This Week With Barack Obama, September 16-22, 2007

cross-posted @ e pluribus media & Daily Kos


site of harkin steak fry


Debate Schedule

September 26, 2007 - Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, MSNBC
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

::



Courting the Iowa Activists
Six candidates (Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Obama, and Richardson) joined Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa at his annual "Harkin Steak Fry". The Obama Campaign was extremely organized. That is the sense I got watching it on c-span. And the word is that over 3000 supporters were bused in, made all those wonderful "O" signs, and met Obama prior to the speech off. One interesting tidbit, this came from Senator Harkin prior to the speech off, and that was about organization. He said to win the Iowa caucus is about "organization". Many say they will caucus but don't. You need to convince people to come out on a cold, wintry night to caucus. That statement says it all. I remember reading something from desmoinesdem who stated almost the exact same thing. Folks, it is all about getting your people out to caucus, period.

But the made-for-TV moment was won by the Obama campaign. It wasn't quite the march on Washington, but Barack Obama -- leading a column of about 1,000 supporters -- marched along a dirt road and along the rolling green fields leading into the steak fry, waving signs, chanting, and appearing to present the candidate as the messiah of "change" and "hope.”

On that note, you could mistake Tom Harkin's steak fry for an Obama rally. It was in fact preceded by an Obama rally, and the train of Obama supporters behind a marching band stretched for at least a hundred yards. His campaign said he'd given out 2,000 T-shirts, a number that seemed plausible.

Visitors were also greeted by a noisy gauntlet of Edwards supporters, and a sparser group of Clinton supporters handing out megaphones. Clinton and Biden, who was also pretty visible, seemed to have won the contest to place the most signs along the road.

The Obama campaign sees the its cast of thousands as an organizational test, and if it is, its one at which they seem to have beaten Clinton -- who lost her Iowa field director last week.

"This is an event where you get to demonstrate an organization," said Obama's communcations director, Robert Gibbs.

No onto what Obama said about the war and George W. Bush.

"Everybody is sick and tired of being sick and tired of George Bush," said Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. "All you have to do is take a look at the president pretending that going around in circles was making progress. If that doesn't get you ready to get rid of George Bush I don't know what will."

What else do you need on that statement? We do have a sitting president, in denial.

Obama said he would not vote for any war-funding measure that doesn't include a timeline for bringing troops home.

“We are going to bring an end to this war and I will fight hard in the United States Senate to make sure we don’t pass any funding bill that does not have a deadline,” Obama told the crowd.

By making the statement, Obama joined only Dodd, who has been critical of Clinton and Obama for their resistance to tying war appropriations to a schedule.

Clinton has resisted pressure to insist that paying for the war’s expenses be contingent on a firm deadline for having soldiers out.

That squelches all that speculation of last week. Dodd is there, Obama went there, Edwards has been there, expect Clinton to, copy.


new iowa ad, believe

Obama Apperances

September 25, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Portland, ME
September 25, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Chicago, IL
September 26, 2007 - Rally With Obama, Peterborough, NH
September 27, 2007 - Barack in NYC, Washington Square Park, NYC, NY

Obama Seeks to Attract the Beer-Track Voter
It Will Come Down to a Delegate Fight


shenandoah, ia

Obama Tells Wall Street, "Need Transparancy, Too Greedy"

In a major speech on economic policy, the Illinois Senator condemned the Bush administration's "massive tax cuts" and called for more transparency in the housing market, following the subprime mortgage crisis.

"In recent years, we have seen a dangerous erosion of the rules and principles that have allowed our market to work and our economy to thrive," Obama said in a speech at the NASDAQ market site.

"Instead of thinking about what's good for America or what's good for business, a mentality has crept into certain corners of Washington and the business world that says, 'what's good for me is good enough.'" Obama said. more, Adam B

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

Framing This Race is Everything
Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote a fair piece on Obama, moving from this foot forward, based on the memo sent by David Plouffe, Saturday, September 22nd. Spinning and framing is everything, apparently, this cycle. But what can end up happening is that you can come across as pandering to various groups, saying "this, that, and the other", and come out stating absolutely nothing concerning your real position of the issues. We already have enough of that swirling around right now.

And even though Iowa is now in a three-way tie — and the one state where former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) has a decent chance of winning — Plouffe also cleverly starts to raise expectations about the need for Clinton to come in first. "Clinton will pay a severe price for not winning Iowa — national front runners always do," Plouffe writes. more

Obama Campaign and Getting the Vote Out
It starts here. With your telephone. With a script. And NYC.

The Obama Campaign has launched an incredible phone tool for its supporters to call New Yorkers and let them know about Barack in their city on September 27th. This tool is very easy. The script is provided and it is all about connecting with voters. I tried it this weekend, from the comfort of my couch, and it was super easy. Try it. More information, here.

Obama's Full Illinois Senate Legislative Record
Obama Lurking, Can He Soar?


believe in america, by lovingj

Websites and Blogs

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.

JKF Advisor Stumps for Obama
Obama Podcasts


atlanta, ga 2200+

Usher and Obama

SEIU, What is Going to Happen Here?
I can see, no endorsement, with all the background fighting. I wrote a diary earlier in the week based on SEIU requesting the top three candidates/campaigns come before the board and explain how they will WIN in 2008. An unusual request? Not really. Many unions endorsed, "prematurely" for Dean in 2004, and look what happened. So, many unions are cautious, listening and waiting. The reality is that we have three candidates that have a possiblity to win the general election. Clinton has name recognition and runs strong nationally, but the early state polling states something different along with her negative polling which gives many a pause; Edwards is running a totally different campaign on a "populist theme", which resonates with many across the country, but he is lagging behing in the national polling; Obama is running a campaign of "can we all work together", and this too, resonates with the public because of the hard partisianship in Washington, D.C., but does he have what it takes to WIN? This is why I see a "no endorsement". But Marc Armbinder says the SEIU Members prefer Edwards and Obama. We will see.


Obama, and Pauline Beck of Alameda, Calif., who hosted Obama in a 'Walk a Day in My Shoes' program

Audio/Video

Harkin Steak Fry, part one; Harkin Steak Fry, part two; New Iowa Ad Believe; New Iowa Ad Mother; D.C. Video, Sept. 18th; Obama's Invite to NYC Rally 9/27; Meet Barack Obama; Lobbyist Video Pay to Play, you decide; Atlanta Rally, 9/20; Interview with Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News; SEIU Full Speech (start 24 min into video); Obama and the Experience Test; believe in america, 5 minute version by lovingj; Obama’s Loss May Have Aided WH Bid

Canvassing Experience
Middle Class Tax Breaks

Quarter Three Predictions
It will come down to this. Whose small donor base will crank out the numbers? Clinton has tapped over 74% of her maxed donors and is depending on her lobbyists monies to push her over the hump. Obama is at only 50% of maxed donors, so his train is just rolling along. Both of these candidates have enough monies NOW to compete past February 5th, but it will be interesting to see the total amount raised. Even more interesting to see what monies is primaries monies vs. general election monies. I think Obama will have the edge for primary money raised this quarter, along with a larger donor base. And I will not be surprised if Clinton brings in a larger total amount. She has been fundraising more, vs. Obama campaigning more. We will soon see.


Iowa State University, over 4000 strong

Events

Doorknock for Obama; Hanover Debate Rally; Students for Barack Obama

students for obama

Announcements

National Advisory Committee; Walk for Change II, South Carolina; Become a Nevada Precinct Captain, Here; Valerie Jarrett

Obama the Agent of Change
Obama Media Center

Expanding in Colorado
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, the only candidate with ground troops in Colorado, is organizing a significant grassroots campaign in the state, according to his campaign manager.

