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

cross-posted @ daily kos


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



Debate Schedule

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

::


obama at the pub

Obama Apperances\Campaign Events

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

Faith Plays Every Role With Obama

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

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

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

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

Obama Criticizes Clinton War, Torture Stances


lessons from iraq

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

We need to talk about them. Why? They are the enigma right now, of this campaign. Meaning? The unknown factor. Will they stand up and make a difference? Or will they stay home and say, forget it?

Fred D. Thompson, a Republican candidate for president, spoke to a few hundred people the other night in one of the ballrooms in the Marriott convention center here. The crowd, not unusually for Iowa, was decidedly older, for the most part north of 50. A few hours later, Senator Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat, addressed an audience of over 1,000 just up the hallway. His crowd contained a striking number of people under 30.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, yes. It does come down to Iowa.

Blogs and Websites

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

nh photo blog by jhutson

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

Announcements

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

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

The Real Obamas

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

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

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

londonderry, nh

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

Audio/Video

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

Obama criticizes Clinton's support for resolution on Iran

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

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

canvass for change

Turnaround for Obama?
Ross stumps for Obama


prince georges, md, oct 10th, 2500+

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

Obama urges Charles City voters to caucus for next U.S. president

In his second visit to Floyd County, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama urged voters to get involved in politics and caucus in January.

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

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

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

Blast from the Past

Barack Obama
February 6, 1990

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

Michelle Obama
Clinton-Obama Quandry for Many Black Women


des moines, ia, oct 14th

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

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

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

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

Yes. All those questions and now New Hampshire is chiming in:

Clinton can parse her decision any way she wants, but the obvious truth is that she made a calculated choice to break her word for political advantage.

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

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

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

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


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

email me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

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

cross-posted @ daily kos


obama @ depaul university, chicago, il


Debate Schedule

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

::

Obama Apperances\Campaign Events

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

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


luther college, oct 4

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

Much can be said about his speech, which is one of his best, in my opinion. But a few things caught my eye and ear (video of speech available in video section).

Some seek to rewrite history. They argue that they weren’t really voting for war, they were voting for inspectors, or for diplomacy. But the Congress, the Administration, the media, and the American people all understood what we were debating in the fall of 2002. This was a vote about whether or not to go to war. That’s the truth as we all understood it then, and as we need to understand it now.

This is a direct hit to those who tried to say "they did not know that Bush is taking us to war". Only, one word comes to my mind, "PLEASE". If the American public knew this was a vote to authorize President Bush to go to war with Iraq, how could any politician try to use this excuse?

With all that we know about what’s gone wrong in Iraq, even today’s debate is divorced from reality. We’ve got a surge that is somehow declared a success even though it has failed to enable the political reconciliation that was its stated purpose. The fact that violence today is only as horrific as in 2006 is held up as progress. Washington politicians and pundits trip over each other to debate a newspaper advertisement while our troops fight and die in Iraq.

Can we all say, "Moveon.org"? To this day, I do not understand The Senate. For the senate to allow the GOP on the floor to grandstand instead of face the public and debate Iraq was ghastly. While we argue over a newspaper ad in which many Americans knew nothing about, nor care about, is truly unforgivable. Harry Reid. What were you thinking?

Well I’m not running for President to conform to Washington’s conventional thinking – I’m running to challenge it. I’m not running to join the kind of Washington groupthink that led us to war in Iraq – I’m running to change our politics and our policy so we can leave the world a better place than our generation has found it.

This is about challenging the establishment. What is the establishment? The ones who hold the power and have a "lock" on this country. The ones who do not want things to change, no matter what party affiliation is in charge. The ones who will not change anything concerning big business, lobbyists, and will keep the check flowing to the special interests. This is the challenge of the people for change. And the people must demand this by voting for change.

In 2009, we will have a window of opportunity to renew our global leadership and bring our nation together. If we don’t seize that moment, we may not get another. This election is a turning point. The American people get to decide: are we going to turn back the clock, or turn the page?

Text of Obama Speech; Geekesque; NY Times, Politico

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

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


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

Audio/Video

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

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


new iowa ad with general mcpeak

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

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

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

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


waterloo, ia

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

There are many Democrats not sure about Hillary Clinton, which you see a lot of "wait and see" action in the polling. Jonathan Singer indicated this for the recent South Carolina Poll. And many Iowans are finding her problematic as in this Washington Post article:

Long before the 2008 campaign began, Liz Belden thought she would support Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.). As a feminist, she believed it would be good for the country to finally elect a woman as president.

