obama on capitol hill
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obama in fairfax county, virginia
pollsRasmussen's Mood of America Poll; Obama Ties McCain Among Less-Educated Voters; PPP Missouri Poll; Rasmussen New Jersey Poll; Rasmussen Illinois and North Dakota Poll; Pew Poll National; Zogby Arizona Poll; Rasmussen Wisconsin Poll; Newsweek National Poll; Rasmussen Washington State Poll; Post Dispatch/R2000 Missouri Poll
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Jesse Jackson, Time to Let Go? Yes.
Well, when the good reverend let his "loose lips, sink his ship", my phone started to ring off the hook.
See, here in Chicago we are used to Jackson's rhetoric. Whether you agree or not, you are used to it but this time it was different.
After watching and listening to Jackson's statements on the O'Reilley Factor, my conclusion was that this would not hurt Obama, but it would diminish Jackson in many eyes, especially in the African-American community.
Jackson's statements sent (eyerolls) all over the place. His statement that Barack is talking down to Black people is not only ridiculous but straight up crazy. And wanting to take Obama's manhood from him? What was THAT about? Barack Obama has been consistant in speaking about personal responsibility and men in the Black Community being committed fathers is nothing new here, in fact many agree with his position. So, there is a sure disconnect in what Jackson is angered about and what the public's agreement with Obama's is on this issue.
Sure, Jackson apologized and his son, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. gave him a tongue lashing, via press release, but it still does not answer why he even said this stuff.
My take, Jackson, Sr. is from a different era. Many try to lump black folk in one bin, but we are not a monolithic group, as you heard from Jackson's lips himself. Though Jackson has done much for the civil rights, voters rights, women's rights in this country and is still doing so, his luster on his star has dimmed much.
Living in Chicago, many of us know that Jackson does not do anything without it benefiting Jesse Jackson, Sr. or family. Whether is it protesting Anhauser-Busch for all the liquor stores in African-American neighborhoods and then putting those picket signs away when the Beer Company gives your family a distribution deal. Or being vocal about parenting and father's being father's, but you had hidden your own indiscretion and fathered a baby on your wife.
So, to lump Barack Obama or even me, in the Jesse Jackson mode is well, ridiculous. Those examples above have moved many PAST Jesse Jackson. Again, we respect the good reverend and understand it is hard to move past the national stage when you have always been a player or had a hand in it, but your time is UP.
Thank you for paving a way and giving many generations hope, but it really time for you to take a seat and let the new generation, march on. Thank you.
Obama Addresses His Faith
5 presidential campaign cash myths
Obama Says Forcing Russia to Leave the G-8 Would Be a `Mistake'
The Times Interviews John McCain
Obama Won't Commit to Event at Military Base
Cashing In on Obama and McCain
Corzine says he's ready to stump for Obama
Michelle Obama ties black, white women?
McCain Battles a Nemesis, the Teleprompter
Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan.He managed to limit the mechanical hand chops and weirdly timed smiles that can often punctuate his speeches. He delivered his lines with an ease that suggested a momentary peace with his longtime nemesis, the teleprompter. (He relied on a belt-and-suspenders approach, with text scrolling down screens to his left and right, and on a big TV set in front of him.)
But when Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, came to the intended sound bite of his speech -- the part about reducing America's dependence on foreign oil -- he hit a slick.
"I have set before the American people an energy plan, the Lex-eegton Project," Mr. McCain said, drawing a quick breath and correcting himself. "The Lex-ing-ton Proj-ect," he said slowly. "The Lexington Project," he repeated. "Remember that name."
