This Week With Barack Obama, March 9-15, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos and One Million Strong


obama in fairless hills, pa, march 11, 2008

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Obama Wins Mississippi. But the real story is IOWA!!!
Barack Obama won Mississippi.

This would be Mr. Obama’s second straight victory — he won the Wyoming caucuses over the weekend — enabling him to rebound from a trio of popular vote losses to Mrs. Clinton in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island.

In other words Obama was able to rebound after the Wyoming Caucus and Mississippi win, but the shocker is what has been going on at the Iowa County Convention.

Sen. Barack Obama picked up nine more pledged delegates in Iowa, state Democratic officials said late Saturday night, as thousands took part in county conventions.

All but one of the delegates had been among the 14 won Jan. 3 by former senator John Edwards, who has since dropped out of the Democratic presidential race. Election-night projections showed Obama getting 16 delegates and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton 15.

This means all the gains and then some from Clinton was erased by the added delegates from Iowa and the Wyoming, Mississippi wins.

And for the mathematicians out there, this means that Senator Hillary Clinton must win 65% upward of the remaining contests to draw even to Obama in the pledged delegate count.

Plouffe said the Obama campaign's numbers show that Clinton must win 65 percent of pledged delegates available in the 10 remaining contests (not counting Michigan or Florida) to overtake the Illinois senator.

"We are running out of real estate here in the contest," Plouffe said.

In other words, Clinton is running out of time. Let us be frank and honest here, Hillary Clinton will not catch Barack Obama in the pledged delegate count. This count will even include Michigan and Florida if she won those states 60/40, it won’t happen.

The Democratic Party Rules are winning by pledged delegates in each state. It is not by popular vote. That is the fact.

Barack Obama has met every litmus test out there and he is winning as follows:

a) Delegates
b) Primaries
c) Caucuses
d) Money Raised
e) Donors
f) Votes from big states
g) Popular votes
h) Senator endorsements
i) Governor endorsements
j) Most states won

Again, the Clinton Campaign can try to spin this as Congresswoman Nita Lowery (D-NY) tried to imply on Meet the Press (full MTP is here) that Obama and Clinton are even? Tell that to people who are looking at the numbers. That spin is not being swallowed.

Lastly, a look at the popular vote. It is important but is not the metric for this primary season. To ask superdelegates to look only at the popular vote and big state votes is ridiculous. Why? What about Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, etc.? These are caucus states and their votes will not count, not in the land of Hillary Clinton. For the Democratic Party to do this is political suicide to the party. I do not see the superdelegates looking at popular vote, I see them following the RULES and looking at PLEDGED DELEGATES. Period.


obama on hardball after mississippi primary win

The conservative Chicago Tribune on Obama and Rezko by kos
The Wright Stuff by Scout Finch
Hillary Messes With Texas by krikkit4
Obama Answers Clinton: I Already Did. When Will You? by jhutson

Endorsements/Announcements

Oregon AFSCME breaks ranks with national and endorses Obama; Mississippi Superdelegate and Democratic National Committee Member Everett Sanders Endorses Obama; Democratic Superdelegate Joyce Brayboy Endorses Obama

A Plan for Barack Obama
Clinton, Obama tussle on foreign policy experience
3 A.M. Girl Wants Obama to Answer the Call
Obama Cuts Into Clinton Delegate Lead Among Elected Officials
Obama's Keys to the Keystone State



barack and michelle surrounded by the press enroute on the jet

Video/Audio
Obama on "I am not running for Vice-President" video; Obama's Remarks to Reverend Wright's Words of Controversy, Video Here; Keith Olbermann's Special Comment on Geraldine Ferraro's Words Here

obama in washington, dc, released his earmarks, calls for clinton to do the same

Contest Asks Aspiring Filmmakers to Create TV Ad Promoting Obama

Calling all aspiring filmmakers, especially those who like Barack Obama.

MoveOn.org, the influential antiwar group that claims 3.2 million members, announced yesterday that it is holding a contest to create a 30-second television advertisement promoting the Democrat.

The prize: The spot will air nationally and the winner will get a $20,000 gift certificate for a camera and editing package. continue

Obama Inspires a Latin Rhythm
Obama Says Voters Responding to Call for Change
Obama Wins Mississippi Sets Sights on Pennsylvania
A Free-Sprited Wanderer Who Set Obama's Path
Clinton and Obama Disagree on Florida, Michigan Revote
Cocoa Tea Records Raggae Song for Obama



michelle @ Children's Ark at St. George's day care in Ardmore, PA

shoutouts: pontificator; nj mom; Geekesque; kos; Cenk Uygur; Tchrldy; LaAbogada; RobertInWisconsin; Joe Trippi; Meteor Blades; Yalin; dansac; Al Rodgers

obama in plainfield, indiana, "we have to come together"


Democrats in a Fight to Define "Winner"

With the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination likely to go on for weeks or months, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton are battling to define what it means to be winning — and, in some instances, they are overstating their own advantage and understating the gains of the other.

The candidates are not only playing to voters in the crucial nominating contests to come, especially the primary in Pennsylvania on April 22, but also wooing the Democratic superdelegates, the party leaders and officials whose votes seem increasingly likely to decide the nomination.

Mr. Obama is emphasizing the breadth of his appeal — his lead in the popular vote and in pledged delegates and his victories in states that Democrats have trouble carrying in general elections. Mrs. Clinton, meanwhile, has focused on her victories in states with the most Electoral College votes, like Ohio and California, and her strength among groups like women, blue-collar workers and Hispanics. continue

Hillary, Have You No Sense of Decency!" by Al Rodgers
Meeting Michelle Obama by mdkotyk
No one said this was gonna be a cakewalk by Deoliver47
On My Faith and My Church by Barack Obama


obama @ buck's restaurant in greenville, ms with the simmons twins

Actor Ed Norton preparing documentary on Obama campaign

US actor Ed Norton and his Class 5 Films are producing a documentary about Democrat Barack Obama's historic bid for the White House, according to reports Wednesday in Hollywood.

