Audio is available, here.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Afternoon Delight....
obama with ninety-five-year-old charles edwards as he gave him a walking stick in bristol, va
and if congress don't pass his bills???
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Well, it was the press corp that was left holding the bag. The meeting did commence last night with Senators Obama and Clinton, but it was not at Clinton's home, instead Senator Feinstein's home. Once this information was found out, the meeting was done and over with. Don't blame 'em. How can you meet with thousands of reporters constantly badgering you? Obama and Clinton got the last laugh on this one.
"They just want an opportunity to meet together alone," she told reporters. The meeting started about 9:00 pm ET.
"I received them. Put them in the living room, two comfortable chairs facing one another and left." No staff, no security, just water for candidates. One person from each campaign sat in Feinstein's study. "They talked. I went upstairs and did my work."
About an hour later... "They called me when it was over. I came down and I said, 'Good night everybody. I hope you had a good meeting.' They were laughing, and that was it."
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Is Barack the Democratic Gamble?
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MUST READ: Whitey Hoax blown wide open....and more interesting rundown, here....
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McCain Complete Reversal on Spy Program: Now Supports Bush
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Obama taking weekend off, date with wife and EIGHT SEVEN YEAR OLDS OVER FOR A SLEEPOVER
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Another reason why McCain wants all these townhall meetings, his speech delivery is HORRENDOUS.
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Folks, this article says it all for the exit of Clinton: When Push Came to Shove....
.....and Clinton surrogates need to stop with the dishonest talking point of her winning the 'popular vote'. This will not bring her any closer to the VP spot, in fact they need to follow Clinton's lead and just STFU. JMHO.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Evening Wrap Up...
obama with former governor mark warner and rep. rick boucher in bristol, virginia
Clinton Backers, Backing Barack
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Obama and Dean Together to Change the Map
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The pros and cons of Clinton as a running mate.
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uniting the nation
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Clinton Telling Backers to BACK OBAMA!!!
On a Thursday afternoon conference call with top donors to her campaign, Sen. Hillary Clinton pledged "total support for Barack Obama," according to one participant on the call who spoke to the Huffington Post. Alan Patricof, a key fundraiser, also said there was "absolutely no mention" of a possible vice presidential slot during the conversation, which was moderated by campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe.
"She was terrific," Patricof said. "She told everyone she was 100 percent supportive of Barack Obama and the DNC. She said she wanted everyone on the phone to be supportive -- and said she herself intends to do events on behalf of the nominee and the party. ... She was real upbeat, there wasn't the slightest bit of remorse or recriminations. It was all totally positive, looking forward. I was very impressed, and admired her for that."
Patricof said that while there was no vice presidential speculation, the New York Democrat said she would make herself available for in-person events alongside Obama, and told her donors she hoped they would organize events on his behalf as well.
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Obama Does Better Than Kerry with Hispanics
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Hey, Chill on the VP Pick!!!
"Everybody needs to settle down, we just completed this arduous process," Obama told CNN's Candy Crowley. "It's only been two days, and I think its not just in my interest and Senator Clinton's interest, but in the Democratic Party's interest and the country's interest, to make sure I make this decision well."
Folks Obama, again, is not going to be told WHO to pick, WHEN to pick he or her, or HOW to do it either. This pick won't be disrobed until before the convention in Denver, so everyone just chill.
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2008 and the black vote
was hillary pushed out?
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Dylan says Barack is "redefining the nature of politics from the ground up".
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obama, what went right...
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and Obama is meeting Clinton at her home in D.C., as I type.
Kossacks for Obama: The GOP is Afraid, They are Very Afraid. Let's Keep It That Way.
cross-posted @ Daily Kos
While 'Presumptive' Democratic Nominee Barack Obama is starting to flex his muscle how money will flow in through the DNC, the GOP are shaking in their shoes, LITERALLY.
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As much as the GOP continues to attempt to slam Barack Obama on experience, national security, the economy, the Iraq War, etc., one thing they are having a come to Jesus moment about is money.
With Hillary Clinton’s campaign coming to an end this weekend, Barack Obama’s rise as the Democratic nominee brings serious bad news to a new group — John McCain’s finance team.
A review of campaign finance data offers not one ounce of good news and barely any hope for the McCain campaign’s ability to compete with Obama’s fundraising prowess.
At one point, the general public, yes we were not into the money thing for candidates. 2007 changed all this. The horserace was not just debates, states in play, supporters, but MONEY.
The money that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton raised has taken the oxygen out of the room for the GOP. Though George W. Bush is still a money draw, the GOP or Republican brand is not, throw in a lackluster 71-year old candidate, it is really tough.
Obama raised a staggering 272M through the month of April and now that Clinton is officially getting out of the race, he is now reaching to the Clinton fundraisers who brought Hillary Clinton a shattering 200M.
Look at this model:
- If each of Obama’s donors gave him a modest $250, he’d have $375 million to spend during the two-month general election sprint. That’s $186 million a month; $47 million a week.
- During the same September to Nov. 4th period, McCain will have about $85 million to spend since he has decided to take taxpayer money to help finance his campaign activities.
- The Republican National Committee, which is charged with closing the gap between McCain and Obama, has $40 million in cash. Obama raised almost as much — $31 million – from just his small donors in the month of February. His total for the month, $57 million, exceeded the RNC’s cash balance.
- Obama has more than 1.5 million donors; McCain has a few hundred thousand. If just a million of Obama’s donors sent him the maximum donation, $2,300, he could raise $2.3 billion.
A staggering possibility, mixed with reality.
Now, I am pondering about the request of 10 town hall meetings with Barack Obama that John McCain is asking of the Obama Campaign. I am a pessimist when it comes to the Republicans, we all should. The notion or possibility of 10 unscripted town hall meetings is inviting. Sure, it gives the public a chance to watch these two together and more so to listen to policy Q&A without the spin. But who benefits?
I think both do, but I give the edge to John McCain.
Why?
Who needs this more? Who need to reintroduce themselves to the public? Who want to look more young/hip? Who want to pump their chest and try to make Obama look more like a youngster than a seasoned politician who happens to be young? And who wants free media exposure without paying for it because of lack of money?
I am sure you can answer these questions, which is why I am more prone to NO. McCain is in a deep money funk, as well as the GOP. Though a war hero and decent man, overall, why cave into any requests or demands from him?
