Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Obama's Response to W's Final State of the Union

Watching last night's State of the Union, I couldn't help but be pleased. It wasn't because of anything the president said, but rather because it offered the first glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been a long eight years under this president, but hope is on the way.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

CAROLINE KENNEDY: "A President Like My Father"


















Op-Ed Contributor
A President Like My Father
By CAROLINE KENNEDY
January 27, 2008


OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.


My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.


Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.


We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.


Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.


Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.


I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.


Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.


I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.


I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.


Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love.”

Saturday, January 26, 2008

SOUTH CAROLINA: LANDSLIDE!


  • Watch live results coverage on C-SPAN
  • Watch reactions from South Carolina voters
  • View county by county results at Washington Post
  • News and analysis at CNNPolitics.com
  • News and analysis at MSNBC.com

Congratulations to those supporters whose grassroots efforts made the South Carolina campaign a success!

Sweeping Inferences: Barack's Denomination

The campaign trail, or "marathon" as I would like to call it, is starting to make headway into unruly territory. Recently, I received an e-mail indicating the cry out for American sense in terms of voting for Barack Obama. It came from a source that will remain nameless.

My point is this: I dot not appreciate unfair accusations, especially those irrevelant to the ability and integrity of Barack Obama or any other presidential candidate. For one, it distracts those easily influenced and uneducated from the truth. It manipulates people with hidden messages and racial filth. The e-mail I read infers that since Barack's father was a Muslim and his mother was an atheist that he would, obviously, allow his parents' spirituality to afflict his moral understanding and, in turn, misuse it if given the vote to act as president of this country.

Wow. That word is the only word I can think of when I read this.

Let's see past the facts: that Barack attended a Muslim school, or that he attended a Catholic school, or that he is now Christian but may still hold ties to certain values that are Muslim, or that the religion he was introduced to has or continues to be practiced by terrorists. What appauls and abhors me when I read these allegations is this: how does one believe, out of what disregard they may have a Democratic candidate, that it is ever okay to assume that all those who practice or were once introduced to a form of Muslim religion are in fact terrorists?

This e-mail directly states that since Barack was exposed to a form of Muslim religion that is practiced by terrorists, that he must be corrupt and evil as well, associating himself with terrorists and their beliefs. I am outraged by such accusations and perturbed to know that fellow locals and friends who may not know his standards, or maybe easily influenced, will be subjected to reading this. I cry out for common sense, reason, and ethics. Morals.

Speaking of morale, here is the most horrific message of it all. Are all Muslims terrorists? Are all those who are exposed to such practices at one time or another doomed to be terrorists? To be unethical and unreasonable people?

Barack is ethical. He is reasonable. He is sensitive to the world around him and takes the utmost consideration to the terror facing our nation and the relationships we have with other nations as well.

To whomever wrote this e-mail, to whomever read this account and may think twice, to whomever may believe these accusations, I ask you to challenge this. I ask you to believe in change--believe in what we want America to be and not what it already has become, once faced, or continues to fight for: equality and freedom.

Record Turnout Expected in South Carolina

The following endorsement from The State, South Carolina's largest newspaper, was published January 22nd, 2008.

Obama most likely Democrat to unify America
The State editorial board's Democratic presidential primary endorsement
THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY in South Carolina this year offers voters an unusual choice. Earlier votes have winnowed out the most experienced candidates, leaving a field with fewer accomplishments and differences on policy, but including two candidates who come with the promise to make history just because of who they are.

Looking at the remaining field: Rep. Dennis Kucinich offers a bold plan on health care, but his platform is an odd fit for us and for many in South Carolina. John Edwards has morphed away from the optimist who won South Carolina in 2004. The candidate who stayed mostly above the fray four years ago is angry now, and pushing hard to turn working-class angst into political opportunity. He also has tried to one-up the other top Democrats with the least prudent plan for withdrawing from Iraq.

On positions from Iraq to health care, the policy differences between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama are minute. Much of the debate between them has involved making these molehills look mountainous or clashing over who-shifted-when.

The one most significant difference between them can be found in how they would approach the presidency - and how the nation might respond.
Hillary Clinton has been a policy wonk most of her life, a trait she has carried into the U.S. Senate. As her debate performances have shown, she has intelligence and a deep understanding of many issues. Her efforts in New York focused first on learning her adopted state’s issues in detail, and pursuing legislation that would not necessarily grab headlines.

