Obama does play-by-play at Georgetown, Duke game (Video)

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Wounded Warriors at the White House (Video)

A group of wounded veterans from Walter Reed Army Medical Center show President Obama a thing or two about basketball on the White House court. (public domain) November 9, 2009.



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Obama got game (picture)

View the rest of the pictures, here from WH photographer, Pete Souza.

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President Obama honors the Women NCAA Champions from the University of Connecticut (Video)

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Obama's big shoes to fill, literally

Shaq!!!!

Basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal wanted to give basketball-obsessed President Barack Obama a gift. So he sent him one of his sneakers -- size 23, with an autograph!

The president received the orange-and-white shoe Tuesday, just after landing at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix.

There, Jake Gordon, son of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, presented him with the shoe on behalf of O'Neal, who plays for the Phoenix Suns.

The amused president put the sneaker next to his own, much smaller shoe. Obama is believed to wear a size 11 or 12.

Obama watched Sunday's NBA All-Star game on television. O'Neal shared Most Valuable Player honors with Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant.

The president is having a basketball court built in the White House.

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The President's Swagger (Video)

There is one sport entity that is very proud of President Obama and that is the NBA. There is no doubt that they look to him as the "Basketball President", and if there was any waning from fans of this sport, they are coming back home due to President Obama's love of the game.

Obama's basketball game was dissected on nation television on Sunday, when CNN's "State of the Union with John King" asked several NBA stars to review his moves.

"He's smart at the game," former Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson said. "First thing up he's passing, nice post pass, nice set up, always looking for the other man."

After another clip, New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul took note of Obama's left-handedness and says "lefties always can shoot."

After a three-pointer, King asks whether Obama has enough swagger after sinking a bucket.

"Nah, he's got plenty of swagger," said Phoenix Suns' guard Steve Nash. "Plenty of swagger. You can tell."

Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics called Obama a "pretty good re-bounder."

Johnson, who attended Obama's inauguration, made clear that he likes Obama's game on and off the court.

"He sees the play before it develops," he said. "That is how he is running the country. I don't want people to say you are linking the president to a point guard. I'm not doing it...What I'm saying is that a point guard got to think five minutes ahead."

Interesting what Johnson said about how Obama sees the play before it develops, because this is just how he runs the country, with thought, not hip shot instant action.

Lastly, we all know that Obama plays everyday, practically, and I want him to continue for the stress relief, but now I want to know, "Where is that basketball court going to be built?"



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Basketball is coming to a White House near you

••

Basketball is coming to your nearest White House.

Say what you want, cry if you like, but it is coming and those in mourning, will just have to accept it.

The NBA, yes that dubious organization is jockeying for position with the next POTUS. It is called we are your friends and if the POTUS loves basketball, everyone else will too. Damn, the NBA media mind is working already. No shame, in the hustle game.

During the campaign, Mr. Obama said he planned to replace the White House bowling alley -- installed by Richard Nixon in 1969 -- with an indoor basketball court. (There is a tiny outdoor court at the White House adjacent to the tennis court on the southwest side.) National Basketball Association officials have reached out to members of the transition team to offer their services in installing a regulation court at the White House.

If "there is an upgrading of the basketball facilities at the White House, you can be assured that the NBA and the players will be there," says NBA Commissioner David Stern.

I am totally confident the Stern will be the first one cheezin' with O and wanting to get 'in' on the new basketball court.

Now, the bowlers are in tears. Hey, it is the prerogative of the president for his workout vice. This job is stressful enough, a daily workout is MANDATORY.

"It would be a sad, sad day" if Mr. Obama scrapped the bowling lane, says Jim Sturm, president of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America and owner of two bowling centers in Charleston, W.Va. "I think his political analysts ought to take a long look at removing [it]. It could have a long-term impact on his political prospects."

Political fallout on a bowling alley? Please. This alley was put in the White House by Richard Nixon, bowling was his vice. If Obama wants a basketball court, why not? There is not one on the premises, with exception of a very lame half court (if that) and it is a PAIN to bundle up all the secret service, with all those gas guzzlin' SUVs, shutting down the streets and lanes in DC, just so he can go to the YMCA for 40 minutes. Would it be an inconvenience to Obama? No, but ask the others who are trying to work out, or get around in the city and have to deal with this on the daily. Their answers would be much different.

And basketball request time?

Whether bowling stays or goes this is clearly basketball's moment. Basketball fans outside the president-elect's inner circle are clamoring for the chance to join a White House game. "The big buzz is pickup," says Gil Jackson, head basketball coach at Howard University. "People are already posturing as to how they'll get in on those games. Myself included."

Requests for pickup games are expected to go through White House chief-of-staff Rahm Emanuel's office. Mr. Emanuel, or someone on his staff, would screen the requests, with Mr. Obama getting the chance to assemble his own weekly games.

It is Obama time. He is a young man who loves physical activity. Nice to see this back in the White House.


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This Week With Barack Obama, April 20-26, 2008

cross-posted @ One Million Strong and Daily Kos


obama smiling during editorial meet of indianapolis star in indiana



Note: Next edition of This Week With Barack Obama, April 27-May 3, 2008 will be under the management of Al Rodgers, next Sunday, May 4, 2008. I am in Indiana from Friday through Wednesday, for the crucial Indiana Primary on Tuesday May 6, 2008. I will be working in NW Indiana between Gary, Valparaiso and South Bend. So, give Al the love you give me on this weekly. Peace.

Oh, and please digg it!!!!