Which is why Obama should play the same trick he played on Clinton, which won him the nomination. What is that? Make them spend their money to try to keep up. Then when you know they are low on funds, spread the money table to isolate them to play in only a few fields.
Such a massive financial advantage will allow Obama to compete in more states than McCain and force his rival to defend states that should rightfully be Republican wins.
Obama’s use of such tactics has already been on display in the primary.
Pennsylvania was a must-win for Clinton and, given its large population of working class Democrats and women, was a long-shot for Obama.
Still, he spent $10 million advertising in the Keystone State. Why? He forced Clinton to spend all her money and much of her time there to ensure she pocketed a ten-point win.
Yes, Clinton won Pennsylvania, but remember it was the 11 straight losses that sunk the nomination for Clinton, in which she was never able to catch up. Those primary and caucus states that was never on her radar, post February 5th, which gave Obama the nomination.
Obama is going to play in the south, meaning make them spend money in their own backyard; also the western states which are GOP strongholds but now become battleground states, and the usual 'blue' suspect states.
In the general election, Obama could afford to set up large operations in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico and a host of other states – maybe even McCain’s own Arizona..
That would force McCain to pick the mid-size state battles he could afford while also trying to hold off a free-spending Obama in such essential big states as Ohio, Missouri and Florida.
“McCain has to make every dollar count in the general election and Obama will have money to burn,” said Evan Tracey, co-founder of Campaign Media Analysis Group.
The financial gap between the two presumed nominees was also on display during the primaries. Obama spent $75 million on television advertising; McCain spent $11 million, according to Tracey.
In the end, the GOP should be afraid, they should be very afraid of Barack Obama and the Democratic Party.
Kossacks, Keep the Pressure On...
Morning Break....
Following up on the Hillary Clinton Conceding Story, which came down to the PTB (powers that be), telling her to get out.
today show
vp question?
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Key Group Clinton Did Not Hold
Superdelegates. Yes, if you look back through the contentious fight for this nomination, it was always a core group that never took the leap to Clinton.
I have always thought as I was looking for a candidate, I wanted someone different, new, not the same old democrat shoved down my throat.
Coming from a progressive family and growing up with politics as active conversation at the dinner table, I knew that I was tired of the same thing always dished to democratic voters.
I knew if I felt this way, that many other democratic voters felt the same way too.
By mid-March, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s campaign knew it had a problem with what it had once assumed was a reliable firewall — its support among superdelegates.
The fight for pledged delegates for the Democratic nomination was essentially over. Senator Barack Obama was ahead, after winning a series of caucuses in states that Mrs. Clinton virtually ignored.
Still, it became apparent that neither he nor Mrs. Clinton could claim the presidential nomination with pledged delegates alone, and the two would need superdelegates — elected officials and party activists — to fill the gap.
For Mrs. Clinton in particular, that signaled danger. The commanding lead she had held in superdelegates at the start of the contests — she was about 100 ahead of Mr. Obama — had dwindled by mid-March, to 12.
My personal take is that many of these superdelegates were of independent mind, and also was of mind of a complete change. Not disrespecting the Clintons, but have moved past the Clintons, as many democrats eventually did.
“Sure, Senator Clinton was the favorite early on, but that was simply because of the institutional support that she already had,” said Jason Rae of Wisconsin, a superdelegate who endorsed Mr. Obama in February. “In the beginning, people were unsure of Senator Obama. But as they continued to see primary after primary, and him excelling, and him attracting all these new voters, I think the superdelegates really started feeling more comfortable with him.”
Of all the assumptions the Clinton campaign made going into the race, its support among the party establishment seemed like a safe bet. Many of the superdelegates, who help pick the nominee at the convention in August, came of age during the Bill Clinton presidency. Many were personal Clinton loyalists, cultivated to help deliver the vote.
And then, again, I have always said, that 11 straight losses in February doomed Clinton. The Democratic Party selects its nominee on the most pledged delegates from these primary states, not the popular vote. Clinton was behind after Wisconsin in February by over 115 pledged delegates, making this simply impossible to overturn even with all the other primaries up until June. One other thing, the Clintons belief that the superdelegates would overturn what the primaries and caucuses was a wild card. That would have caused anarchy at the convention in Denver and no matter how one feel about the Clintons, the Democratic Party is first and foremost.
Representative David E. Price, a superdelegate from North Carolina, said the idea that Mrs. Clinton could amass enough superdelegates to overturn the verdict of pledged delegates “was never in the cards.”
Many books will be written about this primary season. But in the end, it was Clinton's own constituency that pulled the plug on her, gently telling her to come back to reality.
chuck todd, msnbc, first read
the obama pound
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Evening Wrapup.....
barack and michelle, st. paul, mn
brian williams interview with barack obama, presumptive democratic nominee, june 4, 2008
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Hillary Clinton says good-bye to staff.
Obama-Clinton ticket: A dream or nightmare?
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Simply, WTF?
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jeffrey toobin, "Clinton's Refusal To Concede "Deranged Narcissism"
mccain speech is awful....
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Hillary Clinton to Concede Race to Obama, We will see...
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will endorse Senator Barack Obama on Saturday, bringing a close to her 17-month campaign for the White House, aides said. Her decision came after Democrats urged her Wednesday to leave the race and allow the party to coalesce around Mr. Obama.
Howard Wolfson, one of Mrs. Clinton’s chief strategists, and other aides said she would express support for Mr. Obama and party unity at an event in Washington that day. One adviser said Mrs. Clinton would concede defeat, congratulate Mr. Obama and proclaim him the party’s nominee, while pledging to do what was needed to assure his victory in November.
Her decision came after a day of conversations with supporters on Capitol Hill about her future now that Mr. Obama had clinched the nomination. Mrs. Clinton had, in a speech after Tuesday night’s primaries, suggested she wanted to wait before deciding about her future, but in conversations Wednesday, her aides said, she was urged to step aside.
Afternoon Delight....
Obama is the WORD, around the world
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John McCain is requesting town hall meetings around the country with Barack Obama. Yes, just like he said Obama should go to Iraq with him. My answer to this request, NO.
There are several reasons for this request by the good senator from Arizona. Let me explain a few.
One. John McCain has not mastered the AUDIO/VIDEO/YOUTUBE world. Just look and listen to Barack's speech and McCain's speech from last night. It is night and day. Barack's inspirational, futuristic, and visionary. McCain's old, tired, uninspired of a feeble man. A drastic difference in delivery and believability, period.