But we also have a good idea what a Clinton presidency would look like. The restoration of the Clintons to the White House would trigger a new wave of all-out political warfare. That is not all Bill and Hillary’s fault - but it exists, whomever you blame, and cannot be ignored. Hillary Clinton doesn’t pretend that it won’t happen; she simply vows to persevere, in the hope that her side can win. Indeed, the Clintons’ joint career in public life seems oriented toward securing victory and personal vindication.

Sen. Obama’s campaign is an argument for a more unifying style of leadership. In a time of great partisanship, he is careful to talk about winning over independents and even Republicans. He is harsh on the failures of the current administration - and most of that critique well-deserved. But he doesn’t use his considerable rhetorical gifts to demonize Republicans. He’s not neglecting his core values; he defends his progressive vision with vigorous integrity. But for him, American unity - transcending party - is a core value in itself.

Can such unity be restored, in this poisonous political culture? Not unless that is a nominee’s goal from the outset. It will be a difficult challenge for any candidate; but we wait in the hope that someone really will try. There is no other hope for rescuing our republic from the mire.

Sen. Obama would also have the best chance to repair the damage to America’s global reputation. A leader with his biography - including his roots in Africa and his years spent growing up overseas - could transform the world’s view of America. He would seize that opportunity.

He would close the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, which has damaged America’s moral standing, and strive to rebuild many diplomatic relationships.
Despite America’s bitter partisan divide, all sides should agree on this: In such an environment, little gets done. Congress has been largely useless under both Republican and Democratic leadership. Setting aside the ideological conflict for conflict’s sake to get anything worthwhile done has fallen severely out of fashion.

And America certainly has things to get done.

From terrorism and climate change to runaway federal entitlement spending, there are big challenges to be faced. Sen. Obama is the only Democrat who plausibly can say that he wants to work with Americans across the political spectrum to address such subjects - and he has the integrity and the skills of persuasion that make him the best-qualified among the remaining Democratic hopefuls to address these challenges.

He would be a groundbreaking nominee. More to the point, he makes a solid case that he is ready to lead the whole country. We see Sen. Barack Obama as the best choice in Saturday’s Democratic primary.

Friday, January 25, 2008

SMILE: Clinton on Rezko "I don't know the man!"

In one of the most heated exchanges in Monday night's debate, Hillary Clinton railed against Barack Obama, exclaiming that while "I was fighting against those [Ronald Reagan's] ideas when you were practicing law and representing your contributor, Rezko, in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago."

Obama clarified that it was only five hours of legal work done, not on behalf of Rezko, but for a community organization he was representing.

Now, a photograph has surfaced showing the smiling Clintons with developer Tony Rezko. Clinton told the NBC Today show this morning: "I don't know the man. I wouldn't know him if he walked in the door."

Sounds like the Clinton mudslinging has backfired. As they say, if you play with dirt, you're going to get dirty.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Clinton Battles for Another Taste of the White House

"Think what being president's like. They play a song every time you walk into the room. Without the music, I didn't know where I was."
--Bill Clinton, January 22nd, 2008

I don't have any particular beef with Bill Clinton. In fact, I've seen him speak and read his memoir with great interest. I became somewhat disappointed with his close affiliation with George W. Bush, wondering why he would choose to align himself so closely with a man who might very well go down in history as the worst U.S. president.

I figured it was all part of the good ol' boy ex-president fraternity. Except, of course, for the fact that George W. Bush is no ex-president. In recent weeks, though, it's become clearer and clearer to me, as I watch Bill Clinton relentlessly attack Barack Obama, that former president Clinton is, at his core, a man who lusts for power. He has never quite gotten over all the attention he received in the White House, and he is determined to get back, if only as first spouse.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Obama Refutes Smear Campaigns

Last week, I mentioned the resurgance of spam emails attacking Barack Obama with what amounts to hate speech. Yesterday, Obama commented directly on that fear-mongering smear campaign.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Bill Clinton has a Dream!

Bill Clinton took the opportunity today to catch up on some sleep during a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (This video may take a while to load. If it doesn't load on this page, click here. It's worth watching.)