"This will be a delegate by delegate battle," said David Plouffe in Denver on Thursday. "Because we have had success financially and enthusiastic grassroots supporters we can starting getting things in place for February 5th states."

Colorado, like roughly 20 other states, has moved up its presidential caucus to Feb. 5. Most candidates, including Obama, have allocated most of their resources in January caucus and primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

Plouffe and former Denver Mayor Federico Pena, who is Obama's national co-chair, said the Illinois senator would appeal to the state's independent voters, which make up about one-third of Colorado's electorate. more; Rocky Mountain News

Obama on FCC to Reduce Length of TV Station Licenses
Obama Sticks With Limiting Debate/Forum Time to Campaign

shoutouts: clammyc, so correct; ana maria, on going katrina saga; bondad on single payer health care; nyceve's discussion on HRC healthcare or health insurance plan; mydd weekly Obama blogger, psericks; too many mosques, per rudy g; you idiots. Geekesque; riykah and the white blogosphere on jena six; pinche tejano on edwards, you decide; gop don't talk to minority groups; meteor blades, crisis and opportunity, kid oakland; granny doc; we are democrats. what do we stand for?; we don't know how many contractors we have working in iraq

Between Now and September 30th the Obama Campaign is inviting its over 260,000 donors to match their contribution with a new donor. Their contribution will be matched with a new donor and you will have the opportunity to correspond with the person you matched and explain why you are supporting this campaign. Another ingenious way for people to communicate. Thousands have already participated since the conception. If you have not, click below and see why people do want change.



icebergslim’s last word: lobbyists, moveon.org and jena 6

What a week.

First, let’s attack the lobbyists. Chris Matthews’ Hardball Show had a stunning piece on Hillary Clinton’s lobbyist luncheon. It was first written by CPDem81 and the diarist really delved into what this meeting/luncheon was all about, but more importantly why is stinks of high heaven. (for the record, the John Edwards Campaign sent an email out to their supporters dissecting why this luncheon with lobbyists, straight up stinks) Then we get the video of Hardball where the Clinton spokesperson, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, was on her way there to debate the issue, but was told “not to go on the show”.

After viewing this video and reading CPDem’s diary, the only conclusion I came up with is “pay for play”. The verbage used by Matthews’ in describing all of this. This was a setup with top committee chairmen/women there to talk to “lobbyists” in breakout sessions, but of course, the admittance for this luncheon started at one grand and for the breakout sessions, much higher. Lobbyists are not stupid, they smell the writing on the wall, and feel that the shift next year will be democratic. But in the same token, these are individuals with stake in the game and want their “cushion or money flow” to remain the same. In other words, business as usual. If people don’t get this, then don’t complain for not paying attention, if Clinton gets into office. Change, that is one word she is not.

Next.

The wasteful atrocity of voting for a newspaper ad. If you were asleep, let me refresh your memory, “moveon.org”. We had major legislation up for vote this past week, dealing with Iraq, but all of it was overshadowed because our leadership “allowed it to be”. Giving the GOP the floor to grandstand on a newspaper ad was the most ridiculous thing I witnessed, since the stupid “flag amendment”. Remember that one? Moveon.org has a right to purchase any ad space they want to, regarding any positions its membership feel it should tackle. Instead of being smart about it, the democratic leadership allowed itself to be “swiftboated” by the GOP, who ran with it. Instead of the Iraq legislature being argued and discussed, we had to look at the grandstanding by the GOP. Because let’s be real, what do they have to say about Iraq? They cannot even defend this president on it, but our leadership allowed them time on the senate floor to use this “diversion” and trump moveon.org, instead of talking about Iraq.

Harry Reid. You blew it. Democrats, you are looking weaker as the days pass. Barack Obama, thank you for not voting on this petty amendment. Here is the low down.

Next.

Jena 6. All the hoopla over Jesse Jackson’s statement about Barack Obama not being in Jena and “acting white”. Damn, what was that about? When Mr. and Mrs. Barack Obama have made, repeated, statements about Jena, but of course, the MSM refuses to do their “due diligence” and just throw a story up for ‘sensationalism”. Sigh. And Jackson refutes saying this. Drama.

Anyway, the 30K+ people who assembled in Jena, Louisiana seemed to be “ripped out” of the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. Only these were our young folk. Tired and fed up. Can we give them a shout out for standing up? This is the generation we have been looking at as “non-responsive”. Guess what? They get it, and thank god.

Racism is alive and well in the United States of America. We can debate this issue until the cows come home, but no one can disagree about the disparity in “treatment” of the white kids vs. the black kids. And no one can dispute that there are a lot of Jena’s around this country and a lot of kids being mistreated because of the judicial system.

I could write about this all day and night, but we know this is messed up. And we need to continue to become more engaged and keep our eye on the ball with this. Don’t know much about Jena? Start here and listen to NPR.



missed the weekly Obama roundup, bookmark this blog, This Week With Barack Obama, email me at icebergslim1047@hotmail.com, and if you have not given to the campaign, tip my obama jar. five bucks is the minimum. this goes directly to the Obama Campaign. if you appreciate the weekly roundup, go on and tip it. remember quarter three ends, september 30th

This Week With Barack Obama, September 9-15, 2007

cross-posted @ e Pluribus Media and Daily Kos





Debate Schedule

September 26, 2007 - Hanover, New Hampshire
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




Well, all the hoopla and "O" press has winded down. Still throughout the week the MSM was talking about the "O" & "O" affect. From this standpoint, it was a hell of a party, a lot of monies was raised, folks were still talking about it throughout the week, and Obama is Oprah's candidate for her talkshow couch. Nuff said.

Obama Was Taken to School by Rush and Learned the Hard Way
This is a good article with the viewpoint of Congressman Bobby Rush of Chicago. Candid, frank, and honest. Because you can't win them all, but you must learn not to make the same mistakes, again.

The rise of Barack Obama includes one glaring episode of political miscalculation. Even friends told Mr. Obama it was a bad idea when he decided in 1999 to challenge an incumbent congressman and former Black Panther, Bobby L. Rush, whose stronghold on the South Side of Chicago was overwhelmingly black, Democratic and working class.

Mr. Obama was a 38-year-old state senator and University of Chicago lecturer, unknown in much of Mr. Rush’s Congressional district. He lived in its most rarefied neighborhood, Hyde Park. He was taking on a local legend, a former alderman and four-term incumbent who had given voters no obvious reason to displace him.

Mr. Rush’s name recognition started off at 90 percent, Mr. Obama’s at 11. Then Mr. Rush’s son was murdered, leading Mr. Obama to put his campaign on hold. Later, while vacationing in Hawaii with his family, he missed a high-profile vote in the Legislature and was pilloried. (One Chicago Tribune editorial began, “What a bunch of gutless sheep.”) Then President Clinton endorsed Mr. Rush.

“Campaigns are always, ‘What’s the narrative of the race?’ ” said Eric Adelstein, a media consultant in Chicago who worked on the Rush campaign. “In a sense, it was ‘the Black Panther against the professor.’ That’s not a knock on Obama; but to run from Hyde Park, this little bastion of academia, this white community in the black South Side — it just seemed odd that he would make that choice as a kind of stepping out.” more

NY Time Gets It Wrong On Obama
Q&A With Samantha Powers
Obama's California Strategy


clinton, obama univision debate, university of miami

Iraq, Immigration, Univision

The candidates were asked why they supported a wall along the Mexican border _ and not a similar fence along the U.S.-Canadian border _ a question that seemed to catch them somewhat off-guard. Most avoided answering directly, saying simply that they believed security was a key part of comprehensive immigration reform.