Two. This is about money. About Barack having it and McCain not. John McCain does not have the money to go around the country or globe, as Obama does, so what do you do next to cut this down? Ask for town hall meetings, specified meetings for specified places. Also, while doing this, McCain gets some very wanted publicity, media.
Three. John McCain wants to discredit Barack Obama. He want to have an early jaunt to legitimately paint him as naive, too young, not ready, ill informed. Why? Well, thank Hillary Clinton for that. Hillary when she found out that she was losing ground what was the first thing she cried out, "DEBATE!!!" And what did Barack do? He agreed to some. McCain is trying to press Obama into these early town hall meetings, hope to have an opportunity to discredit Obama, as he saw Clinton do in some of those primary debates. He believes if pressed enough, that Obama will cave.
Guess what? They will not. Or I hope the Obama Campaign will not.
There is nothing to garner or gain for this format. Barack Obama is the 'Presumptive' Democratic Nominee, once the threshold is crossed to 'Democratic Nominee' then the Presidential Debate Committee step in. Until then, Obama can have town hall meetings, on his own, meeting and connecting to voters.
He does not need any help from the John McCain Campaign. However, the Obama Campaign may be chewing on this idea.
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Obama's Historic Journey Begins
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Per MSNBC, Obama has tapped Caroline Kennedy to be one of three on a team for the Vice Presidential Nominee search.
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Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, questions the Obama-Clinton Ticket. Read it here.
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Bill Clinton is out of his mind.
Among the party leaders Mr. Clinton alienated over time by his angry tirades was South Carolina's Rep. Jim Clyburn, the third-ranking House leader and a civil-rights-movement veteran.
Before South Carolina's primary, Mr. Clyburn admonished Sen. Clinton for suggesting President Johnson deserved more credit than Martin Luther King Jr. for civil-rights laws. On primary night, Mr. Clinton called Mr. Clyburn and they spoke for 50 minutes. "Let's just say it wasn't pleasant," Mr. Clyburn says.
Mr. Clinton called Mr. Clyburn an expletive, say Democrats familiar with the exchange. Mr. Clyburn's office would confirm only that the former president used "offensive" words. Some day soon, the congressman says, he'll write about the incident. On Tuesday, he endorsed Mr. Obama for president.
That is one book, I will buy.
Kossacks for Obama, Wake Up Time
cross-posted @ Daily Kos
It was a wonderful night, last night, yesterday, but it is OVER.
The General Election has started, but we still have a hanging chad or albatross, per se, and it is what does Hillary Clinton want?
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I am proud today, totally proud. All of us are. We have went through an improbable journey with Barack and Michelle Obama. We worked our asses off, yes we did, and many for the first time ever.
Now it is general election time, but it is not over.
Hillary Clinton has decided not to move, just yet, as in conceding. For me, her speech last night was one of spoiled fruit, and I am being kind. This was her decision not to leave the national stage, because she feels that she is entitled to something, of what I don’t know, but something. That is on her.
The Vice Presidential position is nothing to barter, pull the slot machine for, or roll the dice. This position is an invitation by the Democratic Nominee, not one to hijack. This may be something that Hillary Clinton is trying to do, if so, she may be approaching this with peril.
There is a media push to force Barack Obama to put Hillary Clinton on his ticket. Most of this is by the Clinton surrogates, many members of congress. No nominee should be pressured to put someone on the ticket because they came in second place, just as no candidate should supposedly threaten constituents if they are not asked.
It is time for Kossacks to write diaries and push back this meme. Not because I don’t want Clinton on the ticket, personally I don’t, but it is Barack Obama’s choice, not my choice or your choice. I trust him to invite someone to share his ticket because of his judgment and because that person would be in synch with his vision of what he intend to do as president along with trust.
I have never witnessed or remember a candidate, as Hillary Clinton, who possibly intends to hijack potential constituents to use as political leverage for a way to get on a national ticket. I understand politics, but this goes to the gutter here. Nor, have I heard of surrogates (i.e. Lanny Davis, Bob Johnson) starting a website to petition Obama to force Clinton on a ticket, as the Vice Presidential nominee.
Barack Obama won this contest, fair and square, period. Trying to intimidate and force his hand on what he should or should not do is not only destructive but dangerous. The reason many have backed Barack Obama is not because of his message of change, but because we believe in his overall judgment.
Enough of this “Clinton should be on the ticket”, the following only matters; if she and Bill can pass the rigorous vetting test, if she brings something to the ticket, if she is polled as an asset, if she can control her husband, if she can do what she is told as a Vice Presidential nominee, and if she can understand that this position is not a “co-presidency”, then sure she should be considered. If she cannot and will not follow the guidelines above, then she needs to move on and with haste.
Barack Obama is not going to pick or be forced to pick any Vice Presidential candidate any time soon. The longer Clinton languishes out there ungraciously, the longer she will be reverted to look like a candidate who has a sour grape syndrome.
Morning Break....
h/t al rodgers
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Well, last night was historic and if you go through the blog below you will see (including yesterday). But now the mashup of the speeches, the reviews are in and John McCain is dryer than the Sahara Desert. Who will get inspired by his speech? If you listened to Obama's speech vs. McCain's, McCain was PATHETIC.
Read the reviews, here.
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newspapers all over the world
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and the ungraciousness of Hillary Clinton?
Read it all here:
Chris Cillizza, The Fix
Washington Post, Obama Claims Nomination
Speaker Pelosi, Leader Reid, DNC Chairman Dean to Go Public, Bringing the Party Together, here.
For Obama, The Right Way to Win, Washington Post
Strategy Was Based On Winning Delegates, Not Battlegrounds, Washington Post
Calm in the Swirl of History, NYT
Obama Clinches Nomination; First Black Candidate to Lead a Major Party Ticket, NYT
The Early Word: Obama’s Record-Breaking Journey, NYT
America lives up to its promise, Chicago Sun-Times
Obama: 'A new course for America', Chicago Tribune
5 reasons Obama won, 5 reasons Clinton lost ... and 5 differences between Obama, McCain, Chicago Tribune
A Dream Team?, Daily Kos
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Videos of the morning:
robert gibbs, obama campaign communications director on today show
what went wrong with clinton?, today show
what does hillary want?, today show
tim russert, nbc, general election preview
tim russert on morning joe, talking about the obama upset
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endorsement watch
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AND HOW DO CHICAGOANS FEEL?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Barack Obama's 'Presumptive' Democratic Nominee Acceptance Speech, St. Paul, MN
st. paul, minneapolis
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Hillary's Ungracious Speech, and I am being kind here....