::



barack with senator bob casey (d-pa) at gilda's diner in scranton, pa

Campaign Appearances

April 28, 2008 - Town Hall with Barack, Wilson, NC
April 28, 2008 - One-Stop Early Voting Rally with Barack, Chapel Hill, NC
April 28, 2008 - Town Hall with Barack, Wilmington, NC
April 29, 2008 - Town Hall with Barack, Winston-Salem, NC
April 29, 2008 - Town Hall with Barack, Hickory, NC

obama's speech in evansville, indiana, following pennsylvania primary

Hillary Clinton is equivalent to a “Hot Mess”

And you question what a hot mess is? One who is all over the place, incoherent, unorganized, don't carish attitude, grasping at the “whatever”. That is the Hillary Clinton we are witnessing right now.

Clinton is now witnessing something she has no control over, it is called “the train is leaving the track without you on board.” Yes, Barack Obama is in General Election mode for November. Obama has decided to start a massive 50 State Voter Registration Drive, he has agreed to work with the DNC to raise money for November, he has changed his tone, rhetoric on the trail and does not even acknowledge Hillary Clinton, he has purchased ads for all the remaining contests through June 3rd, he has started the Obama Organizing Fellows, an organization to train students and recent graduates for the technicalities and organizing needed for the future of the grassroots, more importantly the Democratic Party.

He is taking the steps forward, not backwards or standing in time with Hillary Clinton.

In the meantime, Hillary Clinton is busy trying to get another debate going. Why? Well, we can guess or discuss her reasons. One that pops in my mind is money. There have been questions if she actually raised 10M, because the language in asking this campaign is all over the place. We know she is in debt of at least 15M. And if you really want to know how much a campaign has to spend? Watch what they spend it on and how they do it. You don’t see Clinton in ads up in the remaining contests and her ads in NC and IN are sparse. So, this is a legitimate question. Remember campaigns are measured in two fold, by the message and by money the candidate has to get the message out.

Which brings us to the most comical begging of the campaign, since the kindergate fiasco of the Clinton Campaign. Requesting, asking for another debate in the style of Lincoln and Douglass of the 1860s.

Cough, cough. Umm, why is she asking? We already had 21 debates. If anyone wants to view the former debates go to CNN, C-SPAN, MSNBC, or ABCs video archive. All have one. And you can pick and choose for your leisure. So, why another debate? One reason only, exposure, television exposure, and lack of funds. There are some who are stating that Barack should agree to this no holds barred event, with no moderator. I say no. Why?

Because it is the loser who asks for debates, not the winner.

And the Obama Campaign has already stated so:

We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Senator Clinton. Senator Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina. Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place.

In other words, NO.

So, Hillary Clinton will have to run around in circles, continuing her negative campaigning, screeching about debates, whining about someone or something being unfair, etc. In the meantime, Barack Obama, is transitioning to become the Democratic Nominee and getting ready for John McCain and the Republicans.

As hard as it is with Hillary Clinton still in this race, and she has a right to be, it is time to just focus on McCain and the Republicans. Leave it for the Hillary Clinton campaign to figure out when to get out of this race, if they can.


barack and his heart, michelle, in evansville, in

Voting Registration Deadlines for the Following States and Early Voting Information

Indiana: Early Voting for Indiana is through noon, May 5, 2008. For information of your location for early voting, click here.

North Carolina: One Stop Early Voting is underway through May 3rd, 2008. Look up your One Stop Early Voting Location here.

Oregon: Deadline April 29th. Registration form must be received by April 29th, the downloadable form and where to mail to your county is available here.

Montana: Deadline May 5th. Registration form must be received by May 5th. Registration form and your county address is available here. Additional information is here.

South Dakota: Deadline May 19th. Downloadable form here. Fill out the form on-line, print and send here. List of counties to mail your form is here.

Plouffe's Not Worried About Racial Polarization
Clinton's Pa. win did little to change race: poll
Obama calls gas tax holiday a 'scheme'
Clinton fundraiser defects to Obama campaign
Clyburn Rips Clintons for 'Demonizing' Obama
Now, this is campaign fatigue
Casey vouches for Obama's values
Kennedy: Obama inspires people, works tirelessly


obama on plane, enroute, wednesday, april 23, 2008

Tired Barack Obama resorts to aggression

[...snip] Campaign insiders say the senator will do more to stress his humble roots as the scholarship schoolboy son of a single mother. In Indianapolis last week he pledged to "remind people of where I come from. I was raised with far fewer advantages than either of my two remaining opponents." In Kokomo he peppered his rally speech with references to his days as a community organiser in Chicago "helping folk laid off when the steel mills closed". Yet the poise with which he carries himself can seem aloof. There remains a suspicion that he is reluctant to tailor his appeal to those voters who want their president to be someone like them.

Senator Obama is gracing the next cover of GQ magazine, the men's style bible. One quote released by the magazine is revealing: "I'm in this to win and I think I will win. But I'm also going to emerge intact. I'm going to be Barack Obama and not some parody."

barack and john mellencamp in evansville, in

Endorsements

Financial Times Endorses Obama; Michael Moore Endorses Obama; Ohio Superdelegate Goes for Obama; 22 NC State Legislators Back Obama; 49 Former Edwards Backers Back Obama; Sheryl Crow Endorses Obama; Nebraska Superdelegate Sides with Obama; Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel of Evansville, Indiana backs Obama; Congressman David Wu (D-OR) Endorses Obama; IFPTE Endorses Obama; 43 NC Mayors Back Obama; Oregon Coalition of Latino Leaders Back Obama; Two Nobel Prize Economics for Obama; Arizona Superdelegate Backs Obama; Oklaholma Governor Brad Henry Endorses Obama

Clinton, Obama go 'negative' on eve of Pennsylvania vote
French Kiss for Obama
Many Women Don't Feel Obligated to Vote for Clinton
Clinton Campaign Accuses Obama of being Copycat
Obama far outpaces Clinton in the money race
Obama says he needs to do better with older voters
Party Fears Racial Divide
Obama Gets Encouragement and Warning From Wilder
How can Obama, Clinton not be tired?
The Democrats' war of attrition
Obama says change in Washington needed to deal with soaring gas prices
If Clinton can't run a campaign, can she run the White House?






obama hooping in kokomo, indiana

Obama March FEC: 51M/42M Cash on Hand for the Primaries
Hillary Settling Scores
For Obama, a Struggle to Win Over Key Blocs
Obama Team Remains Unshaken and Unstirred



barack obama will be the coolest president, EVAH...h/t to al rodgers

photo diaries

4,800 "feisty" voters Rally in Scranton with Obama by Steven R; BREAKING: Obama Takes Lead in PA by Al Rodgers; Obama Storms Across Pennsylvania by bored now; Guam is Ready To Go: Guam for Obama and You! by kubla000; Obama 3-on-3 Basketball; Guam for Obama; "Make It Work" Indiana: Pictures, Analysis, and a Plea for Action

inside obama's war room

The Democrats Have a Nominee

So what?

