapointment in the lack of focus and commitment offered up by our so called "leaders".

For the record I am an independent voter. I regretfully voted for our current President, George Bush, for both of his terms. At the time, I, like many Americans, felt that changing the guard with Kerry would have been the wrong move. I did not feel that there was a better option offered by the Democrats. I deeply regret my vote choice however, and can't help but feel a sense of shame for it. I have to live with that along with many others who like myself, may feel similar in respect to their vote. I can't tell you how embarrassed I am to admit that I voted for George Bush. This has been a really bad ride for so many.....

For the first time in a very long time I feel a sense of hope. Watching with scenical and cautious eyes I have watched and listened to both Republicans and Democrats. I have watched the debates between them and read and studied their positions on the issues.. Months ago I recall hearing about Barack Obama telling the truth about his past. His ability to admit the truth captured my attention. It was not your typical politician response like " I did not inhale" it was simply the truth. His response was backed with courage and integrity, a quality that I had not seen in a politician in quite a while. Along with this admission to experimenting with drugs he stuck to his guns about not supporting the invasion of Iraq. The only democrat currently running for the office who did not flip flop on the subject. It appears to me that Mr. Obama is less concerned about making his choices based on public opinion polls and political correctness but rather basing his decisions on sound logic.

I watched a recent debate between the candates. Mrs. Clinton made a comment regarding the distinction between words and action. She was making an argument that the so called actions that she had taken in her political career in some way were more relevant than just words. Implying that the words coming from Mr. Obama were simply, just words and had no substance to back them. Mr. Obama's response along with Mr. Edwards reminded me of the great leader's of our past and how their words for better or for worse made a tremendous difference for their cause. Just look at some of the incredible speeches made by great statesman of our past. They created change just by their words. Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill to name just a few. Words do have meaning and true leaders know this. NOW is when we more than ever need a true leader, one who can provide our Country with the words of hope and help a Country that is confused and lost back to a Country that is proud of itself again.

I have not been excited about a candidate since the maverick Ross Perot took the stage and provided us with flow charts and chicken feathers. Ofcourse, he was not a leader, atleast not as President of the United States. He let some of us down.

I hope you are the real deal Mr. Obama. I will keep my eyes on you. Your ideas and your sincerity have captured my attention and obviously millions more around the world. If you continue to be true to yourself and to the people you want to represent, I will proudly support you in your effort to be President. And one more thing please, please, please don't go down that ugly path of public opinion poles. Just speak from your heart and be real. Americans like myself are smart enough to see the difference.

Good luck,

Michael Darling

word cloud comparing Clinton/Obama Iowa post-caucus remarks

WDavidStephenson — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:52:56 EST

I'm a big fan of usiing word clouds (like tag clouds but analyze frequency of word use in a document rather than just the tags author applies) as a way of analyzing what's in someone's mind as expressed by their speech.

It's more informative when you do them for someone who doesn't have a speechwriter (hey, I used to write for Mike Dukakis, so I know how we ink-stained wretches can doctor the candidate's real intent..), as I've found with several I did analyzing bin Laden messages.

Nevertheless, IMHO, they can still be valuable in looking at what's really there in stump speeches, etc., so today I created ones for both Clinton's and Obama's post-caucus statements in Iowa. What jumped out at me was Clinton emphasized competence (”campaign, President, make, work”), while Obama stressed the elusive “change” goal (”hope,” “change”). Not earthshattering, but can lead to some insights...

2008: Continuing the Journey to the White House

Matthew Negrete — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:17:06 EST

Today, we welcome a new and very significant year, 2008. In the past year, the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has gone the distance. I will focus on some of the 2007 highlights, as well as, describing the importance of 2008.

Obama's Iowa Speech Does What Debates Have Failed To Do

Scott A. Giordano — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:24:18 EST

Obama's public speeches continue to clearly distinguish him from other candidates. He must aim to do the same in debates.

Listening to Obama

Mary H. — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:08:10 EST

Yesterday I found myself engaged in conversation with a Senior Citizen regarding Obama. She does not have cable T.V. and has not had many opportunities to see Obama speak. So, being a resourceful Senior she went to the library and checked out a book with speeches by Obama in it. She came to me yesterday to say she was not impressed.

We sat down and I looked up on the Internet some of Obama's speeches. She was much more impressed by seeing and listening to Obama than by reading straight text. I explained that this was the difference between Obama and other candidates, present and past, Obama has a passion and heart that shows when he speaks. Anyone watching him speak can tell he is a true leader, that his passion for the United States is real.