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and John McCain's 'WEAK TEA' Speech
Barack Obama IS the 'Presumptive Democratic Nominee'
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois claimed the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday night, NBC News projected based on its tally of convention delegates. By doing so, he shattered a barrier more than two centuries old to become the first black candidate ever nominated by a major political party for the nation’s highest office.
“Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States,” Obama planned to say in a victory celebration in St. Paul, Minn., at the site of the convention that will nominate his Republican opponent in the fall, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
Greatest Political Upset Maybe in American Politics
Yes, Indeed
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Obama Speech for Delivery, June 3, 2008, St. Paul, MN
Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Tues., June 3, 2008 19:02:11 ET
Tonight, after fifty-four hard-fought contests, our primary season has finally come to an end.
Sixteen months have passed since we first stood together on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois. Thousands of miles have been traveled. Millions of voices have been heard. And because of what you said -- because you decided that change must come to Washington; because you believed that this year must be different than all the rest; because you chose to listen not to your doubts or your fears but to your greatest hopes and highest aspirations, tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another -- a journey that will bring a new and better day to America. Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
I want to thank every American who stood with us over the course of this campaign -- through the good days and the bad; from the snows of Cedar Rapids to the sunshine of Sioux Falls. And tonight I also want to thank the men and woman who took this journey with me as fellow candidates for President.
At this defining moment for our nation, we should be proud that our party put forth one of the most talented, qualified field of individuals ever to run for this office. I have not just competed with them as rivals, I have learned from them as friends, as public servants, and as patriots who love America and are willing to work tirelessly to make this country better. They are leaders of this party, and leaders that America will turn to for years to come.
That is particularly true for the candidate who has traveled further on this journey than anyone else. Senator Hillary Clinton has made history in this campaign not just because she's a woman who has done what no woman has done before, but because she's a leader who inspires millions of Americans with her strength, her courage, and her commitment to the causes that brought us here tonight.
We've certainly had our differences over the last sixteen months. But as someone who's shared a stage with her many times, I can tell you that what gets Hillary Clinton up in the morning -- even in the face of tough odds -- is exactly what sent her and Bill Clinton to sign up for their first campaign in Texas all those years ago; what sent her to work at the Children's Defense Fund and made her fight for health care as First Lady; what led her to the United States Senate and fueled her barrier-breaking campaign for the presidency -- an unyielding desire to improve the lives of ordinary Americans, no matter how difficult the fight may be. And you can rest assured that when we finally win the battle for universal health care in this country, she will be central to that victory. When we transform our energy policy and lift our children out of poverty, it will be because she worked to help make it happen. Our party and our country are better off because of her, and I am a better candidate for having had the honor to compete with Hillary Rodham Clinton.
There are those who say that this primary has somehow left us weaker and more divided. Well I say that because of this primary, there are millions of Americans who have cast their ballot for the very first time. There are Independents and Republicans who understand that this election isn't just about the party in charge of Washington, it's about the need to change Washington.Ê There are young people, and African-Americans, and Latinos, and women of all ages who have voted in numbers that have broken records and inspired a nation.
All of you chose to support a candidate you believe in deeply. But at the end of the day, we aren't the reason you came out and waited in lines that stretched block after block to make your voice heard. You didn't do that because of me or Senator Clinton or anyone else. You did it because you know in your hearts that at this moment -- a moment that will define a generation -- we cannot afford to keep doing what we've been doing. We owe our children a better future. We owe our country a better future. And for all those who dream of that future tonight, I say -- let us begin the work together. Let us unite in common effort to chart a new course for America.
In just a few short months, the Republican Party will arrive in St. Paul with a very different agenda. They will come here to nominate John McCain, a man who has served this country heroically. I honor that service, and I respect his many accomplishments, even if he chooses to deny mine. My differences with him are not personal; they are with the policies he has proposed in this campaign.
Because while John McCain can legitimately tout moments of independence from his party in the past, such independence has not been the hallmark of his presidential campaign.
It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush ninety-five percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year.
It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing cost of college -- policies that have lowered the real incomes of the average American family, widened the gap between Wall Street and Main Street, and left our children with a mountain of debt.
And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians -- a policy where all we look for are reasons to stay in Iraq, while we spend billions of dollars a month on a war that isn't making the American people any safer.
So I'll say this -- there are many words to describe John McCain's attempt to pass off his embrace of George Bush's policies as bipartisan and new. But change is not one of them.
Change is a foreign policy that doesn't begin and end with a war that should've never been authorized and never been waged. I won't stand here and pretend that there are many good options left in Iraq, but what's not an option is leaving our troops in that country for the next hundred years -- especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored.
We must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in - but start leaving we must. It's time for Iraqis to take responsibility for their future. It's time to rebuild our military and give our veterans the care they need and the benefits they deserve when they come home. It's time to refocus our efforts on al Qaeda's leadership and Afghanistan, and rally the world against the common threats of the 21st century -- terrorism and nuclear weapons; climate change and poverty; genocide and disease. That's what change is.
Change is realizing that meeting today's threats requires not just our firepower, but the power of our diplomacy -- tough, direct diplomacy where the President of the United States isn't afraid to let any petty dictator know where America stands and what we stand for. We must once again have the courage and conviction to lead the free world. That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy. That's what the American people want. That's what change is.
Change is building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but the work and workers who created it. It's understanding that the struggles facing working families can't be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, but by giving a the middle-class a tax break, and investing in our crumbling infrastructure, and transforming how we use energy, and improving our schools, and renewing our commitment to science and innovation. It's understanding that fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity can go hand-in-hand, as they did when Bill Clinton was President.
John McCain has spent a lot of time talking about trips to Iraq in the last few weeks, but maybe if he spent some time taking trips to the cities and towns that have been hardest hit by this economy -- cities in Michigan, and Ohio, and right here in Minnesota -- he'd understand the kind of change that people are looking for.
Maybe if he went to Iowa and met the student who works the night shift after a full day of class and still can't pay the medical bills for a sister who's ill, he'd understand that she can't afford four more years of a health care plan that only takes care of the healthy and wealthy. She needs us to pass health care plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants it and brings down premiums for every family who needs it. That's the change we need.
