Sunday, October 28, 2007

This Week With Barack Obama, October 21-27, 2007

cross-posted @ One Million Strong


obama in new hampshire

Debate Schedule

October 30, 2007 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 15, 2007 - Las Vegas, Nevada
December 10, 2007 - Los Angeles, California
January 6, 2008 - Johnson County, Iowa
January 15, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nevada
January 31, 2008 - California

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Obama Campaign Close the ($$$) Gap!!! We did, only the gap was closed in 3 days versus the 5 days that FirstRead is reporting.


obama, ridin' that bike to where?

Read kid oakland
For Obama, Not Politics as Usual
Obama Faithful

Excerpts From an Interview with Barack Obama

Q. Why have you not been more aggressive distinguishing yourself from Senator Clinton?

A. “We never planned on winning this thing in September. Our strategy has always been based on making the case to voters when they were paying attention and that is in late October, November, December. We feel like we’re on schedule. There’s no doubt that it’s important for us to make the case to the voters as to why I would be the strongest nominee and, more importantly, why I would be the best president for this particular time in history. I expect to make that case forcefully over the next couple of months.”

Q. How are you reassuring contributors?

A. “People who signed up for my race, I think, were pretty clear and have always been pretty clear that I was going to be the underdog. It’s not like that people got into this race with blinders on. We’re running against the most established brand in the Democratic Party for the last two decades, as well as strong candidates like Edwards who have been running for the last four years. So I think our supporters, our donor base, always understood that this was going to be a tough fight.”

Q. But if you’re running against an established brand, don’t you have to draw contrasts?

A. “Our first job was just getting known, and we’ve been able to do that in the early states. It’s interesting. I think what we’ve found was there was a lot of awareness of me as someone who delivered a speech in 2004, not much awareness of my track record as a community organizer, as a civil rights lawyer, a law professor, a state senator, a U.S. senator. There has been a lot of biographical work that we’ve had to do over the last several months, and where we’ve done it is in the early states; we’ve found ourselves in a very strong position to win.”

Q. Why would you be a better uniter than Senator Clinton?

A. “There is a legacy that is both an enormous advantage to her in a Democratic primary, but also a disadvantage to her in a general election. She, I think, represents a lot of old arguments.

“I recognize that she has reached out to Republicans in a very deliberate way in the Senate, but if you look at how she is perceived nationally, I think people perceive her as a tough, competent, intelligent person. But there’s no sense among independents or Republicans that she’s going to bring a new language to our politics.

“On the one hand, I think people know what they are going to get with Senator Clinton. On the other hand, if you believe that the country needs big change, if you believe that business as usual is not sufficient to solve health care or institute a major energy policy or help to heal racial divisions or religious divides in this country, then my candidacy looks more appealing.”

Q. Has she been truthful to voters about what she would do as president?

A. “No.

“I don’t think people know what her agenda exactly is. On Social Security, in the last debate, she was very explicit about not wanting to disclose how she would approach it. On Iraq and Iran, I think there has been a tendency to go back and forth in her positions. Now, it’s been very deft politically, but one of the things that I firmly believe is that we’ve got to be clear with the American people right now about the important choices that we’re going to need to make in order to get a mandate for change, not to try to obfuscate and avoid being a target in the general election and then find yourself governing without any support for any bold propositions.” more

Obama Lashes Out at Clinton
Buttery Voice for Obama
Question and Answer with Michelle Obama


Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

October 29, 2007 - Michelle Obama with Congressman Patrick Murphy, Philadelphia, PA
October 29, 2007 - Conversation with Barack Obama, Cedar Rapids, IA
October 29, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Charlottesville, VA
November 1, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Durham, NC
November 14, 2007 - Countdown to Change, San Franciso, CA

Obama's Opposition Mailer for The Iraq War
Michelle Obama in Slate



new new hampshire ad, "change we can believe in"

Hillary Clinton is Wrong For This Country
No More, Mr. Nice Guy
Black Farmers and Obama

Clinton v. Obama, Gallup, and Historical Precedent
Regular readers of mine know that I am not at all inclined to write off Barack Obama. This is not to say that I think he is the likely nominee of the Democratic Party. My point has simply been that people are underestimating his chances.

The reason I think this is three-fold:

(a) The guy has a real message that he has honed over the last few months. It could resonate with Democrats, who presumably are the most desirous of a national course correction. As evidence of this, we cannot overlook the fact that he has had donations from more than 300,000 individuals.
(b) He has raised $80 million to date. He will be able to compete as well as any presidential candidate ever has.
(c) He is fully staffed in Iowa and New Hampshire. He'll be blitzing both states with advertisements. He could win one or both states and turn those national numbers upside down.

Most pundits who are favoring Hillary Clinton so heavily (and remember - I am not saying that she is not favored; my objection is that people are favoring her too heavily) are using the polls - most often the national polls - to support their point. I have argued that this line of analysis is problematic because the national polls are too volatile. more

Obama Loggin' the Most Time in Iowa
Heart and Mind of Michelle Obama

Audio/Video

Clinton/Obama Battle for Black Voters Heats Up; Ben Affleck; History Repeating; The Women's Conference in California (look under Presidential Spouses); New Iowa Ad "Wind"


Convincing Voters is Key to Victory
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., said convincing enough voters he can bring about systemic change to the politics of Washington – not race – is the greatest obstacle to victory in 2008.

"I have a stronger track record than any candidate in the race in consistently working to open up a government and making it more accessible to the people,'' Obama told reporters, after formally signing up Monday to appear on the first-in-the-nation primary ballot.