I encourage all of you to use the tools at your fingertips, forward his video speeches to your friends, family, acquaintances, anyone you know from the Internet. The Internet is a fabulous tool for us to use to educate, contact and share with people our knowledge and passion for Obama!

The Campaign's Website Must Be Adjusted to Accommodate Its Explosive Growth

Athena — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:27:02 EDT

Dear HQ: Let me share with you a proposal I just posted on the main blog. This website is getting HUGE and, IMO, its features must be improved to reflect that growth. Here are a few suggestions. We are growing like wildfire and we have to get organized:

--Add bandwidth. This is the only website that I have trouble with consistently in the form of "cannot find server" messages or freezing of the screens. This, despite my excellent high-speed connection.
--Add a search engine. This website is getting huge!
--Have campaign staffers and volunteers offer their own live feeds of events such as speeches so that we don't have to wait for the MSM to use them. We not only want the speech but, also, the crowd's reaction.
--Introduce more features in the text such as spell check, bold, italics, etc....
--Add a feature that enables us to cut and paste text or images from Word, Exel, etc... or other websites into our own blogposts
--Change the script! Those of us with myopia AND astigmatism AND a lazy eye need some help and understanding. Is this Arial 10 pt.? A bit too small. Times New Roman, Garmond or Arial at 11-12 pts. would be much easier to both read and edit. I am not joking when I say that you could attract more seniors tis way. As for me and other lifelong bats, we would be more likely to read the long posts.
--Increase the size of the text in the comment title to at LEAST 12 pts., so that people are more readily aware of what the person wants to say
--Create a video-specific archive of MAIN speeches. Barack TV should also be updated more frequently.
--A video archive of television ads
--An archive of morning clips, organized by news outlet or subject matter or date

It is my fear that if changes like these are not made quickly, the website will be unmanageable once the primary season kicks in and millions begin to visit www.barackobama.com every day.

Gloves Off? or Brutal Eloquence and Thunderous Brilliance

Joseph — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:39:41 EDT

Time to take the gloves off? That's the question being asked in polls, in the press, and in the Democratic party. I back the Obama way: it's counter-productive for a party to rip itself apart in order to name a candidate. It did a lot of damage in 2004, an election that could have been the Democrats' to lose had that not happened.

How will it show a candidate is "ready" for him to "go negative"? That would be to betray the principles of reform and of a new way in politics that have been touted by the Obama campaign. What can be done is to take the gloves off, play hardball, but in a constructive way. Keep raising the bar. Keep making it harder for other candidates to answer serious talk with soundbites. The electorate hates soundbite politics, but it wins out when all the candidates play along.

A hardball campaign aiming to demonstrate not character assassination or petty meanness, but brutal eloquence and thunderous brilliance, is the kind of "shock and awe" (excuse the language) that will do the trick. The electorate wants to be treated like what it is, the real government of the nation's future, the real heirs to its past errors and to its successes and potential.

The Obama campaign should take it to all opponents with relentless tenacity and unfathomable intelligence. Fighting back without getting down into the mud, issuing punishing blows without attacking on a personal level, is the most powerful image-booster any politician can have. It may seem like a strange reference, but recall Bill Clinton's tenacious "doing the people's business" while he was being hunted by Kenneth Starr; he became more popular than at any other time.

If you're the candidate whose busy doing the people's business already, while the others are fooling around playing paintball, you're halfway to swaying the primary voters.

Going Beyond the Opinion Polls, to the Heart of Matter

Joseph — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 08:55:03 EDT

We need to convince the media that there is a more important element to a presidential campaign than random opinion polls. We need to convince the media to attempt to trace not what the public thinks offhand at the present time, not to attempt to sew up the race now, based on these random data, but rather to attempt to find what the public would like to see in the candidate of its choosing, knowing all the facts and knowing all the components of each candidate's platform.

The media do not want to do this, because it would entail first, a great deal of research and investigative reporting on their part, second, a more pedantic public role than they like to play in this entertainment economy, and third, because the news might not really be available until November 2008. So, we need instead to make the campaign about something deeper, to make that the news. The establishment candidates and the establishment journalists will talk the same vacuous talk as always, but we can drive public interest around to the real facts of the real issues.