Maybe if he went to Pennsylvania and met the man who lost his job but can't even afford the gas to drive around and look for a new one, he'd understand that we can't afford four more years of our addiction to oil from dictators. That man needs us to pass an energy policy that works with automakers to raise fuel standards, and makes corporations pay for their pollution, and oil companies invest their record profits in a clean energy future -- an energy policy that will create millions of new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced. That's the change we need.
And maybe if he spent some time in the schools of South Carolina or St. Paul or where he spoke tonight in New Orleans, he'd understand that we can't afford to leave the money behind for No Child Left Behind; that we owe it to our children to invest in early childhood education; to recruit an army of new teachers and give them better pay and more support; to finally decide that in this global economy, the chance to get a college education should not be a privilege for the wealthy few, but the birthright of every American. That's the change we need in America. That's why I'm running for President.
The other side will come here in September and offer a very different set of policies and positions, and that is a debate I look forward to. It is a debate the American people deserve. But what you don't deserve is another election that's governed by fear, and innuendo, and division. What you won't hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge, and patriotism as a bludgeon -- that sees our opponents not as competitors to challenge, but enemies to demonize. Because we may call ourselves Democrats and Republicans, but we are Americans first. We are always Americans first.
Despite what the good Senator from Arizona said tonight, I have seen people of differing views and opinions find common cause many times during my two decades in public life, and I have brought many together myself. I've walked arm-in-arm with community leaders on the South Side of Chicago and watched tensions fade as black, white, and Latino fought together for good jobs and good schools. I've sat across the table from law enforcement and civil rights advocates to reform a criminal justice system that sent thirteen innocent people to death row. And I've worked with friends in the other party to provide more children with health insurance and more working families with a tax break; to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and ensure that the American people know where their tax dollars are being spent; and to reduce the influence of lobbyists who have all too often set the agenda in Washington.
In our country, I have found that this cooperation happens not because we agree on everything, but because behind all the labels and false divisions and categories that define us; beyond all the petty bickering and point-scoring in Washington, Americans are a decent, generous, compassionate people, united by common challenges and common hopes. And every so often, there are moments which call on that fundamental goodness to make this country great again.
So it was for that band of patriots who declared in a Philadelphia hall the formation of a more perfect union; and for all those who gave on the fields of Gettysburg and Antietam their last full measure of devotion to save that same union.
So it was for the Greatest Generation that conquered fear itself, and liberated a continent from tyranny, and made this country home to untold opportunity and prosperity.
So it was for the workers who stood out on the picket lines; the women who shattered glass ceilings; the children who braved a Selma bridge for freedom's cause.
So it has been for every generation that faced down the greatest challenges and the most improbable odds to leave their children a world that's better, and kinder, and more just.
And so it must be for us.
America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love.
The journey will be difficult. The road will be long. I face this challenge with profound humility, and knowledge of my own limitations. But I also face it with limitless faith in the capacity of the American people. Because if we are willing to work for it, and fight for it, and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal; this was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on Earth. This was the moment -- this was the time -- when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves, and our highest ideals. Thank you, God Bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
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Hillary Clinton willing to be Obama's Running Mate.
cross-posted @ Daily Kos
Per MSNBC.
This is what she has wanted all along.
Hillary Clinton, is a HOT MESS.
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Folks, Obama is not communicating with her.
Thus, the "I am not conceding, yet, though I know I don't have the delegates to continue."
Putting Hillary and Bill Clinton on the ticket is a damn nightmare.
Why?
Read the Vanity Fair article, yet?
Well, read it. It opens up many questions, which many are already wondering about the Clinton's business dealings.
Next, what candidate want a former president breathing down your neck trying to tell you how to govern?
Sorry, Hillary and Bill had their time in the White House, it really is time for them to move along and support Barack.
If they don't, then Hillary and Bill will become lepers in the Democratic Party, simple as that.
This election is about change, period. WE are gleeful and crying a sigh of relief that Obama clinches this tonight. What we don't need is continued strife of a former first lady and her president husband hanging on with all their baggage.
Barack Obama is his own man. If Hillary Clinton has not learned anything it is this, Obama will not bend.
As we see, he is not bending now. For Clinton to put that out there in the open, is nothing but desperate measures to undercut this nomination process.
Finally, this is about changing a narrative of "Hillary Out" to "Hillary a Strong VP Candidate." sigh
NO TO THE CLINTONS.
Hillary Clinton Will NOT Concede Tonight..... (UPDATED)....AP is Reporting Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination
WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials said, effectively ending her bid to be the nation's first female president.
The former first lady will stop short of formally suspending or ending her race in her speech in New York City. She will pledge to continue to speak out on issues like health care. But for all intents and purposes, the two senior officials said, the campaign is over.
Most campaign staff will be let go and will be paid through June 15, said the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge her plans.
source
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Ending a Nominating Contest and Unifying a Party.
Yes, this is the most important part folks. We must be together for the fight in the fall.
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Keep track of the endorsements here.
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[UPDATED]
OH BROTHER, REMEMBER THE CLINTONS AND PARSING OF WORDS
Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials said, effectively ending her bid to be the nation's first female president.
The former first lady will stop short of formally suspending or ending her race in her speech in New York City. She will pledge to continue to speak out on issues like health care. But for all intents and purposes, the two senior officials said, the campaign is over.
Most campaign staff will be let go and will be paid through June 15, said the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge her plans.
The advisers said Clinton has made a strategic decision to not formally end her campaign, giving her leverage to negotiate with Obama on various matters including a possible vice presidential nomination for her. She also wants to press him on issues he should focus on in the fall, such as health care.
Universal health care, Clinton's signature issue as first lady in the 1990s, was a point of dispute between Obama and the New York senator during their epic nomination fight.
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This is a Damn Roller Coaster
Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials told the Associated Press, but Clinton's campaign manager denied the report.
The former first lady will stop short of formally suspending or ending her race in her speech in New York City, said the officials who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity, because they were not authorized to divulge her plans.
However Terry McAuliffe, Clinton's campaign chairman, told CNN that AP is "100% reporting incorrectly."
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Hillary is playing hardball here. First off, she wants all the votes counted. Second, she is appealing the Michigan Delegate Decision. Third, she will continue to court superdelegates that she is the strongest candidate.