Gloves Come Off in South Carolina


Wow. This was a debate not to be missed. Although I do miss the days of having Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich on stage, it was refreshing to see a debate focused on three candidates. (Although, let's be honest, at times it felt like two.)

I appreciated the format, one hour of traditional debate followed by a second hour of sit-down conversation. There were certainly more fireworks in the first hours, however. Obama delivered his promise to take the Clintons to task for their mudslinging campaign of late, and Clinton wasted no time counterattacking. For about twenty minutes, I felt like I was just listening to Obama defend himself from both sides. I think there's no doubt that both Clinton and Edwards used this debate as an opportunity to put Obama on his heels. Given his success among black voters in Nevada, there's no doubt that both Clinton and Edwards benefit from taking shots at him here.

Ultimately, Edwards walked away the winner in the first hour, refusing to engage in the harsh and often child-like squabble between Clinton and Obama.

My vote for the line of the night goes to Obama, who responded to a question about whether Bill Clinton really was the first black president by complimenting Clinton's support of the African-American community, but added that he would have to see Bill Clinton dance before he could determine if "he was a brother."

The second hour was much calmer. I'd be curious to know what, if anything, the candidates said to each other during the intermission. In the second half, though, the tone mellowed out a bit. I did appreciate that the three candidates did manage to come together to have a conversation about larger Democratic strategy versus the Republicans in 2008.

Overall, if you missed this one, I recommend watching the impending replay. If I had to choose a winner here it would be Edwards, only in the sense that he managed to avoid walking away with battle scars.

If you want some sparse, surface level analysis of the debate, check out my meager "Live Blogging" of the debate below. I thought I would give that whole Live Blogging thing a try. Not so thrilling. Maybe I'm not so good at multi-tasking. I would rather just blog, or watch the debate. Rest assured, BlogObama08 readers, for you benefit and mine, that I will never try that again.

Live Blogging the South Carolina Debate


Watch the debate live here.

8:00

Wolf Blitzer will moderate this evening. The rules will be somewhat loose, with no lights or signals to time the candidates. The first hour will be a series of questions with roughly one minute responses. The second hour, following a brief intermission, will be "more conversational." Whatever that means, it sounds interesting.

8:00-8:15

The candidates take turns showing how precious little they have to say about the economy. Note that none of them have anything to say about the falling dollar. Only Barack Obama makes the connection between wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and our fiscal health.

8:19-8:30

No time for typing these last few minutes. I was too busy staring, mouth agape, at the screen, watching Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama take the gloves off. I won't bother recounting all of the details here, for you'll certainly see it on the news a thousand times this week. Certainly not to be missed, though. The most heated moments of the campaign so far. I'll post the video when I get the chance.

8:30

Slam junk, John Edwards! After the 15-minute skirmish between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, John Edwards chimes in, saying, "Are there three people in this debate, or two? This squabbling, this back and forth, how many children is this going to get health care for?" In the first 30 minutes of this debate, with so much negative energy being thrown around between the two front runners, it's clear that Edwards is the big winner so far.

8:43

"It is very difficult having a straight up debate with you because you never take responsibility for anything you do." --Hillary Clinton, followed by a loud chorus of boos from the crowd in South Carolina.

"When you comb my 4,000 votes, choose one, and portray it in the worst possible light, that has to be answered." -- Barack Obama

8:47

John Edwards and Barack Obama tangle on Obama's voting record in the Illinois house and his 100 times voting "present" instead of an up or down vote.

At this point in the debate, we've seen twenty minutes of Barack Obama having to defend himself from accusations from both Clinton and Edwards. Interesting that both Clinton and Edwards know that Obama is the heavy favorite in South Carolina. Both of Obama's opponents benefit from putting him on the ropes in this debate.

8:55-8:59

Edwards and Clinton attack Obama on his universal health care plan, stating that his plan leaves 15 million American uninsured. Obama responds by saying that he wants everyone covered, but that he doesn't want to mandate that families purchase coverage that they cannnot afford, and then fine them if they cannot afford coverage.

9:06

John Edwards outlays his plan to withdraw all combat troops and combat missions from Iraq in the first year of his presidency, leaving no permanent bases behind. Barack Obama reaffirms his belief that he wants to withdraw trips as quickly as they can be withdrawn safely. He underscores the financial costs of staying in Iraq any longer than absolutely necessary. Clinton says that she will move as quickly as possible. She also outlines her concerns about George W. Bush's plan to push forward a long term agreement with Iraq. She is opposed to Bush's plan for permanent bases and troop levels.