On that score, Obama wrote the following on a souvenir election notice Secretary of State Bill Gardner has candidates sign every four years, which is placed in the state archive: "It's time for a real change." more



obama in st. louis, mo


shoutouts: L C Johnson on valerie plame wilson and the ultimate betrayal; bonddad, on it, as usual; black kos; evangelical crackup; dengre on hillary and the tan family; turkana; perspective people! by cosbo; teacherken, keepin' it real; dishwashers for hillary; clammyc; FishOutofWater; fema and their fake reporters; obama in st. louis, wonderful photos


Announcements/Campaign Events

Obama opens up two more offices; Colorado Straw Poll; Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman Endorses Obama; Columbus Rally; SEIU Wisconsin Endorses Obama

Obama and Mountain Top Coal Removal
Democrats Invest Heavily in Iowa


obama in ohio

Iraq War, No. 1 Issue in Presidential Race
Obama Fights to Overcome View He's Inexperienced
Myths and Facts in Iowa

Most Money in Utah
Candidates Cash

Govenor Deval Patrick Endorses Senator Barack Obama
Over 9,500 attended the rally. One that will be remembered for many. I diaried the event here.


inevitability

Obama Go On Offense
Nobody is saying American voters are crazy, just that we are not especially rational. When reason and emotion collide, we go with our gut—roughly four out of five times. That is the core message from "The Political Brain," a recently published book by Drew Westen, a clinical psychologist at Emory University. Westen is one of a small group of liberal social scientists who believe they may hold the key to the Democratic Party's future. Democrats, they say, must do what Republicans have excelled at: appealing to people's prejudices and hearts instead of their brains. That insight may be particularly important this political season, when Barack Obama's skin color makes it impossible for him to avoid talk of race and John Edwards has chosen to define himself largely by issues of class.

Race and class are among the most loaded issues in politics, as Republicans well know. Many candidates have tried to walk a delicate line where they benefit from racial fears and yet appear to be nonracist. Ronald Reagan managed to do that in 1980 by taking his crusade for "states' rights" to Philadelphia, Miss., best known as the place where civil-rights workers were murdered in the 1960s. "Republicans talk about race, but they talk about it through code … and put the Democrats on the defensive," says john powell, executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio State University. (powell does not capitalize his name as a nod to e. e. cummings and to the political consciousness of the 1960s.) Democrats ought to engage, says powell. Just as many Republicans have relied on negative, latent racial appeals, Democrats should rely on positive, explicit racial appeals by evoking ideals like fairness, equality and common destiny. Newsweek

Obama: Role for Gore if He Wants
A Social Security Swing
Obama Will Take Up Arms to Protect You


obama at the national summit on agriculture and rural life in ames, ia

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icebergslim’s last word: tolerance. stank ho’ bitch. and daily kos.

Much has been written in this diary, about what happened in our community, yesterday. In fact I visited the diary in question, which is now deleted, and could not get past the images.

The first thing in my mind was WTF? For real. I mean, how anyone can post something like that, is beyond my senses. Then yes, of course, the reason is all about Barack Obama and the McClurkin controversy. But what happened is that the diarist used this moment, to not open dialogue, but to create another wedge issue.

The only reason he chose those particular images was to incense and open dialogue for racist and hate mongering. He was successful. Yesterday. A sad and bad day on Daily Kos.

This brings me to another painful incident in my life. I used to work for Washington Mutual. I travelled. In Irvine, California through the week, though my home office was in Illinois. Yes, I travelled on Sunday and was home Thursday evening or Friday afternoon. Ouch.

Anyway, the company had a big, huge project to bring their mortgage boarding to Windows compliance. This meant traveling around and training lending centers in the United States, etc.

It was a great job and I loved my co-workers across the United States. But an incident that happened changed me about Washington Mutual.

I and two other women had finished having drinks and dinner. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Irvine, and we all decided to call it an evening and go to our rooms. There was a gentleman who was with the group, others were with us, as well. Anyway he asked if we (three women) would like to go to a sports bar and continue the conversation. We all declined and was at the elevator, practically pushing the button when all of a sudden the words, “You are nothing but a bunch of stank, ho, bitches anyway.”, was hurled at us. Stunned. We looked at each other and the man turned beet red.

One of the young ladies in our group was outraged, so much; tears were spilling from her eyes. I put on my “civil rights” hat and called my manager, woke him up.

What happened after this is what shocked me. We wanted this man fired. But the manager in Illinois “protected him”. He went to anger management classes, recused from flying anywhere but kept his job. But what happened to the three women was far worse.

We were retaliated against, written up bogusly, and one woman force from her job.

We got together and had to sue Washington Mutual for sexism, racism, job retaliation.

In the end, after having to file in federal court, the Bank settled. And it was not until a lot of dirty laundry about this department, manager and supervisors was revealed. All complicit were fired, the department totally revamped, and the three of us walked away, with a check from Washington Mutual.

Was this adventure nice? Worth it? No. I had a great job with wonderful friends and had to fight for basic respect and decency in the workplace. And yes, Washington Mutual had on the books, as long as the company paid for you in another city; you represented the company, after hours.

This brings me to daily kos. kid oakland is right on this statement.

It is not the whole statement that got me, but what does this mean about Daily Kos to allow such material on its site? That is what he questioned. What does it mean? Does it mean the next diary talking about Hispanics as “wetbacks” is acceptable? I would think not, but after yesterday, I think different.

Either the admins were asleep or did not deem it necessary to do anything. And are there any minority admins on kos? If not, believe me, if they were on board that diary would have been deleted. But the damage is done and it is too, late.

All this brings me to this.

Many need to remember that if not for the fight and death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. there probably would not be an avenue for Daily Kos, today. The man walked and talked tolerance. His followers, followed the lead. That is how they made a difference. And for this we have the Civil Rights Act, which many fall under, for which many are “protected” to this day.

We need to remember what tolerance is about. We all need a reminder and dose of it.

And we need to start right, now.

After you listen, remember, tomorrow is a new day for us all. Peace.

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If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st. Remember to make your contribution.

