Monday, March 31, 2008
Barack Obama on community organizing
Barack Obama talks about community organizing and how he's carried that experience into his campaign.
Barack Obama in Lancaster, PA
Barack talked economics at a town hall meeting in Lancaster, PA on March 31, 2008
Barack Obama at Penn State University
Barack rallied a crowd of 22,000 at Pennsylvania State University on March 30, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Barack Obama in Harrisburg, PA
Barack took a question about the wage disparity between genders at a town hall meeting in Harrisburg, PA on March 30, 2008.
Barack Obama at Johnstown Town Hall
Senator Barack Obama speaks to the issue of accountability at a town hall meeting in Johnstown, PA.
American author and feminist Alice Walker endorses Barack Obama !
Alice walker:"I am a supporter of Obama because I believe he is the right person to lead the country at this time. He offers a rare opportunity for the country and the world to start over, and to do better. It is a deep sadness to me that many of my feminist white women friends cannot see him. Cannot see what he carries in his being. Cannot hear the fresh choices toward Movement he offers. That they can believe that millions of Americans –black, white, yellow, red and brown - choose Obama over Clinton only because he is a man, and black, feels tragic to me.
When I have supported white people, men and women, it was because I thought them the best possible people to do whatever the job required. Nothing else would have occurred to me. If Obama were in any sense mediocre, he would be forgotten by now. He is, in fact, a remarkable human being, not perfect but humanly stunning, like King was and like Mandela is. We look at him, as we looked at them, and are glad to be of our species. He is the change America has been trying desperately and for centuries to hide, ignore, kill. The change America must have if we are to convince the rest of the world that we care about people other than our (white) selves."
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Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hagel: Barack Best to Unite Country
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) said last night that, among the 3 remaining candidates, he thought Barack Obama had the best chance of bringing the country together. While he did not dismiss McCain (he's done that in the Senate) or Clinton (she's had some success in the Senate, not as much as McCain), he said that he believed that Barack Obama, for generational reasons, could best bring the country together.
click here to continue reading the rest of the article
McCain guru linked to subprime crisis
The general co-chairman of John McCain’s presidential campaign, former Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas), led the charge in 1999 to repeal a Depression-era banking regulation law that Democrat Barack Obama claimed on Thursday contributed significantly to today’s economic turmoil.
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Friday, March 28, 2008
NBC News: Ann Dunham
NBC Nightly News covers Barack Obama's mother, talking with the Senator about his childhood and the legacy of his mother in his life today.
Senator Casey Endorses Obama
At the Soldiers and Sailors Military Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, Senator Bob Casey Jr. (PA) endorsed Barack Obama for President of The United Sates of America.
Bronx students discuss Obama's race speech
Students at the Bronx High School of Performance and Stagecraft respond to Barack Obama's 3/18/08 speech on racial reconciliation in America.
Obama delivers an economic plan speech in New York
Barack Obama delivered a speech on the economy in the Great Hall, at Cooper Union, NYC.
Pennsylvania Senator backs Obama!
Pittsburgh - Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey has endorsed Democrat Barack Obama. Casey said Friday at a boisterous rally, "I believe in my heart that there is one person whose uniquely qualified to lead us in that new direction and that is Barack Obama."
click here to read the AP article
click here to read the AP article
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Barack Obama in Greensboro, NC
Barack Obama talks about John McCain's support of the failed Bush economic policy.
Clinton's Exaggerations: The Domestic Record
Senator Clinton’s claims about her visit to Tuzla, Bosnia—and the footage disproving her account—have created quite a stir. And with good reason. As the Associated Press wrote yesterday: “What makes Clinton's situation unique—and the Bosnia embellishments so damaging—is the fact that the New York senator has built her candidacy on the illusion of experience. Any attack on her credentials is a potential Achilles heel.”
Unfortunately, Clinton’s fantastic invention of a sniper-raked landing is only one in a growing list of instances in which she has exaggerated her role as First Lady, particularly with respect to domestic policy.
Clinton has credited herself with “creating” the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and “helping to pass” the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Like the Tuzla story, both of these claims turn out to false—raising serious questions not just about the rationale for Senator Clinton’s campaign, but about her willingness to adhere to the truth.
Obama Statement Commemorating Purim
Michelle and my daughters and I want to wish all members of the Jewish community a joyous Purim celebration. Purim is a festive time for families, and especially children, with wonderful traditions of dressing in costume, carnivals and games, and giving gifts of food to friends and loved ones. It is also the time when Jews listen to the reading of the Megillah, the story of Queen Esther and her uncle Mordechai saving the Jews of ancient Persia from destruction. Even as the parties are held, the songs are sung, and the noisemakers are rattled, the history of a people that has had to fight for its survival, remains at the heart of the Purim story. In our day, the celebration is mingled with a determination to ensure that Israel remains safe and strong, that we fight anti-Semitism wherever it occurs, and that the American Jewish community continues to play such an active and vital role in the life of our nation. To Jews across the country and throughout the world, we send our warm greetings for a happy Purim.