Other than ensuring the Greatest Show on Earth will continue, does it matter that Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama Tuesday in Pennsylvania by nine-plus points? Barack Obama is the nominee.

No matter how many kicks the rest of us find in such famously fun primary states as Indiana and South Dakota, it's going to be McCain versus Obama in 2008.

I believe the cement set around the Clinton coffin last Friday. The Obama campaign announced it had received the support of former Sens. Sam Nunn of Georgia and David Boren of Oklahoma. continue

obama greeting supporters outside of indianapolis star

shoutouts: Malaria Madness by Maureen; Hillary Clinton in Eugene, OR; NY Times Thursday: Obliterating Hillary's Electability Meme by Steven R; MN-Sen: Novak: Franken wins if Obama the nominee by kos; Why I Love Blogs by faboo; Flipping the Script: WHY Can't Hillary ' Tonya Harding' Clinton CLOSE THE DEAL? by rikyrah; What the F&*K is Going On In Detroit by Bendygirl; Forgotten, USA by Hunter; The down-ballot races kos; Employment Numbers: A Moving Target by GreyHawk; Gouged Out: The Consumer and the Gas Station Operator by GreyHawk; Granholm exploits Michigan problem for Clinton gain by Eric B.; Sen. Clinton, Guam and Sweatshop $$$: A Stain on the Democratic Party... by dengre; Homeless Vets. Don't You Dare Look Away. by FireCrow; Hunger by teacherken; $100+ BILLION giveaway to the oil, credit card and retail industries by clammy c; Limbaugh Calls for Denver Riots by Granny Doc; Darkness Falls by One Pissed Off Liberal

barack showin' off his skillz....

Don't stop believin', Hillary

Run, Hillary, run.

Run in Guam, run in North Carolina, run in Indiana. Run in each and every one of the nine contests that are left.

Then make some states do their contests over.

Should Barack Obama’s victory in Vermont really count? I don’t think Vermont is actually a state. I think it is technically a socialist republic. Have somebody check this out.

And Obama’s victory in Alaska? Are you kidding me? They let caribou vote in Alaska.

And do some other stuff that levels the playing field: Raise the voting age to 65 in all the remaining contests, for instance. continue

barack and michelle in evansville, indiana

Why Clinton Can't Close the Deal? by kos
They Don't Get It: We Win Even If Obama Loses in November by thereisnospoon
Obama 3-on-3 Basketball Game in Kokomo, IN by turneresq
Bill Clinton Seeks Third Presidential Term (and Loophole to 22nd Amendement) by DHinMI
This is Who Obama Is. by eugene
Keep Fighting. Yes. We. Can. by Populista
Flashback: What Do Red State Office-Seekers Want? Adam B

Audio/Video

New Ad Targeting Female Voters in Indiana; Barack in Kokomo, IN; Barack Obama AV Podcast; Obama in Anderson, IN; Obama in Marion, IN; Obama in Indianapolis on Gas Prices; New Ads in WV and SD; Obama addresses the UFCW; Obama on Equal Pay; Michelle at Westside School in Indiana; barack's interview with editorial board of indianapolis star, under the "Obama" Tab; Impossible for Obama to Lose his Lead by Chuck Todd, MSNBC; Does Barack Look Too Good?

Ads Running in Montana
Obama Talks About Rumors
Obama Shifting Focus From Clinton to McCain
What a Mess
The Democrats' Worst Nightmare
Party Switchers Lean Toward Obama
Obama Says Party Will Be United
Democratic voter registration surges in Oregon


obama everywhere in pennsylvania


Why this Republican is Voting FOR Obama by recoveringrepub
North Carolina mayors go heavy for Obama, split in Indiana by kos
How Kentucky, West Virginia and Racism Could Screw Up the Clinton Exit by DHinMI
The Importance of Black Voters, and the Stupidity of Ignoring Them by davidsirota
Obama, Clinton and West Virginia by Carnacki
How the "Yes We Can" Video Changed My Life by Soundpolitic

::

icebergslim’s last word: get energized, get ready, let’s go

I know, I know, this primary season seems to drag on like a bad marriage. Yep, like that.

But, as in life, we must re-energize and double up our efforts to win this nomination. Look at Barack and Michelle!!! Are they sitting back and complaining? No, they are marching forward, as we must all do.

So, now we must regain focus and look towards the fight in the fall. But until we get to that mantle, we must finish off Indiana and North Carolina.

Many in those states are working hard and tirelessly for this campaign. As excited they are about making their statement, they are tired too. So, we must finish this off.

I am going to Indiana on Friday to volunteer for the campaign and won’t get back home until Wednesday. I am lucky and blessed to have family in NW Indiana, who I might add, are working hard to make sure the vote gets out.

So, what can you do? You know what to do.

Pick that phone up and help with the ONE MILLION PHONE CALLS BY MAY 6th DRIVE. That is the LEAST you can do. All the information is provided in the link with script, etc. Believe me, it is not hard, after a few calls you know what to do and say.