The feature film planned for release in 2009 will focus on the political campaign of the Illinois senator, who is locked in a bitter fight with former first lady Hillary Clinton to be their party's nominee for president, industry daily Variety reported on its website. continue

Pelosi's Delegate Stance Boosts Obama
Early Word: Losing Baggage
Registration Form to Vote in Pennsylvania Deadline March 24th
Obama's Blueprint for Change
Obama Touts Commander-in-Chief Credentials
Obama Tries to Allay Jewish Concerns
Ben and Jen Raising Money for Obama


obama and former senator david boren (d-ok) in indianapolis, in

icebergslim’s last word: racial tension
Well no one can say this was not a week full of racial bedlam, because it was.

First, Geraldine Ferraro. To recap, who she is and and what she did, a former congresswoman of New York who was the first woman on a national ticket in 1984. The ticket was Mondale/Ferraro.

Geraldine Ferraro is a maverick for women and women challenges in this country. She gets total credit, but her behavior this week turned many stomachs across this country. To make the following:

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

To make the inference that because Obama is black that is the reason that he is currently leading is not only STUPID but LUDICRIOUS. Yes, in caps, because my brothers insisted!!

This is the continuing of Clinton’s surrogates making rogue statements, she letting these statements sit and fester, and then come about a few days later after the damage is done and say limply, “I am sorry.” Wow, she can’t win it the right way so now it comes down to winning at any cost. If she steals the nomination, hard times ahead for her in the African-American community. No one is laughing on this one. Geraldine Ferraro is a disgrace.

Reverend Jeremiah Wright. I know friends that go to this church and I have had my ear to the phone this weekend. Many are angry about the snippets of the video being played repeatedly and it is warranted, but the good Reverend was WRONG.

Two wrongs don’t make a right and though I tried to watch Reverend Wright, I just could not. Coming from a mixed racial family, this is just not tolerated. The United States of America may disappoint us, in all racial groups, but the damnation of it is not my cup of tea or the Obamas.

Obama was right to denounce Wright and all the statements he made. He responded immediately and went on all the cable shows to reiterate it, so we would GET IT.

It is not the candidate’s responsibility to be responsible for what their surrogates say or said in the past. But it is the candidate’s responsibility to denounce, fire, distance, or accepts resignation of their actions so the candidate and campaign can move on. Obama and Wright did just that. That did not happen with the Clinton Campaign.

This campaign is the test of America, herself. It really is. Are we going to be shackled to fright by race baiting by these candidates and campaigns? Or are we going to say, enough and move on. With so much happening right now with Iraq heating back up, the economy crumbling, jobs non-existent, college tuition payments outrageous, the environment on the brink in many aspects, who has time to care what color someone’s skin is? My question is this, “Who is going to fix the crisis we are in?”

Will Wright’s video be used by 527s? Probably. But the real question is this? Are you afraid that it will be? It is time to get past race in this country and if all this has fallen on the table, then good, let’s get past it because if all the Republicans have up their sleeve is hate bating, race bating, scare tactics to move people to the polls after all their chaos that has crippled this country? The Democrats should not be afraid of ANYTHING.

Time to ante up to the only campaign that will bring real change to this country, The Obama Campaign.


well, this is the scranton, pennsylvania office all jazzed up for st. patrick's day. and yes, even though today is st. pat's day, you can still order an o'bama t-shirt from the obama store. many obama supporters are registering folk to vote, last day for pennsylvania is march 24th, canvassing, phone banking, all the things that is needed to get the vote out for april 22nd. every call is important for not only pennsylvania, but upcoming indiana and north carolina. we know what to do, all your tools are right here. let's get busy. and as difficult as some days may be, remember to focus on obama and not the drama...

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

This Week With Barack Obama, March 2-8, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos & One Million Strong


obama enroute on jet, march 4, 2008


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Campaign Appearances

March 10, 2008 - Town Hall Meeting with Barack Obama, Columbus, MS
March 10, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama, Jackson, MS

obama in wyoming!!!

Barack Obama Wins Wyoming!!! Yes, but he won Vermont and Texas, too!!!

Barack Obama won the Wyoming Caucus on Saturday, March 8, 2008. He won another state that the Clinton Campaign states is unimportant, not recognizable and the figment of many imaginations as he just swept away any delegate gain that Clinton gained on Tuesday’s election, back to where we were before the week started. Obama is in control of the pledged delegate count, period.

As for Tuesday’s Election, Obama won Vermont and Texas. Yes, he won the delegate count from the prima-caucus of the State of Texas. Meaning, that Barack Obama knows how to do the math and Hillary Clinton is having an issue there. Meaning in the end, when the Clinton Campaign said that “this is about winning delegates”, they seem to have forgotten about this during their 12 streak loss. Math does not lie in the end.

While the Clinton Campaign continues to brag about big state wins, let us look closely at these so called “big state wins”. Here are the top nine contests. (h/t jmelli for this valuable information)

State	Obama	Clinton
California	2,126,000	2,553,000
Texas	1,358,000	1,459,000
New York	698,000	1,003,000
Illinois	1,302,000	662,000
Ohio	982,000	1,212,000
Georgia	704,000	330,000
New Jersey	492,000	603,000
Virginia	627,000	350,000
Washington	354,000	316,000
Total	Obama	Clinton
Final Total	8,643,000	8,487,000

Now that you see actual numbers, look at the poor showing in Clinton’s own home state of New York. Again, goes back to why she had to run ads in her backyard and Obama did not. He did not have the pressure, heat from the Clinton ground swell in his backyard, as Clinton did hers.