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Obama Statement Commemorating the Persian New Year
On behalf of Michelle and my two daughters, I want to offer my best wishes to you for a happy and prosperous Persian New Year. Nowruz has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years by millions worldwide including over 1 million Iranian Americans in the United States. As I campaign across the country, I am frequently reminded of the tremendous contributions and aspirations of Iranian Americans. Iranian Americans have contributed to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of this nation. Together, we will help write the next chapter of the great American story. It is my great honor to celebrate this Persian New Year with you.
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Obama Statement Congratulating Taiwanese President-Elect Ma Ying-Jeou
On March 22, the people of Taiwan went to the polls for the fourth time in 12 years to elect their President. I offer my congratulations to President-elect Ma for his victory, and best wishes for his presidency.
The people of Taiwan deserve our respect and admiration for this free and fair election, which is just the latest step in consolidating a democracy that has advanced over the last two decades. I hope the People's Republic of China responds to this election in a positive, constructive, and forward-leaning way. It is important for Beijing to demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that President-elect Ma promises to take toward the Mainland will be met with good faith and progress. The PRC should reduce the military threat to Taiwan by drawing back the missiles it has deployed in southeast China and by other security confidence-building measures. And on issues such as Taiwan's observer status in the World Health Organization, where the health of all Chinese people is at stake, it should allow Taiwan greater international space.
The United States should respond to Ma Ying-jeou's election by rebuilding a relationship of trust and support for Taiwan's democracy. The U.S. should reopen blocked channels of communication with Taiwan officials. We should continue to provide the arms necessary for Taiwan to deter possible aggression. And we should encourage both Taipei and Beijing to build commercial, cultural, and other ties, laying the groundwork for a closer relationship and ultimately movement toward resolution of their differences. We should maintain our "one China" policy, our adherence to the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiques concerning Taiwan, and observance of the Taiwan Relations Act, which lays out the legal basis for our relationship.
March 22nd was a good day for the people of Taiwan, for the forces of democracy around the world, and for peace and stability in the western Pacific. I will do all that I can to support Taiwan's democracy in the years ahead.
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The people of Taiwan deserve our respect and admiration for this free and fair election, which is just the latest step in consolidating a democracy that has advanced over the last two decades. I hope the People's Republic of China responds to this election in a positive, constructive, and forward-leaning way. It is important for Beijing to demonstrate to the people of Taiwan that the practical and non-confrontational approach that President-elect Ma promises to take toward the Mainland will be met with good faith and progress. The PRC should reduce the military threat to Taiwan by drawing back the missiles it has deployed in southeast China and by other security confidence-building measures. And on issues such as Taiwan's observer status in the World Health Organization, where the health of all Chinese people is at stake, it should allow Taiwan greater international space.
The United States should respond to Ma Ying-jeou's election by rebuilding a relationship of trust and support for Taiwan's democracy. The U.S. should reopen blocked channels of communication with Taiwan officials. We should continue to provide the arms necessary for Taiwan to deter possible aggression. And we should encourage both Taipei and Beijing to build commercial, cultural, and other ties, laying the groundwork for a closer relationship and ultimately movement toward resolution of their differences. We should maintain our "one China" policy, our adherence to the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiques concerning Taiwan, and observance of the Taiwan Relations Act, which lays out the legal basis for our relationship.
March 22nd was a good day for the people of Taiwan, for the forces of democracy around the world, and for peace and stability in the western Pacific. I will do all that I can to support Taiwan's democracy in the years ahead.
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Getting Local: 'Obama Works' in Philly
One of the incredible aspects of this campaign has been the way in which supporters across the country have found ways to get involved not just nationally, but in their own local communities as well. Supporters have helped register voters, organize neighborhoods, and re-engage people in the political process. Many of these efforts will have a lasting effect, long after this campaign for the presidency has ended.
Think MTV recently profiled a grassroots group called Obama Works that is transforming online activity into offline community projects:
Inspired by an article written by two students and Obama volunteers at Yale, a few Philadelphians met online and created a campaign called "Obama Works." The idea, which manifested in the first "Obama Philly Sweep" on a recent Saturday, is that the grassroots momentum surrounding Obama's candidacy can be turned into local public service projects that can make a difference in communities RIGHT NOW. It's a different way of making politics work for people, and it's spreading:
Think MTV recently profiled a grassroots group called Obama Works that is transforming online activity into offline community projects:
Inspired by an article written by two students and Obama volunteers at Yale, a few Philadelphians met online and created a campaign called "Obama Works." The idea, which manifested in the first "Obama Philly Sweep" on a recent Saturday, is that the grassroots momentum surrounding Obama's candidacy can be turned into local public service projects that can make a difference in communities RIGHT NOW. It's a different way of making politics work for people, and it's spreading:
Obama Statement on Report of the Trustees of Social Security and Medicare
CHICAGO, IL - Senator Obama issued the following statement today in response to the Report of the Trustees of Social Security and Medicare.