Let's work to get the information out: healthcare, what's the real situation? how many people die from lack of coverage or from its repercussions (no preventive care)? war, why are we spending so much on something that's so counterproductive? who's benefitting, and how can we prosecute profiteers? why hasn't Congress done anything until now? what role if any do taxpayer dollars and their management by government play in the abuses and murders allegedly committed by contractors, and how can we, as a people, correct those errors?

Is the economy going south? Let's take a good look, let's be courageous, let's have the backbone to say, maybe we've done something by less than ideal means in the last few years, maybe we've squandered the wealth of the 1990s, maybe the rich can get richer when the tide rises for everyone, and the last few years have been pure folly. Let's fix that.

Let's make sure that presidential debates are not about soundbites, that candidates are forced to answer, that each candidate gets to cue in on each point, that real argument can ensue. Let's propose they last 3 hours in stead of 30 minutes or 1 hour. Let's be brave in our pursuit of what's real to real people so that we can say that's what we're doing when mega-conglomerates cite polls showing the media have the pulse and the status quo is just fine.

Let's counter the survey-obsession, which always reports statistical information with inflated language, by being proud to be the candidacy of the fighter. We're fighting every day for average Americans, what are you fighting for? Seriously, this is what people want to hear, what needs to happen, what will make this candidacy nationally recognized as what it is at the grass-roots. The good fight. And truly possible.

The Big Campaign

Joseph — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 05:29:58 EDT

Is it possible to mount a new Big Campaign push within the campaign? Could Sen. Obama deliver one major speech a week for several weeks, the goal being to repeat the euphoric and monumental atmosphere of the announcement address in Springfield, playing up historical relevance in points across key states, gaining major voter support in a media-visual way? Could there be an effort to profile Sen. Obama on television, show a 20- to 30-minute documentary-promo, craft single speeches that run the gamut by emphasizing a range of issues, philosophically, critically, and with specific solutions, laid out in a dynamic, charismatic manner:

1) the audacity of hope, a philosophy; 2) Iraq, the catastrophe (with historical references); 3) Iraq, the solution (with military experts' support); 4) economics, why the US is suffering under George W. Bush (people are sick of seeing the cost of living go up while wages don't and then being told we're in a miraculous boom period); 5) economics, what Obama will do; 6) healtcare, how to that pleases everybody (insurers and HMOs are losing their passion for providing comprehensive solutions, they now want public assistance); 7) education, how it should be a sign of America's greatness and bounty (historical references, the power of the GI bill, for instance)...

Answer Attacks with Ideas

Joseph — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:46:35 EDT

Every time we have something like the Romney 'gaffe' or the PM Howard's sinister attack, Obama has been on message and above the fray, and that's the way to do it. The Howard assault ended when Obama showed he was more dignified, more eloquent, more serious and would take no such assault on his character. Romney should suffer the same fate. He should become yesterday's news, because his comment not only smacks of sinister behind-the-scenes wordplay, but also of an inability to distinguish patriotic American democrats from psychopathic cult leaders and mass murderers. He should pay the price other celebrity figures pay when they make such 'slips of the tongue': that of being little by little forgotten by the public spotlight.

The best way to achieve this end, as a candidate, I believe, especially as one who roots his campaign in hope and possibility, is to always have sweeping, thorough, trailblazing thoughts on the real issues. The other candidate becomes a hack, and a fraud, or shown to be so, when Obama brings us back to the real debate at hand, back to the serious work of thinking through our choices and finding the most intelligent way forward. Romney's haphazard rhetoric, that the Democrats plan for the economy is to "run", whatever that means, demonstrates the intellectual vacuum he's opted to campaign inside of. An aggressive, but Democratic, plan for the economy, is what keeps Obama looking like the next president.

Obama's Campaign Announcement, an Historic Address

Joseph — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:23:08 EDT

Obama Campaign Announcement, Springfield, IL, February 2007

This video is a must-see; it is historic footage in which Barack Obama captures the sense of our times and raises the possibility of a real —overdue and responsible— change for America. This video shows clearly why he is the right person to lead the nation back to its core values, back to its commitment to human rights and the democratic process, back to the idea of a government of the People, for the People and by the People... with great eloquence and searing passion, he calls on our now divided house to stand together and forge a genuine road to sustainable prosperity and freedom in this new century.

Spread the link, spread the word.

The Honorable Senator Barack Obama’s Major Policy Speech on Iraq, September 12, 2007.