Phone banking not your bag. Well, are you close to Indiana or North Carolina? Like to chat and talk to folk in the flesh? Well get over to Indiana or North Carolina, right now. Canvass and help this campaign out. Even work the phones or paperwork in the offices. Every bit counts, not yesterday, but now.

And can’t do either? Well, pull out your credit card/debit card and donate. You can donate as little as $5 to this campaign. Why? Because it is the only people-powered campaign out there. WE OWN THIS CAMPAIGN. We have decided to give Barack and Michelle the front seat, but believe me, they listen to us.

Okay, I have vented enough. But just don’t read this, get up and do something. In the end, you will be glad that you did.


see barack wearing slain soldier sgt. ryan jopek's bracelet given to him by his mother. patriotism is something that should never be a wedge issue, but it is becoming that to divert from the real problems the bush administration has put on the shoulders of this country. patriotism is not a flag pin, it is the individual and what they stand for. we have many in the bush adminstration wearing flag pins, without any meaning or care for this country or its citizens. patriotism is who you are, what you do on a daily basis, following the rules of the land and loving this country. it is not a pin. the republicans need to answer many questions, not on patriotism, but why they allowed this country to become bankrupt, in debt to china, katrina, unable to follow the constitution, and why we are in iraq and what is the real mission. until they can answer these questions and many others on the laundry list, they are the last ones to be pointing a finger at patriotism, because they are definately not examples of the term. as i always close, remember to focus on obama and not the drama....see you in two weeks.



icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
This Week With Barack Obama

This Week With Barack Obama, April 7-12, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos & One Million Strong


barack in south bend, in

Democratic Debate
April 16, 2008 - Philadelphia, PA, ABC

::


michelle in harrisburg, nc, april 8, 2008

Voting Registration Deadlines for the Following States and Early Voting Information

Indiana: Early Voting for Indiana is through noon, May 5, 2008. For information of your location for early voting, click here.

Kentucky: Deadline April 21st. All registration forms should be submitted to your county and received by April 21st. Download registration form here. List of counties to mail form here.

West Virginia: Deadline April 22nd. All registration forms must be submitted on and received by April 22nd. Download the registration form here. Forms must be mailed or hand delivered to your local county office, list of county offices here.

Oregon: Deadline April 29th. Registration form must be received by April 29th, the downloadable form and where to mail to your county is available here.

Montana: Deadline May 5th. Registration form must be received by May 5th. Registration form and your county address is available here. Additional information is here.

South Dakota: Deadline May 19th. Downloadable form here. Fill out the form on-line, print and send here. List of counties to mail your form is here.

Obama at the Helm
Family precedent: Obama's grandmother blazed trails
The Story of Barack Obama's Mother
Obama Calls on Parents to Help Students
Obama’s charisma may be the determining factor


barack in gary, indiana, roosevelt high school

Dem hopeful Obama says he wants to restore diplomacy to foreign policy

Democrat Barack Obama said he would pull U.S. combat troops out within 16 months under his plan to end American military involvement in Iraq.

“We will do it carefully ... I am talking about one to two brigades per month and that will take 16 months from the time I take office” if elected president, Obama told more than 2,000 people Friday evening in the gym at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.

“George Bush isn’t going to pull out more troops. That means we’re talking two years from now. This war has lasted longer than World War I, Word War II and the Civil War. continue

obama with senator casey's family

Audio/Video

NPR: Covering the Coverage of the 2008 Campaigns; NPR: The Obama Franchise: Harnessing Activists' Energy; NPR: What's with That Obama Poster?; New Pennsylvania Ads; Another Pennsylvania Ad; Town Hall Meeting in Malvern, PA; Radio Ad in PA called "Fill"; Obama in South Bend, IN; Town Hall in Gary, IN; NBC5 Interview with Obama; Barack in Lafayette, IN; Barack in Columbus, IN; Full video of Obama at the North Dakota Convention; Obama on the Today Show about Iraq; Obama questioning General Petraeus at Iraq Senate Hearings; Barack's Statement on American Idol

obama serving burgers at ball state university, muncie in

White women begin to turn away from Clinton
In The End, Superdelegates Will Vote Almost Unanimously For Obama
Ouster Opens Opportunity for Obama
Obama closing superdelegates gap
Obama denounces big corporate pay packages


obama addressing CWA in Washington, D.C., April 8, 2008

shoutouts:

Green Zone Under Attack - Again by Maureen; Al Gore by Steven D; Lessons Mark Penn Never Learned by Tracy Russo; Bitter and Angry in Rural Pennsylvania: Obama's Reality vs. Hillary's Fantasy by astral66; We Can't Afford The War Anymore by bonddad; time to take a stand by kid oakland; ABC: BUSH Says He APPROVED TORTURE. What About SEXUAL Torture? by Troutfishing; 'Out of Touch?' Obama Schools Clinton/McCain by turneresq; Don't Forget Tuzla by BooMan; The Clinton Campaign: Too Arrogant to Work for the Nomination by Bob Johnson; Congressional Republicans, Afraid of Obama, Throw Hail Mary Pass to Try to Keep Him From Nomination by DHinMI; Contemplating the Unity Bounce by poblano; "We don't have insurance." by StrangeAnimals; Dr. James Hansen: "A Guaranteed Disaster" Planned CO2 Cuts Too Little, Too Late by FishOutofWater; Report: Carter, Gore to endorse Obama, or ask Clinton to concede by poblano; Clinton to Rural Pennsylvanians: "You Can Be Victims, Too!" by The Field; Obama: Small Dollar Online Fundraising Akin to Public Financing by Jonathan Singer

obama everywhere

Obama's happy, drama-free appeal

In the days and weeks ahead, the Barack Obama campaign is going to pose a simple question to the undecided voters and undeclared superdelegates who will decide the Democratic nomination for president: If Hillary Clinton can’t run a good primary campaign, how is she ever going to run a good campaign against the Republicans?