"Today’s report should give Americans confidence that we can keep Social Security strong for future generations if we come together and address its real but manageable long-term cash flow issue. But the report also shows the cost of Washington’s failure to overcome the special interests and pass health care reform that expands coverage and lower costs, which would keep Medicare strong and affordable for America’s seniors. As president, I will reduce costs in the Medicare program by enacting reforms to lower the price of prescription drugs, ending the subsidies for private insurers in the Medicare Advantage program and focusing resources on prevention and effective chronic disease management. I’ll also bring Democrats and Republicans together to provide every single American with affordable, available health care that reduces health care costs by $2,500 per family. By investing in proven measures to improve the health of all Americans and reduce health care cost across the economy, we can ensure that the Medicare program remains strong for future generations."
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"Today’s report should give Americans confidence that we can keep Social Security strong for future generations if we come together and address its real but manageable long-term cash flow issue. But the report also shows the cost of Washington’s failure to overcome the special interests and pass health care reform that expands coverage and lower costs, which would keep Medicare strong and affordable for America’s seniors. As president, I will reduce costs in the Medicare program by enacting reforms to lower the price of prescription drugs, ending the subsidies for private insurers in the Medicare Advantage program and focusing resources on prevention and effective chronic disease management. I’ll also bring Democrats and Republicans together to provide every single American with affordable, available health care that reduces health care costs by $2,500 per family. By investing in proven measures to improve the health of all Americans and reduce health care cost across the economy, we can ensure that the Medicare program remains strong for future generations."
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Indiana House Majority Leader Russ Stilwell endorses Barack Obama for President
The Indiana Barrister reports...
Indiana House Majority Leader Russ Stilwell is endorsing Barack Obama for President. In a news release this morning Stilwell said Obama “has the best plan to turn the economy around and create good-paying jobs across the country – including here in Indiana – but more important than plans, Obama’s decision to reject money from special interests means he’ll be better positioned to actually make good on his promises.”
What’s interesting about the endorsement is that Stilwell is from Booneville which is in southern Indiana near Evansville. And Stilwell represents the types of Democrats that Hillary Clinton has been targeting and Obama has been trying to reach, white, conservative and working class.
Indiana House Majority Leader Russ Stilwell is endorsing Barack Obama for President. In a news release this morning Stilwell said Obama “has the best plan to turn the economy around and create good-paying jobs across the country – including here in Indiana – but more important than plans, Obama’s decision to reject money from special interests means he’ll be better positioned to actually make good on his promises.”
What’s interesting about the endorsement is that Stilwell is from Booneville which is in southern Indiana near Evansville. And Stilwell represents the types of Democrats that Hillary Clinton has been targeting and Obama has been trying to reach, white, conservative and working class.
Response to Clinton attack: The American people deserve better than tired political games
Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton...
After originally refusing to play politics with this issue, it's disappointing to see Hillary Clinton's campaign sink to this low in a transparent effort to distract attention away from the story she made up about dodging sniper fire in Bosnia. The truth is, Barack Obama has already spoken out against his pastor's offensive comments and addressed the issue of race in America with a deeply personal and uncommonly honest speech. The American people deserve better than tired political games that do nothing to solve the larger challenges facing this country.
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After originally refusing to play politics with this issue, it's disappointing to see Hillary Clinton's campaign sink to this low in a transparent effort to distract attention away from the story she made up about dodging sniper fire in Bosnia. The truth is, Barack Obama has already spoken out against his pastor's offensive comments and addressed the issue of race in America with a deeply personal and uncommonly honest speech. The American people deserve better than tired political games that do nothing to solve the larger challenges facing this country.
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Response to McCain economic speech: More of the same failed Bush policies
Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton...
It’s deeply troubling that John McCain is suggesting that the best way to address the housing crisis is to sit back and watch it happen – which is just further evidence that he would continue President Bush’s failed economic policies. Barack Obama believes that the job of a president is to lead—and that’s why he’ll work to help struggling homeowners and lenders rework existing subprime loans into affordable long-term fixed loans, create a foreclosure prevention fund to help keep Americans in their homes, close the bankruptcy loophole for mortgage companies, provide a tax credit for the interest on new mortgages, fight mortgage fraud at every level, and require that borrowers have access to accurate information about their mortgage options.
Click here to read Obama's plan to turn around our economy.
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It’s deeply troubling that John McCain is suggesting that the best way to address the housing crisis is to sit back and watch it happen – which is just further evidence that he would continue President Bush’s failed economic policies. Barack Obama believes that the job of a president is to lead—and that’s why he’ll work to help struggling homeowners and lenders rework existing subprime loans into affordable long-term fixed loans, create a foreclosure prevention fund to help keep Americans in their homes, close the bankruptcy loophole for mortgage companies, provide a tax credit for the interest on new mortgages, fight mortgage fraud at every level, and require that borrowers have access to accurate information about their mortgage options.
Click here to read Obama's plan to turn around our economy.
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Obama Statement on 4,000 American Deaths in Iraq
CHICAGO, IL - Senator Obama issued the following statement today in response to reports that 4,000 American servicemen and women have now been killed in Iraq since the war began...