"I do favor more security on the border and in some cases a physical border because that has to be part of securing our borders," Clinton said.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama spoke of his father's experience as an immigrant and noted that he supported the comprehensive immigration bill that passed the U.S. Senate last year.

Richardson, who has opposed the wall, said he would commit to comprehensive reform in the first year.

"If you're going to build a 12 foot wall. You know what's going to happen? A lot of 13-foot ladders."

But there are strong feelings against the Iraq war among Hispanics, so that topic lead the debate, with the moderators noting that two-thirds of Hispanics support a withdrawal from Iraq. Kucinich was loudly applauded for saying he would pull troops out.

Obama aligned himself with Kucinich.

"I was a strong opponent of the war, as Dennis was," Obama said, adding that President Bush is trying to make it appear that the 35,000 troop surge earlier this year has had an impact. more, Newsday

In Little Havana, Cuba Si, Obama No
Obama to Reboot his Iraq Policy
Obama Scheduled for Iraq Speech in Clinton, Ia

Websites and Blogs

This Week With Barack Obama; Washington State; Obama Dallas; 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

clinton, ia

Obama and Iraq
Senator Barack Obama unveiled his Iraq plan in Clinton, Iowa on Wednesday. It was promoted as a major policy speech and it was.

Obama proposes pulling all combat brigades out of Iraq by the end of next year. This plan will leave a small amount of troops in Iraq to battle terrorists, continue training Iraq personnel and to watch American interests. It is an aggressive plan, one that has come under fire, but we all know what that is about, after his Pakistan speech. A speech which foreign analysts and his contemporaries, in the end sided with Obama.

Speaking in Iowa, Mr. Obama combined an attack on both parties in Washington for having gotten the United States into the war with the outline of an approach for getting out that immediately drew criticism from the left of his party for being too timid and from Republicans as being irresponsible.

“What’s at stake is bigger than this war: it’s our global leadership,” Mr. Obama said. “Now is a time to be bold. We must not stay the course or take the conventional path because the other course is unknown.”

There really is no one with the exception of Gravel,Kucinich and possibly Richardson, who can tout and criticize why we are in Iraq. The left of the party want total out, and who does not? The right, Republicans, want us to stay the course, or whatever course it is now. Sorry, that course keeps changing every time President Bush opens his mouth.

“The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq’s leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops,” Mr. Obama said. “Not in six months or one year — now.”
In his address, Mr. Obama proposed removing American combat troops at a pace of one or two brigades a month, which is about twice as fast as American commanders in Iraq have deemed prudent. There are currently about 20 combat brigades in Iraq, which General Petraeus has committed to reducing to 15 next summer.

Under the Obama plan, no more than 10 brigades would be in Iraq at that point. Military experts who supported the administration’s “surge” strategy called the troop levels proposed by Mr. Obama insufficient.

Well, it would be insufficient, but this is about troop reduction with the eventual, OUT. This is what Americans want.

Polls suggest that there is considerable public support for the approach outlined by Mr. Obama. In the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, 56 percent of Americans said they favored reducing troops levels in Iraq, but leaving some forces in place to train Iraqi forces, fight terrorists and protect American diplomats.

Twenty-two percent favored a complete withdrawal in the next year, and 20 percent favored keeping the same number of troops “until there is a stable democracy in Iraq.”

No matter who you talk with, Americans do understand that we cannot “yank” troops out with an “adios” to Iraq. We started the mess in the Middle East, though it was under fraudulent means, The United States of America, in the end is responsible. And the careful getting out, as careless as we were getting in, is very applicable here. Yes, whether we like it or not.

Full Text of Obama's Iraq Speech
Iraq Plan Specifics
The Anti-War President Now Has a Name: Obama
Obama Phone Tool on Iraq


dubuque, ia

Obama Appearances

September 17, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Anderson, SC
September 18, 2007 - Coundown to Change, Washington, D.C.
September 19, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Dallas, TX
September 20, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Atlanta, GA
September 20, 2007 - Town Hall, Rock Hill, SC
September 25, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Portland, ME
September 25, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Chicago, IL

Obama/Edwards Ticket? Or Edwards/Obama?
South Carolina Poll, Movement Towards Obama in the African American Community

kos, kerfuffle & misinterpretation
On Thursday, kos, wrote a piece comparing Dodd and Obama. It is fair, all candidates and positions should be examined, taken apart, and re-examined. What happened was that a kos based his diary on a misinterpretation by AP writer, Mike Glover.

The article was based on Obama being frank, stating that the Senate does not have the votes to push through legislation, at this time about Iraq.

Despite the Iraq war's unpopularity, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday that Congress lacks the votes to force a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops and will focus instead on putting a ceiling on the number deployed.

"One way of ending the war would be setting a timetable. We're about 15 votes short. Right now it doesn't look like we're going to get that many votes," Obama said, referring to the number needed to override an expected veto by President Bush.

What is wrong with this? Let’s be real here. Jonathan Singer on mydd wrote a diary today stating 60 Votes Does Matter. And guess what? It does!! And 67 votes is cause for popping champaign, because you can override a presidential veto. So, why the kerfuffle?

kos’ vent was the question if Obama will stand up and fight for anything? Well, those that are supporters were livid, and rightfully so. Then, kos gets the full remarks of what Obama said, EXACTLY, from his campaign. See, got to have the audio going 24/7, because if you leave it to any reporter, guess what happens? Your words get skewed.

Well, kos then back peddled and did the right thing, called, a “correction”. And the Obama Campaign must have had some choice words for the AP reporter, Mike Glover, because his article was revised. So, what did we learn through all of this?

That when you start writing, yes these diaries, you should have more than one article, information, etc., to back up the consensus of what you are writing. And if you are going verbatim of what a candidate has to say, let’s get the full text of what the candidate said. Why? Words can be interpreted different ways by people, period. Go to a play. At the intermission, just listen to what people have to say about the play, thus far. You will get different opinions from practically everyone. So, if we are serious about what these politicians say, exactly, let’s write about that, exactly. kos did the right thing, he knew he was wrong, and he corrected, himself. I am sure he will not put his foot in his “laptop”, again. And neither, should we.


maquoketa, ia

Announcements

California Women for Obama; LA Controller Co-Chair for California Women for Obama; Congressman Sanford Bishop for Obama; Wisconsin Lawmakers Endorse Obama; California Black Caucus for Obama; Wisconsin Govenor's Son for Obama; Vermont Lawmakers for Obama; Iowa Lawmakers Backing Obama; New Hampshire Veterans Steering Committee; Nebraska Straw Poll For Obama; Obama wins Hamilton County Straw Poll

Official Obama Store
War Critics Question Obama
Clinton/Obama, Debate, For NYC, Only?
Michelle Obama, Part One, Part Two

Fresh Face or Old School Tactician?

He managed to burnish a reformer's reputation while swimming in the muddy waters of special-interest- infested state politics.

He worked on a nice-guy image while practicing the hardball and brawling tactics of Chicago-style politics.

Now, promoting himself as a fresh face on the national political stage, proclaiming his distance from lobbyists and the Washington culture of special interests, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has to contend with his own history.

From Chicago to Springfield, his past is filled with decidedly old-school political tactics -- a history of befriending powerful local elders, assisting benefactors and special interests, and neutralizing rivals.