In a town meeting in Cincinnati the next day, Mr. McCain would again slip up on the name of the Massachusetts town, where, he noted, "Americans asserted their independence once before." He called it "the Lexiggdon Project" and twice tried to fix his error before flipping the name ("Project Lexington") in subsequent references. NYT continue
shoutoutsFellow Kossack Advice needed: my Obama grassroots problem by krwlngwthyou; Michelle Obama in Kansas City - photos by paradocs; If you read Frank Rich, you should demand impeachment hearings by teacherken; The "audacity" of fake friends. by The Field Negro; Beware of Clinton Opportunists! by B-Serious; LA Times: McCain's adultery may be a problem by Drdemocrat; Bush Pressures Berlin Over Obama Visit by psericks; 50 Flip Flops Of John McCain by davefromqueens; Barack Obama Slams McCain On Gramm! by slinkerwink; I just had breakfast with Barack and Hillary by casperr; McCain Aide Says U.S. is "Nation of Whiners" in a "Mental Recession" (w/VIDEO of Obama's response) by dansac; Campaign-ending McCain Quote: Social Security is a Disgrace by Upper West; What's $2300 Buy These Days? Not Much Unity. by wizinit
we got the mo
audio/videoObama speech in St. Louis, MO; Good Morning America - Michelle Obama; "New Energy" Ad; Obama speech at LULAC; McCain speech at LULAC; The Obama Family Interview; DNC Web Ad, "When"; 'Bush Hispanics' Say Goodbye To GOP; AFL-CIO Ad; Representin' Obama; Obama Appeals To Latino Voters; McCain, Obama Lay Out Economic Plans; Obama on Economy in Powder Springs, GA; What The Arab World Is Saying About Obama; How Do We Define A Political Flip-Flop?; Tough Moments On The Campaign Trail
obama in san diego, ca at the la raza conference
icebergslim's last word: birth control, viagra, and gaffes
This campaign season is mired under a microscope. Any little thing said on either side is diced, sliced, and put on a platter for the public to consume.
I state this because I see both campaigns running to the "safety net", really not being bold or challenging but just safe.
I guess that is fine. Both, Obama and McCain want to be elected, but it makes one wonder where is the fire, when we see a bunch of smoke.
This past week offered some funny "you know whats" on various levels. First, as I already commented on the Jesse Jackson remarks, which at the end of the day was some crazy crap. Now we move to McCain and his viagra moment.
There is something to say about surrogates. They have become the love/hate messenger of this campaign season. They either stay on topic or just snap and let it all hang out. We have witnessed it over and over again. And we have seen the denouncement like a broken record, with the usual surrogate getting kicked out of the limo as the candidate drives off.
Well, that is what happened to McCain on various levels this week. First, Carly Fiorina (and I will disclose I don't like her. never did like her. and knowing her history at hp, many will agree) and her stance or her stating McCain's stance on birth control.
This is a touchy subject on many levels. Why? It has displayed McCain voting against insurance companies covering birth control, while many companies cover, (cough, cough) viagra.
Now, this is truly a HELL TO THE NAW moment for women. And Fiorina supplies ample juice by stating: "There are many health insurance plans that will cover Viagra but won't cover birth control medication. Those women would like a choice."
Correct Fiorina, it is a woman's choice. Again, why any woman would vote for John McCain need to look this man's record up, which is horrific on women's issues.
Then we have the snide, snub, rollin' in the dough former senator from Texas, Phil Gramm. Whose notorious statement referring to the citizens of the United States of America as "whiners" have moved the McCain Campaign to slam the brakes and kick Gramm to the curb, as the candidate and limo proceed off to the continuous campaign clouds.
Gramm's statement which can be viewed here, truly the most outrageous gaffe I have heard in a very long time. Sure, McCain did not make the statements, but this is a man who is his trusted advisor for over 20 years. Which makes my assessment of "birds of a feather, flock together" very true about John McCain. Remember, McCain has been running around here, also, telling us that the recession and parts of it is psychological.
To insult the American Public that all this recession is a figment of our imaginations or psychological is truly over the top.
I wish Gramm, McCain and crew can go to South Bend, Indiana, Gary, Indiana, parts of Pennsylvania, parts of the West and Southside of Chicago, Los Angeles, etc. There are areas in this country hit hard and where communities are not only devastated but have been destroyed. Where folks are biting on their fingernails in Michigan for the job they have or wonder if they will keep.
No, this is the most elitist statement ever mentioned in this campaign.
Obama Campaign, this should be shoved down Americans throats until the words BUSH=MCCAIN=ENOUGH is recited off of every American's lips.
And some people have the audacity to want to vote for John McCain? What are you smoking? Because whatever it is, you need to stop now and wake the hell up.
Slide Show, Drum Roll, Please....
well, i am not going to lie. i am prejudice, because i am a woman and i don't like how the press is trying to slime michelle obama. yes, some of it is racist, but much of it is sextist. this is a woman who did not have a silver spoon in her mouth, a woman who made her accomplishments through hard work. isn't this supposed to be respected as the american way? she is a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister and the democratic nominee's wife. all democratic women should be outraged and if you have not gotten your rage up yet, view this, then get pissed. i am.
oh, look below. our hope dog. well, i guess i can call him something else, but he is a dog, standing on hope!! hope is nothing to belittle. you will be surprised and amazed how hope has gotten many of us to the point of where we are in this life. remember that. as always, remember to focus on obama and not the drama...