It is with great sadness that we have reached another grim milestone in Iraq, with at least 4,000 of our finest Americans having been killed. Each death is a tragedy, and we honor every fallen American and send our thoughts and prayers to their families. It is past time to end this war that should never have been waged by bringing our troops home, and finally pushing Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future. As we do, we must serve the memory of all who have died as well as they served our country, by providing support for their families, caring for our troops and veterans, and upholding the American values which our fallen heroes exemplified through their service.
Click here for Barack's plan to end the war.
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It is with great sadness that we have reached another grim milestone in Iraq, with at least 4,000 of our finest Americans having been killed. Each death is a tragedy, and we honor every fallen American and send our thoughts and prayers to their families. It is past time to end this war that should never have been waged by bringing our troops home, and finally pushing Iraq's leaders to take responsibility for their future. As we do, we must serve the memory of all who have died as well as they served our country, by providing support for their families, caring for our troops and veterans, and upholding the American values which our fallen heroes exemplified through their service.
Click here for Barack's plan to end the war.
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One Year Ago: Obama proposed the summit Clinton is offering today(March 24th)
Almost one year ago to the day, Barack Obama sent a letter (below) to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urging them to convene a homeownership preservation summit. Today, Clinton is proposing essentially the same thing.
One key difference, however, is the diversity and representation that Obama called for – not just some of the same people who helped to create these problems or have a direct financial industry stake in the outcome: “I urge you immediately to convene a homeownership preservation summit with leading mortgage lenders, investors, loan servicing organizations, consumer advocates, federal regulators and housing-related agencies to assess options for private sector responses to the challenge.”
click here to read the letter that Obama wrote to Bernanke
One key difference, however, is the diversity and representation that Obama called for – not just some of the same people who helped to create these problems or have a direct financial industry stake in the outcome: “I urge you immediately to convene a homeownership preservation summit with leading mortgage lenders, investors, loan servicing organizations, consumer advocates, federal regulators and housing-related agencies to assess options for private sector responses to the challenge.”
click here to read the letter that Obama wrote to Bernanke
UFCW Local 1776 Endorses Obama
On Thursday, the Executive Board of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776, which represents 23,000 members throughout southeast, northeast and central Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and southern New York, overwhelmingly approved its support for Senator Obama's candidacy in the Tuesday, April 22 Pennsylvania primary election.
Here is their official statement:
Plymouth Meeting, PA – The 23,000-member United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 has endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for President in the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary election.
Wendell W. Young, IV, President of Local 1776, said the endorsement by the union’s Executive Board was “overwhelming.”
Young said that while Local 1776 has “the highest respect” for Senator Hillary Clinton, “our Executive Board is convinced that Senator Obama is the best candidate to unite our country and move it forward for good jobs, affordable health care, retirement security, worker rights and worker safety.” He said:
“Senator Obama leads in the popular vote. He leads in the Democratic delegate count, and he leads in the head-to-head match-up against John McCain. Americans want a change very badly. Barack Obama is a fresh-thinking leader who will create that change.”
UFCW Local 1776 represents 23,000 members throughout southeast, northeast and central Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and southern New York who work in supermarkets, drug stores, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities, nursing homes, professional offices and Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirits Shops.
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Here is their official statement:
Plymouth Meeting, PA – The 23,000-member United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 has endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for President in the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary election.
Wendell W. Young, IV, President of Local 1776, said the endorsement by the union’s Executive Board was “overwhelming.”
Young said that while Local 1776 has “the highest respect” for Senator Hillary Clinton, “our Executive Board is convinced that Senator Obama is the best candidate to unite our country and move it forward for good jobs, affordable health care, retirement security, worker rights and worker safety.” He said:
“Senator Obama leads in the popular vote. He leads in the Democratic delegate count, and he leads in the head-to-head match-up against John McCain. Americans want a change very badly. Barack Obama is a fresh-thinking leader who will create that change.”
UFCW Local 1776 represents 23,000 members throughout southeast, northeast and central Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and southern New York who work in supermarkets, drug stores, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities, nursing homes, professional offices and Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirits Shops.
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Record Number: 4,044,952
"Thank you to everyone who helped canvass, made phone calls, and contributed to one of the largest voter registration drives that Pennsylvania has ever seen, resulting in a < a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/24/record-number-of-pa-democrats-registered/">record number of registered Pennsylvania Democrats. "
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Sunday, March 23, 2008
Barack Obama in Beckley, WV
Barack took a question about gas prices in Beckley, WV on March 20, 2008.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Barack Obama and the History of Project Vote
In 1992, Barack Obama led Project Vote, a massive voter registration drive in Chicago.
Help register new voters today at my.barackobama.com/morevoices
Help register new voters today at my.barackobama.com/morevoices
3 NEW TV ads!
"Toughest" TV Ad
Airing in Pennsylvania
"Opportunity" TV Ad
Airing in Pennsylvania
"Carry" TV Ad
Airing in Pennsylvania
Airing in Pennsylvania
"Opportunity" TV Ad
Airing in Pennsylvania
"Carry" TV Ad
Airing in Pennsylvania
Barack Obama in Portland, OR
Barack accepts the endorsement of Gov. Bill Richardson on March 21, 2008.