Sheldon from Doylestown — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 18:37:55 EDT

The Honorable Senator Barack Obama’s Major Policy Speech on Iraq, September 12, 2007

Clinton, IA | September 12, 2007

A few months ago, I met a woman who told me her nephew was leaving for Iraq. As she started to tell me about how much she'd miss him and how worried she was about him, she began to cry. "I can't breathe,' she said. "I want to know when I am going to be able to breathe again.'

I have her on my mind when I think about what we've gone through as a country and where we need to go. Because we've been holding our breath over Iraq for five years. As we go through yet another debate about yet another phase of this misguided war, we've got a familiar feeling. Again, we're told that progress is upon us. Again, we're asked to hold our breath a little longer. Again, we're reminded of what's gone wrong with our policies and our politics.

It was five years ago today - on September 12, 2002 - that President Bush made his case for war at the United Nations. Standing in front of a world that stood with us after 9/11, he said, "In the attacks on America a year ago, we saw the destructive intentions of our enemies.' Then he talked about Saddam Hussein - a man who had nothing to do with 9/11. But citing the lesson of 9/11, he and others said we had to act. "To suggest otherwise,' the President said, "is to hope against the evidence.'

George Bush was wrong. The people who attacked us on 9/11 were in Afghanistan, not Iraq. Al Qaeda in Iraq didn't exist before our invasion. The case for war was built on exaggerated fears and empty evidence - so much so that Bob Graham, the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, decided to vote against the war after he read the National Intelligence Estimate.

Video: Barack in Manchester, New Hampshire

Sam Graham-Felsen — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:30:33 EDT

This morning, Barack showed all of us who the true candidate of change is. Read the speech here and watch the video:

LIVE: Barack @ CDA

T. Neil Sroka — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 16:00:24 EDT

I'm Neil, the New Media Director in South Carolina, and I'm super excited to be blogging LIVE from the College Democrats of America convention in right here in the capitol of the Palmetto State, Columbia.

The Students for Obama team is already here in mass and Barack should be starting his speech around 5pm EST. Click the Read More link below to follow the speech as it happens.

Last Updated: 5:12 PM EST

Read More>>

Father's Day Speech in South Carolina

Alexandra MacCallum — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:53:43 EDT

Senator Obama spoke this weekend in Spartanburg, South Carolina about strengthening families in the new economy. Describing his own experience growing up with an absentee father, he stressed the role absent fathers have in contributing to the economic hardship their families face.

It was more difficult for my mother to raise me and my sister on one salary during the 1970s, and we struggled, at times turning to food stamps to get us through the month.

The Senator noted that this is a particularly pressing issue in many African-American communities.

Without a job or an education, many black men simply cannot afford to raise a family - and too many have made the sad choice not to. Today, 54% of all African-American children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled since 1960.

Call for Religious Leadership in Chicago, IL

Evie for Obama — Sun, 20 May 2007 08:58:33 EDT

This video clip is one of the most inspiring that I have watched. It is local people, older Americans, Black Americans, religious leaders speaking from the heart and extolling the virtues of Senator Barack Obama as the best candidate for next president of the United States. Click on the link below to experience and become inspired by people who lived through the Civil Rights Movement, Civil Disobedience of the 1960's.There is a movement growing in this country today. People are looking for someone who is one of them, who has the courage to fight against the status-quo, the Washington DC Politics, keep his integrity and shows moral strength.The Charles Hayes Family Investment Center, South Cide of Chicago Link

Obama in 2008: A Great Announcement

Brandi from Chicago, IL — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:10:39 EDT

originally posted this on my personal blog on February 10, 2007:
Barack Obama is announcing his intent for President this morning. Watch it BarackObama.com.BarackObama.com.Link.
Here's my favorite speech" href="Link from him. He talks about religion and politics and his own faith. It's wonderful because he addresses, in gorgeous yet plain language, how progressives can enter into the conversation on faith. "Religious people do not have a monopoly on morality..." I find this particularly effective because so much of the debate has been exclusive. There have been the fire and brimstoners and everyone else. And, even though the fire and brimstoners are in the minority in terms of American values, they have had the loudest voices within the public sphere. I believe that is because progressives are too afraid to speak out about faith."

PA. Counties for Barack Obama

Jill 4 Obama — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 09:30:16 EDT

If you cannot find an event near you on March 31 or before, change the mileage and check again. You may plan on driving a little farther to meet. My first two meetings were approximately 32 miles and 20 miles respectively. Find out more about Barack Obama by reading his two books. Even better, listen to Obama's audio books, his speeches, his rallies on Barack TV, and his live appearances at special places around the U.S.A including The Daily Show, 60 Minutes, and other shows on YOU TUBE.