Get Involved Here
For Inspiration: Yes.We.Can!!!
and tip the obama jar, here
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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama
reposted with permission and cross-posted at Daily Kos
obama family in butte, montana, july 4, 2008
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I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Since, I am late posting "This Week" and just getting back in town, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. A few things first:
If you have not given to the DNC for the Convention or to the Obama Campaign, between arguing, please do so. The DNC is running on empty now, due to the ridiculously, long primary season and money mismangement, in my view. The money is low, don't believe it, read it all here. Barack is also in full fundraising mode. We all know what this is about. If you want to win, you need money to do that. Barack would not be able to run ads in almost 1/2 the country if he did not have the money to do so. Remember Kerry, and the swiftboat ads and the slow response because he did not have the money to combat the ads? Just sayin', don't let anger get in the way of winning this thing in November.
Right now funding the DNC and the Obama Campaign is top priority. It has to be, the primary ran too long, we got a very late start on everything and the Convention is right around the corner, as well as the General Election. You know not only what to do, but what this is about in November, WINNING.
Barack is accepting the nomination in front of over 75K people at the Invesco/Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Sorry, I am from the old school and refuse to process companies names on sport stadiums, so it will always be Mile High to me. Just as Cominsky Park will always be THAT to me, from the Southside of Chicago. Anyway moving on, for a donation as small as $5.00 your name just may be picked from one of ten to enjoy the convention up close and personal in Denver. This also includes meeting Barack Obama. More information is here.
Lastly, please give to the DNC. Donate to the DNC here.
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Double lastly, please give to the Obama Campaign, by DONATING HERE.
Thank You.
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obama with kids from east community ministry, zanesville, ohio
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Missed Obama's FISA position, read it here.
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patriotism speech in independence, missouri, june 30, 2008
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Obama is live on ipod. You can retrieve and listen to all his speeches, townhall meetings, special events. You can get all the information, here.
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obama's laid back, enjoying his daughter's soccer game
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The Obama Girls (Melia and Sasha, respectively) were promised, come hell or high water, a dog after going through this grueling campaign season. The girls deserve it 360 percent. Anytime you take a parent away from their children it is tough. You are reducing the home to basically a one parent home, which is what happened. So, for all the strife of the Obama Girls there now is a pet poll for which dog the girls should get. I know the family is interested in a "shed free dog" and will like to turn their attention to this list.
And for personal experience, I have had two of the dogs on the list. The bichon frise and havanese. Both dogs don't shed, both are loyal to the owners, both are sweet, both are small dogs and both are fun to have around.
One caveat, the bichon frise is a breed that has been over bred. The havenese is still a newer breed to this country, originating in Cuba. The bichon is a stubborn dog, have not met one that is not. The havenese is extremely loyal, easy to train and totally fun. I love both breeds and hope the Obamas investigate well before picking the right dog for their family.
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call to service, colorado springs, colorado
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List of missed Obama speeches, talks, briefings and all of the et cetera...
Barack Obama Addresses A.M.E. Church General Conference
Barack Obama on Veterans in Fargo, ND
Barack Obama Reiterates his Stance on Iraq
Fourth of July Parade in Butte, Montana
Barack Obama at 4th of July Picnic
Barack Obama in Zanesville, OH
The Obamas at Melia's Soccer Game in Chicago, Illinois
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obama with jerry orvin in colorado springs, colorado
shoutoutsThe Long, Long List Of McFlip/Flops (McCain that is) by StuHunter; Unfit for duty: McCain physically assaulted foreign official in 1987 by Geekesque; Elizabeth Edwards to Headline $40 million Health Care Coalition. by GlowNZ; The Obamas, Mortgages and Creditworthiness by SusanG; John "I Didn't Say What I Said" McCain by Todd Beeton; Cool Obama Family Campaigns & Celebrates by maureen; John Edwards to Debate Karl Rove by MLDB; Judge Requires YouTube to Turn Over User IP Addresses by ohmproject; Countdown to $200 oil: International Energy Agency says current prices justified by Jerome a Paris; Cleaning Up After the Worst Presidency in History by mcjoan
the slideshow, drumroll please....
i will be back in form next sunday. remember to donate, volunteer and focus on obama, not the drama...
Get Involved Here
For Inspiration: Yes.We.Can!!!
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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @This Week With Barack Obama
reposted with permission
cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama
michelle and barack leaving after watching their daughter's soccer game
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Ahhh, this read from politico, made me remember that one song from the wonderful musical, Music Man.