And while she says she is ready from Day One to be president, she is at something like Day 430 into being a presidential candidate and her campaign seems to be going from bad to worse to train wreck.

Mark Penn, who just got booted as her chief strategist, is only the latest problem in a campaign that has been heavy on drama and light on results.

“None of these folks have ever run anything, other than Hillary running a health care task force,” David Axelrod, Obama’s chief strategist, told me Monday. “But these campaigns are big, complicated, pressure-filled enterprises, and it is an important proving ground.” continue

obama at the senate foreign relations hearings

Statement of Barack Obama on President Bush's Stay the Course Iraq Strategy

President Bush gave no answer to the most important question about the way forward in Iraq: how will we end this war that is not making us safer? After five years, over four thousand lives, and over half a trillion dollars, we have a blank check strategy in Iraq that is overstretching our military, distracting us from the other challenges we face, burdening our economy, and failing to pressure the Iraqi government to take responsibility for their future. We cannot press Iraq’s leaders to resolve their differences and spend their money if our plan is to stay in Iraq indefinitely. We cannot relieve the enormous strain on our military and our military families unless we restore adequate time at home for our troops – 12 month deployments represent a step forward, but we need to give our troops adequate dwell time at home. We cannot finish the fight in Afghanistan and focus on Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda’s core leadership unless we end this war that should’ve never been authorized. The decision to go to war in Iraq was an enormous strategic blunder, and President Bush is only adding to his disastrous legacy by refusing to show the American people any clear goal or any clear plan to end the war. When I am President, I will bring our combat brigades home in 16 months, engage in the direct diplomacy in the region that is necessary to stabilize Iraq, restore our military strength, and renew our security and standing in the world. Our heroic troops have accomplished every mission that we have given them in Iraq and they have done so brilliantly; it is time to bring them home, and to ask the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country.

obama @ little 500 women's bike race @ university of indiana, bloomington, in

Photo Diaries

On the ground in Philly -- canvassing and "Weekend of Women" by casperr; Obama in Lafayette, IN by Praxxus; Levittown Lovin’ Obama – Seriously by speck tater; Photo Diary of Obama in Malvern, PA by BooMan23; Bill Clinton "Estoy a favor" the Colombian Trade Deal by Billary Redux; Obama supporters bowl me over by Scott Kleeb

Obama Says Real-Life Experience Trumps Rivals’ Foreign Policy Credits
Obama: Repeal of 'Don't Ask' Possible
Pelosi: Democrats need unity
Obama rips McCain in Gary
Obama Speaks to Gay Community in "Advocate" Interview

Blogs and Websites

Greek Americans for Obama; Edwardiansforobama.com; Obama Cycle; One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; Brown Iowa; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; 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 News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama; Netroots for Obama; Economists for Obama; Why We Need Obama

Obama States A Truth, Media & RivalsTwist It by Maureen
The end is near by PsiFighter37
I'm Not Bitter - I'm Outraged One Pissed Off Liberal
Obama IS Fighting Back & He's Using his Best Weapon! by Muzikal203
Fox News: Are People Bitter in PA? ANSWER: Yes. by inthecolour
Hillary Clinton: I'm More American Than He Is by JedReport
The Cost of Letting This Go On...and On by BooMan
Obama earned my vote, Hillary lost it. by Janeo



obama at the sunrise cafe, south bend, in

Endorsements

Scranton Times Tribune Endorses Obama; Allentown Morning Call Endorses Obama ; Obama picks up a superdelegate in Minnesota; South Bend Mayor Stephen Luecke Endorses Obama; Obama Picks up Endorsement from Pennsylvania Politicians; Superdelegate Pickup from Utah; Two Former Oregon Governors Endorse Obama; The American Postal Workers Union Endorses Obama; Charleston (West Virginia) Gazette Endorses Obama; Portland Tribune Endorses Barack Obama; The Daily & Sunday Review (Towanda, PA) Endorses Obama

Deal Behind Sen. Klobuchar's Endorsement of Obama
What Went Wrong with the Clinton Campaign
Obama Confidante Jarrett Wields Clout of Campaign Inner Circle
Obama knows the way to young voters' hearts
Obama continues to enchant Americans
Poll suggests Canadians love Barack Obama despite NAFTA controversy
Obama Urges Bush to Boycott Beijing
Obama Poised To Turn Down Public Financing
The Broker: Vernon Jordan



signing the wall at nick's pub in bloomington, in

Michelle Obama talks couple's finances

It wasn't until Barack Obama wrote a pair of best-selling books that he and his wife escaped their student loan debt, an experience Michelle Obama said Tuesday helps the couple understand everyday challenges better than policymakers in Washington.

"We are not so far away from life that we don't understand and get it," said Michelle Obama, wife of the Democratic presidential candidate.

Obama met with a group of about 50 women at a town-hall meeting in Harrisburg, just north of Charlotte. It was part of a daylong tour of North Carolina ahead of the state's May 6 primary.

At the Tuesday morning forum, the women said increases in the cost of gas, education and health care — along with an unstable job market — have taken a toll. continue

icebergslim’s last word: bitterness and out of touch politicians

There has been a manufactured kerfuffle over the remarks Barack Obama made at a fundraiser in San Francisco last weekend. To start with, these events are restricted from media but one blogger from the Huffington Post recorded an answer from Obama to a contributor. Before getting into that, I think what the blogger did was wrong. Why? These events are restricted to politicians and donors, period. The politician is free to answer questions without the pressure of media. I personally think the blogger should have identified herself. Since she did not, the story is somewhat one-sided, but the remarks about Americans in small towns all over this country is bitter and the truth.

The story was posted on Huffington Post by the blogger named, Mayhill Fowler, the story can be read with the full transcript and audio from Fowler’s cell phone. The feign upset is to the following:

But the truth is, is that, our challenge is to get people persuaded that we can make progress when there's not evidence of that in their daily lives. You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.