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

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

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

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


new hampton, ia

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

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


rock hill, sc

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

Obama: Torture is part of the problem, not the solution

Obama responded to a report in The New York Times that said the administration, while publicly denouncing torture, secretly allowed the most aggressive interrogation techniques ever used by the CIA, including “water-boarding,” sleep deprivation and slaps to the head, as well as keeping suspects in frigid temperatures for extended periods of time.

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

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

With Iowa Polling Comes Other Things

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

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

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

Obama A Courageous Leader?
Michelle Obama

Obama: Support Unions, End War in Iraq

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

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

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

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

Announcements

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

Obama maneuver boosts civil rights cred

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is partisan time. I have no doubt about it. Right now Democrats, the ones on the blogs, are partisan to their candidate, their choice. It is understandable. But the comments I read were not only over the top, but vicious to the extent that you actually end up looking at the poster’s candidate in a very different light. Thus made me find the diary by DHinMI and reminded me of this particular passage, so eloquently stated:

Not every partisan for one of the "big three" Democratic nominees is being a jerk. Many aren't. Some are just annoying. But every candidate has a cadre of profoundly obnoxious assholes whose behavior does NOTHING to help their candidate, but instead turns people off from supporting him or her.

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

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

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

Truly, olive branch time, for all of us.



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


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

contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

This Week With Barack Obama, September 23-29, 2007

cross-posted @ daily kos


obama, washington park, nyc, sept 27, 24,000 strong


Debate Schedule

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

::


dartmouth debate, sept 26

Over 500,000 Donations; Over 350,000 Individual Donors
We are coming together, we are mobilizing, to take our country back. It is not too late and every dollar count. I have been providing This Week With Barack Obama, since July, 2007. If you have not donated to The Obama Campaign, then Tip my Obama Jar!! Five dollar, minimum. Quarter Three ends September 30th, tonight, midnight, your time zone, so if you have not donated, do it now!!

Post Debate Well for Obama

Obama Apperances\Campaign Events

October 2, 2007 - Foreign Policy Speech, Des Moines, IA
October 2, 2007 - Foreign Policy Speech, Coralville, IA
October 3, 2007 - Foreign Policy Town Hall, Iowa City, IA
October 3, 2007 - Town Hall, Washington, IA
October 4, 2007 - Town Hall, Waterloo, IA
October 6, 2007 - Peterborough, NH Office Opening with Congressman Paul Hodes
October 6, 2007 - Minnesota Caucus Convention, St. Paul, MN
October 10, 2007 - Countdown to Change with Barack, Prince Georges County, MD
October 15, 2007 - Countdown to Change, Madison, WI

Campaigning as Obama's Cousin
Obama Wins the Mashup

Obama Would Meet with Iranian President

Democrat Barack Obama says he probably wouldn't have invited Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia University but would be willing as president to meet with the Iranian leader as a way to protect U.S. interests.

"The hateful lies that he may utter about Israel, the Holocaust — the answer is for us to promote the truth and show the world the values and ideals that we hold dear," Obama said Monday. "One of the values we believe in is the value of academic freedom. He has a right to speak." more

Obama Presses Bush on Blackwater

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has proposed clarifying that private contractors accused of misconduct can be tried under U.S. law and urging the Pentagon to pursue such civilian prosecution. Following a Sept. 16 shooting that infuriated the Iraqi government and got the contracting firm Blackwater USA briefly barred from the country, Senate aides are working on adding parts of Obama’s plan to the defense authorization bill.

Obama told Bush in a Monday letter that he should pin down information immediately on offenses committed by contractors.

“It is our government’s obligation to ensure that security contractors in Iraq are subject to adequate and transparent oversight and that their actions do not have a negative impact on our military’s efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Obama wrote. more

Political Stardom Profitable for Obama
Gettin' on the Maryland Train


concord, nh

Obama and Poker
Obama and the Youth Vote

Bill Clinton and Barack is not “Experienced Enough”
Well, Bill Clinton is evoking his “two cents” about Barack Obama not being “experienced enough”. Why? Obama has over 12 years of legislative experience, combining state and federal. While Clinton has only been a US Senator for six years. While for some this may be an issue, for many it is not. Remember, all these candidates touting experience, surely can not answer to their "judgement call" on Iraq. Now can they?