Obama may be packaged as something new among presidential contenders, but in this town where politics is played like a blood sport he fit right in.

"He knows how the game is played," said Jay Stewart, executive director of Better Government Assn., a nonpartisan group that honored Obama for helping overhaul state ethics law. Stewart called Illinois politics "deeply troubled, if not corrupt" at its core.

"It is very difficult to come out of a system that is flawed and walk out unscathed. Sen. Obama has done better than most. But it's not as if he is a babe in the woods," Stewart said. more

students for obama, movement

Video/Audio

Women for Obama; Obama on Today Show; Senate Foreign Relations Hearing with General Petreaus; Obama's Iraq Speech, with introduction by Zbigniew Brzezinski (ZBIG); Iowa Changes Ad; NPR, "All Things Considered", Audio; Zbigniew Brzezinski Online News Hour, Audio

Obama Women Listening Tour
Social Networking Election


davenport, ia

Events
Become a Nevada Precinct Captain Here; Iowa City Fundraiser Event, Sept 20th; Northern California Organization Meeting, Sept 19th (Boulder Creek); Houseparty With General McPeak, Sept 23rd, Gorham, NH; howardpark's dc events; Las Vegas Book Club Meeting, Oct 5th; Register to Vote, Here

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

Tax Loopholes Hurt Misclassified Workers
ViralVoice Got the Skinny on the Harkin Steak Fry
Obama Wooing Voters


harkin steak fry, indianola, ia, september 16th

p.s......Best Two Speeches at Harkin Steak Fry...Edwards & Obama
Click here, no more wondering if Obama is going to vote for more funding of this war. But better yet, watch part of it below.....

obama @ harkin's steak fry, sept 16th, part one


obama @ harkin's steak fry, sept 16th, part two

Colleges Organizing
University of Wisconsin
Yale University
University of Madison Wisconsin
Kansas University

Quarter Three, Ends September 30th
There were thousands of Countdown for Change Houseparties, Saturday, September 15th, all across this country. As we are on a quest for real change, one can not disassociate money and running a campaign. Especially with the primaries for 2008 being frontloaded on February 5th. This means that The Obama Campaign need the resources to compete, build, recruit volunteers, and have the troops ready for all they need in these early states and the tsunami of Februay 5th. If you have not given, tip my obama jar. Five bucks is the minimum. This goes directly to the Obama Campaign. If you appreciate the weekly roundup, go on and tip it. FYI. I finally got a blog for all "This Week's", in one spot. I was asked to do this for other sites, since it would be easy for them, to post just one link. But check it out and bookmark it. This Week With Barack Obama.

Fired ABC Consultant Who 'Scammed' Obama and Other Interviews Also Linked to Dubious Newspaper Stories
Oregon and Obama
Obama Broadway Bound
Obama: American people solution to problems

icebergslim’s last word: iraq, no “adios”
I did not know what to write about for my last word, this week. I mean it has been an up and down week for Obama. As I was drinking my coffee this morning and powered up my laptop, I ran across this diary on Daily Kos, “not only WHEN we leave, but HOW we leave”, by teacherken.

I have been extremely critical, angry about what has happened in Iraq. I have been disappointed in our government, the politicians who voted for the authorization of Iraq, and the lame media (MSM) who were afraid to report, challenge and fight for the truth coming out of Iraq. I only want to hear to words, GET OUT!

Well, teacherken, put it out there and sadly, he is right.

Mr. Bush is right, though not in the way he intended. The United States must withdraw, that has become evident, but cannot leave the way we left Vietnam, in a paroxysm of self-absorption, political manipulation, escapism and shame, in which the fates of the Vietnamese became simply collateral damage in our struggle with ourselves. The planning for withdrawal must include provisions for the security of Iraqis who put their faith in us, and that means resettling many of them in the United States. We must not make the same mistake again.

For us to just think that we can leave Iraq with no consequences, is looking at this war with rose colored glasses on. We can’t. It is simple as that. What the United States of America did was invade a country with no proof of “weapons of mass destruction”, dismantled its government, moved over 100K contractors into Iraq, doing god knows what, opened this country up to terrorism, and a continuing mountain of debt being paid by our banker China.

That is the reality of Iraq. I know and understand, our troops being sacrificed on a plate, diced up by congress, and dying daily, is a horrible option. The truth is we just cannot pull out, say “adios”, “it’s been one, Iraq”. No we cannot. No one is angrier about this war than me. No one is more untrusting of any politician, than me. No one is more pissed off after listening to George W. Bush, on Thursday, stating that we will be in Iraq for decades, than me. But, the reality is that we are responsible for what has happened in the Middle East. We are.

No presidential candidate running for office can pull out all the troops. They cannot. And to promise to do so, would be a fallacy. We are responsible for over or close to a million Iraqis being killed. We are responsible for these families being removed from their homes in Iraq, to become refugees. We are responsible for no schools, medical care, city services, crime, destitution, yes we are. But more importantly, we are responsible for not listening to the Arab nations who told us “not to invade”, and look what it has cost us and this region.

We are not leaving, because these Arab countries cannot afford to let us leave. Until strong, fervor diplomatic solutions are to partake, we will continue to be in Iraq. These diplomatic solutions is with everyone at the table, yes, even the “axis of evil” which constitutes other countries and “insurgents”, that Bush don't like. This is not going to happen by the time Bush leaves office, by the time the next president enters office, and may not even conclude the first term of the next president. This is the reality.

Do I like this? No. But the reality is that no presidential candidate can afford all the troops out. Not a one. And until we can sit everyone at the table, until all can come to a conclusion, this war will continue. Just keepin’ it real, folks.

Shoutouts: the next president's already screwed; 60 votes does matter, johnathan singer; renters taking the squeeze; horizonr's great diary on netroots double standard on edwards and obama; jena 6, you need to know about this; jena got justice; nyceve is again, spot on; housing market a "perfect storm"; jeffrey feldman, correct, on the gop's manuevering of the moveon.org ad; mcjoan; bored now; CPDem81, you need to read this about lobbyists; ocean circulation; pbs apologizes for brooks; recession emminent?; paul hogarth; abc "anti" sicko; a critical, but fair diary by psifighter37; black kos; gop's savior alan keyes, yes him, again; little progress on iraq; moratorium on fast foods; alcopops???; FishOutofWater; iraq must read; meteor blades; iraq body count; not only WHEN we leave, but HOW we leave; clammy c, on it again; a president for all white people?; and tip my obama jar, here

fall is right around the corner, can you feel it? get ready, change is almost here.....

need to contact me, right here: icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

This Week With Barack Obama, September 3 - 8, 2007

cross-posted @ e pluribus media
cross-posted @ Daily Kos





Debate Schedule

September 26, 2007 - Hanover, New Hampshire
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



waukee, ia

Obama Appearances

September 12, 2007 - Policy Speech, Clinton, IA
September 12, 2007 - Townhall Meeting, Davenport, IA
September 13, 2007 - Townhall Meeting on Iraq, Maquoketa, IA
September 13, 2007 - Townhall Meeting on Iraq, Anamosa, IA
September 13, 2007 - Townhall Meeting on Iraq, Dubuque, IA
September 15, 2007 - Countdown to CHANGE Houseparties (NATIONWIDE)
September 18, 2007 - Coundown to Change, Washington, D.C.
September 19, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Dallas, TX
September 20, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Atlanta, GA
September 25, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Portland, ME

Echoing Obama's Words, in Spanish
Race for the White House
South Carolina Youth Drive
Barack's House Call

Obama Seeks to Appeal to Working Class Democrats

Barack Obama would clean up in a Whole Foods straw poll.