McCain got trouble, though not in River City, but say, his base or supporters or organizers or everyone?
While we watched the longest primary ever, one thing is true, during this time we built a great ground game in all 50 states. And that is the gold standard from the primary going forward.
As we sloughed through each state, McCain had his "presumptiveness" in February. Those that challenged him, Romney and Huckabee, bowed down and got the hell out. They should have since Romney was paying for each primary and Huckabee was on a wing and a prayer. But nonetheless, they turned out to be good Republicans and made up with McCain, publicly, and have been campaigning for him since.
So, why is McCain in a funk? Various reasons. I think he watched the Democratic Primaries and thought beating up on each other was enough to skate in, but now he has found out that Barack Obama is "that formidable candidate" that he just can't quite figure out.
It starts with Ed Rollins on morning joe last week, the video is here, not only did he blast McCain's Campaign but compared it to the failed campaigns of Phil Graham and Bob Dole. OUCH. Yes, this campaign is being run by that crew.
"McCain's campaign seems not to have a game plan. I don't see a consistent message," said Ed Rollins, a veteran of Republican presidential campaigns. "As someone who has run campaigns, this campaign is not running smoothly. But none of this matters if they get their act together."Indeed, some Republican officials who spoke to Politico noted that there is still time for the campaign to find its footing and that no campaign is without its detractors. But the bulk of those interviewed expressed serious concern about what has appeared to be an aimless campaign so far, one that has failed to take advantage of a four-month head start on Democrats and has showed little sign of gaining traction.
"Here is where the problem is: We had a nomination gap between when McCain was nominated and the Democratic race completed," a swing state Republican Party chairman said. "I think [campaign manager] Rick Davis and his team did not have an understanding of how the grass-roots, organizational part of the party works. They did not use what the [Republican National Committee] had done, or how groups like the [National Rifle Association] could have helped the McCain campaign locally."They are just now opening up campaign operations in most states. The RNC was ready to go in most states in March," the state chairman continued, listing off grievances ranging from the campaign's "dictating" the members of various RNC committees to the state party's having been "threatened" that, though McCain "couldn't afford not to play in our state," the campaign would not "recommend us for resources" if the state party did not abide by its requests.
Another thing, McCain had four months on us. You mean to tell me they are just opening up statewide offices? McCain could have used this time to energize his base, listen to grievances, etc. The only thing I can surmise is the lack of money to not move ahead, and this should have started when Huckabee got OUT.
"What's the political strategy when you allow your opponent, who has just had a grueling four months, time to catch their breath, regroup, fundraise and start to define himself?" asked a Republican strategist who helped lead a past presidential campaign. "It's politics 101."
"Rather than trying to pull me in and make me an intricate part of the team they just told me what they wanted done, and said if you don't play ball we won't play ball," one state chairman said.Those chairmen noted that the conservative base is far less riled, and significantly smaller, than its liberal counterpart. For this reason, GOP leaders generally believe they will have to be more efficient to overcome Obama's advantages.
"You are going to hear a lot of complaints from state party chairmen," one chairman said of his colleagues. "They are used to the Rove-Mehlman model. They were very good at finding the place they needed to win, down to the county they needed in Ohio.
If McCain can not energize his base, understand the basic fundamentals of grassroots organizing, underwhelming in the money game, what is his message to get folks not only to the polls but to vote for him?
Keep our eyes on the final PRIZE, in between arguing, that is.
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Tip the Obama Jar, Here
Get Involved Here
For Inspiration: Yes.We.Can!!!
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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama, reposted with permission
john and cindy mccain in bogata, columbia
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Now this is how you get the Bush Tax Cuts to work for you.
After reading another juicy joint from politico, we have The McCains and trying to weave through their money thing.
I don't see how anyone at this JUNCTURE can point the finger at The Obamas for anything in the realm of elitism. Not when you have The McCains with what 6, 7, 8 homes?
In recent years, a Politico analysis found, the McCain family appears to have tapped its fortune liberally.While Cindy McCain, her dependent children and the trusts and companies they control made as much as $29 million - and likely substantially more - from her family's business interests from 2004 through last year, data from the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Senate, U.S. Office of Government Ethics and the Center for Responsive Politics also reveals that they spent $11 million purchasing five condominiums for the family, hired additional household help and racked up progressively larger credit cards bills almost every year.
Their credit card bills peaked between January 2007 and May 2008, during which time Cindy McCain charged as much as $500,000 in a single month on one American Express card and $250,000 on another, while one of their two dependent children had an AmEx card with a monthly balance as large as $50,000.