::

Blogs and Websites

This Week With Barack Obama; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama L.A.; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama


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michelle in algona, ia

fall is here, the trees are changing, i am raking leaves....remember to focus on obama and not the drama

email me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

Sunday, October 21, 2007

This Week With Barack Obama, October 14-20, 2007


senator obama with gary lamb in chelsea, ia


Debate Schedule

October 30, 2007 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 15, 2007 - Las Vegas, Nevada
December 10, 2007 - Los Angeles, California
January 6, 2008 - Johnson County, Iowa
January 15, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nevada
January 31, 2008 - California

::


a blast from the past, a very young barack with his grandpa

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

October 22, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Newark, NJ
October 22, 2007 - Meet the Candidate, Dover, NH
October 22, 2007 - Lunchtime with Barack Obama, Concord, NH
October 23, 2007 - Rally in Boston with Barack and Govenor Deval Patrick, Boston, MA
October 26, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Columbus, OH
October 26, 2007 - Countdown to Change, St. Louis, MO
October 26-28, 2007 - Gospel Concert Series, South Carolina
October 29, 2007 - Michelle Obama with Congressman Patrick Murphy, Philadelphia, PA
October 29, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Charlottesville, VA
November 1, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Durham, NC

Former Denver Mayor Federico Peña in Iowa
Michelle Obama in London
Second Choices, Critical in Iowa


obama in madison, wi, 4000+

Obama to Participate on MTV/MySpace Forum, October 29th
Illinois Senator Barack Obama will be the next presidential candidate to participate in a MySpace/MTV dialogue when he takes the stage on October 29 at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Following on the heels of the first forum with candidate John Edwards on September 27, Obama will answer questions from the live audience and watch as his responses are rated in real time by users weighing in over the Internet.

The forum, which will take place at 1:30 p.m. ET, will stream live on MySpace.com, MTV's ChooseOrLose.com and MTV Mobile, and will air at 7 p.m. ET that evening on MTV. The dialogue will be moderated by MTV News correspondents Gideon Yago and Sway Calloway, as well as WashingtonPost.com political reporter Chris Cillizza, who kept Edwards on his toes during the first forum by feeding him instant audience reaction to his responses with a polling tool supplied by Flektor. more


Obama Comes Out Against Telecom Immunity Bill
Barack Obama's campaign has just sent us a statement condemning the Senate FISA bill granting retroactive immunity to the telecoms:
“I have consistently opposed this Administration's efforts to use debates about our national security to expand its own power, whether that was on the Iraq war, or on its power grab to curb our civil liberties through domestic surveillance programs. It is time to restore oversight and accountability in the FISA program, and this proposal -- with an unprecedented grant of retroactive immunity -- is not the place to start.”


obama on the late show with jay leno

Audio and Video

Bill Moyers on Blackwater, a must see video; Obama on Cappy McGarr Show; Obama in North Las Vegas; Armstrong Williams; NPR on Obama and Cheney Being Distant Cousins; Samantha Powers

Obama Touts Foreign Policy Record
Presidential hopeful Barack Obama said his foreign policy record leaves him immune to Republican attacks likely to be lodged in a general election campaign.

"My Republican opponent won't be able to say that we both supported the war in Iraq, because I didn't," Obama told a crowd packed into a high school gym.

"My opponent won't be able to say that I haven't been open or straight with the American people or that I've flipped and flopped my positions, because I haven't. I've been consistent this whole time." more

DNC Chairman Howard Dean
The Nuts and Bolts of Winning Iowa, by psericks


obama at Arizona State University, 6000+

Announcements

Arizona Office Openings; Major Owens Endorsement; New Hampshire Activists Join Obama; Iowa State Representative Mark Smith Endorses Obama; New Jersey Office Opening; Latinos for Obama; Obama First on the Ballot in Vermont; Kansas City Office Opening; Child Advocacy Task Force; Missouri-Kansas SEIU Backs Obama

Pulitzer Winner Roger Wilkins Hits the Campaign Trail for Obama
Quick Notes on Obama
REGISTER TO VOTE HERE, DON'T WAIT, OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE!!

Govenor Deval Patrick Endorses Obama
In an e-mail sent Wednesday to his supporters, the contents of which were read to The Associated Press, Patrick praised Obama's "unifying, visionary leadership."

He added: "As a Democrat, I am proud that the field of Democratic contenders is so strong. Many are friends and colleagues with whom I have worked over the years. But frankly, I believe the importance of this election transcends friendships and party. I believe we need unifying, visionary leadership. I believe we need a president who would level with the American people. I believe we need Barack Obama."

The governor declared that "not just national policy but the national character is at stake." more



obama in reno, +2000

Money

Hollywood; State of Washington; State of Wisconsin; Military Voters; State of Indiana; State of New Hampshire; California, East Bay; Fundraises in Los Angeles; State of Massachusetts

Obama to Attend Congressman Braley's Fundraising Event in Cedar Falls
Reporting the Obama Campaign Coast-to-Coast


obama in north las vegas, nv

Blogs and Websites

This Week With Barack Obama; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama L.A.; Obama News Vine




Barack Obama's Black Wakeup Call
Lincoln Chaffee and Obama?
The Peru Free Trade Agreement and "Fair Trade", by Elise

Obama Demands that DoJ Fires Voting Rights Chief
Obama demanded that the Department of Justice fire Voting Rights Chief, John Tanner. As Tanner argues the voting id laws discriminate against whites.
When Justice Department lawyers and analysts found in 2005 that a Georgia law requiring voters to have photo ID would disproportionately discriminate against African-Americans, they were overruled by John Tanner, the chief of the Civil Rights Divisions' voting rights section. The law was subsequently halted by a federal appeals judge, who compared it to a Jim Crow-era poll tax.

This past weekend, Tanner showcased his own analytical skills, telling an audience that voter ID requirements actually disproportionately affect whites.