"He's the got the classic 'wine track' candidate problem," said Tom Schaller, a University of Maryland political scientist who writes for The American Prospect.

Schaller was referring to the Volvo-driving wing of the Democratic Party, or what Jennifer Duffy, another political analyst, called the "idealist-romantic" wing of the party.

Unfortunately for Obama, wine candidates have a long history of failure in Democratic primaries - Gary Hart, Howard Dean, et al . - because not enough of these educated, upper-middle-class voters exist to carry the candidate.

"A union voter's vote counts just as much as Matt Damon's," Schaller quipped.

So Obama, the youthful first-term senator from Illinois with a legitimate chance to be America's first black president, came to a working-class black neighborhood in Las Vegas to win support from voters he'll need to win the Nevada caucus in January.

With the campaign entering its most intense phase, Obama must break through with working-class voters, and he's clearly begun to re tool his campaign to do so. more

Barack Gettin' the Web Attention
Experience is Still the Talk

Obama's Statement on Job Loss

"The Administration's failure to lead while thousands of Americans found themselves in danger of losing their homes is now affecting the broader economy, as thousands of workers lost their jobs this month for the first time in four years. To build an economy that spreads opportunity to every corner of this country, we need to invest in our workers, our infrastructure, and help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure by cracking down on unscrupulous lenders with new penalties and disclosure requirements."

las vegas, nv, townhall, august 6

Money
Barack on Broadway; Charlottesville, VA; Obama the Investor; Generation for Obama Fundraiser in Hawaii

Pre-Debate Organizing in Miami
Women for Obama St. Louis, MO, Organizational Meeting

Clinton, Obama for Bigger Army

This year's presidential candidates are aggressively working to avoid soft-on-security images, keeping in mind the ridicule Republicans heaped on nominees Dukakis for posing as a tank commander in 1988 and Kerry when he tried in 2004 to explain contradictory votes on funding for the war.

``The first threshold that every Democrat has to pass through is they have to be able to table unimpeachable credentials on national security,'' Senator Joseph Biden, a Delaware Democrat who is staking his own campaign on foreign policy and defense issues, said in an interview. ``I hope to God we don't make the mistake again thinking that we don't have to compete directly and right in the face of the Republicans.''

Hillary Clinton wants to add 80,000 soldiers to the Army; Barack Obama calls for 65,000 more soldiers and 27,000 more Marines; Biden proposes establishing local counter-terrorism units in large cities; John Edwards would double the budget for military recruiting; and Bill Richardson says the National Guard should patrol U.S. borders to block nuclear weapons smugglers. more

Videos

Camp Obama; Labor Day Speech, Manchester, NH; Labor Day, Again; Iowa Change Ad; Waukee, IA part one; Waukee, IA part two; Waukee, IA, part three; San Franciso Women for Obama, Speech

What Clicks With Voters Online

Obama Critiques Clinton

Democrat Barack Obama on Monday sharpened his critique of lead rival Hillary Rodham Clinton, warning against a return to "divisive, special interest politics" that had demoralized the country even before President Bush took office.

"As bad as this administration has been, it's going to take more than just a change in parties to truly turn this country around," Obama told supporters at a Labor Day rally.

"George Bush and Dick Cheney may have turned divisive, special interest politics into an art form, but it was there before they got to Washington. If you and I don't stand up to challenge it, it will be there long after we leave." more

Obama's Legislative Experience


women for obama, san franciso, ca

Websites and Blogs

Washington State; Obama Dallas; 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

Obama Campaign Faith Tour
Warm/Cold Meter
Fighting for the Women Vote

Clinton Healthcare Plan Poison

Sen. Barack Obama said yesterday he's found the right prescription for health-care reform - don't do it the Hillary way.

In a stunning putdown of the front-running Hillary Rodham Clinton, Obama vowed to have an "open process" for crafting a universal health-care plan and rapped the former first lady's failed 1993 effort as a secretive attempt that shut out the American public. "We will convene an open process which the American people will be watching," Obama said at a coffee sitdown in Iowa.

"What the president can do is shine a spotlight on the process and [involve] the American people and keep the pressure on, and that is something that didn't happen. In many ways it didn't happen in '93."

Obama was talking about his own plan to revamp the system and provide universal health care when someone mentioned Clinton's aborted plan.

"It was a closed process and not everybody understood what was taking place, so when the insurance companies and the drug companies started running those 'Harry and Louise' ads, nobody really knew what was what," he said. "That's why the American people have to be involved." more, AP

Change, what is this really about?
Now, Senator Clinton is on the change road. Yes, she has snatched a page from Obama, and put change with her experience speech. Will this work? Is she the change candidate? And why, is she throwing up change, when she is not the change candidate? Well, ask the Gallup poll.

It's a tricky pivot for the Democratic front-runner and the darling of the party establishment. A Gallup Poll released this week found 73 percent of Democratic voters say they favor a presidential candidate who advocates changing the system, while only 26 percent opted for experience.

Yes, this is what it really is about. And brings us back to the Obama argument about, experience. Look at who voted for the authorization of Iraq. Many who are currently running for this office. Look at who is the President of the United States, along with the Vice-President of the United States, entrenched with experience. And now look where we are at, with all this experience. Nuff said, on that one. This does bring the argument of Barack Obama, about judgment, a valid one. We do have to critique and look at these same people who voted for authorization for the Iraq War, who tells us about their “experience”, but shy away from answering the question of their judgment.

Bringing us back to why Clinton is not the change candidate with this statement:

In a new campaign speech, and in ads airing in Iowa and New Hampshire, Clinton tries to bridge the two. She argues that only a president well-schooled in the ways of Washington can achieve the results voters seek.
"I've learned you bring change by working in the system established by the Constitution. You can't pretend the system doesn't exist," the New York senator said in New Hampshire, her husband at her side.

Predictably, Obama and Edwards have harshly criticized that argument.
Campaigning in New Hampshire this week, Obama told voters "the problem is that the system in Washington isn't working for us and hasn't for a long time."

Edwards, who picked up a union endorsement in New York Thursday, was more direct.

"We fundamentally disagree about this," when asked whether change requires compromise or the more confrontational style he favors. "Democratic voters will have a choice in this election. Senator Clinton is entitled to her view, and I'm entitled to mine."

This reminds me of sitting at the Yearly Kos Convention with Clinton telling us that “lobbyists represent the average Americans”. Well that statement above is so beltway, so entrenched in Washington, and so delusional, that it is laughable. Do you really think people want to continue “working the system”? NO. This system is broken, period. The public want a system that works for them and is removed from the “K Street Gang's” grasp.

If this is the change Clinton is peddling, then Lord help us all. It will continue to be business as usual.



portland, or, 4000 strong

Announcements

Black Women for Obama; Dvorsky on Obama Committee; Iowa Labor Steering Committee; Federico Pena Co-Chair Obama Campaign; Obama hires Colorado Campaign Chief; African-American Steering Committee; South Carolina Endorsement; Iowa Faith Steering Committee

A Possible Gore, Endorsement?
Rothman Urges NJ to Support Obama


santa barbara, ca, 3500+

Tucker The Tool
Mizzou for Obama
Obama vs. Dowd

Shoutouts: missed last week with barack, here; democratic luntz; political truth meter; more union busting, thanks nafta & clinton; surge fail to meet u.s. goals; time to lead; Cenk Uygur; record forclosures; read FishOutofWater; bush we kickin' ass in iraq; fred thompson, a flop; jeffrey feldman; gore, again; nevada, goin' blue; cosbo's edwards swingin' it, obama bringin' it; eric massa is so, correct on this; DemFrontCT on troop buildup is not building up the poll numbers; the democratic party is failing us; partner, in crime, lovingj; disgraced democratic fundraiser; clinic under attack; they don't care about us, kid oakland; and tip the obama jar, here

icebergslim's last word: leadership and the "o" factor
This week has been a busy one for Senator Obama. Since New Hampshire on Monday, he has crissed-crossed the country. Mostly meeting with grassroots support, fundraising, and the Oprah Celebration.