Hillary's "3 A.M. ad" Girl Doesn't Approve of that Message
Casey Knowles, the young girl from Hillary Clinton's "3 a.m. Ad", rejects the politics of fear
Thursday, March 20, 2008
State Department: Someone snooped in Obama's passport file
(CNN) -- On three occasions since January, Sen. Barack Obama's passport file was looked at by three different contract workers, said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
Sen. Barack Obama's passport file was breached three times since January, the State Department said.
The contractors accessed information in the file in an unauthorized way, he said.
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Sen. Barack Obama's passport file was breached three times since January, the State Department said.
The contractors accessed information in the file in an unauthorized way, he said.
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First lady records show Clinton promoted NAFTA
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton now argues that the North American Free Trade Agreement needs to be renegotiated, but newly released records showed on Wednesday she promoted its passage."
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Dr. Brzezinski on the Iraq War and his support for Obama
ABC News' Sunlen Miller Reports: Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., expressed support of a proposal floated by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen to hold a superdelegate primary in an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
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Barack Obama: On Iraq and National Security
Barack Obama gave an address in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Iraq and America's national security
Barack Obama in Charlotte, NC
Barack reminds the crowd to register to vote by April 11th in North Carolina.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
State College Office Opening
Last night, more than 400 people came out for the opening of our campaign office in State College, Pennsylvania, home of Penn State University!
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Another member of Hillary Clinton's campaign resigns...
After the departure of Mark Penn, Patti Doyle, and now Jessica O'Connell one has to wonder just how stable is the Hillary campaign and what are the reasons for all these staff members quitting.
"Jessica O'Connell, the national director of operations, responsible for personnel management, staff deployment and headquarters operations, has decided to step down. She joins a raft of Patti Solis Doyle loyalists, ranging from wonderkind Adam Parkhomenko to deputy manager Mike Henry, who have departed in recent weeks."
click here to read the rest of the article
"Jessica O'Connell, the national director of operations, responsible for personnel management, staff deployment and headquarters operations, has decided to step down. She joins a raft of Patti Solis Doyle loyalists, ranging from wonderkind Adam Parkhomenko to deputy manager Mike Henry, who have departed in recent weeks."
click here to read the rest of the article
Clinton Foundation Received $500,000 From Wal-Mart
"Lost amid the blistering pace of campaign news was the announcement, made this past Saturday, that Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer had donated a half-million dollars to a project of former President Clinton's global foundation.
The donation, which was made to the Clinton Global Initiative University, will be allocated for educational purposes, including funding college students and encouraging universities to engage on issues such as energy and climate change, global health, and poverty alleviation. And they reflect what some observers say is a growing effort by the retail giant to soften its image within progressive circles.
But Wal-Mart, to a large extent, still remains a pariah among Democrats for its poor labor and environmental practices. And a donation of $500,000 to an individual so closely associated with a leading White House candidate, is more than enough to raise the eyebrows of watchdog organizations."
click here to read the ret of the article
The donation, which was made to the Clinton Global Initiative University, will be allocated for educational purposes, including funding college students and encouraging universities to engage on issues such as energy and climate change, global health, and poverty alleviation. And they reflect what some observers say is a growing effort by the retail giant to soften its image within progressive circles.
But Wal-Mart, to a large extent, still remains a pariah among Democrats for its poor labor and environmental practices. And a donation of $500,000 to an individual so closely associated with a leading White House candidate, is more than enough to raise the eyebrows of watchdog organizations."
click here to read the ret of the article
Obama: "Security Gap" Exist Between Rhetoric And Reality
"On the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, Sen. Obama has offered a speech on the military future of the country. He attacked his opponents on their judgment and their political rhetoric, describing what might be considered an alternative standard for the "Commander-in-Chief test":
Senator Clinton says that she and Senator McCain have passed a "Commander in Chief test" - not because of the judgments they've made, but because of the years they've spent in Washington. She made a similar argument when she said her vote for war was based on her experience at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. But here is the stark reality: there is a security gap in this country - a gap between the rhetoric of those who claim to be tough on national security, and the reality of growing insecurity caused by their decisions. A gap between Washington experience, and the wisdom of Washington's judgments. A gap between the rhetoric of those who tout their support for our troops, and the overburdened state of our military.
It is time to have a debate with John McCain about the future of our national security. And the way to win that debate is not to compete with John McCain over who has more experience in Washington, because that's a contest that he'll win. The way to win a debate with John McCain is not to talk, and act, and vote like him on national security, because then we all lose. The way to win that debate and to keep America safe is to offer a clear contrast, and that's what I will do when I am the nominee of the Democratic Party - because since before this war in Iraq began, I have made different judgments, I have a different vision, and I will offer a clean break from the failed policies and politics of the past.
Nowhere is that break more badly needed than in Iraq.
He also put forward a new challenge to Sen. Clinton, suggesting that her call to end the Iraq does not constitute military judgment:
"Who do you trust to end a war: someone who opposed the war from the beginning, or someone who started opposing it when they started preparing a run for president?""