Remember when John McCain's campaign was on exhaust fumes last year? Well his travel sure wasn't or did you expect John to travel in coach?
Likewise, John McCain's presidential campaign benefited from Cindy McCain's fortune, using a legal loophole to travel the country in a jet owned by her company for cut-rate fares.
For five of those months, the plane was used almost exclusively for campaign-related purposes, those records show.Mr. McCain's campaign paid a total of $241,149 for the use of that plane from last August through February, records show. That amount is approximately the cost of chartering a similar jet for a month or two, according to industry estimates.
Remember all the fuss on Michelle Obama's 148.00 dress she wore on The View? A dress she plucked off the rack? For many that is still pricey, but there will be no plucking off the racks for Cindy. No that just won't do.
For instance, in the June issue of Vogue magazine, Cindy McCain said she favors suits made by the German designer Escada, which typically retail for around $3,000-a-pop. If she becomes first lady, she told Vogue she may switch to an American designer, possibly Carolina Herrera, whose suits are comparably pricey.
NOBODY I KNOW SHOPS AT ESCADA.
Sorry, don't know anyone that does. You got to be in that "ultra rich" area to afford luxury clothing, yes that is what it is.
Now back to real estate, Cindy purchases three condos, and two in the same building. The condos are priced at 700K, 830K and 4.7M but it does not stop there:
Cindy McCain, through another family corporation, spent about $4.7 million in 2004 and 2008 on two condos in an exclusive building in Coronado, Calif., an affluent San Diego suburb noted for its high percentage of military retirees.
Through her trusts and other corporate entities, Cindy McCain also owns another three properties: a scenic ranch outside Sedona, Arizona, where John McCain has entertained staff, prospective running mates and political reporters; a three-bedroom Arlington, Virginia, condo that's been John McCain's Washington-area residence since 1993 and the La Jolla, California, condo on which the back taxes were due.
The McCains increased their budget for household employees from $184,000 in 2006 to $273,000 in 2007, according to John McCain's tax returns.
What about the Americans who are hurting with lack of health care, food costs soaring, gas at the pump is off the chain, jobs are leaving this country, lack of jobs, tuition costs unaffordable, losing their homes and those that can not cover their bills; I don't know anyone in America who can relate to the McCains extravagances.
I am tired of the same old type of candidate, who is ultra rich, ascending to the office of the presidency. What change can they bring? They have been fed with the silver spoon of trust funds, elitism, and prestige. This is not the average American who has to get up every day and work to make ends meet.
John and Cindy McCain should not utter another word about Barack and Michelle Obama. They never had to work hard for anything; it has always been given to them, from money to name recognition.
It is time for change, not keeping the same.
cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama, posted with diarist permission
barack and hillary in unity, nh
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barack and hillary in unity
June 30, 2008: End of Month
It is that time.
What did you say? Yes, that time to donate. The Obama Campaign is not taking any public funding, so he won't get the grand total of 84M after the convention in August. This campaign is totally depending on us, to fuel its current existence and through the November election.
While we are shedding away the primaries, which ended the first week of June, now we must revitalize and get engaged for the general election. Remember the DNC, DCCC, DSCC also are depending on our donations. Why? The DNC must put on a convention, as in paying for it, and are in the trenches with Obama. The DCCC must fund its congressional candidates, especially in some tough battleground districts. The DSCC must fund its senatorial candidates, especially in some tough states, if we want to expand the senate.
All this must be done now, not yesterday, but now.
The Obama Campaign has some free giveaways with your donation.
For a 30.00 donation, you will receive a 100% cotton envirObama shirt. Click on the image.
For a 30.00 donation, you will receive an Obama Logo shirt. Click on the image.
For a 15.00 donation, you will receive an Obama Car Magnet. Click on the image.
For the artist in you, the "Yes We Can" poster by Antar Dayal. Part of the continuing artist series from the Obama Campaign. If you don't like these items, shop at the Obama Store. The only campaign with continuous items at an affordable price.
And donate to the DNC here, the DCCC here and the DSCC here. We have good candidates, but they won't be elected without money. Simple as that, donate.