Intermission

At this point, the debate is taking a quick break. When the debate returns, we are promised a new set, where all candidates will be seated together for a conversation and where there will be no rules (as if there were ever any rules.)

9:28

Now that we are in the sit-down, "conversational," portion of the debate, the tone has mellowed out somewhat. The first topic of conversation is poverty. This is one of those moments in the race where I think to myself, "Hey, all three of these people really want to do good."

Right now the candidates are basically telling stories about how in touch they are with the poverty in this country.

9:32

Barack Obama, on whether Bill Clinton was really the first black president: "I would have to investigate his (Bill Clinton's) dancing abilities before I could determine if he is, in fact, a brother."

9:33

Hillary Clinton is reflecting on how the diversity of the democratic candidates reflects the legacy of Dr. King.

9:36

Barack Obama takes the opportunity to take a look at the "substinative issue" of racial injustice in the country. I think that it's outstanding that he doesn't just use this holiday as a chance to be sappy, but also a chance to point out that Dr. King's dream is has yet to be realized.

9:43

Barack Obama: "We as Democrats have not had a working majority in a very long time...one of the reasons that I am running for president is that I can inspire new people to join in the process...the one good thing that Bush and Cheney have done for us is that they have given their party a very bad name. That gives us a unique opportunity in this election."

9:45

Edwards: "Who will be strong enough and tough enough to compete against John McCain in every place in America"

Interesting to hear the candidates now take a strategic look at the Democratic party as a whole and how they can achieve a mandate in 2008.

Edwards goes on to say that he is the one candidate who can compete head to head against John McCain anywhere in America.

9:53

Obama asserts that he, too, has polls showing that he can take on John McCain. Barack Obama asserts that Democrats have made a mistake in not going more aggressively after the evangelical vote.

9:54

Clinton says that her polls show that she can beat John McCain. She asserts that McCain will make it a national security debate, and that she is the one candidate who can take on McCain on national security.

9:56

Barack Obama says that the way to win on national security is to move away from "fear-mongering" and toward a diplomacy based foreign policy.

Closing Question: If Dr. King were alive today, why should he endorse you?

Edwards: What we need is a president who is willing to end poverty in America.

Obama: I don't think he would endorse any of us. Dr. King would call on the American people to hold us accountable. Dr. King understood that change does not happen from the top down, but from the bottom up.

Clinton: She sort of dodged the question.

Barack Obama Speaks at Dr. King's Church

Saturday, January 19, 2008

NEVADA UPDATE: Obama Wins 13 Delegates, Clinton 12

The Clintons Capture Sin City

It was the Las Vegas strip that put the Clintons ahead.


With 85 percent of precincts reporting as of 2:17 p.m. EST Saturday afternoon, it appears that the Clintons will win Nevada by less than 600 votes.


Statewide, Barack Obama finished first in 11 counties and second in 6. The Clintons finished first in 6 counties and second in 11. Yet they managed to capture more of the Sin City vote, pulling ahead in Clark County. (Click here for Clark County demographic data.)


According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Clinton captured about half of the white vote and two-thirds of the Hispanic vote. Obama walked with 80 percent of the black vote, a number that bodes well for next week's South Carolina primary.


The Review-Journal also reported that large numbers of the Culinary Workers Union went against the endorsement of their organization to cast votes for the Clintons who won that demographic 45 to 44 percent.


One must wonder how the Clinton campaign managed such a coup. Why would large numbers of union workers go against the recommendation of their union in a setting where their votes are made in plain view of their peers?


Ben Smith of Politico.com offers a potential answer: A robo-call made to Barack Obama supporters that trashes the candidate, harping on his middle name. "You just can't take a chance on Barack Hussein Obama," the call said. While the call is not directly linked to the Clinton campaign, it does echo President Clinton's comments last week when he questioned whether American should "roll the dice" on Barack Obama. (Click here for the full audio of the robo-call.)

Looking forward, Nevada's delegates will be split roughly evenly between Clinton and Obama in this increasingly tight race. Moreover, Obama's landslide victory among black voters should resonate among South Carolina voters next week.

