Tanner explained that "primarily elderly persons" are the ones affected by such laws, but "minorities don't become elderly the way white people do: They die first." So anything that "disproportionately impacts the elderly, has the opposite impact on minorities," he added. "Just the math is such as that." Video of Tanner's remarks were posted yesterday by The Brad Blog. We've supplied a transcript below. joy sinha, AP

I have read a many statements of total displeasure at something or the other, but with such flippance and ease this man had the audacity to make this statement as if minorites had no consequence, or importance. Yes, this man does need to be fired, but more importantly, Democrats 2008, I hope you have all your election law attorneys ready and set to go. If we think the antics of 2000, 2004 are going to stop because we are perceived as the the party of choice, think again. All mud and dirt will be slung to win at all costs. Look who is in charge!


obama gettin' a haircut in south carolina

Obama's Gospel Tour
As religious conservatives gather in Washington this weekend for the “Values Voters Summit,” Senator Barack Obama’s campaign announced its latest effort to attract people of faith to the campaign: a gospel concert tour.

All three of the dates of the “Embrace the Change” tour are in South Carolina, where Mr. Obama is locked in battle with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton for black voters

Gospel acts including Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker, Byron Cage and the Mighty Clouds of Joy are scheduled to appear.

“This is another example of how Barack Obama is defying conventional wisdom about how politics is done and giving new meaning to meeting people at the grassroots level,” Joshua DuBois, the campaign’s religious affairs director, said in a release. “This concert tour is going to bring new people into the political process and engage people of faith in an unprecedented way.” more

Federico Peña Launches Nevada Latinos for Obama with Events in Reno
Democratic Luntz, Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama: Parts I, II, III
Obama Joins Fight Over GI Benefits


michelle obama in londonderry, nh

shoutouts: missed last week's weekly roundup, here; jeffrey feldman; rudy g's campaign official's "n" word problem; paul hogarth; teacherken, is it too late for outrage?, my answer no; voting information; notice a pattern here?; FishOutofWater; bonddad; black kos; is bush relevant?; sen. vitter, hypocrisy and creationism; pontificator; kos on stark; kid oakland; nyceve


obama on tavis smiley

Obama in East Los Angeles
Barack Obama dived into California's most contentious policy debates Saturday at an East Los Angeles appearance where he defended immigration reform and affirmative action and criticized Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of a measure to extend college scholarships to students in the country illegally.

"That was wrong," the Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate told several hundred gathered at Garfield High School. "Instead of driving thousands of children who were on the right path into the shadows, we need to give those who play by the rules the opportunity to succeed."

Later, during a question-and-answer session, he returned to the topic, declaring that if a student had been brought to this country illegally but had been going to school "like every other American child, it is cruel and stupid for us to suddenly say to them: 'We're not going to give you college scholarships. We're not going to let you finance your college education.' "

Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 1, the California Dream Act, on Oct. 13, saying that the Cal Grant financial aid program and community college fee waivers should be for legal residents, not illegal immigrant students.

Schwarzenegger's office did not respond to Obama's remarks. L.A. Times



If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st. Remember to make your contribution.

::

icebergslim’s last word: Sincerity. Honesty. Trust. Change.

The campaign is now ramping up and everyone is in combat mode, but other things are going on to question, judgment.

I wrote a diary about Obama and Iowa. This diary was about how Obama is doing in Iowa. But my conclusion of this diary was that we need a candidate who is sincere, honest, and trustworthy and a change.

Over this past week all of the attributes I wrote about has come to bear, why we need total change and not lip service.

The Clinton Campaign seems fit to continue in the lobbyist mode. Which for that campaign is ok, fair, because she has publicly stated that she will not preclude from accepting lobbyist monies, and she feel that lobbyists are representativeof the average American. Ok, one word for this, “whatever”.

Next, we have to deal with the Lobbyist Luncheon, with members of congress who sit on the Homeland Security Committee, and lobbyists that paid minimum $1000 for access. After the luncheon breakout sessions, with members of congress, with lobbyists. Again, ok? Another statement, “pay to play?”

Then there is the money from the weapons defense industry, another unnerving money scandal, and I can’t keep up because something is always going on with her fundraising, but now the ultimate insult.

The Rural Americans for Hillary Luncheon. Yes. Rural Americans. Only the luncheon is in Washington, D.C. at the lobbyist office of Monsanto. Ok, again, I am scratching my head. “Why is this being held in Washington, D.C., at a lobbyist office?” Why is this not in the middle of some farmland in Iowa? With farmers? And for reference here is the invite. Former Iowa Farmer's Union President and Clinton Administration appointee Gary Lamb had this to say about this luncheon:
Why the Clinton campaign is talking with Washington lobbyists about rural issues instead of listening to Iowa farmers? Lamb issued the statement in response to reports that the Clinton campaign is hosting a "Rural Americans for Hillary" event at a lobbying firm in Washington, DC.

"When it comes to the issues facing rural America, it seems like Senator Clinton is listening to Washington lobbyists instead of spending time in Iowa with folks who have been farming for decades," Lamb said. "I know Senator Clinton said that she believes Washington lobbyists represent real Americans, I just can't believe that she thinks they know how to farm."

Now we have a letter sent to Iowans from Clinton, explaining her vote of Kyl-Lieberman amendment. This letter defends her position and refers to her actions as “stepped up diplomacy.”

Ok, take a deep breath after all those links with information and video.

Now become outraged.

I don’t know what is going on, but all this stinks.

This cycle is about voting, caucusing for the best person to bring this country together. The best person to fill the gap. The best person to make us part of democracy. The best person to make us feel we are part of the process. Not for all the above.

If you want change. You got to fight for it. And folks, all the above is not change, it is business as usual.