Obama's speech at the 25th NALEO Conference
audio/videoVideo speaking in Albuquerque, NM; John McCain webad against Obama, "Words"; Audio from Rolling Stone cover article; Obama with Ed Gordon from Black Enterprise; 25th Annual NALEO Conference; NALEO speech with Q&A; John McCain's speech and Q&A at NALEO Conference; Change that Works for you Pittsburgh, PA; David Plouffe, Obama Campaign Manager, on Our Strategy; Change that Works for You, Las Vegas, NV; McCain, Obama and the Latino Vote; Obama Courts the Working-Class Vote; McCain Keeps Quiet on Weekends; Clinton, Obama Unite in Unity, N.H.; Analysis: Obama Edging Toward Center; Candidate's Wives Put Under the Microscope; Independent Voters Key to Winning N.H.; Obama's Coattails for Republicans
michelle and former governor jeanne shaheen
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Kristol: Bush Might Bomb Iran If He `Thinks Senator Obama's Going To Win'
Michelle Obama's strategy to woo Clinton supporters and shape her role as First Lady
Corzine profile rises in Obama camp
Year of the Black Vote?
Obama kept Law Review balanced
The Democrats' Lieberman Problem
Obama says world not doing enough on Zimbabwe
obama at the springs preserve in las vegas, nv
pollsUSA Today/Gallup Poll; Rasmussen New Mexico Poll; Rasmussen Pennsylvania Poll; PPP Michigan Poll; Zogby South Florida Poll; SUSA Indiana Poll; LA Times/Bloomberg National Poll; SUSA Missouri Poll; Quinnipiac University/Wall Street Journal/Washingtonpost.Com Poll for Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin; Franklin and Marshall National Poll; Texas Lyceum Poll; Rasmussen Mississippi Poll; Arizona State University Poll; SUSA Kansas Poll; AP/Yahoo Poll; Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind New Jersey Poll; Time Magazine National Poll; SUSA Ohio Poll; Rasmussen Texas Poll
obama at the flying star cafe in albuquerque, nm
shoutouts:We yield the floor to Color of Change by Prometheus 6; From our undercover agent in the Florida Obama campaign by Prometheus 6;Technology Companies Won't Hire/Train Workers Over 40, Says NYT, One Big Reason, Healthcare Costs by architek; Delaware Chooses Offshore Wind Instead of Offshore Oil. by Delaware Dem; DNC Sues To Stop McCain's Gaming Of Public Finance System by Adam B; "Obama is a Muslim," Origin Revealed by ourhispanicvoices; Frank Rich says the Emperor Has No Clothes by teacherken; Obama's Middle Eastern/European Tour by psericks; Newsweek: John McCain defaults on California home by nokona; Early VP Shopping with Barack by Maureen; Major Automaker To End Gasoline Car Production by dotcommodity; Simple Credit Card Advice For Everyone, Yes YOU! by Lava20; Educating Ralph Nader on Obama's "Blackness" by Muzikal203; Barack Obama Talks Him Some Serious White! by JeffLieber; Meet Auma Obama (W/Video). by rapcetera; Hawaii is first in the nation by Keone Michaels; State Polling Summary: June 16 - June 21 by fladem; Reality In The To Criticize Or Not To Criticize Debate by Chris Bowers
obama with MIT president, susan hockfield and GM chairman, rick wagoner in pittsburgh
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icebergslim's last word: unity
As many know, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigned together for the first time in Unity, NH. Showing solidarity within the Democratic Party.
Much of this solidarity has already started to move Obama's way by the recent polling, nationally and statewide, see under polls above. While this unity was shown publicly, behind the scenes the bartering is hard and heavy. First the Obamas maxed to Clinton for 4600.00 and the Clintons shot one back atcha to the Obama Campaign. All this came about after Clinton introduced Obama to her fundraisers in Washington, D.C.
Apparently, the meeting seemed to go smooth. Of course, there may still be angry folks, but all in all many realize that we are Democrats and if we want to win in November, we must forge alliance to make that happen. Though some in the media are reporting, "no unity", this former Clinton backer promises to raise 10M for Obama.
After a hard fought campaign, of course the patches are rough and edgy, but we all realize that this is the Democratic Moment to seize and take back the White House, and increase our congress prospects. To hang onto being angry, in the end just won't do. It solves nothing and we can lose everything.
So, in this sentiment, I hope someone can clue Bill Clinton and Ralph Nader in on this. First on the list is our former president who is apparently having a hard time accepting his wife's defeat, Bill Clinton. All this utter nonsense, supposedly coming from him is not helpful or productive. In fact, it makes our former president look more comical than the elder statesman of the party he is. This type of distraction is not helpful for the party or unity, and I hope someone informs him of this.
Ralph Nader. Who does not know him? Mr. Consumer Advocate. But recently with his outrageous rant about "Obama trying to 'talk white'" was straight out of the book of Geraldine Ferraro. Nader must have read her blue print and decided to be the Geraldine Ferraro of the general election.