While the big picture will likely remain unclear until Super Tuesday on February 5th, one thing is clear: The Clintons have dedicated themselves to dragging Barack Obama through the mud on every turn, even if that means using his middle name to prey on the xenophobic fears of the average American voter. Reminds me of the fear-mongering politics of the Bush administration if you ask me.

The Best in the West


By tonight, we'll know who the winner is in Nevada's historic early primary. I hate to keep throwing around the word historic on this blog, but this is the first time that a western state has the privilidge of an early and vital primary decision.

  • Click here for a live stream from KNPR 88.9 Nevada Public Radio.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Nevada's Largest Newspaper Endorses Obama




The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada's largest newspaper, endorsed Barack Obama earlier this week and ran this thought-provoking editorial this morning. While much of the discussion of Obama's campaign has centered on his appeal to youth voters, the authors explore how his vision for the country resonates among older Americans.

Jan. 18, 2008



Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal



Obama will renew faith in federal programs:
Older Americans know we need collective safety net



By NANCY ALTMAN and ERIC KINGSON


SPECIAL TO THE REVIEW-JOURNAL



Older Americans are destined to be one of Barack Obama's strongest constituencies.


Obama has not yet done as well with voters 65 and over as he has with younger ones. And there's not a lot of difference between Sens. Obama, Clinton and Edwards when it comes to "senior" issues, such as Social Security and Medicare. Nevertheless, we believe older Americans should and will gravitate to Obama. Here's why:


Of all voters, Obama's themes resonate best among the old. Identical to younger Americans, senior citizens do not wish to be set aside; neither can the nation afford to lose their energy and skills. Obama's call to civic engagement is consistent with the creation of a new, more vibrant old age for those who seek new adventures and new opportunities to strengthen America.


Moreover, Obama's message of unity, inclusiveness and hope speak loudest to senior citizens. Older Americans have experienced first hand what collective action can do for our nation and the world, and how hope is the only antidote to despair.


In the 1950s and the 1960s, today's seniors witnessed the Civil Rights movement that captured the conscience of the nation and took us closer to the founders' belief that all of us are created equal, an ideal that says that anyone of our citizens, man, woman, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, can be elected president of the United States.


Today's oldest Americans, those who lived through the Great Depression, know an additional truth, as well. They know that events beyond one's control can shake the foundations of life. The economy can disintegrate; a parent can die leaving dependent children; a worker can become disabled, ill, or can retire and outlive one's savings.


Older Americans recognize that the best solution to these problems of life is collective action, in the form of insurance. This recognition of the power of unity and collective action is what led to the enactment of Social Security and Medicare. They are the values that underlie those programs today.
These programs thrive today because politicians and citizens of other times wisely understood that we are at our best, as individuals, families, communities and as a nation:

-- When we understand that we are "all in it together."



-- When we accept that the moral quality of a society is determined not by the wars we start, but by how, in the words of Hubert Humphrey, the society treats "those who are in the dawn of life (the children); the twilight of life (the elderly); and the shadows of life (the sick, the needy and the handicapped)."



-- When we take up common cause to care for ourselves, our families, our neighbors and our community,



-- And when government responds with practical, dignified, secure and efficient means for hard-working Americans to protect their children, families and their communities.



The politics of the past few decades has been unusually divisive. Consistent with these politics, Social Security has been cynically used as a wedge issue, seeking to pit generations against each other by arguing that Social Security and Medicare are unsustainable and undermining the well-being of future generations.



But the "What's-in-it-for-me" attitude of Washington does not reflect everyday Americans; grandparents care about the well-being of their grandchildren and vice versa.



In rejecting Red States/Blue States, White/Black dichotomies, Obama moves the nation away from those who would drive a wedge between young and old.
Obama intuitively embraces the promise of American democracy and the hope for a better future for all Americans, in a way that no other candidate today does.



Support for Obama will grow among older persons because they understand, better than any of us, the need for unity and hope. Like all Americans, they have a stake in creating a legacy of peace, prosperity and opportunity for their children, grandchildren and those who follow.