Sincerity. Honesty. Trust. Change. Barack Obama.


obama in east l.a.


fall is in full swing, as we prepare for iowa, remember to focus on obama and not the drama

contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

Sunday, October 14, 2007

This Week With Barack Obama, October 7-13, 2007

cross-posted @ daily kos


women for obama training, des moines, ia, oct 13th



Debate Schedule

October 30, 2007 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 15, 2007 - Las Vegas, Nevada
December 10, 2007 - Los Angeles, California
January 6, 2008 - Johnson County, Iowa
January 15, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nevada
January 31, 2008 - California

::


obama at the pub

Obama Apperances\Campaign Events

October 15, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Madison, WI
October 15, 2007 - Michelle Obama, London, England
October 16, 2007 - Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Vinton, IA
October 16, 2007 - Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Amana, IA
October 16, 2007 - Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Tipton, IA
October 18, 2007 - Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Reno, NV
October 18, 2007 - Community Event with Barack, North Las Vegas, NV
October 19, 2007 - Rally for Change, Tempe, AZ
October 22, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Newark, NJ
October 26, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Columbus, OH
October 26, 2007 - Countdown to Change, St. Louis, MO
October 29, 2007 - Michelle Obama with Congressman Patrick Murphy, Philadelphia, PA
October 29, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Charlottesville, VA
November 1, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Durham, NC

Faith Plays Every Role With Obama
White House hopeful Barack Obama stood in front of a pulpit Sunday and told worshippers that his faith "plays every role" in his life.

"It's what keeps me grounded. It's what keeps my eyes set on the greatest of heights," Obama told members of the Redemption World Outreach Center, whose 4,200-seat sanctuary was mostly full.

Faith, he said, is "what propels me to do what I do and when I am down it's what lifts me up." The Democratic presidential candidate said God "is with us and he wants us to do the right thing," including breaking down the divisions between Democrats and Republicans and among religions.

When people work together, he said, there is "nothing that can stop us because that's God's intention." more

Obama Criticizes Clinton War, Torture Stances


lessons from iraq

Will Obama Rock the “Youth Vote?”
Good question. Will he? I wrote earlier this week a gotcha diary. Well, it was sort of. But the emphasis was on the youth vote.

We need to talk about them. Why? They are the enigma right now, of this campaign. Meaning? The unknown factor. Will they stand up and make a difference? Or will they stay home and say, forget it?
Fred D. Thompson, a Republican candidate for president, spoke to a few hundred people the other night in one of the ballrooms in the Marriott convention center here. The crowd, not unusually for Iowa, was decidedly older, for the most part north of 50. A few hours later, Senator Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat, addressed an audience of over 1,000 just up the hallway. His crowd contained a striking number of people under 30.

That is something that is hard to miss at almost any event featuring Mr. Obama, be it in New Hampshire, Iowa or New York. He has clearly struck a chord among younger voters. And his campaign has made what seems to be the most sophisticated effort of any of the Democrats to reach out to them, taking steps like sending recruiting teams to Iowa high schools and trying to ensure that New Hampshire college students who might be out of state on primary day get absentee ballots. NY Times, AP, WSJ

Political Outreach on Facebook, by Peter Erickson
REGISTER TO VOTE HERE, DON'T WAIT, OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE!!
Obama Camp to Hillary: Not So Fast With That Coronation

Iowa, Iowa, Iowa
Wow. Finally we are seeing movement called rational thinking. Iowa. Yes, means, well, everything. It does.

Not only to the Obama Camp, but to all these camps. It has become crystal clear that Iowa must be won by all candidates.

For Clinton, to remain and prove that she is the “inevitable” candidate. The one candidate that cannot be stopped. Not only by her rivals, but more importantly the Republicans. For Edwards, a must win state. If he does not win here, it is over. For Obama, a momentum win. This can open the doors for all other states to follow Iowa’s lead and push Clinton aside.

So, now every campaign understands the matrix of an Iowa win. Clinton can lose in Iowa, but would rather do so to, Edwards. As she can combat him with money and organization that is lacking for him in New Hampshire. This means, she can still win it all with an Iowa loss. But if Obama wins, the game changes. As we see with the polling. Folks are undecided and waiting to see what happens. An Iowa win can catapult Obama to the top of the heap and will erode the “meme” in the African American community that he cannot win. He wins in Iowa the African American vote is his.

So, yes. It does come down to Iowa.


Blogs and Websites

This Week With Barack Obama; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama L.A.



nh photo blog by jhutson

I'm A Woman for Obama, by Peggo Hodes
Obama Goes Green: Comparing the Candidates on Credit Auctions, by psericks
Obama's Energy Rollout
Obama Calls for No New Coal-Fired Power Plants

Announcements

NH Environmentalist Steering Committee; howardpark's dc meetups; Oregon Straw Poll; Wisconsin Poll; IA State Rep Donovan Olson Endorses Obama; IA State Rep Dave Jacoby; Georgia Office Opening; Four Offices Opening in Nevada




Getting chilly outside? Fall is here, so is the Obama Gear.
In need of a new jacket, sweatshirt, headgear? Well, your wait is over. Click on any of the images above, and check it out.

The Real Obamas
Michelle Obama's role, as she describes it, is to introduce "the real Obamas, not the resumes." In a stump speech that she varies and delivers without notes, she tells of her upbringing in a working class family in Chicago. She goes on to say that, after Princeton University and Harvard Law School, she met this biracial guy from Hawaii with a funny name who overcame her skepticism by being authentic and principled -- and cute.

Mindful of doubts about Barack Obama's experience and toughness, she has added riffs that guide her listeners through his work as a community organizer, public interest lawyer, University of Chicago constitutional law professor and 11 years in elective office. Experience should not be equated with time spent in Washington, she says, arguing that old Washington hands led the nation into war because of their "inability to see the forest for the trees."