Now everyone understands why the large 125+ pledged delegate advantage that Obama has over Clinton. Her campaign went dark, virtually dead while she allowed Obama to run the table on her and run the numbers up on her for 12 straight loses, thus she will never catch up unless she has a 60/40 split on every single election from here on out. It won’t happen.

Also, remember that in the machine driven states, meaning top/down states that Clinton won, it was due to influenced by the old style politics of being chit driven, i.e., Ohio, New Jersey and the mayor of Los Angeles. Using their machine and getting the vote out. It was not driven by people powered politics of the roots. Is this a good way to win elections? Yes. It is the old fashioned normal way of doing things, but the result is the end result. They were unable to blow Obama out of the water on Super Tuesday of February 5th and Jr. Super Tuesday of March 4th. Again, he stayed close enough and won big elsewhere to offset any Clinton win.

So, what is this really about? Perception Politics. That is what this is about. The Clinton Campaign floating around that they will accept Barack Obama as their VP candidate, when in reality, it is she who is craving to be on the ticket with Obama, not the other way around. Why? How?

He leads Clinton as follows:

a) Delegates
b) Primaries
c) Caucuses
d) Money Raised
e) Donors
f) Votes from big states
g) Popular votes
h) Senator endorsements
i) Governor endorsements
j) Most states won

And my friends these are the undisputed facts that the Clinton Campaign cannot spin.


rep. patrick murphy representing obama before philly ward chiefs

Obama's Statement on Bill Foster's IL-14 Congressional Win

note: this win is important due to this being the former Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert's seat. a democrat has not been in this seat since 1976, proves obama's strength in a solid red district and that barack obama is the one with the real coattails.

I want to congratulate my friend Bill Foster on winning his race for Congress. As a distinguished scientist and successful businessman, Congressman-elect Foster has demonstrated the kind of vision and leadership we need in Washington. And his victory today shows that change is sweeping this country. By electing him to a traditionally Republican seat – a seat that former Speaker Dennis Hastert held for 20 years – the people of Illinois have sent an unmistakable message that they're tired of business-as-usual in Washington. I look forward to fighting side-by-side with Congressman-elect Foster to end the Iraq war, to take immediate steps to strengthen our economy, and to bring about real change not just in Illinois, but all across America. Link

obama and rolling stone

Clinton Feminists Frustrated at Shift Toward Obama

This sentiment is being expressed around the country — in testy dinner-party conversations, around the water cooler and in the public square. As Clinton's shot at the nomination boils down to two March 4 contests — in the delegate-rich states of Texas and Ohio, where she is running neck and neck with Obama — many women who support the New York senator are angry and saddened by their sisters' desertion.

Old-school feminists have lined up against one another. Some chapters of the National Organization for Women are supporting Clinton, others are for Obama. There have been unseemly arguments about which candidate is more of an abortion rights supporter. Some women experience the rise of Obama as they might the ripping open of a persistent wound: An older, more experienced woman is pushed aside to make way for a younger male colleague. continue

Obama Asks if any President is Ready
Obama, Clinton Trade Jabs on, Well, Trade
His Delegate Advantage is Too Great
The Other Obama



obama in wyoming being specific on the iraq war

Endorsements

Mississippi Clarion-Ledger Endorses Obama; South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler (superdelegate) Endorses Obama; Georgia Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd (superdelegate) Endorses Obama; Mayor Rhine McLin, Dayton, Endorses Obama; Superdelegate Ian Carleton Endorses Obama; Rep. Nick J. Rahall II (D-WV) to Endorse Obama

Barack Obama's Powerful Words About War by Maureen
(Video) Olbermann: "Hillary is NUTS" by Al Rodgers
General Election Projections, Survey USA Rules Edition by poblano
Democratic Establishment, We are Watching You. by icebergslim
Self-described Independents: How have they voted so far? by leevank






obama, circa 2005

shoutouts: Granny Doc; uniongal; thereisnospoon; Bob Johnson; kos and kos again; nyceve; Geekesque; goldmj; faithfull; Adam B; hekebolos; kid oakland; wmtriallawyer; chumley; RenRF; JedReport; and teacherken

Michelle Obama at the Univerity of Texas w/video
Barack Obama's Army is United in Desire of Change
Will Obama Hit Back Hard?


obama answers the hard questions from san antonio, march 4, 2008

And it Continues

Big wins in Ohio and Texas last night for Sen. Hillary Clinton -- but she still lags behind Sen. Barack Obama's delegate count, and it remains unclear who "won" Texas once the caucus results are added to Clinton's primary win.

(In the southwest Houston precinct I visited last night, Clinton won the primary but lost the caucus.)

In talking points circulated late last night, the Clinton campaign acknowledges that it can never overtake Obama with pledged delegates, and asserts that it intends to overtake him with the support of superdelegates. continue

Pennsylvania Voter Registration Ends March 24, 2008, Register NOW!!!
Democrats Fear An Ugly End To Race
Now It's Obama's Turn To Make Adjustments
Who Will Win Nomination? It's Down to a Numbers Game
Achieving the Right Level of Nasty
Mississipi, Block by Block





obama with a cutie pie in laramie, wyoming


icebergslim’s last word: the vetting of obama or is it clinton?

We have heard much this past week from the Clinton Campaign called the “kitchen sink” tactic. And the “you know what” has been thrown. Which is cool, it is okay. Why? Because other stuff emerges, as Clinton’s fondness of John McCain, her very good friend. Clinton stated that only she and McCain have passed the Commander-in-Chief threshold. Really? Hillary Clinton what have you done, exactly?