If you read the whole transcript you understand what Obama is stating. But the mainstream media along with Hillary Clinton and John McCain now are stating Obama is “out of touch” and an “elitist”.

Let’s review who is really an elitist and who is really out of touch.

Hillary Rodham Clinton grew up in an upper middle class family in Park Ridge, Illinois a suburb of Chicago. Her family owned their own business. Hillary Rodham Clinton has had every advantage a person growing up in this type of family can provide. She graduated from Wellesley College, and received her law degree from Yale University. In fact one has to wonder if Hillary Clinton ever had to worry about repaying any college tuition debt. If so, she has never conveyed it in any of her stump speeches, which makes you wonder if she ever had to worry about any financial repayments or debt. In fact if you look over Hillary Rodham Clinton’s life she has lived a very elitist one. Most of her adult life she has lived in mansions from the governor’s mansion in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the White House mansion in Washington, D.C., to the D.C. mansion she now has while in the senate, along with her multi-million dollar home in New York State. Also, Hillary Rodham Clinton belongs to the most elitist club of all, it is called “former first lady club who is married to a former president of the United States”. How many folk are walking around this country belonging to this elitist club? Not many. And there is nothing wrong with it, but this club gives you all the advantages and perks any person in this country could just wish for. So, who is really the elitist here? Oh, we must not forget The Clintons 100 million dollar figure that they now maintain. They have truly entered the 100 Million Dollar Club. Hip-Hip-Hooray, for not being elite!!!

John Sidney McCain III comes from a privileged family one which includes a former father and grandfather who were 4 star admirals in the Navy. His name alone opens up any opportunity he could ever wish for. John McCain has served his country well, was a POW during the Vietnam War. He survived and has led an admirable military life, but privileged and elite none the less. He has lived the majority of his post military life in Washington, D.C. For anyone to believe that he is not mired in the Washington, D.C. ways are in for an eyeful. He started an affair with his current wife, Cindy McCain, while still married to his former wife. Nothing wrong with that, he is open about it, but his latter wife had much to offer the privileged McCain. Money. Cindy McCain is the Beer Queen who is worth upwards and possibly beyond 100 million dollars. There is nothing that Mrs. McCain has ever wanted monetarily, because she was always able to get it. This couple has lived the bulk of their lives with Washington, D.C. insiders and to even think they understand what it means to struggle is laughable at best.

Yet, these two out of touch politicians have the nerve to state that Barack Obama is out of touch with the average American because he stated the truth that many Americans are bitter???

Barack and Michelle Obama just paid off student loans due to Barack’s book sales. They only moved from a small condo into a home, due to his book sales, and if you looked at his tax returns he is no where near Clinton or McCain in personal wealth. Yet, The Obamas are talking about kitchen tables issues because they have been there and done that. They are not far off the mark in relating to the average American, in fact they are very much in tune. Which is why many Americans are listening to them and can relate to them.

For Hillary Clinton to play tag team with John McCain in feigns outrage is despicable in itself. Is she a Democrat or Republican? She surely has used the Republican playbook throughout this whole primary process with disastrous results. So, why can’t they understand the bitterness and frustration of the average American?

Let us look at a few things we are bitter about:

The Iraq War; The Bush Administrations handling and lies involved with The Iraq War; Alberto Gonzales, former Attorney General, who was not an Attorney General at all; Donald Rumsfeld, former Secretary of Defense and his abysmal handling of The Iraq War; Abu Ghrab and the embarrassment and horror associated with it; NAFTA and how the Chinese have railroaded its goods in this country; Lead poison toys from China (and lead paint has been disbanded in the United States of America since the 1970s); Pet food from China that have killed our pets; Food from China which clearly makes one wonder WTF?; Goods from China, including clothes that don’t hold up, dinnerware like Pfalzgraff is now made entirely in China; The Educational System under the Bush Administration which now have drop-out rate at more than 50% in this country (yeah, and No Child Left Behind have and is leaving many behind); Gas prices, soon to be 4.00 a gallon, near you; Food prices are skyrocketing; College tuition is now for the rich and not for the lower and middle class kids; The crash of the housing market and millions who and will lose their homes; Lack of good paying jobs and lack of raises from most jobs, which can’t even match inflation; The corporate greed, example the bailing out of the sorry airline industry and now Bears Stearn; The lack of job security and many Americans working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet; KATRINA, that name alone says much; and most of all lack of trust of government since they continually lie and take care of its own, also known as the elite ones.

So, if Hillary Clinton and John McCain cannot understand the entire above, why are they running for President of the United States? If you cannot understand the bitterness and frustration of the average American, only one conclusion is left, you are out of touch. Sad, but true.

Obama response to Clinton and McCain, along with CNN analyst response backing Obama and Bitter Voters for Obama08

note Obama is not backing down....

Campaign Appearances

April 15, 2008 - Community Event with Michelle Obama, York, PA
April 15, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Michell Obama, Havorford, PA

"feelin' the love for michelle @ north carolina state, raleigh, nc

see the folks are geared up to see michelle in raleigh!!! this event was sold out to over 5700 people and the word is that she was fantastic!! the obama campaign is truly people-powered from the grassroots, we own a piece of this campaign to make it the model of campaigning to come. please donate to the best run campaign this primary season, going into the general election, The Obama Campaign.

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This Week With Barack Obama
icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com

{Late Edition} This Week With Barack Obama, March 23-30, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos and One Million Strong


senator bob casey (d-pa) endorses obama

Democratic Debate
April 16, 2008 - Philadelphia, PA, ABC

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obama bowling in altoona, pa

Voting Registration Deadlines for the Following States

Indiana: Deadline April 7th. Form must received on or by April 7th to your county office. All mailing information and form with addresses to your county office is available here.