Nancy Altman, author of "The Battle for Social Security: From FDR's Vision to Bush's Gamble" (Wiley, 2005) was Alan Greenspan's top assistant when he chaired the 1982 commission that developed the Social Security Amendments of 1983. Eric Kingson, professor of social work and public administration at Syracuse University, served as adviser to the Greenspan commission, and, in 1994, to the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform. Contact them at Njalt@aol.com and erkingso@syr.edu.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Youth Vote, 2008

Since 2000, analysts have touted the potential power of the youth vote, only to have the young voters show up in meager numbers for the general election. 2008 promises to be different, but will the youth vote deliver?

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Just Say No to Mud!


As the Obama campaign continues to gain momentum, and as his opponents become more desparate, efforts to tarnish Obama's image will become increasingly hostile.
Since the Iowa victory, Obama's opponents have returned to baseless attacks on his religious background and personal history. Barack Obama has been perfectly candid about his past in his memoirs, yet his opponents, failing to attack his policies directly, are resorting (again) to old fashioned mudslinging.
Nobody said this campaign would be easy. But one thing that we can do to distinguish ourselves is to take the higher road. If someone you know is spouting information about Barack Obama that is clearly false, politely remind them to check their facts.
If someone you know is using workplace or institutional email to forward libelous spam about Barack Obama, check your workplace email policy to see whether such communications are in violation of the rules. Most employers and institutions have strict policies prohibiting employees from using company or institutional email for political solicitation. Considering much of the Barack Obama spam is racially charged and bordering on hate speech, kindly reminding your co-worker of the company policy may end up saving him or her from trouble in the future.
This public service announcement brought to you by BlogObama08.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

A Challenge to Florida

While the primaries in each South Carolina and Nevada are no doubt important in the race for the Democratic nod, history both recent and bygone, along with a more pressing primary, should tell us that Florida will play a key roll in this year’s elections.

At this point Senator Clinton leads Obama in the state polls by a large margin: Clinton’s 43 percent to Obama’s 21. This could be because of the large population of New York retirees in Florida or similarly because “…an electorate that skews older tends to be heavily female.” (CNN.com) In fact, women voters made up 55% of the democratic primary in Florida in 2004.

With the race in each of the other early primary states very close, these numbers may look daunting for the Obama campaign. However, a question is raised that bears attention: Could these polls reflect a population that, so far, is making their choice based on superficial rather than educated criteria? Could be.

The fact that New York Senator Clinton leads in a population made up of a great number of voters who are both female and originally from New York suggests the validity of that question, and so this post is a challenge to Florida: Read up on the candidates, become educated, and make your choice based on what you really think is good for our country. If that choice continues to be Hillary Clinton, regardless of sex and state, at least it was made for the right reasons. But become educated, above all. You might be surprised at what you find.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

ENOUGH ALREADY: New Hampshire Conspiracy Theories




In the wake of Hillary Clinton's narrow victory in New Hampshire Tuesday night, a small but vocal faction of Obama bloggers has been espousing theories that the New Hampshire election was fixed. This post is to kindly suggest to those people, in the spirit of the Obama campaign, to please drop the issue and focus on the challenges that await us in the coming weeks.

Most of these theories center around the supposed "hackability" of the Diebold voting machines used in approximately 81 percent of New Hampshire precincts. Others criticize the lack of an adequate supply of ballots. Regardless of the supposed source of the "conspiracy," the arguments are based on the idea that Obama could not possibly have held such a wide lead in the polls, only to come in second.

While I disagree with the widespread use of electronic voting and am frustrated by the lack of preparation and adequate ballots, ultimately these conspiracy theories work against the principles that the Obama campaign is based on--most specifically, positive politics that celebrate our shared love of country instead of quarreling over our superficial differences.

For those Obama supporters who cling to the idea that New Hampshire was rigged, here is a swift reality check:

  1. Polls are not always right, and in fact are frequently wrong.

  2. The Clinton campaign absolutely needed the New Hampshire win, or else their run would have been all but over. Her campaign staff is experienced in the old ways of Washington--hence the five day mudslinging campaign by Senator Clinton and former President Clinton. Despite such desperate tactics, including some unprecedented political theater, she barely squeezed out a win.

  3. Despite the fact that Clinton won by 3 points, both she and Obama walked away with an equal number of delegates, with 9 each.

It's important to remember that Obama remains the front runner, with a first place and a second place finish, and more delegates than any other Democratic candidate.