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Senator Clinton says that she and Senator McCain have passed a "Commander in Chief test" - not because of the judgments they've made, but because of the years they've spent in Washington. She made a similar argument when she said her vote for war was based on her experience at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. But here is the stark reality: there is a security gap in this country - a gap between the rhetoric of those who claim to be tough on national security, and the reality of growing insecurity caused by their decisions. A gap between Washington experience, and the wisdom of Washington's judgments. A gap between the rhetoric of those who tout their support for our troops, and the overburdened state of our military.
It is time to have a debate with John McCain about the future of our national security. And the way to win that debate is not to compete with John McCain over who has more experience in Washington, because that's a contest that he'll win. The way to win a debate with John McCain is not to talk, and act, and vote like him on national security, because then we all lose. The way to win that debate and to keep America safe is to offer a clear contrast, and that's what I will do when I am the nominee of the Democratic Party - because since before this war in Iraq began, I have made different judgments, I have a different vision, and I will offer a clean break from the failed policies and politics of the past.
Nowhere is that break more badly needed than in Iraq.
He also put forward a new challenge to Sen. Clinton, suggesting that her call to end the Iraq does not constitute military judgment:
"Who do you trust to end a war: someone who opposed the war from the beginning, or someone who started opposing it when they started preparing a run for president?""
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the situation in Tibet
"Chicago, IL -- "I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests ordered by Chinese authorities in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan Buddhist monks. I condemn the use of violence to put down peaceful protests, and call on the Chinese government to respect the basic human rights of the people of Tibet, and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks.
These events come on the 49th anniversary of the exile of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. They demonstrate the continuing frustration of the Tibetan people at the way in which Beijing has ruled Tibet. There has been an informal dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama's representatives over the past six years. It is good that they have been talking, but China has thus far shown no flexibility on the substance of those discussions. Indeed, it has delayed in scheduling the latest round, despite the willingness of the Tibetans to continue dialogue.
If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China's people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy. The Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, as part of a process leading to his return.
This is the year of the Beijing Olympics. It represents an opportunity for China to show the world what it has accomplished in the last several decades. Those accomplishments have been extraordinary and China's people have a right to be proud of them, but the events in Tibet these last few days unfortunately show a different face of China. Now is the time for Beijing to take steps that would change the image people have of China later this year by changing the reality of how they treat Tibet and Tibetans. Now is the time to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.""
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These events come on the 49th anniversary of the exile of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. They demonstrate the continuing frustration of the Tibetan people at the way in which Beijing has ruled Tibet. There has been an informal dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama's representatives over the past six years. It is good that they have been talking, but China has thus far shown no flexibility on the substance of those discussions. Indeed, it has delayed in scheduling the latest round, despite the willingness of the Tibetans to continue dialogue.
If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China's people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy. The Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, as part of a process leading to his return.
This is the year of the Beijing Olympics. It represents an opportunity for China to show the world what it has accomplished in the last several decades. Those accomplishments have been extraordinary and China's people have a right to be proud of them, but the events in Tibet these last few days unfortunately show a different face of China. Now is the time for Beijing to take steps that would change the image people have of China later this year by changing the reality of how they treat Tibet and Tibetans. Now is the time to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.""
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Jesse Jackson: Obama Just Turned Crisis Into Opportunity
"Reverend Jesse Jackson, who is no stranger to America's racial battles and whose own runs for the White House have been, on occasion, used as a barometer for Sen. Barack Obama, offered effusive praise for Obama's address today on the topic of race and politics.
The head of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, who supports Obama, claimed the Illinois Democrat had averted "crisis" and created "opportunity" by laying out a unifying vision to confront racial and political divides.
"I thought it was a culmination of tough-minded, tender-hearted and a clear vision," Jackson told the Huffington Post. "It really was warm, filling, captive, reconciling and comprehensive and it displayed real true grit. He was forthright not evasive and used it as a teaching moment in American history: America's struggle to overcome its past and become a more perfect union. And once he made the case about the past and the complexities of Reverend Wright's life or [Geraldine] Ferraro's for that matter, he made the case that we are here now, but this time we will go forward by hope and not backwards by fear."
Earlier in the day, Jackson appeared at a Take Back America conference on the legacy of Martin Luther King, in which the topic of race on the 2008 campaign trail came up with some regularity. Asked if he thought voters would respond well to the nuance and broad vision of Obama's address, Jackson said he had not doubt.
"I think American saw an even deeper and more profound view of him today," he said. "He has turned crisis into opportunity.""
source
The head of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, who supports Obama, claimed the Illinois Democrat had averted "crisis" and created "opportunity" by laying out a unifying vision to confront racial and political divides.
"I thought it was a culmination of tough-minded, tender-hearted and a clear vision," Jackson told the Huffington Post. "It really was warm, filling, captive, reconciling and comprehensive and it displayed real true grit. He was forthright not evasive and used it as a teaching moment in American history: America's struggle to overcome its past and become a more perfect union. And once he made the case about the past and the complexities of Reverend Wright's life or [Geraldine] Ferraro's for that matter, he made the case that we are here now, but this time we will go forward by hope and not backwards by fear."