Check out every PA. county to see if all have grassroot groups. If not, think of someone you know in that area that you might call to tell them about this website and organizing a group for their area. It can be just a few friends that get together to discuss THE AUDACITY OF HOPE. Or many friends that come to learn for the first time about Barack Obama.

Grassroot for Barack!

Digging Dirt On Obama

Amy from Asheville, NC — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:20:05 EST

Like many of you, I sat down to watch the February 10th declaration speech given by Barak Obama with some trepidation and not a little cynicism. I had seen him speak before, and my original impression had been simply that he was an impressive speaker. Sitting through his speech on Saturday, however, I had to revise my opinion. He is not an impressive speaker, he is an enrapturing speaker, and beyond that he is speaking about things I care about in an intelligent and thoughtful manner. The man writes his own speeches, and doesn't even use notes. Occasionally, I had the queer feeling that he had been reading my website...because how else could he have known precisely what I care about and what I want to hear? Feeling a faint electrical tingle which I eventually managed to identify as long-unused hope...I came to with the conclusion that I was surely being taken for a ride. I set out to dig some dirt on Obama.

Some quick background on Obama, for those of you who may have (somehow) missed the exhaustive (and repetitive) anecdotes displayed so prominently in the news and in Obama's own speeches:

Barak Obama's father was from Kenya, his mother was from Kansas, and they met in Hawaii. His Dad took off when Obama was two, and his Mom later remarried and moved to Indonesia. Barak spent a couple of years in a Muslim school there, followed by a couple of years at a Catholic school (and the reports of his being a closet Muslim appear to be greatly over exaggerated). He slacked off in high school, smoked some dope and did some coke, and then went on to college at Occidental University in Los Angeles. He transferred in his junior year to Columbia University, where he majored in political science with a specialization in international relations and, by his own accounts "finally buckled down". After Columbia, he worked for a couple of years as a "grass-roots community organizer", and then applied to Harvard Law School, where he wound up becoming the first African American to be elected president of the Harvard Law Review. After that, he took jobs working for civil rights cases and lectured on Constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School.

Obama was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996, doing lots of good liberal deeds and earning a lot of respect for being able to cross partisan lines and hammer out compromises. In 2004, he made his run for one of the United States Senate seats for Illinois. Everybody said he was not "electable", and yet he pulled 52% of the votes in the primary race...and with the incidental help of some nasty controversy surrounding his original opponent, Obama was elected Senator with a solid 70% of the vote.

It all sounds lovely so far...but we all know that no one gets into politics without some skeletons in their closet. I was determined to find Obama's. Many hours and ten sore fingers later...I was dismayed. This is the summary of the fruits of my efforts:

* Obama used to smoke marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting). This was big news when it first hit the stands...but the American public by and large appears to be forgiving. After all, about 45.1 million people in the United States smoke cigarettes, nearly half of all Americans have smoked marijuana at least once, and 33.7 million Americans have tried cocaine. Guess most of us aren't in the position to throw stones.

* Obama once bought a ten foot strip of land next to his property (apparently so he could put up a fence) from a woman who was married to a man who was a fundraiser for Obama, and who also is awaiting trial for trying to collect kickbacks on government deals. It's really not Obama's fault that the guy he bought land from is in trouble, so moving on...

* Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure. That really does not sound good. To my dismay, however, I also found his explanation: "It would essentially bar abortions because the equal protection clause does not allow somebody to kill a child, and if this was a child then this would be an anti-abortion statute." He realized a potential loophole in the wording. Ever play Nomic? Sadly, it appears that the man thinks, and thinks well.

* He voted against letting people use a self-defense argument if charged with violating local handgun bans by using weapons in their homes. This could be considered voting against the Second Amendment...if you have no logical capacity at all. It seems he was trying to maintain some consistency within the legal system. Hmmm...

* Salon.com went on a mission to dig some dirt on Obama's environmental record, but wound up concluding: "This guy is a bona fide, card-carrying, bleeding-heart greenie."

* As far as financial corruption, the man is reported as not even allowing anyone to "buy him a coke". Apparently, he is squeaky clean here, as well.