"We need someone who understands and respects the Constitution, particularly as we have seen it obliterated," Michelle Obama told more than 100 people at a Fort Dodge art museum Wednesday. Noting that skeptics ask whether he can take the GOP's best shot and still win, she reminded her audience of the political rough and tumble of his adopted town: "Look, we live in Chicago. Need I say more?" more



londonderry, nh

Obama at Plymouth State
Obama: I'm Moving Into New Phase of Campaign

Audio/Video

NPR Audio; Londonderry, NH; Obama Lingers in Iowa; Barack Stars; NH Ad on Energy; aiken, sc interview; prince georges, md; Obama Portrait; Blank Check; Situation Room

Obama criticizes Clinton's support for resolution on Iran
"There's nothing wrong with identifying the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, but it is a problem when you start using Iran as a justification for troop structures in Iraq and providing language that could potentially lead to military action in Iran," Obama told The Associated Press on Monday following a campaign event in Nashua. Obama missed the vote on the resolution because he was campaigning in New Hampshire.

"Sen. Clinton and others should have learned from 2002 that if you give President George Bush a blank check that he'll cash it. You've got to be very cautious and very sober regarding any kind of language or rationale that leads him to make more disastrous foreign policy decisions," Obama said. more



canvass for change

Turnaround for Obama?
Ross stumps for Obama


prince georges, md, oct 10th, 2500+

SEIU No National Endorsement
Republican for Obama
Obama Reorganizing
Obama's Finance Director

Obama urges Charles City voters to caucus for next U.S. president
In his second visit to Floyd County, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama urged voters to get involved in politics and caucus in January.

“We’re going to make it fun,”?said Obama in an interview with the Charles City Press after speaking at the YMCA on Friday. “Not only are people going to be able to meet others that are interested in public policy and politics, they’re going to be able to make a decision about who the next leader of the free world is going to be.”

He added that for those who have never caucused but have chosen to support his campaign, training is available so they can become familiar with caucusing. more






shoutouts: missed last week's roundup, here; how obama win the nomination; beyond left and right, kid oakland; clammyc; bondad; i love dolphins, thanks pinche tejano; black kos; why do you need immunity when you did not break the law?, cenk unyger; bush voters; bob johnson on hillary; jerome a paris; maureen dowd; rudy booed at yankees game; gonzo hires criminal attorney; mcauliffe gaffe; stop the fisa hysteria, by pontificator; paul hogarth; carter calls cheney a "disaster" for the USA; chris bowers; blackwater, nuff said

Blast from the Past
Barack Obama
February 6, 1990


The Harvard Law Review, generally considered the most prestigious in the country, elected the first black president in its 104-year history today. The job is considered the highest student position at Harvard Law School. The new president of the Review is Barack Obama, a 28-year-old graduate of Columbia University who spent four years heading a community development program for poor blacks on Chicago’s South Side before enrolling in law school. His late father, Barack Obama, was a finance minister in Kenya and his mother, Ann Dunham, is an American anthropologist now doing fieldwork in Indonesia. Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii. “The fact that I’ve been elected shows a lot of progress,” Mr. Obama said today in an interview. “It’s encouraging.”

Michelle Obama
Clinton-Obama Quandry for Many Black Women


des moines, ia, oct 14th

icebergslim’s last word: michigan, and political moves
Well, there was much to say about Obama these past few weeks. But what have stuck with me lately are the Obama political moves.

Why? Well, SEIU went down the toilet for Edwards, partly because the rumor is Obama was the stinker that stunk that endorsement up. Of course, this is rumor, but the fact is the viability question was brought up about the Edwards Campaign and SEIU took the bait. Resulting in no national endorsement.

Now the lines are being drawn of the differences of him and Clinton. When this campaign started Clinton constantly said, “We have no differences. The differences are minor.” Well, the differences are not minor but major. And Obama is craftily and decisively showing the differences. From the initial vote of Clinton’s for the Iraq War to the latest Kyl-Lieberman vote. A vote that left many Democrats wondering, “Why did she do that?”
Anyway, now Obama has made another political move, along with Edwards, Richardson, Biden, by removing their names from the Michigan ballot. Why this? Because it is a power move and a pledge move, rolled into one.

Why did Michigan jump the shark? What was the reason? Also, rumor the Governor of Michigan is ready to endorse Clinton? Michigan is also in a financial crisis. Why would you change from a caucus to a state run primary which will cost millions of dollars?

Yes. All those questions and now New Hampshire is chiming in:
Clinton can parse her decision any way she wants, but the obvious truth is that she made a calculated choice to break her word for political advantage.

Of course, all this is strictly political. It is called, “taking the wind out of one’s sails, if one does not win Iowa.” In other words, Clinton don’t win Iowa, she can say, “look I won Michigan, a larger, battleground state”. Making Iowa insignificant to voters. It is called, “voter psychology”.

So, the move by Obama, Edwards, Biden and Richardson, is to continue the pledge of not campaigning in rogue states, until the DNC can fix this. And makes Clinton looks like she is not abiding by the pledge. Again, “voter psychology”.

My take. I feel for the voters of Florida and Michigan. I do. No one wants to appear at a voting booth or caucus location and it does not mean anything. As fractured as this process is, it must be adhered too. It does. I know that many are divided on this, but you can’t change the rules in the middle of the game. Does this need to be fixed? YES. But all the states agreed to this process of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina being first. To change now, not only look suspect, but totally stinks if it means your vote does not count, in the end.