I wrote a diary titled, Obama, “I’m not running to be VP...”, and Obama is not, but it is what Gary Hart had to say about Clinton’s absolute no-no of politics and how this has put her firmly in the Republican camp.

It will come as a surprise to many people that there are rules in politics. Most of those rules are unwritten and are based on common understandings, acceptable practices, and the best interest of the political party a candidate seeks to lead. One of those rules is this: Do not provide ammunition to the opposition party that can be used to destroy your party's nominee. This is a hyper-truth where the presidential contest is concerned.

By saying that only she and John McCain are qualified to lead the country, particularly in times of crisis, Hillary Clinton has broken that rule, severely damaged the Democratic candidate who may well be the party's nominee, and, perhaps most ominously, revealed the unlimited lengths to which she will go to achieve power. She has essentially said that the Democratic party deserves to lose unless it nominates her.

Hillary Clinton has aligned herself with John McCain and George Bush on practically everything of importance, first and foremost, the Iraq War. And for a democrat, which many are really wondering if Clinton is, to actually make that statement has lost her much credit and support within the party. Whether you are for or against Mrs. Clinton, one thing you do not do is provide ammunition and fodder for a candidate who just may be the nominee. There is something called “for the good of the party” and the Clintons have again demonstrated that not only do they not care for the Democratic Party, but their own power and greed is first and foremost here. She is totally discredited and will find a hard time come Denver, if she makes it there.

This brings us to what about the vetting of Hillary Clinton? Yes, she has been called everything but the mother of god, but what about her? As it is coming to revelation, her experience is mired in suspect, innuendo and really just half truths. For a candidate to say state that she, “..helped to bring peace to Northern Ireland”, but in essence just had tea and crumpets with the ladies, wives of the actual negotiators is a far stretch. Then Bosnia. What about Hillary Clinton stating that she, “...negotiated open borders to let fleeing refugees into safety from Kosovo.” When in fact all she was doing was singing and dancing on stage with Sinbad and Sheryl Crow. Is that diplomatic relations to you? And Clinton touting that as First Lady she helped pass the Family and Medical Leave Act, an act mind you that took Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) years to get through. Did she? She could not have. Not when she just became First Lady on January 20, 1993 and the FMLA was passed on February 5, 1993. And we won't even go there with her Scooter Libby problem, read for yourself.

See friends, vetting is a process that politicians go through to swarm through the crap to get to the truth. But what Hillary Clinton is doing is perception politics, again. Trying to make you believe that she has accomplished, performed, actually done all these things, when in essence she did not. She has not negotiated anything, signed nothing, sat in conference with no foreign heads of state on behalf of the United States of America, as First Lady.

So, if we are vetting, let’s continue to find out more about Clinton’s tea and crumpet moments, which she states equate to national security and foreign relations experience. Yes, she does think just that.


we are the ones

Obama Raises $55 Million in February

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama raised a record $55 million in February for his presidential campaign, eclipsing rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's own substantial fundraising for the month. All told, Obama has raised $193 million during his yearlong bid for the White House.

The campaign's announcement Thursday came two days after Obama lost three of four primaries to Clinton. Her victories stopped his winning streak and extended the race into an unpredictable future.

Obama's February total was his second fundraising record. He raised $36 million in January, more than any other presidential candidate who has ever been in a contested primary. His combined January and February totals nearly matched what he raised last year.

"That's a humbling achievement, and I am very grateful for your support," Obama said in another fundraising appeal. "No campaign has ever raised this much in a single month in the history of presidential primaries. But more important than the total is how we did it — more than 90 percent of donations were $100 or less ..." continue

well, the campaign trail is proving to be that of a slow slog. just sloggin' away, rackin' away delegates, and moving from state to state. the positive of this is the excitement and infrastructure the obama campaign is building in each of these states. the other side is surely not doing that, nor spending the money for a 50 state strategy. as always, since we are in it to win it, we must continue to support barack's quest to the nomination. click on the map above and donate, go here to mobilize, get involved and remember mississippi is tuesday, pennsylvania is april 22nd and the third jr super tuesday is may 5th with indiana and north carolina. let's get busy and stay on it. and remember to focus on obama, and not the drama....

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

This Week With Barack Obama, February 25-March 1, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos


obama in austin, texas

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michelle in cleveland, ohio

Endorsements

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) Endorses Obama; Cincinnati Enquirer Endorses Obama; Former Governor Mark White (D-TX) Endorses Obama; Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) OFFICIALLY Endorses Obama; Toledo Blade Endorses Obama; State Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-TX) Moves from Clinton to Obama; DC "Shadow Senators" Paul Strauss & Micheal Brown Move to Obama; Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) Backs Obama; DFL Chairman Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt of Minnesota Superdelegates Back Obama; Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Endorses Obama; Ohio State "The Lantern" Endorses Obama; Houston GLBT Caucus Endorses Obama; Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins Endorses Obama; Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Endorses Obama; Dallas Morning News Endorses Obama

Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama
Texas Early voting Shatters Records, Republicans Scared by FishOutofWater
Obama's Support Grows Broader
Obama Gets His Green On by kath25
Clinton, Obama have final say on Georgia delegates
Gay Clinton backers defect to Obama, eroding another bastion





obama and security

Video/Audio

Andy Stern, SEIU President & Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) Video; Obama in Rhode Island; NPR: Obama Volunteers Trained in Organizing; Are you Puro Obama?; Lisa Ling for Obama; Response to the Clinton "Red Phone" Ad, Here; NPR: Obama Seeks to Continue Streak in Ohio; NPR: Texas Women Reflect Shift in Political Sentiments

Samuel L. Jackson Skips Oscars to Campaign for Obama
Brisk Urban Turnout Seen Key for Obama in Texas
Obama Aces the Farrakhan Test
Obama Pounces on McCain Criticism


we are the ones, new video by will.i.am



Obama's Fate in Texas Hinges on Volunteers

Sen. Barack Obama's pivotal victories last month in Iowa and South Carolina over Sen. Hillary Clinton were engineered by professional staffers who worked those states for nearly a year. In Texas, the story has been a lot different.