Watch Barack Obama, roll his delegates out today. Watch Barack Obama give a speech that he is the Presumptive Nominee, tonight.
Here we go again, with Clinton, waiting for something to happen, hanging around in the rafters.....sigh.....
Folks, some people don't know when to leave the DAMN STAGE, at this point she will eventually be shoved off.
REALITY IS A BITCH.
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and kos' take on Hillary's Concede or not to Concede....
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Read, With Grace and Dignity???
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Superdelegates surge to Obama
A tsunami of superdelegates is poised to rush to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) over the next 12 hours, giving him a mathematical lock on his party’s presidential nomination.
The superdelegate surge is likely to swamp a few holdouts within the camp of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) who have been resisting a prompt concession.
Aides say Clinton does not plan to concede or bid supporters farewell when she speaks in New York tonight, but instead will salute her supporters and argue for the strength of her candidacy.
But her clout is ebbing by the hour. At 6:56 a.m. Eastern time, the Obama campaign announced the first of the day’s slew of endorsements by superdelegates – the Democratic Party officials who have a vote on the nominee and will determine who it is, since neither Obama nor Clinton have won enough delegates in primaries and caucuses to put them over the top.
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OK, MONTANA ENTOURAGE READY TO JUMP OFF...
The three highest ranking Democrats in Montana plan to wade into the Democratic presidential race as soon as the state's primary is decided tonight, according to a source familiar with the decision.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer as well as Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester have agreed to all endorse the winner of Montana's primary -- almost certain to be Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) -- immediately upon the contest being called. The trio will be joined in the endorsement by state party chairman Dennis McDonald and vice chairman Margaret Campbell.
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Final Predictions for South Dakota and Montana
And some statewide polls, from kos.
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[UPDATE]
AP Reports: Obama clinches Democratic nomination
Barack Obama has effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates.
The tally put Obama over the top Tuesday, ahead of the results from the day's final primaries in Montana and South Dakota. The Illinois senator becomes the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House. Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic contest and now faces Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona for the presidency. AP Source
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Per MSNBC and AP, Former President Jimmy Carter, to Endorse Obama
Former President Carter says he'll endorse Democrat Barack Obama after the polls close on the final primaries.
Carter told The Associated Press on Tuesday: "The fact is the Obama people already know they have my vote when the polls close tonight." Carter spoke to the AP after addressing the Georgia World Congress Center.
Carter, a superdelegate, has remained officially neutral in the race but has offered high praise to Obama. Carter has noted that his children, grandchildren and their spouses back the Illinois senator.
Folks, the supers are shutting this down. NO MORE THREATS OF DENVER.
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IN THE END, YES WE CAN...
Monday, June 2, 2008
Evening Wrap Up...
OVER THE TOP.....
Riding on the O-Train has been a roller coaster none of us would ever have imagined. But one thing is crystal clear, he has beaten the Clinton Machine and they threw EVERYTHING AT HIM. He still emerged standing, dignity in check, and the presumptive nominee.
Yes, I do believe this is "Obama's Party."
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Supers are ending this:
“We want this locked up sooner rather than later,” said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who has remained undeclared. “Let’s have the nominee and let’s move on. That’s the common thread among the uncommitted superdelegates. … I will be ready after tomorrow night.”
With only 31 total pledged delegates at stake in the two states, Obama cannot win enough in the final two primaries to reach the 2,118 necessary to clinch the nomination. But Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), one of Obama’s strongest Senate supporters, said that she had spoken to enough uncommitted superdelegates around the country Monday to determine that he will reach the threshold necessary to claim the Democratic nomination by the end of Tuesday evening.
“I think tomorrow will be a very big day. I’ve spoken to 10 uncommitteds, and they’ve said yes, they’ll be committing [to Obama], and they’ll be committing sometime tomorrow.“
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keith olbermann, "what is next for hillary...."
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per Keith, this is the final countdown for hillary....
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Bill Clinton is angry about this article from Vanity Fair, but Obama supporters should be angry about Bill Clinton's tirade here.
Train is MOVING......
Official, Congressman James Clyburn (D-SD) is endorsing Barack Obama.
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June 6, 2006, all 28 Democratic Governors are going to Chicago to meet with Barack Obama for general election strategy. Per MSNBC, Hardball.
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Movement by 34 congresspersons to endorse Barack Obama by the end of results coming in from SD and MT. Per MSNBC, Hardball.
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Clinton Summons Top Donors, Supporters For Major Tuesday Speech.
Obama and Clinton spoke Sunday night and agreed that their staffs should begin negotiations over post-primary activities, according to reliable sources. In addition to seeking Obama's help in raising money to pay off some $20 million-plus in debts, Clinton is known to want Obama to assist black officials who endorsed her and who are now taking constituent heat, including, in some cases, primary challenges from pro-Obama politicians.
"This has never happened before," one donor said, referring to the personalized request by email to attend the event in New York Tuesday night.
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Clinton Campaign Staffers Urged to Turn in Expense Sheets.
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Clinton Coming to Terms it is Over...
Obama, confident of victory, looked ahead to the general election by campaigning in Michigan, a likely battleground state in the fall campaign.
He said that when he called Clinton on Sunday to congratulate her on her Puerto Rico primary victory, he broached the topic of a meeting.
"The sooner we can bring the party together, the sooner we can focus on John McCain and taking back the White House," he said.
Obama stopped short of a flat prediction that he would be able to claim victory Tuesday night when the delegates were allocated after the day's primaries. But he said, "It is my sense that between Tuesday and Wednesday we have a good chance of getting that number of delegates" needed for victory.
Obama arranged a Tuesday night speech in Minnesota, at the site of the Republican National Convention that will nominate Arizona Sen. McCain in September.
Democratic Party leaders watched from the sidelines, eager for a quick end to a race that drew record millions to voting booths but also exposed racial and other divisions.
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Uncommitted Senators coming onboard for Obama by as early tomorrow or by Wednesday, the latest.
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Advance Clinton Staffers being recalled to NYC:
The advance staffers — most of them now in Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Montana — are being given the options of going to New York for a final day Tuesday, or going home, the aides said. The move is a sign that the campaign is beginning to shed — at least — some of its staff. The advance staff is responsible for arranging the candidate's events around the country.