If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st. Remember to make your contribution.


fall is here, the campaign is busy; always remember to focus on obama and not the drama

email me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

Sunday, October 7, 2007

This Week With Barack Obama, September 30-October 6, 2007

cross-posted @ daily kos


obama @ depaul university, chicago, il


Debate Schedule

October 30, 2007 - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 15, 2007 - Las Vegas, Nevada
December 10, 2007 - Los Angeles, California
January 6, 2008 - Johnson County, Iowa
January 15, 2008 - Las Vegas, Nevada
January 31, 2008 - California

::

Obama Apperances\Campaign Events

October 9, 2007 - Meet Michelle Obama, Iowa Falls, IA
October 9, 2007 - Town Hall with Barack, Londonderry,NH
October 9, 2007 - Barack at Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
October 10, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Prince Georges County, MD
October 15, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Madison, WI
October 15, 2007 - Michelle Obama, London, England
October 29, 2007 - Michelle Obama with Congressman Patrick Murphy, Philadelphia, PA
October 29, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Charlottesville, VA

Obama Raises Over 20M Quarter Three
19M of the Obama haul is strictly primary money, only. Which brings his three quarter tabulation to 75M for the primary competition. Senator Clinton raised 27M, with 22M slated for primary money only, bringing her haul to 62M for primary money only.


luther college, oct 4

Obama's Riveting Speech about Iraq
Senator Barack Obama spoke on October 2, 2007 at DePaul University, in Chicago, IL. It marked his 5th Anniversary Opposition to the Iraq War.

Much can be said about his speech, which is one of his best, in my opinion. But a few things caught my eye and ear (video of speech available in video section).
Some seek to rewrite history. They argue that they weren’t really voting for war, they were voting for inspectors, or for diplomacy. But the Congress, the Administration, the media, and the American people all understood what we were debating in the fall of 2002. This was a vote about whether or not to go to war. That’s the truth as we all understood it then, and as we need to understand it now.

This is a direct hit to those who tried to say "they did not know that Bush is taking us to war". Only, one word comes to my mind, "PLEASE". If the American public knew this was a vote to authorize President Bush to go to war with Iraq, how could any politician try to use this excuse?
With all that we know about what’s gone wrong in Iraq, even today’s debate is divorced from reality. We’ve got a surge that is somehow declared a success even though it has failed to enable the political reconciliation that was its stated purpose. The fact that violence today is only as horrific as in 2006 is held up as progress. Washington politicians and pundits trip over each other to debate a newspaper advertisement while our troops fight and die in Iraq.

Can we all say, "Moveon.org"? To this day, I do not understand The Senate. For the senate to allow the GOP on the floor to grandstand instead of face the public and debate Iraq was ghastly. While we argue over a newspaper ad in which many Americans knew nothing about, nor care about, is truly unforgivable. Harry Reid. What were you thinking?
Well I’m not running for President to conform to Washington’s conventional thinking – I’m running to challenge it. I’m not running to join the kind of Washington groupthink that led us to war in Iraq – I’m running to change our politics and our policy so we can leave the world a better place than our generation has found it.

This is about challenging the establishment. What is the establishment? The ones who hold the power and have a "lock" on this country. The ones who do not want things to change, no matter what party affiliation is in charge. The ones who will not change anything concerning big business, lobbyists, and will keep the check flowing to the special interests. This is the challenge of the people for change. And the people must demand this by voting for change.
In 2009, we will have a window of opportunity to renew our global leadership and bring our nation together. If we don’t seize that moment, we may not get another. This election is a turning point. The American people get to decide: are we going to turn back the clock, or turn the page?

Text of Obama Speech; Geekesque; NY Times, Politico

This emphasizes what this campaign is about. Change. We either make it happen or endure with business as usual for decades to come.

Michelle Obama Puts Experience to Rest
Obama Gains a Convert in Independence
General Stumps for Obama


5th Anniversary of Barack Obama's Anti-War Speech
Audio/Video

Conversation with Barack Obama, NH, part one and part two; October 2nd Iraq Speech at DePaul University, Chicago, IL; Hardball, Iowa and New Hampshire Analysis; Speech in Des Moines, IA, October 2nd; Joe Scarborough Show part one and part two

Do Polls Miss Views of the Young and Mobile?
New Yorkers Must Register to Vote by October 12th, Download Form, Here


new iowa ad with general mcpeak

How Iowa Caucuses Work by demoinesdem
Presidential Public Financing by Adam B
The Joshua Generation: A Call to Obama Supporters
Hidden Vote

Early State Webpages
appearances and events are changing continuously, click on the state below for updated information

Iowa Homepage
Nevada Homepage
New Hampshire Homepage
South Carolina Homepage
Illinois Headquarters Homepage

Americans Abroad for Obama
As we see Michelle will be hopping the Atlantic to meet and greet many Americans for Obama Abroad, there are many groups who are doing their part in supporting Barack Obama. The Asia for Obama will host a fundraiser on October 19th. This includes a vast area of South Asia. If you want more information about Americans Abroad, click here.


waterloo, ia

New Des Moines Register Poll: Clinton 29, Edwards 23, Obama 22
This is a fluid poll with the MOE at 4.9%. Meaning? A tight race. Which explains Terry McAuliffe's visit recently and Clinton coming to Iowa from Sunday through Tuesday. The bottom line, she must win Iowa. Why? Secure the Democratic Nomination, period. If she does not win and Obama does, all the momentum shift his way and the "inevitable, strongest candidate" meme embracing Clinton crashes.

There are many Democrats not sure about Hillary Clinton, which you see a lot of "wait and see" action in the polling. Jonathan Singer indicated this for the recent South Carolina Poll. And many Iowans are finding her problematic as in this Washington Post article:
Long before the 2008 campaign began, Liz Belden thought she would support Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). As a feminist, she believed it would be good for the country to finally elect a woman as president.

Today, she supports Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), impressed by his intellect and what she believes is his capacity to unite the country. "I want a woman president who is the right person. I'm not convinced this one is," Belden said. "My problem with her is, too many times I feel she says things for political expediency."

As Belden spoke, others around the table in a coffee shop here nodded in agreement. Their reactions to the candidate who leads the race for the Democratic presidential nomination nationally offered some insight into why Clinton is in a competitive race in Iowa, whose first-in-the-nation caucuses will begin the nominating contest next year.