His organization in the Lone Star State, which holds its potentially decisive presidential primary on Tuesday, has been "more like a baling wire and duct tape thing," says Mitch Stewart, who is running the campaign here. Mr. Stewart and the first dozen paid Obama staffers touched down in this capital city less than three weeks ago.

The uncharacteristic late start has left the Illinois senator relying to an unusual degree on the groundwork of volunteers such as Ian Davis. The 29-year-old Austin community organizer has been laboring for months with no guidance at all from Obama headquarters. When Sen. Obama's team finally arrived, Mr. Davis handed over laundry baskets stuffed with 20,000 handwritten names of potential volunteers, which Mr. Davis had gathered on his own. WSJ, continue

Obama: The $50 Million Man
Black Delegates Under Pressure to Switch to Obama
Day of Rekoning for Clinton- Signs of Serious Trouble at Clinton HQ
GOP Frets over Democratic Fundraising



democratic debate, cleveland, ohio, feb 26th. video and transcript here

GOTX for Obama! by Kath25
OH--IO, O-BAMA by Albatross
Obama Shoves Iraq down McCain's throat by Paleo


senator chris dodd endorses obama in cleveland, ohio

Pressure Building for Clinton to “OPT-OUT”
And I am being kind here. The reality is this, even if Clinton wins Ohio and Texas, the margin of win will not be large enough to move the real count, the delegate count.

Clinton must beat Obama by upwards of 65% from all contests out. That is not going to happen. From the latest polling Texas and Ohio is a tossup, with Texas favoring Obama and Ohio favoring Clinton.

It is reality check time. And the establishment is talking out in the open now.

Mr. Richardson, saying that it was vital to Democrats’ hopes in the general election in November to mount a positive, unifying campaign, said on the CBS News program “Face the Nation” that “whoever has the most delegates after Tuesday, a clear lead, should be, in my judgment, the nominee.”

What Governor Richardson is stating is nothing new. Since Clinton just conceded 11 elections in a row to Obama, what else can you conclude? We know obviously it was a money problem that she did not even have the resources to combat on the ground. She allowed Obama to run the numbers up so great, that it is mathematically impossible for her to catch up. And finally, if Obama lost 3 to 5 in a row, he would have been OUT. The case would have been closed. Yes, she should have been gone after the Potomac Primaries.

Beating Barack Obama at this stage by 5-8 points is not good enough, because the delegate count will be split. She must win convincingly by more than 30 points, and in these contests it is not going to happen.

Younger members of her campaign team fear she will damage the Democratic Party, as well as her own reputation, if she fights on in vain to deny Barack Obama the presidential nomination.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008, Clinton should get out of the race if she does not perform well. Take the money raised, pay your debt off, and stand with the party. If not, you will watch your superdelegates publicly humiliate you by backing Obama, from here on out. Meaning, no possible way she can win the nomination.

Clinton, the choice is yours.


obama in flight to ohio, march 1, 2008

shoutouts: Elise; bonddad; jhutson; poblano; Geekesque; Delaware Dem; VirginiaDem; slinkerwink; turneresq

General Election Projections, Beta Version by poblano
this is about all of us by kid oakland
Obama's National Lead
The Secret to Obama's Success


students walk seven miles to the polls in texas

Finger-pointing, frustration in Clinton Camp
Obama Seen as Better Democrat to Face McCain, NTY/CBS Poll Says
Debate Unlikely to Change Race
Obama Sets Another 1 Million Goal


obama in providence, rhode island, march 1, 2008

icebergslim's last word: march 4th

It is extremely important that we continue to use the undeniable tools, at our touch, to reach out to Texas, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Vermont voters.

Yes, it looks good, but nothing is over until the fat lady sings and she is warming up now.

This means that we continue to volunteer, phone bank, donate, and get the good people of these states to the polls and caucus on March 4th, 2008.

Everything you need is provided by clicking on the image below. Now is not the time to relax and think it is in the bag. Nothing is in the bag until the votes are counted. As much as I have on my plate, personally, I picked the phone up today and called Ohio voters. This is not over, until we KNOW Barack is the Democratic Nominee.

1.5 Million calls need to be made. Let's do this, together.




as in all we do, this one is for you. keep working hard, this won't be easy, but it will test the sheer will of all of us. and remember to focus on obama, and not the drama....

::

icebergslim1047 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Late Edition of This Week With Barack Obama, February 17-24, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos and One Million Strong


obama at university of texas-pan american, edinburg, tx, with secret service in tow

Debates

February 26, 2008 - Cleveland State, Cleveland, OH - MSNBC

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It is that time again....
Time to pick up the telephone, time to volunteer, time to canvass, time to donate, time to do whatever it takes to move Senator Barack Obama closer to become the Democratic Nominee.

We know we can phone bank from home, here. We know that if you are in one of the early state above, you can volunteer here. We know that you can donate here. We know that it was never to be easy. We know that this task was monumental. But we also know that we are almost 50% there. So, while we continue to write our diaries and comments, remember, we must continue to do more to finish this primary season off, so we are ready for the general.

Pssssst. Our goal is to make 1M phone calls by March 4th.

YES.WE.CAN. Let's get busy!!!