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Bill Hints it is over:
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And Team Clinton at her mansion in NY tonight:
Her angry defenders were chanting "Denver!" on Saturday, but Hillary Rodham Clinton is headed to Chappaqua late tonight for a somber and potentially momentous homecoming.
Clinton will huddle with advisers and husband Bill Clinton at her mansion tomorrow, according to people familiar with her plans. She will monitor results from the final 2008 primaries in South Dakota and Montana and decide whether, how and when she will end her campaign as Barack Obama nears the nomination threshold.
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Hillary want Obama to help with her debt, or bring back the 11.5M Clinton money back to Clinton Coffers....
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Well, the movement is real. My take is this, I think many from the DNC and uncommitted superdelegtes watched Saturday's meeting and heard the veil threat from Harold Ickes on behalf of Hillary Clinton.
That moved them to end this and no fighting in Denver. Hillary ,if reported, is doing the right thing. Time for her to take some time off and campaign in EARNEST for Barack Obama through the General Election.
Wake Up Call....
Looks as if Hillary Clinton is releasing staff.
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Tom Vilsack, former Governor of Iowa states the following:
Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor and a national co-chairman of Clinton's campaign, said Sunday: "It does appear to be pretty clear that Senator Obama is going to be the nominee. After Tuesday's contests, she needs to acknowledge that he's going to be the nominee and quickly get behind him."
Also, this from Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schulz (D-FL):
"It would be most beneficial if we resolved this nomination sooner rather than later," said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, a high-profile superdelegate who backs Clinton. "The more time we have to get through a general-election period and the more time we have to prepare in advance of the convention, the better."
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Hillary is hoping for "switches" from Barack Obama.
Ken Vogel reports that in a press conference before taking off from San Juan, Hillary Clinton reiterated Terry McAuliffe's suggestion that her campaign might court Obama's superdelegates.
“One thing about superdelegates is that they can change their minds,” she said, adding that a superdelegate on board the plane had committed to her, switched to Obama and then back to her.
Her point — that superdelegates aren't locked into their choices — is a technically valid reason to stay in after Obama has locked up a majority of delegates, as he's likely to this week. But the political reality is that the direction of flow of superdelegates is toward the winner.
I really hope she endorses Obama swiftly, after it is totally apparent that Barack Obama is the Presumptive Democratic Nominee. We need to unite the party and move forward, not remain in stalemate.
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OK, here is a clip from Geraldo Rivera's show mentioning this so called "Michelle Tape". Again, if this was TRUE, it would have been out there. Here we go with Republican smear tactics only this time in the vapors. Remember, I said that the GOP would go after Michelle Obama, it already started viral, now publicly.
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Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kennedy Family, as Senator Ted Kennedy undergoes brain surgery today, for his cancer in North Carolina. I love the picture below from the American University rally when Senator Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama. Keep him in your prayers, everyone.
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Another tidbit for keepsakes or chuckle from "Why We Need Obama" blog. Interestingly called "Obama's Muzzle List".
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And some ads, if you missed from the DNC talking about John McCain.
AND 44 DELEGATES TO GO, AND COUNTING!!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Evening Wrapup...just stuff....
Obama does not win Puerto Rico, the turnout was low and this could end the Clinton popular vote theory. In the end, it does not matter, see what Chuck Todd from NBC/MSNBC has to say on the math:
Again, Obama loses the church, but he keeps the faith. That is without sayin'.
Al G over @ The Field writes about Transitioning Out of the Pre-Season
A MUST READ on Hillary Clinton's cherry-picked analysis of the "popular vote" meme. Expect all her surrogates on television the next 48 hours hyping her faux win of her popular vote theory. (roll eyes here)
Get ready for some more, potential B.S., The Michelle Tape. This has been rumored for months now, I don't find any credence in this, that saying, heads up.
...and a reminder of what November is about....
This Week With Barack Obama, May 25-31, 2008
cross-posted @ Daily Kos
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obama in las vegas, nv addressing the housing crisis
Campaign Appearances
June 3, 2008 - Rally with Barack and Michelle Obama, St. Paul, MN
Clinton faces new pressure on 2 fronts
Biden's strength in foreign policy recruited by Obama
How McCain's Katrina Record Undermines Criticism Of Obama On Iraq
In An Iraq-Related Hole, McCain Keeps On Digging
The Obama-McCain age gap that matters
Obama poised for nomination despite Clinton victory in Puerto Rico
obama at mapleton expeditionary school of the arts in thornton, co
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Obama Used Party Rules to Foil Clinton
Barack Obama is Master of the New Facebook Politics
After Kennedy comment, many seem over the Hill
Obama's Lobbyist Connections
Native American vote crucial to Obama, Clinton
DNC Is Not Duplicating the Fundraising Success of Party's Candidates
obama with former governor roy romer in thornton, co
Photo Blogs
Obama's Emotional Tribute to Teddy - before 25,000 by Al Rodgers; Eye Candy? by Al Rodgers; A day in the motorcade of Barack Obama by Kevin Florida; Obama in Florida! (with lots o' pics, updated x2) by by mtundu; Global Food Disparity: A Photo Diary by Asinus Asinum Fricat; Obama Opens Up a Can of "WHOOOOP-ASS" - DECKS McSame by Al Rodgers; Obama's Tuesday Victory: Live from the RNC Convention Site! by kubla000; Best. Picture. Evar. by Ambboogie; From the Obama Blog: Obama in Rapid City, SD; I just left the RBC meeting by Sean Robertson
obama in great falls, montana
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Bookmark this new site: Obama Videos
Next Steps: Framing the Kennedy Legacy by psericks
Pelosi won't allow convention fight by Terre
Obama is back! by Populista
ACTION: Searching for John McCain by Chris Bowers
Michelle Obama in Phoenix: "Fear Is a Useless Emotion" by dawnt
WaPo reporter: Superdelegates no longer paying attention to Hillary by Joe Beese
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, “..a luxury I can’t afford." by icebergslim
is it true about obama?
Obama and Trinity United Church of Christ.
I know it was difficult for Barack, Michelle, Melia and Sasha Obama to leave a church that has been a cornerstone of their life. It was. But leave the church, eventually, they had to.
What happened in this campaign is that white America is not/was not knowledgeable of Black Churches in the United States of America. Many of these churches are very progressive, speak to social issues, and address the uplifting of many Black Americans in this country. The continuous loop of Wright’s statements and of Fox News using Father Pfleger’s video of his statements about Hillary Clinton, did not nurture the Obamas to remain with Trinity United Church of Christ. I believe it just hastened their path to the door.