Bill Clinton might not be running for president again, but he keeps popping up in this Democratic primary race.

Latest case in point: This morning, when Barack Obama – with some ceremony and a bit of mystery – delivered the latest of his ongoing riffs rebutting the suggestion, by Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Mr. Clinton, that he does not have the experience to be president.

Standing in a park here, Mr. Obama announced that he was going to quote what another former candidate running for president who had been criticized for not having enough experience had said in response to the charge.

“He said, ‘The same old experience is not relevant: You can have the right kind of experience and the wrong kind of experience,’ ’’ Mr. Obama said. He than paused for a dramatic moment to answer the question for anyone in the audience who had not figured it out.

“Well, that candidate was Bill Clinton,” he said. “And I think he was absolutely right.” more, UPI, DemDog

And lastly, let’s listen to Bill Clinton about the “experience” meme.


Bush Endorses Clinton For the Democratic Nominee
Obama and the Black Vote
Students Support Obama
Greenwood, SC

Announcements

Correction Officers; Iowa, Gordon Fischer; Becky Carroll; Mike Dorsey

The Money Race, Sigh, Yes, Again
Barack-A-Que


portland, me, 2000+

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.

Obama's Challenge Poll Numbers
But Look At These Iowa Poll Numbers!!!


howard university convocation

Audio/Video

Believe in America, Again, Interview with Yahoo, NYC Rally Speech, NH Ad "Do You Believe?", September 26th Dartmouth Debate

Clinton Will Be Business As Usual, And She Will

Both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and her husband, former President Clinton, have criticized Obama for his lack of political experience.

Obama said he understands their argument.

"They want to make the argument that Sen. Clinton is just an extension of the Bill Clinton presidency," Obama said in an interview with The Associated Press. "They've been the dominant political family in the Democratic Party for the last 20 years now. So it's not surprising that they want to focus on their longevity.

But, Obama said: "My belief is that the American people are looking for a fundamental break from the way we've been doing business." more

SEIU Endorsment Delayed



columbia, sc

shoutouts: do you understand where you are?; mydd weekly Obama frontpager, psericks; paul hogarth; FishOutofWater; Burma, messed up; employment discrimination, good read by rserven; ending the war vs. "pretending" to end the war, by clammyc; greenspan, iraq all about the oil; gop senators, scurred; 35% of iraq population: dead, maimed or refugee; state dept blocks blackwater files; edwards and public financing; dems need straight talk on iraq

Register to Vote, Here, All 50 States
10 Reasons Why I Support Barack Obama
Turn the Page In Iraq


citizen ad, by lovingj

Michelle Obama and Iowa
Much ado about NOTHING with Michelle Obama stating Barack need to win Iowa. Well, guess what? So, do the rest. Yes, if you look at strategy some not as much as others, but is that written in stone? The point being all these candidates have to poise themselves to do well. And from the recent Newsweek Iowa polling, Obama's time in Iowa is starting to pay off. So, as everyone try to spin words, just make sure your groudtroops are ready to spin the folks to the caucus. Ok?

icebergslim’s last word: obama and movement
This week was an interesting one, for various reasons. Obama was on the move, busy, as usual, but then something else happened.

In NYC, Washington Park, over 24,000 came together for a rally to hear Barack Obama.

So, what? You say. Is it a big deal? Yes, and here is why.

This event was put together in less than 10 days. Yes. 10 days. So, what, again? Well, what rally do you know or better yet, persons do you know who can put together a huge event like this in less than 10 days? Even Oprah had three months, for her event.

What does this mean? A lot. And I will tell you why. The Obama Campaign since conception has challenged us. Yes. They have challenged us. First through supporting the movement, then getting from behind the computer to “Walk for Change”, then provides us tools to engage and meet up with each other, also our own fundraising tools, had us call New Yorkers to come to the rally, and now these various events. This is a challenge for the grassroots movement, a test. To get engaged, get people out to one place. And the final test will be getting folk to the polls.

This is crucial, because it shows the commitment, depth, and breath of this campaign. It means if we can get together in Conway, SC, Atlanta, GA, Portland, OR, Portland, ME, and NYC then we will get the vote out.

Yes, this campaign has tested us. Even when it comes to bringing new people to this campaign and donating money, they have tested us. And NYC was a big test.

The conclusion of this means that we will be fired up and ready to go, come election day. And if we can pass these tests, we can pass the big one on election day. Yes. We will.



contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

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