Official Appearances

February 25, 2008 - Keeping America's Promise Rally with Barack Obama, Cincinnati, OH
February 25, 2008 - Keeping America's Promise Rally with Barack Obama, Dayton, OH
February 25, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Michelle Obama, Beaumont, TX
February 25, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Michelle Obama, Galveston, TX
February 25, 2008 - Caroline Kennedy in Austin, Austin, TX
February 25, 2008 - Community Gathering with Caroline Kennedy, San Antonio, TX
February 27, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally, San Marcos, TX
February 28, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally, Ft. Worth, TX
February 29, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally, San Antonio, TX

Clinton or Obama? Gender less important to young voters.
Obama Vows to Repair Mexico Relations
Wins Put Nomination Within Obama's Grasp
Obama Learned Politics Helping the Poor


houston, texas, 19K+ strong

Clinton Trying to Stop Obama's Momemtum
Obama Seek to Turn the Tables in Ohio and Texas
The Obama Express
2008: Our Moment is Now by kid oakland
Obama Works to Appeal to
Ohio's Working Class
Obama and McCain Sparring Over Pakistan




obama with the texas longhorn coach and players

Endorsements

Teamsters Union Endorse Obama; Prominent Indians Backing Obama; Wooed Superdelegate Backs Obama; ACORN for Obama; Mayor Mark Mallory (D-Cincinnati) Endorses Obama; Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray Endorses Barack Obama; Canton Repostitory Endorse Obama; Dayton Daily Endorse Obama; Spike Lee for Obama; UWUA Endorses Obama

¡Viva Obama! the translation is here

Obama Rumored on Track to Raise 50M for the Month of February
Superdelegates Jump to Obama
Hawaiians Stressing Importance of Caucusing
Obama's Rise After SEIU Endorsement
Ben & Jerry &, Obama
Why College Women Support Obama





debate, feb 21, 2008, @ university of texas-austin, video here and transcript here

::

The Audacity of Hoplessness by Frank Rich

WHEN people one day look back at the remarkable implosion of the Hillary Clinton campaign, they may notice that it both began and ended in the long dark shadow of Iraq.

It’s not just that her candidacy’s central premise — the priceless value of “experience” — was fatally poisoned from the start by her still ill-explained vote to authorize the fiasco. Senator Clinton then compounded that 2002 misjudgment by pursuing a 2008 campaign strategy that uncannily mimicked the disastrous Bush Iraq war plan. After promising a cakewalk to the nomination — “It will be me,” Mrs. Clinton told Katie Couric in November — she was routed by an insurgency.

The Clinton camp was certain that its moneyed arsenal of political shock-and-awe would take out Barack Hussein Obama in a flash. The race would “be over by Feb. 5,” Mrs. Clinton assured George Stephanopoulos just before New Year’s. But once the Obama forces outwitted her, leaving her mission unaccomplished on Super Tuesday, there was no contingency plan. She had neither the boots on the ground nor the money to recoup. continue here

Fine Words and Economic Reality
How to Woo a Super Delegate-Patience, Persistence and Personal Touch
I found the BEEF by Helenann





Si Se Puede Cambiar

shoutouts: cenk uyger; dday; kath25; FishOutofWater; kid oakland; bonddad; Mr Populist; Bob Johnson; wmtriallawyer; Nuisance Industry; thereisnospoon; hekebolos; Steve Novick; clammyc; maureen

obama after memorial service with father of a fallen student from niu shooting in dekalb, il on feb 24, 2008

Obama's Borrowed Lines Don't Amount to Plagiarism, Experts Say
University of Texas-Austin Grand Opening Obama Headquarters
Clinton attacks major Obama asset - his oratory
Trade is the issue that sets Clinton, Obama apart


obama's winning speech in houston, feb 19th, pt 1


obama's winning speech in houston, febeb 19th, pt 2

icebergslim’s last word: one’s desperate state, brings desperate measures

Much has been written about the stability of the Clinton Campaign this week. But Frank Rich hit the nail on the head with his The Audacity of Hopelessness.

I know I have weighed in, primarily on the financial stability and comparing the two campaigns. Not just for the money aspect, but the management, vision, and judgment of how funds at the 100M+ were spent and on what.

After the debate on Thursday night, I said Hillary gave the best closing statement I had heard in a very long time. I respected that and all of us should have been proud. It was seeing the two of them, Clinton and Obama, on stage and witnessing this that propelled the standing ovation.

It was a class act by Hillary Clinton.

Over the weekend that was tossed to the wind and the “Shame on you Barack Obama...” crap was spilled all over the television. I had folk calling me this weekend laughing and confused about this rant. I just simply said, “In desperate times, desperate measures are taken.”

Now, the Clinton Campaign is rumored to have pushed a photo of Obama in Africa, as kos wrote about. I am going to take the Clinton Campaign at their word, that they had nothing to do with it. But, I am also not going to state, "I whole heartedly believe them." Sorry, they have been bad in the "trust and honesty department."

This is very suspect, that a photo with Obama having African garb on while visiting in Africa with his family, is not meant to be nice since Drudge (god forbid) said it came from the Clinton Camp.

We would hope a fellow democrat would not try to tip-toe and pull some Rovian Tactics on another democrat, only to subtly push the Obama is a Muslim meme. We would only hope that is not what is going on here. Pretty soon we will see on March 4th, what the good citizens of Texas, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Vermont have to say. To see if they finally send Hillary Clinton & Crew back home for good. (Here is Obama's response to this mess supposedly made by the Clinton Crew.)

But who knows? Now Clinton is stating, this:

I’d love to carry Texas, but it’s usually not in the electoral calculation for the Democratic nominee. Florida and Michigan are.