Earlier in the day, Jackson appeared at a Take Back America conference on the legacy of Martin Luther King, in which the topic of race on the 2008 campaign trail came up with some regularity. Asked if he thought voters would respond well to the nuance and broad vision of Obama's address, Jackson said he had not doubt.
"I think American saw an even deeper and more profound view of him today," he said. "He has turned crisis into opportunity.""
source
Obama delivers important speech: "A more perfect union"
[Senator Obama] "provided a lengthy meditation on racial resentment in America as a durable impediment to improving the living conditions of blacks and working class whites alike.
He invoked the Constitutional framers’ purpose to form “a more perfect union” as well as William Faulkner’s famous dictum on the enduring impact of history that “the past is never past.” Despite the uncomfortable topic, the speech was largely cast in the favored themes of his candidacy, the power of hope and the promise of change."
click here to read the full text of the speech
or watch it here below:
He invoked the Constitutional framers’ purpose to form “a more perfect union” as well as William Faulkner’s famous dictum on the enduring impact of history that “the past is never past.” Despite the uncomfortable topic, the speech was largely cast in the favored themes of his candidacy, the power of hope and the promise of change."
click here to read the full text of the speech
or watch it here below:
Monday, March 17, 2008
safety first: Obama Tells Vets No Lower Drinking Agee
excerpt:
SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - Democrat Barack Obama on Monday promised Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans help with their grievances—save one.
"I know it drives you nuts. But I'm not going to lower the drinking age," the presidential candidate said.
Army veteran Ernest Johnson, 23, of Connecticut, said one of the things that peeved him before he turned 21 was that he couldn't come home and drink a beer—even though he was old enough to serve in the armed services and die for his country.
Obama told Johnson he sympathized, but that setting the legal drinking age at 21 had helped reduce drunken driving incidents and should remain.
source
SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) - Democrat Barack Obama on Monday promised Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans help with their grievances—save one.
"I know it drives you nuts. But I'm not going to lower the drinking age," the presidential candidate said.
Army veteran Ernest Johnson, 23, of Connecticut, said one of the things that peeved him before he turned 21 was that he couldn't come home and drink a beer—even though he was old enough to serve in the armed services and die for his country.
Obama told Johnson he sympathized, but that setting the legal drinking age at 21 had helped reduce drunken driving incidents and should remain.
source
Texas Dems Deny Clinton Request
excertp:
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Democratic Party said Monday it had denied a request by Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign that it take extra steps to verify the signatures of election night caucus-goers before party conventions being held at the end of the month.
State chairman Boyd Richie said Texas Democrats will not "set up an unnecessary, ad hoc 'verification' process that could effectively disqualify delegates selected at their precinct conventions after the fact."
source
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Democratic Party said Monday it had denied a request by Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign that it take extra steps to verify the signatures of election night caucus-goers before party conventions being held at the end of the month.
State chairman Boyd Richie said Texas Democrats will not "set up an unnecessary, ad hoc 'verification' process that could effectively disqualify delegates selected at their precinct conventions after the fact."
source
Response to Clinton Attacks on Military Contractors
"During her speech today, Senator Clinton launched a false attack on Senator Obama’s position on military contractors. Below is a statement in response as well more information on Senator Clinton’s history on this issue.
“Proving once again that she will say anything to win an election, Hillary Clinton is attacking Barack Obama on an issue where he has led and she did nothing until her campaign fell behind. Senator Clinton did nothing when the use of contractors was expanded in the Clinton Administration, she did nothing when Senator Obama sent a bill on contractor accountability to her committee, and after more than four years of war in Iraq she claimed to not even know contractors were unaccountable even though she sits on the Senate committee that oversees them. For all her talk of Day One, it took five years on the Armed Services Committee before Hillary Clinton decided that she was shocked to learn about contractors that were used by the Clinton Administration, and whose abuses were reported year after year after year during the Iraq War,” said Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer."
source
“Proving once again that she will say anything to win an election, Hillary Clinton is attacking Barack Obama on an issue where he has led and she did nothing until her campaign fell behind. Senator Clinton did nothing when the use of contractors was expanded in the Clinton Administration, she did nothing when Senator Obama sent a bill on contractor accountability to her committee, and after more than four years of war in Iraq she claimed to not even know contractors were unaccountable even though she sits on the Senate committee that oversees them. For all her talk of Day One, it took five years on the Armed Services Committee before Hillary Clinton decided that she was shocked to learn about contractors that were used by the Clinton Administration, and whose abuses were reported year after year after year during the Iraq War,” said Obama spokesman Dan Pfeiffer."
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Senator Obama on the State of the Economy
Chicago, IL -- Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the state of the economy:
The news coming from Wall Street today has confirmed our fears that the financial fallout from the mortgage crisis would spillover into the wider economy. Months ago, I went to Wall Street and said that our capital markets could not function without the confidence and trust of the public. I said that Wall Street could not succeed while the rest of America struggled. Now, as the Federal Reserve does its best to bring stability to the market, we must focus on what we can do to restore the public’s confidence in the market and help the millions of Americans who are worried about their jobs, their homes, and their financial future.