Obama supporters looking for a conspiracy in New Hampshire may have the best of intentions. Certainly the entire country is on the alert for fraud after the disastrous 2000 election. Yet we must remember that this campaign requires a different kind of politics, and requires a different type of supporter. We can count on Clinton and her supporters to go negative, digging in the past for anything that might give them a fighting chance.

We're all eager to see Obama score the nomination, but in the meantime, let's stay positive, and focused on the historic month ahead of us.



Wednesday, January 9, 2008

TAKE A MOMENT TO SMILE: Slate's "Election Night Lowlights"



In celebration of how exciting and intense the last few days have been, I thought it might be time to pause for a bit of humor at BlogObama08. Please excuse the brief ad at the beginning of this video. The clips that follow are worth the wait.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

YES WE CAN: Obama Campaign Heads South and West


After an incredibly close New Hampshire primary, garnering the support 37 percent of Democratic participants, Barack Obama takes his campaign south and west, turning his attention to the contests in South Carolina and Las Vegas.
In a stirring speech, with a thunderous crowd chanting "Yes we can!" Obama reinforced his belief that the country can move toward change by realizing that we have more in common than our politics might suggest. “You made it clear in this moment and this election there is something happening in America," Obama said. "We are ready to take this country in a fundamentally new direction.” He praised his competitors, calling them both patriots who have served their country well.
Without a doubt, tonight's victory was a must win for Hillary Clinton, offering valuable life support to a campaign that seemed on its last legs just days ago. After launching a three day mud-slinging assault on Obama, the Clinton camp pulled out a narrow victory. Following her disappointing third place finish in Iowa, another loss in New Hampshire would have put her at an incredible disadvantage heading into the next phase of the primaries. With 88 percent of precincts reporting, Obama was only 2 points behind Clinton, assuring that his momentum and front runner status remains intact.
Both campaigns face the challenge of rallying the African-American vote in South Carolina. With Obama faring so well in two overwhelmingly white states, previously doubtful voters have fresh evidence of the Illinois Senator's viability in the general election.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the participants in the New Hampshire primary for their passion and enthusiasm in this truly historic election year.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: HISTORY IN THE MAKING


Watch live video coverage of the New Hampshire primary from MSNBC.
Listen to live audio from National Public Radio.

Salem Rally, January 6, 2008

A BlogObama08 reader recently commented:

"I as a Republican cannot help but be for Obama - character and integrity and knowing that we are All Americans - regardless of party affiliation - and together we can find solutions to our problems."

At yesterday's Salem Rally, Obama spoke about how people of all stripes are showing unprecedented support for this campaign. Today in New Hampshire, I'm certain that we'll see more evidence of what Americans can accomplish when we stand together.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Barack Obama on Good Morning America

Barack Obama's first sit-down interview since his win in Iowa is certainly worth watching.

During part one, Diane Sawyer asks some pointed questions, addressing some of the most common critiques of Obama.

After part one, use the sliding menu at the bottom of the window to watch part two. Sawyer asks a more personal set of questions aboard the Obama campaign bus.

Those of you in New Hampshire, get the word out! Tomorrow is your big day!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Hillary Clinton on the "False Hopes" of the Barack Obama Campaign

I really don't know how to respond to this moment in last night's debate. I can understand Hillary's anger--she's been in the Senate for years--and I can understand her frustration at feeling like her hard work is being overlooked. What she doesn't get is that voters are not satisfied with the sort of politics that she boasts about. She may have a significant accomplishment or two under her belt, but on balance, she has not leveraged her leadership when it counts.

Consider Iraq: She could have stood up against the invasion, but instead she stepped aside to let Bush march to war.

As far as her characterizing Obama's campaign as raising voters "false hopes," well, that just shows that she is out of touch with the pulse of the nation.

Obama in NH: Another day, Another Massive Crowd

More than any poll, I think that this video speaks to Obama's momentum going into New Hampshire's primary on Tuesday.

Although, if you're invested in polls, here's the latest:

"The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in New Hampshire shows Barack Obama earning 39% of the vote while Hillary Clinton attracts 27%. The survey was conducted on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. All interviews were conducted after the Iowa caucuses and before last night’s debate."

Friday, January 4, 2008

Obama's Victory Speech

A sincere thanks to all of you who have supported this campaign from the beginning. Tonight, Iowa voters have spoken in record numbers in favor of a new direction for America. This is only the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting year.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Obama: One Voice