Make no mistake; this church has done incredible outreach in the Black Community for jobs, Aids, spiritual development, etc. This is known. But we are in the realm of politics and Barack Obama is a bi-racial man who is trying to be defined by some as a Black Radical Nutcase by the far right, when this is not so.
In the end, the Obama Family had no choice but to leave Trinity United Church of Christ.
Always remember that Barack Obama is running to be President of the United States of America, to represent all of us, not some of us. That is the beauty of who he truly is, because it will be us who put him there.
obama in aberdeen, sd @ press conference about tucc resignation and the dnc rbl decision
shoutouts:
Why this will not go to denver by aaronlev14; Hillary's Supporters at the Meeting are a Disgrace by Delaware Dem; Larry Johnson has to tell NQ inmates to stop posting death threats against Obama by Bob Johnson; Clinton Supporters vs. Clinton "Supporters" by Angry Mouse; McCainocrats: Eager to Tell Me You Told Me So? by Meteor Blades; What for? {Devastating News from Mia Farrow} by jimstaro; Milkshakes Are Harder To Come By: Why Oil Costs Over $120 Per Barrel by baratunde; "How much is the life of a farm worker worth? Is it less than the life of any other human being?" by TomP; Shake Off That Pixie Dust! by Granny Doc; Japan Welcomes African Leaders by Maureen; My Math Beats Up Clinton Math. by RenaRF; Health insurers to American women: get sterilized or pay more by nyceve
Obama's Coattails May Drive Record Black Turnout in House Races
Former Bush donors now giving to Obama's campaign
Bill Clinton's enemies list
Hillary Clinton to be offered dignified exit
McCain, Obama videos campaign for attention on YouTube
obama at mt. rushmore in south dakota
Endorsements
Nevada superdelegate Yvonne Gates Backs Obama; Wyoming Democratic Party Vice Chair Nancy Drummond Endorses Obama; Edward Lewis, Chairman of Essence and Latina magazines Endorses Obama; Colorado Democratic Party Chair and superdelegate Pat Waak Backs Obama; Meredith Wood Smith, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Oregon Endorses Obama; Sen. Ben Pangelinan pledges support to Obama; Wayne Kinney, DNC Backs Obama; Gail Rasmussen, DNC For Obama; Congressman Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV) Endorses Obama; Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie and his wife and DNC member Betty Richie Backs Obama; Benicio del Toro Backs Obama; Gwethalyn Phillips of ME, an add-on for Obama
Racism, Security Threats Issues for Obama
Political map could be redrawn on election day
Barack Obama dominates in poll of college students
Obama competitive against McCain with key voters
New swing states pop up in '08
Obama’s Self-Assurance Over Nomination
obama in north las vegas, nv talking housing crisis
icebergslim’s last word: what happened
What Happened is the new book by Scott McClellan, former press secretary of the Bush Administration.
Well, I have read a lot of these Bush Administration books and critiques of the Iraq War like, State of Denial, Fiasco, The Shock Doctrine, etc. For me, Scott McClellan was believable and striking in his assessment of the failed Bush Administration.
Why?
Scott McClellan worked under the then, Governor George W. Bush, in Texas. He was one of the few brought to Washington, DC by now, President George W. Bush and was considered an insider. His criticism of the failed Bush Administration substantiates all the other books written by authors critiquing and criticizing this current administration.
Another caveat, we have as yet to see any current or former member of the Bush Administration to state the facts of McClellan’s book is an outright lie. And don’t expect it to be so, because this book is true. Is it a “johnny-come-lately” moment? Yes, absolutely, but I view it like this, put it out there NOW while we are gearing up for the general election mode to use this as fodder against the Republicans than after November, when we already know this administration is on the bullshit tip.
What else happened? The fiasco and joke of Michigan and Florida who jumped the shark of the primaries was finally settled by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee Meeting. It was the longest meeting I have ever had the pleasure of watching. It was one firecracker after another, along with rude and obnoxious Clinton Supporters, who may I add, do not represent the majority. This was a real popcorn delight and clocking in at around 8 hours of talking and more than two hours of off camera bartering. In the end, Florida and Michigan will be seated at ½ strength, period. And personally, they are lucky to have that. Although I am more sympathetic to Florida’s plight with a Republican run state legislation, than Michigan who moved their primary up due to that Governor’s sheer political alliance with the Clintons.
What else happened? The new number to cinch is 2118. Expect Barack to close this out on Tuesday.
Overall, this primary season is a wrap. After Tuesday, Barack Obama will be the Democratic Nominee, no more maybe, is he, coulda, woulda, shoulda, but it will be the fact.
obama at pancake breakfast for veterans and families in sioux falls, sd
Audio/Video
Video: Obama, Begich at Alaska Democratic Convention; Smokey says, "Yes We Can!"; NPR: Media Savage Clinton over RFK Remark; NPR: Democrats Resolve the Delegate Count; Obama in Puerto Rico; Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) introduces Obama on Memorial Day; Obama addressing veterans in NM; DCCC's Van Hollen Assesses the Obama Effect; Obama Campaign in Transition; Obama's Speech in Thornton, Colorado; Obama Spanish Language Music Video; Obama in Rapid City, SD; Obama in Aberdeen, SD; Obama in Great Falls, MT; Obama addressing Veterans in Sioux Falls, SD
Democrats want quick end to battle
The voice of Obama on gender
Obama in 'excellent health,' his doctor says
The RBC: Dean Pleads for Party Unity
IS IT BARACK OBAMA'S PARTY NOW?
California Democrats To Clinton: We Prefer Obama
McCain and Obama spar over Iraq
On the Court and on the Trail, One Aide Looms Over Obama
well, it has been one of those weeks!! finally got the michigan/florida snafu put in perspective, as we watched our fellow democrats at times acting very undemocratic. sigh. anyway it is full steam ahead. we have a lot of work to do to bring us together as one. remember, as the rules and bylaws meeting, remember to follow the obama campaign lead. after yesterday, many were very happy we did. oh, h/t for the above slide show (for inspiration) to THE photo blogger around, al rodgers. folks, as always remember to keep your heads up and focus on obama and not the drama....
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Donate Here
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For Inspiration: Yes.We.Can!!!
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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
This Week With Barack Obama
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