What I don't understand about Nader is that his explanation of this is totally a generational gap. He tries to insist that Obama is not speaking like Jesse Jackson, lacks that hubris, when in fact Barack Obama is not a civil rights advocate. Never was and never will be. Which brings us back to how backwards Nader is, especially in his assumption of lumping all African-Americans in a bowl, which clearly is a no can do. For the record Obama denounce this silliness of Nader and the claim on "white talk".
Nader has been laughed at and obliterated for his comments and Bill Clinton either get on the bus or watch history and his legacy pass him by.
Both have a choice, but the public has a choice too, that is to ignore them both. Sometimes making someone irrelevant is the best thing one can do. Just brush this dirt off your shoulder, definitely Nader and hopefully not Bill Clinton.
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Clark hits McCain's military credentials
Gen. Wesley Clark, acting as a surrogate for Barack Obama's campaign, invoked John McCain's military service against him in one of the more personal attacks on the Republican presidential nominee this election cycle.Clark said that McCain lacked the executive experience necessary to be president, calling him "untested and untried" on CBS' "Face the Nation." And in saying so, he took a few swipes at McCain's military service.
After saying that "I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war," he added that these experiences in no way qualify McCain to be president in his view:
"He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee. And he has traveled all over the world. But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded -- that wasn't a wartime squadron," Clark said."I don't think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president." continue
well the above slideshow does make one smile, but our main person to support is barack obama, our democratic nominee. it is also important to support and fund the dnc, who as obama is not taking pac and federal lobbyist dollars. unity is wonderful, but faux unity won't work. so, while things are being worked out, i hope hillary clinton has good faith to release her delegates, understand the importance of campaigning for barack, won't demand her name is released on the convention floor for potus, and not asking for outrageous air time at the convention. this is a sore point, but this is what is being demanded and right now we have one boss who won this primary and that is barack obama. we all want unity, but we also don't want this continued drama. who needs it? i hope everyone attended the unity for change meetings, this weekend. i did and it was right in my neighborhood!!!! there is real hunger for change out here and we are four months away from voting for it...keep the spirit up and remember to focus on obama and not the drama...
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cross-posted @This Week With Barack Obama
(cross-posted at Kickin' it with CG)
Back in May, the Women's Media Center together with Media Matters launched a new video and online petition campaign illustrating the pervasive nature of sexism in the media's coverage entitled "Sexism Sells, But We're Not Buying It."
The purpose of the WMC campaign states that, "while Hillary Clinton's campaign has cast a spotlight on the issue of sexism, this isn't a partisan issue: it's about making sure that women's voices are present and powerful in our national dialogue."
Since the GE campaign has begun, we have seen troubling new signs of sexism rear its ugly head. And the Women's Media Center has remained vigilant. Below is an excerpt of an email I received from them today.
Dear Canadian Gal,We hardly had time to recover from the spiteful, often sexist, barrage of sentiment against Hillary Clinton, when the assault began in earnest on Michelle Obama. Last week she made the front page of The New York Times which touted a personality "makeover," then she "surprised" observers by playing nicely with others on ABC's The View. This, as the gears of a sinister smear machine racheted up a notch, insinuating un-American, anti-white motives on her part. If reading this or any of the electoral coverage on women makes you angry - help us fight bias.
We must be vigilant here. Both sexism and racism are in play. Use of seemingly innocuous words such as "strong woman" in referring to Michelle have to be analyzed: what, exactly, do you mean by that? Speculating endlessly about implanted codes in "fist bumps" and what riotous signal they may be giving to other African Americans is an outrage. And for those who have thrilled to the prospect of spitfires going at each other for the amusement of the media and public, you may be in for a disappointment. This is what Cindy McCain said about Michelle this week: "I think she's a good woman, a fine mother we both are in an interesting line of work right now." And Michelle on Hillary Clinton: " I think that Hillary Clinton, as she said, has made 18 million cracks on the ceiling and we need to keep pushing it and pushing it. She's taken [the hits] so that when my girls come along they won't have to fight it as badly." We must reign in the destructive, woman-belittling dramas in our media. We must speak up for all women subjected to them.
We need your support so we can keep on advocating for women to be represented fairly. The WMC has been at the lead of the fight against sexism in the media. Our "Sexism Sells, But We're Not Buying It" campaign already has more than 200,000 views and nearly 6,000 signatures, demanding that networks be held accountable for language that goes over the line of acceptability.
Please sign now to be included.