North Carolina: Deadline April 11th. Form must be received on or by April 11th. Download form in English, here. Download form in Spanish, here. Registration form must be postmarked, faxed or hand delivered to your county office by April 11th. Here is the list of county offices to mail or hand deliver your registration form to here.

Kentucky: Deadline April 21st. All registration forms should be submitted to your county and received by April 21st. Download registration form here. List of counties to mail form here.

West Virginia: Deadline April 22nd. All registration forms must be submitted on and received by April 22nd. Download the registration form here. Forms must be mailed or hand delivered to your local county office, list of county offices here.

Oregon: Deadline April 29th. Registration form must be received by April 29th, the downloadable form and where to mail to your county is available here.

Montana: Deadline May 5th. Registration form must be received by May 5th. Registration form and your county address is available here. Additional information is here.

South Dakota: Deadline May 19th. Downloadable form here. Fill out the form on-line, print and send here. List of counties to mail your form is here.

Obama breaking record: 22,000 in Happy Valley, PA by HEAT
A leading indicator of a doomed candidacy by JedReport
Cowardly Superdelegates by BooMan23
Gallup: Obama 52, Clinton 42 by MBNYC
Hillary's Upcoming Fun Concession Speech by Maureen



22K @ penn state university, sunday, march 30, 2008

Obama Rewriting Rules for Raising Campaign Money Online

When Christen Braun decided it was time to learn more about the presidential candidates, the 28-year-old high school teacher from suburban Pittsburgh turned to Google -- right where Sen. Barack Obama's campaign was waiting for her.

Her search triggered an ad for Obama's Web site, which prompted Braun, a Republican, to sign up for the Democratic senator's e-mail list -- and then to make her first political contribution, for $25.

Such transactions help illustrate how Obama has shattered fundraising records and challenged ideas about the way presidential bids are financed. While past campaigns have relied largely on support from small circles of wealthy and well-connected patrons, Obama has received contributions from more than 1 million donors. He raised $91 million in the first two months of 2008 alone, most of it in small amounts over the Internet. continue

Pressure Grows to Wrap Up Democratic Race
On the bus with Barack by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Democratic Super Delegate Tracker





Obama Reaches Out to Republicans and Independents in PA
Obama's life striking contrasts
Obama's advanced calculus towards victory



obama with pittsburgh steeler greats, jerome bettis and franco harris

With a Powerful Speech, Obama Offers a Challenge

Barack Obama was on the phone, speaking about the one issue he had not wanted to focus on in his campaign: race.

He had just given his speech on race in Philadelphia and was expanding a little on the need to get past the endless back and forth on this toxic and frustrating issue. He said he had hoped in his speech to accurately describe the “chasm of misunderstanding” that continues to foster racial division, and to offer a way to “get out of that situation.”

The speech, which has gotten wonderful reviews, should be required reading in classrooms across the country — and in as many other venues as possible. With a worldview that embraces both justice and healing, Senator Obama is better on these issues than any American leader since King. continue nytimes

Obama Declares Victory In Texas BarbinMD
Obama gets the Blue Majority endorsement by kos
Building The New Obamajority by Adam B
Glowing op-ed for Obama by Pittsburgh's own Teresa Heinz Kerry by beachmom
Obama was on to the vultures A YEAR AGO! by Barcelona



senator bob casey, (d-pa) endorsing barack obama

Video and Audio

Barack on The View; First television ad in Indiana; PBS FRONTLINE: Bush's War; Pittsburg residents wait in line; Town Hall Meeting in Johnston, PA; The Clinton-Obama Divide on the Hill; Poll: Obama Unscathed by Pastor Remarks; Obama in Harrisburg, PA; Senator Pat Leahy (D-VT) Calls for Clinton to Get Out; Obama Town Hall Greensboro, NC; Pennsylvania Independents are Obama's Primary Concern; Penn State Rally

obama with the ladies of the view

3-on-3 Basketball: Challenge for Change
Obama HQ opening draws 700
2,000 at Town Hall in Harrisburg
Obama is victor in weekend caucus (Texas)



renewing the american economy

shoutouts

The Clintons Have Crossed the Final Line by BooMan23; Brazile: Hillary Clinton's "Credentials Committee" Threat Going Nowhere by rerutled; Reporter: "Do condoms help stop AIDS?" McCain: "I dont know" by beholderseye; Dean: Shut it Down No Later than July 1st by DHinMI; Eco-Diary Rescue 3.29 by Meteor Blades; Iraq is imploding right before our eyes clammyc; Stop by Delaware Dem; It's Time to Give Hillary Clinton a Break. by RenaRF; 10% of Ohio is on Food Stamps by OrangeClouds115; They Become Soldiers Because They Can't Afford to Become Students, Homeowners and Parents by DHinMI; 'McCain will be more dangerous than Bush' by Jerome a Paris; Economics -- and Life -- In a Post Fact World by bonddad; One crook down by smintheus

NBC News: Profiling Obama's Family

Obama's YouTube Speech Tops TV Ratings
Dem warns party to avert disaster
Obama releases 7 years of tax returns
Obama presses Clinton on finances


obama @ u.s. steel in braddock, pa

Obama criticizes McCain on mortgage crisis

Democrat Barack Obama mocked John McCain on Wednesday for urging government restraint in responding to the mortgage crisis, saying the Republican would "just sit back and watch" as millions of Americans lost their homes.

The back-and-forth between two of the leading White House contenders underscored the emergence of the nation's home-loan fiasco as a top issue in the presidential race.