This brings us to the hesitancy and the double digit of undecideds in recent polling. Even the polling in which Clinton is winning, it is still that "but" factor out there concerning her. Another issue is that Iowans do want to feel that their responsibility in setting the "tone" in the primary is valid, important. That was vehemently expressed by David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register on Hardball earlier this week. (video of this in the video section) So, again, we have national polls which many are not relying on and many Democrats watching, waiting, for Iowa.

Obama Goes After Blackwater
Obama Talks About Growing Up Without a Father


new hampton, ia


shoutouts: war with iran, we can't afford it!; clammyc; 22,000 u.s. soilders denied healthcare; The Clintons and The Gores, a must read; psericks, mydd, front page blogger for obama; schip cost too much!!, bonddad; time for larry craig to resign, for good; sheddhead, is the coolest; tradgedy of marion jones; most democrats still undecided, by chris bowers; tmac goes to iowa, by brooklynbadboy; nyceve; c-span presidential library series, video; courage against conviction, then and now by samgrahamfelsen; anita hill

Troops Should Not Get Unexpected Tour Extensions
Q&A on Barack Obama
Youth and Politics


rock hill, sc

REGISTER TO VOTE HERE, DON'T WAIT, OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE!!
Winning the African American Vote

Obama: Torture is part of the problem, not the solution
Obama responded to a report in The New York Times that said the administration, while publicly denouncing torture, secretly allowed the most aggressive interrogation techniques ever used by the CIA, including “water-boarding,” sleep deprivation and slaps to the head, as well as keeping suspects in frigid temperatures for extended periods of time.

“We must do whatever it takes to track down and capture or kill terrorists, but torture is not a part of the answer — it is a fundamental part of the problem with this administration's approach,” Obama said.

He added that it is “time to stop telling the American people one thing in public while doing something else in the shadows.” more


With Iowa Polling Comes Other Things
For Clinton, the frontrunner status is only going to make her a bigger target for her rivals. Clinton is a big leader in national polls of Democrats. The only hope Barack Obama, John Edwards and Bill Richardson have of getting the nomination is to somehow trip her up or slow her down and Iowa represented their best opportunity to do that. If they could beat Clinton, or somehow upend her in Iowa, they might have a chance in other contests down the road.

Clinton is well aware of that and has been ramping up her efforts in the state to counter it. She knows her life will be a whole lot easier in later contests if she’s won Iowa first. She also knows the Obama and Edwards organizations are probably better than hers.

The bad news for Clinton - or maybe it’s good news in the perverse world of beating expectations - is that two-thirds of likely Democratic caucus-goers want someone else or haven’t decided on a candidate. That’s a lot of Democrats who are taking a pass on her. David Yepsen

Obama A Courageous Leader?
Michelle Obama

Obama: Support Unions, End War in Iraq
Speaking before a gathering of about 600 United Auto Workers Union members outside the UAW Hall, the Democratic presidential candidate hopeful made several references to his pre-campaign ties to organized labor, including his work as a community organizer in Chicago helping set up afterschool and job-training programs for steelworkers who were laid off after their plant closed.

"If the Democratic Party means anything, then it has to mean we value labor," Obama said. "If the Democratic Party stands for anything, then it has to stand up for your rights and your future."

Hundreds of union workers from Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota filled the front lawn of the UAW Hall as part of the union's regional conference. Obama arrived at 10 a.m. and began speaking 20 minutes later after being greeted by a standing ovation and a boisterous round of applause as Aretha Franklin's "Think" played over the sound system. more

Obama and the Pin Flap
Obama Wins Farm Bureau Poll in Nebraska
Hope to Surprise Clinton in Iowa
Obama, Harkin Write Bush About USDA Stance on Black Farmers
Obama Answers Questions on Debt and Abortion

Announcements

Building Up in Minnesota; New York Headquarters; DC for Democracy


Obama maneuver boosts civil rights cred
Barack Obama’s move to block a controversial nominee to the Federal Election Commission could help the presidential candidate burnish his civil rights bona fides and woo black voters away from Hillary Clinton.

Obama and Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) this week put a hold on Senate confirmation proceedings for FEC nominee Hans von Spakovsky, who has been accused of diluting minority voting power during his time as a Justice Department lawyer.

Though the Senate is expected to revisit the nominations when it returns from a one-week recess, the hold was an astute political play by Obama. more


icebergslim’s last word: candidates and the nastiness that follows

I was sent a link of a diary written on mydd. The diarist was not only pleading for this nastiness to stop, but was trying to understand what do you get by being like this.

After reading this diary, I just had to shake my head.

This is partisan time. I have no doubt about it. Right now Democrats, the ones on the blogs, are partisan to their candidate, their choice. It is understandable. But the comments I read were not only over the top, but vicious to the extent that you actually end up looking at the poster’s candidate in a very different light. Thus made me find the diary by DHinMI and reminded me of this particular passage, so eloquently stated:
Not every partisan for one of the "big three" Democratic nominees is being a jerk. Many aren't. Some are just annoying. But every candidate has a cadre of profoundly obnoxious assholes whose behavior does NOTHING to help their candidate, but instead turns people off from supporting him or her.


The comments in the diary was about Elizabeth Edwards. I am not going to repost the remarks, you can click on the link, above, and make your own decision. But when have we sunk so low, that we now target a woman who has terminal cancer for political points?

All campaigns have ardent and hardcore supporters. Some are actually rationale in thinking, but others are, well, you know, too hot to touch. But we must all remember, when this campaign is over we must come together and rally behind the candidate.

I hope I do not have to read any more remarks so vicious about our candidates’ families, or themselves. There is nothing wrong with going after any candidate, but do it with fact, not viciousness. This brings nothing to the table to advance conversation, but only make many who come to these sites to learn and get informed, just want to go away.

Truly, olive branch time, for all of us.



If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st. Remember to make your contribution.


as in all mixed marriages, you learn to keep the peace. hobbes, edwards. snoop, obama. nuff said.

contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com