So, here we go again. Switching up states, again, basically because she can't win them. Pssst, this is the big secret that is out in the open that everyone is talking about.

Sigh.

Folks, let's end this on March 4th, so we can look ahead to the convention and the general election. I think we all have had enough of Hillary Clinton & Crew.

We all are tired of deperate tactics, by desperate candidates.



early voting is on fire in texas

Obama Making Headway With Women and Hispanics
Obama Wins Wisconsin
Obama Defends Wife on Matter of Pride for America
Obama Wins Hawaii in a Landslide
Obama Wins Democrats Abroad Primary


obama sold out in toledo, oh, feb 24, 2008

Returning Fire, Obama Emphasizes Contrasts

“Today Senator Clinton told us that there is a choice in this race, and I couldn’t agree with her more, but contrary to what she’s been saying, its not a choice between speeches and solutions, it’s a choice between a politics that offers more of the same divisions and distractions that didn’t work in South Carolina, and didn’t work in Wisconsin, and will not work in Texas,” Obama said.

On a conference call with reporters, campaign manager David Plouffe said he was anticipating negative advertisements by the Clinton campaign in both Texas and Ohio.

“If her speech last night and this morning is any indication, they will run a negative campaign,” Plouffe said.

“There were even reports this morning that there could be a 527 kicking up to the tune of $10 million dollars to run against Obama in Ohio and Texas.” continue here

well, vermonters got it goin' on, with the obamamobile!!! wow, i would love to drive that just once through my neighborhood!!!! ummm, much is going on, we are all busy. barack has won 11 in a row, counting the democrats abroad. things are looking up for our guy. march 4th is almost here and things are looking good. hopefully, this will be over soon, but if not we must continue on. keep doing what you have been doing, and always remember to focus on obama, and not the drama...

::
contact me @
icebergslim1047 (at) hotmail (dot) com

This Week With Barack Obama, February 10-16, 2008

cross-posted @ Daily Kos and One Million Strong


obama in wisconsin

Debates


February 21, 2008 - University of Texas, Austin, TX - CNN
February 26, 2008 - Cleveland State, Cleveland, OH - MSNBC

::



Obama is Winning

The Grand Old White Party Confronts Obama
Obama and Clinton in Dispute over Role of Super Delegates
Democratic Candidates Emphasize Unity
Obama Campaign Relies on Tech Tools-Uses Technology to Connect with Voters Effectively
Obama Bringing Campaign to Dallas-Ft. Worth


Barack's Rock - the Newsweek cover story by teacherken

Campaign Appearances

February 18. 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama, Beloit, WI
February 18, 2008 - Keeping America's Promise Rally with Barack Obama, Youngstown, OH
February 19, 2008 - Stand for Change Town Hall with Barack Obama, San Antonio, TX
February 19, 2008 - Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama, Houston, TX

“the fierce urgency of now” by Populista
What's an Obama State? With February predictions. by poblano
Leaving Delegates on the Table: Why Clinton Might Lose by psericks


obama in virginia beach, va, feb 10

Hope and Experience
Hillary Clinton said the folllowing:

``It will take more than just speeches to fulfill our dreams. It will take a lot of hard work,'' New York Senator Clinton, 60, said at a Wisconsin Democratic Party dinner in Milwaukee late yesterday.

Barack Obama said the following:

``Don't tell me words don't matter,'' Obama, 46, said in a speech following Clinton's. ``If we don't inspire the country to believe again, then it doesn't matter how many policies and plans we have.''

I watched the Wisconsin Democratic Party Dinner on C-SPAN, Saturday night of February 16, 2008. I thought, and my friend asked me "What is wrong with you?", that Hillary Clinton gave a good speech. Why? Over the past month or so, her speech has changed and her theme has changed, AGAIN. And if you did not catch her new theme, it is the "solutions" presidential candidate.

OK. I give credit, where it is due. My opinion, I thought her speech was good, but she is not Barack Obama.

Barack gave a "greatest hits" speech filled with substance and passion. He was dead on about words do matter, since the Clinton Campaign said his speeches don't matter.

After almost 8 years of being dragged through the mud by this current administration. After almost 8 years of not trusting a thing that come out of President Bush's mouth. Almost 5 years of a war that has killed many and maimed in the thousands. The general public is sick and tired and tired and sick of the lies, cynacism, and distrust of elected officials in this country.

Words do matter. Grounded principles do matter. Inspriation does matter. And Hope, definately matter. You would think, the other side would understand this by now.


over 10K in baltimore, md

Obama Surge Stuns Democrats
Obama Courts Hispanics in Texas
Obama and McCain Sweeps Primaries



obama wears wristband of fallen soldier

Endorsements

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Endorses Obama; Corpus Christi Caller-Times Endorses Obama; The Honolulu Advertiser Endorses Obama; Houston Chronicle Endorses Obama; Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Endorses Obama; The Capital Times Endorses Obama; George Lopez Backs Barack; Jim Hightower for Obama; Congressman David Scott (D-GA) Switches to Obama; Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) Endorses Obama; Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Endorses Obama; Austin Mayor Will Wynn Backs Obama; Mayor Dave Cieslewicz of Madison Endorses Obama; SEIU National Backs Obama; United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Backs Obama; Texas House Democratic Leader Jim Dunnam Endorses Obama; State Senator Kirk Watson (D-TX) Endorses Obama; Former Bill Clinton Campaign Manager, David Wilhelm Backs Obama; Burnt Orange Report Endorse Obama; Former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chaffee Endorses Obama; Sarah Swisher, Superdelegate Switches to Obama

obama's sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng


Over 100 Newspaper Endorsements and Counting...
Vermont's Superdelegates Lean Obama's Way
Obama Fever Catches Among Women
Free Your Mind, With Mind Sorbet


barack with a cutie pie in oshkosh, wisconsin

Michelle Obama Thrives in Campaign Trenches

There is no confusing Michelle Obama for her husband on the campaign trail.