Campaigning in Greensboro, N.C., Sen. Obama of Illinois ridiculed Sen. McCain of Arizona for offering no concrete plan to fight the wave of defaults that has shaken the economy. continue

The Obama Organizing Fellows
Indiana Legislators to back Obama
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Endorses Obama
Obama Moves Past Clinton in Calling for Wall Street Oversight
Democratic Strategist Bob Shrum Says Clinton "Just Has Very Little Chance of Winning"


scouting obama

New Backing for Obama As Party Seeks Unity

Slowly but steadily, a string of Democratic Party figures is taking Barack Obama's side in the presidential nominating race and raising the pressure on Hillary Clinton to give up.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is expected to endorse Sen. Obama Monday, according to a Democrat familiar with her plans. Meanwhile, North Carolina's seven Democratic House members are poised to endorse Sen. Obama as a group -- just one has so far -- before that state's May 6 primary, several Democrats say.

Helping to drive the endorsements is a fear that the Obama-Clinton contest has grown toxic and threatens the Democratic Party's chances against Republican John McCain in the fall. continue

Rasmussen, Survey USA, Enthusiasm and Likely Voters by poblano
Alice Walker on Obama
Delegate Math Myth and Fact Chris Bowers
Sleeping With The Enemy by Al Rodgers


original texas hot dog in altoona, pa

Obama Statement on 4,000 Amereican Death in Iraq

It is with great sadness that we have reached another grim milestone in Iraq, with at least 4,000 of our finest Americans having been killed. Each death is a tragedy, and we honor every fallen American and send our thoughts and prayers to their families. It is past time to end this war that should never have been waged by bringing our troops home, and finally pushing Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future. As we do, we must serve the memory of all who have died as well as they served our country, by providing support for their families, caring for our troops and veterans, and upholding the American values which our fallen heroes exemplified through their service.

Obama on Iraq, Economy and Clinton
Obama Retools in Pennsylvania
Economy Emerges as Central Election Issue
Obama Joins McCain in Speaking at the Associated Press Annual Meeting Luncheon on April 14th
Obama, Clinton Say Party Will Unite Behind Winner



Obama Casts Wide Blame for Financial Crisis and Proposes Homeowner Aid

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icebergslim’s last word: no sex, but lies and videotape

As I was surfing the satellite channels this week, the noir movie, sex, lies and videotape, caught my eye. And then I said ummmmm.....

This past week was particularly good for Barack Obama. He received the endorsement from Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), he has rebounded in the polling, he kicked off a six-day bus tour through Pennsylvania, and he came back from a very much needed Easter Break with his family.

But, even after the kerfuffle of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, an incident which was supposed to bring down Obama, this week has been rough for Hillary Clinton filled with question marks that have not been answered, and a videotape with all the answers.

Huh? Bosnia. Remember that war, way back when? Now, Hillary Clinton has been on the stump stating she was under sniper fire, running from the airport tarmac to safety and with Chelsea in tow!! Well, again the Clintons don’t understand the power of the internet, bloggers or more importantly youtube. The story starts here:

In January, after Senator Clinton first inserted the threat of “sniper fire” into her stump speech, Elizabeth Sullivan of The Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote that the story couldn’t be true because by the time of the first lady’s visit in March 1996, “the war was over.” Meredith Vieira asked Mrs. Clinton on the “Today” show why, if she was on the front lines, she took along a U.S.O. performer like Sinbad. Earlier this month, a week before Mrs. Clinton fatefully rearmed those snipers one time too many, Sinbad himself spoke up to The Washington Post: “I think the only ‘red phone’ moment was: Do we eat here or at the next place?”

And to see the clip of what actually happened to Hillary Clinton on the Tuzla, Bosnia trip it is right here.

Yes, a bad week for Hillary Clinton but I take this even further than bad, it was a discrediting week for her.

Hillary Clinton has always had a problem of trust and honesty. You can look at any polling for over a year, which always had her negatives high because of it, but my question is why lie about a standard trip, that you can get caught lying about? U dig? Why?

The Bosnia story was not a sleep deprived, misspeak, it was a blatant lie. Period. Why? Well, if I had my child with me on a war effort trip and was under sniper fire, don’t you think I would remember every inch of the story? And she had her only child with her at that!!! Which makes everyone scratch their heads in why do it? Why embellish? Or stretch the truth? Or lie? I don’t know why she did it, but her polling numbers are telling her why right now.

The thing that bothers me about this is that when you look at the Wright fiasco and the Bosnia fiasco, they are very different. The Wright fiasco was words spoken from Reverend Jeremiah Wright himself. The nagging question for many Americans was “Does Obama feel or think like that too?” He answered and assured many that he does not, and it is reflective in the polling. But Hillary Clinton is another issue. Hillary Clinton said the words that she was under sniper fire, it came from her and she stated this in front of people on the stump at least three times, the most recent on St. Patrick’s Day. Her problem is the question is answered by her for many thanks to cbs stock video and youtube. But it was not the same answer she has been giving on the stump, in fact it is another answer totally made up. This goes back to the old Clinton baggage that they will say, do anything to get elected. Even to enhance a story so basic that many have been coming out, including the pilot of the trip, to state that her story did not happen as she said it did. And she is taking a hit in the polls for it.

We all know that politicians exaggerate, stretch the truth to an extent. We accept it because we read between the lines, but to just fabricate or concoct a story so wild, did she or her staff not think it would be researched? Questioned? Do they even understand internet? Youtube? Bloggers? One would think that they do not.

In the end, Clinton is viewed like the rest of ‘em and that is Bush and Company. The ones who gave us Iraq and everything else with a blatant lie attached to it.

This is something that we don’t like, nor need in the next Commander-In-Chief. After Bush, do you blame us?


see above, barack relaxing, reading a magazine that he just signed for a supporter. when or if you go to an obama event, take one of his books or a magazine that he or michelle had the opportunity to grace its cover. give it to a volunteer. barack signs all of these supporters books, magazines, pictures, etc., after an event. now that is cool. this is a long primary season and it is not wrapping up anytime soon. so, let's pause and relax because eventually it will all be over with soon. as always remember to focus on obama, and not the drama.....oh, and donate here. thanks, all.

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icebergslim1047 (at) hotmail (dot) com
This Week With Barack Obama