* He voted "yes" on the Secure Fence Act of 2006. This was a foolish, short-sighted bill, and his support for it seems contradictory to much of his stated beliefs as to the means and methods for overhauling immigration policy. Ha! I've got you now, Obama! Too bad the rest of what you have to say on immigration reform makes so much damned sense.

* In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act. This should have been the crowning blow...until I read his statement on the bill. Looks like he didn't much like it, but thought it was better than nothing. On the one hand, we could consider this a sign of Obama being unwilling to strongly defend his beliefs. On the other, we are in desperate need of some diplomacy in our government, and this appears to be a diplomatic gesture. What to think?

This, so far, appears to be the worst of it. Unfortunately, in digging up all of these tidbits (only two of which could be considered "dirt", the rest being a matter of voter opinion), I also ran across page after page of legislation he has sponsored with which I thoroughly agree, interviews in which he was both insightful and humorous, and speeches he has written which were so bloody articulate and clever that I felt a distinct longing to run out and buy his damned books. My conclusion, after reading Obama speeches and quotes until my eyes crossed, is that we appear to have a rare specimen on our hands: a thinking politician. No one is going to agree with Barak Obama on every single issue, because he appears to be a man with a broad vision and the intelligence to consider multiple angles on any issue. The result is as with any thinking person; he comes to logical conclusions which do not toe the party line. He appears to possess a deep and multifaceted mind comfortable with ambiguity and paradox, yet confident that satisfactory conclusions can be reached. In short, against all my wishes, I like the man. I respect his decisions, even when I do not agree with them.

The next question, then, is can he be elected? This is the hot topic in the news today, and the general underlying consensus appears to be "No!". He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. The Democrats, in short, think Hillary has a better shot at winning, and don't want to gamble on a young, multiracial man with only a couple of years in national politics under his belt. They have been burned before, and all they want at this point is the Republicans out of the Chief Executive's office.

The Democrats are missing something vital in their assessment, however. America is ready to gamble on a miracle. The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that we will place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. The midterm elections were a demonstration of how disgusted the people have become. The initial acts of Congress this year have been, overall, a surprising show of recognition of the watchful eye of the American people. The 2008 election could be a quiet revolution.

The American people are exhausted from trying to sort through the lies and doublespeak of our politicians. We are war-weary, sick of partisan politics, burned out on fear. Americans are begging for hope and change, and offering up a middle of the road Republicrat will only discourage them more. Cynics, intellectuals, farmers, and craftsmen are enamored of Obama. Republicans and Democrats alike respect him and his ability to bring all sides of any issue to the table.

In short, the only thing keeping Obama from being "electable" is the Democratic Party's fear of what will happen if they take a chance. It would be a pity to see that fear create a reality which merely ensures we will continue down a predictable path to a whimpering ruin. We have a chance, perhaps, to jump the rails. To take off into places we cannot predict, cannot guarantee, and right now do not quite even dare to dream that we could go. It is time. Just one last time, let's muster our courage and dare to dream that it could be different. Truly, we have nothing to lose.

PM Howard Questions Barack Obama's Committment to Fight the War on Terror

Eric Mail — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:41:15 EST

I didn't know what to write as a first post, so I thought I would touch on something that happened today that only increased my respect for Barack Obama. I was checking up on the news on Google when I came across a story about the Australian Prime Minister Howard's criticism of Barack Obama's goal of reducing the American troop level in Iraq by early '08. I was disturbed by his statement that terrorists should pray that Senator Obama would be elected president.

While I don't think it is inappropriate for a leader of another country to express his opinion about the policies of another nation, I do think that his particular comment was narrow-minded, unfair, and as Obama replied, merely "empty rhetoric."

I was astonished when I heard the comment initially, because I could not understand how the Howard could think that the terrorists and insurgents causing the unrest in Iraq could want anything other than the status quo -- if anything they should be praying for more of the same. I thought the comments were unfair, because they single out Barack Obama specifically, almost as if he is the only politician suggesting a draw-down. If I am not mistaken, I believe John Edwards has suggested a more drastic reduction (i.e. more quickly and through means such as removing funding for the troops).

I immediately wondered what Barack Obama's response to this would be. I hoped so much that the campaign would say something -- my prayers were answered. Barack Obama's response impressed me, because he at once displayed a clear understanding of the hypocrisy behind Howard's statement (the "empty rhetoric") and it displayed an ability and readiness to ask more of our allies -- and not to mention a keen ability to go toe-to-toe with an unreasonable foreign leader.

That's all I have for now.

Peace & God Bless

Eric Mail