Asked at the Democratic debate in Los Angeles whether he would pick Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as a vice-presidential running mate, Senator Barack Obama said she “would be on anybody’s short list.”

But when a television interviewer asked Mrs. Obama last week whether she would support Mrs. Clinton, if she won the nomination, Mrs. Obama was less generous.

“I’d have to think about that,” Mrs. Obama said on “Good Morning America” on ABC. “I’d have to think about — policies, her approach, her tone.”

Outspoken, strong-willed, funny, gutsy and sometimes sarcastic, Michelle Obama is playing a pivotal role in her husband’s campaign as it builds on a series of successes, including a sweep on Tuesday of contests in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Her personal style — forthright, comfortable in the trenches, and often more blunt than Mr. Obama — plays well with a broad swath of the electorate and has given the campaign a steelier edge while allowing Mr. Obama to stay largely above it all.

“I am trying to be as authentically me as I can be,” Mrs. Obama said in an interview. “My statements are coming from my experiences and my observations and my frustrations.”

Mrs. Obama says she dislikes politics — she insists there will be no second run for the presidency if her husband falls short this time — but relishes a good fight, the competition of it all. NY Times

obama town

Blogs and Websites

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

Michelle Obama. First Lady Material
McCain and Obama Turn Fire on Each Other
Obama's Economic Plan Is A Pitch to the Working Class
Obama Crowds



for obama dreamers....

Obama Wave Crashes Through

Hillary Clinton spent years of maneuvering and over $100 million building what was supposed to be an impenetrable seawall capable of warding off any political assault. But Barack Obama has created a wave that began in the caucuses of Iowa, ebbed in New Hampshire, grew again in South Carolina, endured Super Tuesday and in Virginia and Maryland may have broken down the Clinton seawall at last.

From the beginning, Obama has faced the challenge of turning an air of excitement and energy into a movement on the ground and votes in the ballot box. In what's been called the Potomac Primary, he has gone a long way toward completing that task. more, CBS

lovingj is back!!!

Obama Strongest General Election Candidate
Top McCain Advisor Will Not Stay With Campaign if Obama is Democratic Nominee
Obamanomics: Barack Talks Tough on Trade
The Tech of Obamamania: Online Phone Banks, Mass Texting and Blogs
Obama responds to Clinton Criticism


obama in janesville, wisconsin gm plant

Obama is preaching the politics of hope - not division

During recent weeks, I have watched with increasing dismay the media suggestions that Latinos will not vote for Barack Obama in the Democratic primary because of underlying racism or tension that exists between African-Americans and us.

What surprises me most is the overly facile and inaccurate juxtaposition of Latino vs. African-Americans as a "race" conflict. I chair the National Association of Latino Elected Officials Educational Fund and, in that capacity, work with Latinos at every level of government across the country.

And guess what? We are black, indigenous, white and everything in between. We are also blond-haired and blue-eyed, we are Catholic and Protestant, Republican and Democratic, and, as far as I have been able to determine, we are not unanimously supporting one candidate more than another. The idea that all Latinos speak with one political voice is a false dichotomy and makes flawed assumptions that show a basic ignorance of Latinos and our very diverse culture. more

March 4th Together: TX, OH, RI, VT by kath25
New York City districts significantly underreport Obama's votes by PrometheusSpeaks
confidence and strength by kid oakland
a contest for Pledged Delegates by kid oakland
Barack Obama's sister Maya takes Islands by storm by raatz
Obama's Youth Movement




obama's madison, wi speech, after winning potomac primaries

Video/Audio

Obama's response to Clinton's Debate Attack Ad, here; Michelle at Ohio State; Barack in Baltimore; Wisconsin Democratic Founder's day Dinner, Milwaukee, WI, February 16, 2008, here; Barack in Alexandria, VA on Education, here

obama in college park, md

icebergslim’s last word: movement.

This week the Clinton Campaign suggested that their movement will meet our movement on March 4th.

That is all fine and good. I am glad that the Clinton Campaign has come to terms that a campaign is only as good as the people who are committed to it. As we have seen in record number of people at Barack’s events, from the primaries and caucuses he has won, to the money raised by the small donors, Barack’s campaign is that of people involved in a movement.

Movement. Folk who come together for a common purpose to fix the problems ahead. That is what we are in this campaign. Ones who are behind Barack’s quest, and one’s who will help him fix the problems, as grave as they are, that we face for this country.

Barack Obama offers more than speeches, false hope, and platitudes. He offers the many disenfranchised voters, new voters, swing voters, independent voters, republican voters this, a chance to take responsibility of what we want for our country from here on now.

For these politicians to try to break the vision, excitement and hope of voters, do it at your peril. These are the same voters you will need to be fired up behind you, and from where I am sitting, there is nothing exciting to be fired up about, but Barack Obama.

Lastly, the repeated remarks by the Clinton Campaign and former President Clinton that caucus states do not matter. Well, all I can type is this, "How stupid of a statement is this!!" Do you want people, many from swing states, to vote for your candidate if the nominee? Obviously, not.

Moving on, Yes. We. Can.

We.Are.A.Movement.

We are not done, far from it. Keep phone banking here. Keep volunterring here. Keep donating here. And keep hope mongering, always.


above is one of my favorite photo's of barack and michelle. we have stuck with them and believed in the change that they have put forth. in only working hard, will this change come to reality. so, let us keep believing in hopes and dreams. i will never be ashamed of wanting something better for me, my family and my country. will you? as always, focus on obama and not the drama....

::

contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com