For more information, please visit www.womensmediacenter.com
------ End of Forwarded Message
If you have not yet had the opportunity to sign the petition calling out the media fail, I encourage you to do so.
(Cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama)
When William Jefferson Clinton was elected president, I was still a young girl living with parents who were determined (especially my father) to instill in me a love for the Republican Party, and a sneering disdain for Democrats in general. I grew up around Right wing radio and Fox News (first launched in 1996). I was supposed to detest Bill Clinton and scoff at his wife. I remember when Hillary made her infamous "baking cookies" remark and did her amusing impression of Tammy Wynette's accent. I remember because I giggled delightedly and beamed at her - and because my father chastised me immediately. But I liked her, and I couldn't help it - and at the time, I liked Bill even more. When my father asked me who I wanted for president, I told him I wanted "the friendly one," much to his dismay. As the 1992 election results rolled in, I sat directly in front of the TV with an irrepressible grin on my face, while my parents emitted exasperated sighs from the other side of the room.
(cross-posted at Kickin' it with CG and Clintonistas for Obama)
Most progressives would agree that Hillary Clinton was on the receiving end of a great deal of sexism in the Democratic primary. This was mostly manifested in the media coverage of her as illustrated in the focus on Clinton's appearance, mannerisms etc. But almost as quick as anyone could say c-o-n-c-e-d-e, other troubling signs of sexism have surfaced in the campaign.
What has been disgusting is that we have reverted into the oldest stereotypes - namely that women should ONLY depicted as wives or mothers.
The responsibility doesn't just rest on the media, which I'll get to in a minute. The campaigns themselves deserve some of the blame as well. Do the Obama's and the McCain's want to play into the stereotypes of first ladies that are only sweet and cuddly? Is Michelle going to quit giving her husband the fist-bump because it comes across as too strong? Does Cindy have to submit any more of 'her' cookie recipes so people can relate to her?
Media stories breathlessly ask:
'Where do they buy their clothes?'
'What types of food do they cook?'
'Which one can be compared to Jackie O?'
WE GET IT. They are wives and mothers. But guess what? Both are highly accomplished and intelligent women and are other things too.
In a New York Times article covering Michelle's stint on The View, they further this meme:
Early on, Mrs. Obama was likened to Jackie Kennedy for her youth and fashion style, but lately, the strong and assertive African-American career woman is experiencing the kind of antifeminist hazing that Mrs. Clinton endured in the 1992 campaign when she made her "baking cookies" faux pas.Mrs. Obama distanced herself from that model on "The View," describing herself as a mother and not mentioning her law career or her views on policy.
The question is, how does mentioning her career or policy positions make her more palatable? Is the writer suggesting that America cannot handle a strong woman? Or that Michelle's policy positions are unimportant?
This new focus on Michelle and Cindy's hair and dresses comes right at the end of the gender-biased way the media covered Clinton's campaign. And instead of letting this go - AGAIN - we should be holding the media accountable for perpetuating stereotypes. If a white woman is strong, she's considered cold - as the coverage of Cindy has shown. If a black woman is strong, she's obviously angry - so go the accusations about Michelle.
While I am by no means trying to minimize both the beauty or personal accomplishments of these women, there is far more to them than those things. And seeing as how the 2008 election cycle thus far has turned conventional thinking on its head, this is an opportunity to change the way women - and first ladies - are represented. If we let the narrative about the potential first ladies converge on the role and status of the conventional "little lady" then we have lost the chance to reframe gender and marriage dynamics.
· Jim Gilmore Praises Bush, Calls SCHIP "Welfare" (lowkell)
· MyDD Blog Talk Radio -- Live from Netroots Nation (Jonathan Singer)
· NYT Kinda Confirms Al Gore Special Guest at #NN08 (Adam Conner)
· Nate Wilcox Interviewed on Netroots Nation, Netroots Rising (lowkell)
· Comprehensive Q2 & CoH Numbers for Senate Candidates (Senate Guru)
· IA-05: Steve King embarrasses Iowans again (desmoinesdem)
· MS-Sen: Musgrove Comes Out In Favor Of Net Neutrality (cottonmouthblog)
· Rasmussen: Obama Up in Nevada (Sven at My Silver State)
· Livebloggin McCain in Kansas City (clarkent)
· DFA Night School featuring Lakoff convenes today (desmoinesdem)
· CA-46, CA-50: Cook, Leibham Outraise Incumbents (dday)
· SD: Tim Johnson Leads Big in Polls, $$$ (lowkell)