This week also was the week of the dreadful, upcoming Petreaus, White House report on Iraq. And there has been much debate on the boards about these presidential candidates and “leadership”. This is a valid point, one that cannot be swept under the rug. With all our eyes open, we must be totally frank. 2006 flip of the congress would not, repeat, not have happened without the 800 pound gorilla in the room called, IRAQ.

Yes, there were other issues thrown in this jambalaya, but let’s face it, IRAQ, got everyone to the polls. So, with this bogus report about to be presented, we do want to know where these presidential candidates, stand. Clinton stated that she want a withdrawal bill with “teeth”. Meaning, this is thrown back into the wonderful senate. One that is slower than a turtle, when it comes to Iraq. Edwards says, “No timeline, no funding, no excuses.” Chris Dodd said, straight up, "I cannot and will not support any measure that does not have a firm and enforceable deadline to complete the redeployment of combat troops from Iraq. Rather than picking up votes, by removing the deadline to get our troops out of Iraq you have lost this Democrat's vote." And Senator Dick Durbin, the senior senator from Illinois, stated he is not voting for this authorization of funds, unless troop withdrawal and a timetable is in the bill.

So, it is only warranted that we know what Senator Obama’s intentions are when this bill approaches for a vote. He has been silent. It has been frustrating to many supporters, and rightfully so, when you are silent. This does bring the question up about leadership. For me, leadership is standing up and believing what you state, whether popular or not. It is being a maverick and not falling for the typical, status quo, which is the easy road to walk. It is taking hits, as Senator Obama did after his Pakistan Speech, not withdrawing, because you are right. This is what it means to me. That is why when Senator Obama speaks about this upcoming bill, it must be unwavering, attention getting and totally about LEAVING IRAQ.

Now, we come upon the “O” affect, as in Oprah Winfrey. I wrote a diary about the ”Oprah Poll”. Yes, there is one out already. Anyway, the larger argument is what will Oprah bring to the Obama Campaign?

There are numerous things she can bring, but this is the comment that sums it up for what Oprah’s intentions are: "I call my home the Promised Land because I get to live Dr. King's dream," Winfrey told her guests, a source inside the event recalled Winfrey saying. "I haven't been actively engaged before because there hasn't been anything to be actively engaged in. But I am engaged now to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States."

That is a huge statement. We don’t know if Oprah will have an effect, one way or the other, but I do know this. She has the best credentials with the public, than any politician running for this office. She is trusted, beloved, and honest and believed by the public. So, what she can do immediately for Barack Obama is to introduce him to the masses, give many a second chance to look him over, and possibly convince many to give him a chance. By no means can Oprah bring them to the polls, or can she? But she has enough media influence to tap into the millions of “lower informed women” that the Clinton Camp are embracing right now, and have them to look at this candidate, compare, and switch.

Will it work? I don’t know, if it will. But, I must say, "Welcome to the Campaign, Oprah Winfrey".





the horserace is on, the stump speech retooled, the grassroots is building......

the race has started, remember to focus on obama and not the drama

contact me @ icebergslimf1047@hotmail.com

This Week With Barack Obama, August 26 - September 2, 2007

Debate Schedule

September 9, 2007 - Univision Forum (Spanish)
September 26, 2007 - Hanover, New Hampshire
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



the biggest offender of katrina, the insurance companies, and this administration was silent

Obama Appearances

September 4, 2007 - Rally with Obama, Waukee, IA
September 4, 2007 - Meet Barack Obama, Guthrie Center, IA
September 4, 2007 - Evening With Barack, Carroll, IA
September 5, 2007 - Meet Barack Obama, Storm Lake, IA
September 5, 2007 - Meet Barack Obama, Spencer, IA
September 6, 2007 - Meet Barack Obama, Las Vegas, NV
September 7, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Portland, OR
September 7, 2007 - Women for Obama, Generation Obama, San Francisco, CA
September 8, 2007 - Oprah Celebration, Montecito, CA (SOLD OUT)
September 15, 2007 - Countdown to CHANGE Houseparties (NATIONWIDE)
September 18, 2007 - Coundown to Change, Washington, D.C.
September 19, 2007 - Michelle Obama, Dallas, TX
September 20, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Atlanta, GA

all about katrina

Katrina
What can any of us say or write about Katrina? We sat in complete horror as our fellow citizens were stuck in water, rooftops, no drinking water, food, baths, for DAYS. Now, two years later we are still angered out of our wits, and not much has been done for most of the citizens in the gulf coast region. I remember, as if it was yesterday, Jeanne Meserve from CNN, describing the sounds of people, animals begging for help but nothing could be done because it was night fall. I will never, as long as I live, forget what Jeanne Meserve said, the way she said it, and the choking of tears in her voice. I then knew, without a shadow of a doubt, this administration under George W. Bush do not care for POOR PEOPLE. If these people were from Beverly Hills, Manhattan, Lake Forest, LaJolla, the areas with money, the Calvary would have been there faster than any of us can type, but these were poor people, and they just did not care.

Now we have elected politicians who have the gall, straight up nerve to make these statements:

GOP presidential hopeful Rep. Tom Tancredo (Colo.) said Friday it is “time the taxpayer gravy train left the New Orleans station” and urged an end to the federal aid to the region that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina two years ago.

“The amount of money that has been wasted on these so-called ‘recovery’ efforts has been mind-boggling,” said Tancredo, who is running a long-shot presidential campaign. “Enough is enough.”

Well, tell that to the thousands of residents who are still WAITING for the monies allocated to New Orleans to rebuild!! Where is it??? Can the Bush Administration answer this? Can Governor Blanco in Louisiana? What about C. Ray Nagin? Yeah, the people really want to see you, and ask YOU, to answer this. But, nobody has an answer to anything. Guess what? Halliburton did not waste any time getting to the Gulf Coast to keep those weekly million/billion dollar checks coming in. Are we surprised? And what have THEY DONE? Can anyone answer that?

The Citizens of New Orleans only want to be treated fairly, Mr. President.

Katrina Timeline
Bush's Hurricane Damage
Obama’s New Orleans Recovery Plan, NY Times

Obama Brings His Pen On Vacation
Vote Texas Democrats EPoll

Lexington Fired Up for Obama


Obama Going Into the Homestretch
I know many are complaining about the Obama Campaign restricting its debates/forums. Some complaints are warranted, but I agree with the campaign. Ever since the NAACP Forum, Obama has turned the corner. He is more precise, on point, and decisive. His debate performance in Des Moines, IA a few weeks ago, showed this. And of course, he was the winner. Now in the home stretch, he is all about being with the people of the early states. These are the folks that will decide the early momentum in these campaigns. Now the horserace has officiallly started, after Labor Day. Look for this campaign to be on a full tilt boogie until the Iowa Caucuses.

Iowa State Senator Endorses Obama
Locals Like Obama
Obama Breaks Cuba Line

All Three Top Contenders, Bow Down to the DNC
I diaried this, and yes, they did “bow down”. Totally. And quite frankly it came down to this. Candidates you either abide by the DNC Rules or you just may be penalized by the early states. Backing the DNC to the hilt was the heavy hitters of the Democratic Party, who sent each candidate a letter stressing the importance to abide by the DNC’s ruling and also the importance of the early state strategy. The letter was signed by the heavy hitters of these early states, who have endorsed no one, yet.

I know that Florida and Michigan was and is upset, but no one breaks it down as Donna Brazile.

Our nominating process is supposed to yield the best possible candidates for the most powerful position in the world. Unfortunately for all of us, it is a deeply flawed system in desperate need of reform. Recent proposals to create a regional rotation system in 2012, or the "Delaware Plan" to allow smaller states to go first, should be on the table for discussion starting this fall.

Once upon a time, presidential candidates and campaigns could rely on a nominating system that was easy to understand. Though envious of the role that Iowa and New Hampshire played in winnowing the field, most states abided by the calendar set by national party rules and waited their turn. But while the rules afforded clarity, they lacked inclusiveness. Everyone knew that when showtime started, only a few voters would be allowed on stage. And those folks, while deeply knowledgeable and passionate about their responsibility, just didn't represent the diversity of our party and our country.

The DNC tried to address this problem by letting two states join Iowa and New Hampshire in the coveted "pre-window" period before Feb. 5. States were invited to apply, and 12 of them, plus the District of Columbia, did so. The process was fair and democratic. Florida, which had a chance to become "first in the South," did not apply. Now it is asking for another chance.

Congressman Adam Smith Named Washington Chairman for Obama
Race for the White House
Hispanics Flex Politcal Power

Security is No Joke for Presidential Candidates

Several top-tier presidential candidates in both parties have spent heavily on private security firms in the early months of the 2008 race, and their reliance on bodyguards, security consultants and even private investigators has led some campaigns into uncharted territory.

A Maryland security firm was paid more than $380,000 by the presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and provided bodyguards and intelligence for three months, until Obama was assigned Secret Service protection in May.

Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) -- the only presidential candidates under federal protection -- have each spent more on private security than any other candidate. Two Republicans, former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, have also had extensive private protection.

Such moves to tighten security have led to staffing and spending decisions that some campaigns later reversed or revised.

Despite her record as a gun control advocate, Clinton's campaign headquarters is protected by a security consortium that carried online advertising for assault weapons and sniper training. more

Outsiders Insiders
Obama Action Center
Candidates Spend Millions for Advice

Money/Fundraisers

Pac Monies in Iowa; Clinton Cash; Oprah Obama's Blowout; Obama Campaign to Fundraise in London; Variety; Corporate Crowd; Martha's Vineyard; Democratic Fundraiser is a Nightmare

Quarter Three Ends September 30, 2007
The Obama Campaign is promoting a nationwide Countdown To Change. During this houseparty everyone will be conferenced into the headquarters and updates will be given, as well as some questions answered. To sponsor this houseparty, click on the link above. You must be registered by September 6, 2007, to receive additional instructions and materials. And to attend this event in your area, click here, log onto mybarackobama and type in your zip code. I will DEFINITELY be at the one in my area, and I hope that you will too. But, if you cannot attend or participate, you can always tip my Obama jar, here. Whatever you do, make sure you donate by September 30th.

Increasing Pressure on Iran

Americans need to come together to confront the challenge posed by Iran. Yet the Bush administration and an anonymous senator are blocking a bill with bipartisan support that would ratchet up the pressure on the Iranian regime. It's time for this obstructionism to stop.

The decision to wage a misguided war in Iraq has substantially strengthened Iran, which now poses the greatest strategic challenge to U.S. interests in the Middle East in a generation. Iran supports violent groups and sectarian politics in Iraq, fuels terror and extremism across the Middle East and continues to make progress on its nuclear program in defiance of the international community. Meanwhile, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has declared that Israel must be "wiped off the map."

In response, the Bush administration's policy has been tough talk with little action and even fewer results. While conventional Washington thinking says we can only talk to people who agree with us, I believe that strong countries and strong Presidents shouldn't be afraid to talk directly to our adversaries to tell them where America stands. The Bush-Cheney diplomacy of not talking to Iran has not worked. As President, I will use all elements of American power to pressure the Iranian regime, including the power of tough, smart and principled diplomacy.

For diplomacy to work, we need to dial up our political and economic pressure - not just our tough talk. Iran's troubling behavior depends in large part on access to billions of dollars in oil and gas revenue. That is why I introduced the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act last May, to build on a movement across the country to divest from companies that do significant business with Iran. This would send a clear message about where America stands, increasing Iran's isolation and hitting the Iranian regime where it hurts. Barack Obama Op-Ed New York Daily News

Celebrities Stumping For The Candidates
Obama on Energy '08

The Obama Store
I decided to click on the Obama Store and was really surprised at the number and variety of goods he has stocked since his announcement. The merchandise line is long and extensive, much more to offer than his competitors. And got to again, give kudos to the Obama Team, for thinking of purchasing their goods and selling it themselves. Yes, we heard major sour grapes from other camps, but hey, if the role was reversal they would have nothing to say. Stop buy and shop.

Wilder for Obama

L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia, who made history as the nation's first elected black governor, is preparing to campaign aggressively for Barack Obama, and predicted in an interview that the charismatic young candidate could shatter the Republican Party's virtual lock on the South.

"He's not race-less," Wilder said of Obama, "but the skin color is of no moment. I don't think he would be an easy target for the Republicans."

The unstinting embrace by Wilder, now the mayor of Richmond, could be important in Virginia and other southern states, where his reputation still looms large and the African-American vote could prove decisive in the Democratic nominating contest.

His lavish praise was also surprising. Wilder's frequent practice has been to haze fellow Democrats, either with public digs or a mischievous silence, if he believed they had not paid their dues or could challenge him for influence. Politico, Nasdaq, Nuisance Industry

Michelle Obama
Obama Atlanta Bound

Great read on the whole concept behind Camp Obama by Zack Exley. Detailed information how this concept started in Chicago and is now nationwide with over a thousand trained grassroot organizers. Ready to go all over the country to mobilize and get the vote out. This race will be won on the ground, and it will be through a heavy grassroots organization. A must read.

Obama's Field Director On Enthusiasm And Organization

Near New York? The NYC4Obama Group is sponsoring a weekend in New Hampshire trip to view the fall foilage and, of course, canvass for Obama. If you are interested, click here. And if your group is planning a trip to the early states, email me at icebergslim1047@hotmail.com and I will put it in the weekly for Obama.


new hampshire, august 19-21, 2007

Obama the Pragmatic Leader
Not only is the article correct, but spot on about Obama. Which reinstates how his commitment to the grassroots will play out, and how Barack Obama became the man he is today.

Far from the centers of power and privilege that have spawned so many commanders in chief, it's an unlikely place to incubate a future president. But the seemingly endless clumps of drab brick apartment buildings and patchy lawns on Chicago's South Side are where Sen. Barack Obama learned some of his most enduring lessons about politics, leadership, and the paths to social change. His experiences here, in fact, amount to a Rosetta stone that reveals the essence of the man who has catapulted out of nowhere into contention for the Democratic presidential nomination for 2008.

As a community organizer in the Altgeld Gardens public housing project in the mid-1980s, Obama, then 23, quickly emerged as a tireless and pragmatic advocate for the community—traits that characterize the kind of president he says he wants to be. "His work as a community organizer was really a defining moment in his life, not just his career," his wife, Michelle, told U.S. News. It helped him decide "how he would impact the world"—assisting people in defining their mutual interests and working together to improve their lives.

Camp Obama Podcasts
George Clooney
Loosing Weight To Be Obama
What Clicks With Voters Online

7 Questions as the Race for the White House Accelerates

Labor Day is the traditional starting date for presidential campaigns -- but Labor Day the year before the election?

That's the reality of the 2008 campaign, a contest that has been barreling ahead since January. The weekend will find candidates crisscrossing Iowa and New Hampshire as if the election were weeks away.

What happens from here on will matter far more than what has happened up to now, but the first eight months of 2007 have delivered on predictions that this would be one of the most interesting and consequential campaigns of modern times.

On the Democratic side, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York remains the front-runner, but Barack Obama's prodigious fundraising and passionate crowds continue to make the senator from Illinois an intriguing rival. Former senator John Edwards of North Carolina has staked his hopes on Iowa, and so far Iowans remain open to him. The rest of the field is starting to make noise, though their odds remain long. more

Obama and The Subprime Lenders

This all started as a good idea - helping people buy homes who previously could not afford to. But over time, lenders began pushing low-income buyers into homes they could not possibly afford, abusing the system by lowering their lending standards, making loans that required no money down and offering low, teaser interest rates that explode after the initial grace period. Some borrowers were also lying to get mortgages or engaging in irresponsible speculation.

Nearly everyone - from lenders to investors to borrowers - fooled themselves into thinking that what they were doing was low risk when it in fact involved a lot of risk.

But we also know that Washington played a role. At a time when non-bank lenders were offering new kinds of mortgage, the federal government should have made sure it was all being done on the level. Instead, our government failed to provide the regulatory scrutiny that could have preventedthis crisis. Barack Obama Op Ed in Financial Times, Jerome a Paris, Response to Bush's Speech

Democrats Seek Change With Style

All across the country, they appear ready to overlook such historically deal-breaking issues as race and gender and under-nourished resumes, focusing instead on personality and character in their quest for something new.

Exactly how much change voters want, and whether the attitudes of Democrats choosing a nominee in early 2008 will reflect the feelings of voters as a whole come election day are open questions.

But at least for now, the unusual and the unexpected are the winning combination, as Priscilla King, 67, of Bow, N.H., suggested during an Edwards event last month.

She turned out to hear Edwards, but she's partial to Obama -- for a reason most analysts had considered a potentially disqualifying handicap: the first-term Illinois senator's lack of experience.

"He's fresh," she said in an interview. "He's inexperienced, and so far, experience hasn't gotten us too far." more

Youth Registration
Campaign Buzz
Hard Truth to Supporters


all about katrina

Obama Will Bring Much Needed Change
Justin Tresnowski, a political science major, is a senior at the University of Notre Dame. He is the communications coordinator for Indiana Students for Barack Obama.

In last month's Democratic CNN/YouTube debate, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., distinguished himself from his fellow presidential hopefuls and stood out as a different kind of Democratic candidate. Doing so in a presidential primary debate can be difficult, especially when each candidate receives a minute or less to produce a sound-bite answer. But while each candidate lamented the ongoing war in Iraq and the failures of the American health care system, Obama showed why many in the country think the Illinois senator is a unique politician who can bring real change to Washington.

Throughout the debate, Obama derided the disproportionate influence lobbyists and special interest groups have on policy decisions, and he insisted that politicians should respond to the needs and concerns of the American people instead of wealthy individuals and corporations. According to Obama, these public concerns include bringing American troops home from an Iraq war he opposed from its beginning, providing all Americans access to health care and ending American dependence on foreign oil. As Obama noted, however, most of his fellow candidates have strong proposals to deal with these problems and others have had similar proposals in the past, but partisan bickering and the influence of outside groups impeded actual change. more

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Shoutouts: missed last week with barack, here; howardpark dc events; dick durbin; btw, gonzales outta here; select your presidential candidate; gop activist root for clinton; snaps to LV Pol Girl; amen, turkana; national guardsmen want out; katrina, two years later by pico; cenk uygur on rove & gonzales; jeffrey feldman; utah mine owner; halls of shame; tremendous diary by kid oakland; minnesota on for feb 5th; minnesota caucus information; bush dog democrats; weekly mydd obama front page bloggers, max fletcher & psericks; katrina saga continues, ana maria; uninsured hits record high; larbabe's gop family value hypocrites; jean carnahan; straight up hypocrisy; spot on clammyc; british troops out of iraq; black kos; larry craig, just pathetic; a must read by nyceve; my partner, in crime, lovingj; viralvoice; low troop morale; paul hogarth; FishOutofWater, again; bush's foreclosure society; barry welsh want your endorsement; tancredo abandon new orleans; katrina victims whiners; unions matter; mexican truck drivers; Obama Dallas; obama muse; attacking obama; bush, katrina and the shame of a nation; clinton/obama '08?; republicans for obama; and tip my obama jar, here

icebergslim’s final word:
I was inspired and challenged by the diary written by PsiFighter37.

This diary was about the upcoming request of the Bush Administration to continue funding the Iraq War. Joe Biden made it clear that he will vote for this supplemental. But PSI brought up significant points in questioning the “exact” stand of Clinton and Obama.

I have been troubled with Clinton’s convoluted responses in regards to Iraq, lately. She has continuously said one thing and then another thing, depending what special interest group she was addressing. This diary by clammyc outlines what she said at the VFW Forum. After listening and reading the statements, it is confusing. Then alegre posted a diary that states Clinton calls for withdrawal of troops. Then we are questioning why Clinton is even stating, slightly that the surge is working? Clinton is on record, as Obama, is for keeping troops in Iraq. But for how long? And for the record, this has not been answered.

Iraq is coming down to what Markos stated on the Charlie Rose’s show. He said that after Labor Day these candidates will have to tell us, with no spinning and parsing of words, where they stand on Iraq. It is now September. We are waiting for the Petreaus, White House report to congress and the public where this surge really stands. We already know that the Iraqi Government has only met three of the 18 mandated benchmarks. And wasn’t this the same number as before?

Though Obama is more direct in how he feels about Iraq, the big question is how will he vote? I remember in an interview that Obama stated that the senate was made for you to vote for bad legislation, pieced together, that will make you vote badly. Resulting in your opponent to campaign against your record. I agree with this, which is why many senators do not get to the White House. But now is the time to let the public know, how you will vote on this request coming up from Bush. Over 200 billion is being requested. What will you do? We know that this White House report will be pumped up and bogus, in other words, not the truth. So, what will you do?

We have been in Iraq for over four years and have been beaten at every juncture. Just because we move more troops in Baghdad or Anbar Province, does not mean that these insurgents do not move somewhere else to cause chaos. Because they have been doing this for four years now. It is time to move on and as Obama says, turn the page. That means making a strong, unequivocal statement that it is time to get out of Iraq, and that time is now. Now the question is, what will it be? Continuing this war? Believing the “surge” is working? Or take a stand, without parsing of words, and tell the country it is time to LEAVE NOW. Whatever Obama’s response will be, one thing is for sure. If you are looking for honesty and straight talk, he will give it to you. Hopefully, it will be what we want to hear.


we must never elect another president to allow this to happen again. katrina 2 yrs later, nuff said.

email me at icebergslim1047@hotmail.com, and remember to focus on obama, not the drama

Update [2007-9-3 22:45:46 by icebergslim]: A great diary by Democratic Luntz on Obama being the best winner in the polling. Thorough analysis. Here it is.