History will not judge President Bush kindly for his failure to act in a way that could’ve prevented or alleviated this economic crisis. There have been few Administrations so out of touch with the concerns and the struggles of working Americans and so beholden to the lobbyists and special interests who blocked any kind of regulatory oversight of the financial sector. Whether it was subprime lending, credit cards, or bankruptcy laws, Washington has allowed these special interests to prevent sensible policy that could have prevented the most serious effects of the current predicament.
Nowhere has the failure been more pronounced than the President’s refusal to address the plight of homeowners and Main Street businesses that lie at the heart of the turmoil right now. After months of inaction and half-measures, the President traveled to New York last week to say that there is a danger in doing too much and implied that doing nothing would be preferable. His principle policy to address the financial crunch that now threatens millions of Americans with foreclosure and thousands of business with bankruptcy is to extend his tax cuts for the wealthiest few. It’s a policy so divorced from the reality facing the American people and the American economy that it would be laughable if it weren’t so frightening.
At this moment, we must come together and act to address the housing crisis that set this downturn in motion and continues to eat away at the public’s confidence in the market. We should pass the legislation I put forward with my colleague, Chris Dodd, to create meaningful incentives for lenders to buy or refinance existing mortgages so that Americans facing foreclosure can keep their homes. This is not a bailout for lenders or investors who gambled recklessly, and it is not a windfall for borrowers. It is a fair and responsible way to help stem the foreclosure crisis.
Many other steps will be required to reverse this downturn in the weeks to come. It will require the efforts of those in the financial community; of the Federal Reserve; of Congress, and the White House. And it will also require a renewed confidence that we can meet this challenge. We are the United States of America, and each time we have faced moments of adversity in the past – some much greater than this – we have summoned a spirit of cooperation and innovation to emerge stronger and more prosperous than we were before. But it will take work, it will take time, and it will take leadership that recognizes that we are all part of the same economy, and that economy must work for every American in order for America to prosper in the 21st century.
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The news coming from Wall Street today has confirmed our fears that the financial fallout from the mortgage crisis would spillover into the wider economy. Months ago, I went to Wall Street and said that our capital markets could not function without the confidence and trust of the public. I said that Wall Street could not succeed while the rest of America struggled. Now, as the Federal Reserve does its best to bring stability to the market, we must focus on what we can do to restore the public’s confidence in the market and help the millions of Americans who are worried about their jobs, their homes, and their financial future.
History will not judge President Bush kindly for his failure to act in a way that could’ve prevented or alleviated this economic crisis. There have been few Administrations so out of touch with the concerns and the struggles of working Americans and so beholden to the lobbyists and special interests who blocked any kind of regulatory oversight of the financial sector. Whether it was subprime lending, credit cards, or bankruptcy laws, Washington has allowed these special interests to prevent sensible policy that could have prevented the most serious effects of the current predicament.
Nowhere has the failure been more pronounced than the President’s refusal to address the plight of homeowners and Main Street businesses that lie at the heart of the turmoil right now. After months of inaction and half-measures, the President traveled to New York last week to say that there is a danger in doing too much and implied that doing nothing would be preferable. His principle policy to address the financial crunch that now threatens millions of Americans with foreclosure and thousands of business with bankruptcy is to extend his tax cuts for the wealthiest few. It’s a policy so divorced from the reality facing the American people and the American economy that it would be laughable if it weren’t so frightening.
At this moment, we must come together and act to address the housing crisis that set this downturn in motion and continues to eat away at the public’s confidence in the market. We should pass the legislation I put forward with my colleague, Chris Dodd, to create meaningful incentives for lenders to buy or refinance existing mortgages so that Americans facing foreclosure can keep their homes. This is not a bailout for lenders or investors who gambled recklessly, and it is not a windfall for borrowers. It is a fair and responsible way to help stem the foreclosure crisis.
Many other steps will be required to reverse this downturn in the weeks to come. It will require the efforts of those in the financial community; of the Federal Reserve; of Congress, and the White House. And it will also require a renewed confidence that we can meet this challenge. We are the United States of America, and each time we have faced moments of adversity in the past – some much greater than this – we have summoned a spirit of cooperation and innovation to emerge stronger and more prosperous than we were before. But it will take work, it will take time, and it will take leadership that recognizes that we are all part of the same economy, and that economy must work for every American in order for America to prosper in the 21st century.
source
Hillary Clinton: Questions on Iraq
A series of statements and interviews drawing out a more clear view of Hillary Clinton's role in authorizing the Iraq War.
Barack in Beaver County, Pennsylvania: Clarity on Iraq and Military Contractors
Barack Obama talks about his stance on the Iraq War on March 17, 2008
Clinton Superdelegate Problem: None Since Super Tuesday
"*** Clinton’s super problem: By our count, the Clinton campaign hasn’t publicly announced the support of a new superdelegate since just after February 5. Indeed, since Super Tuesday, Obama has gained 47 new superdelegates, while Clinton has lost seven (including Eliot Spitzer). Does Clinton have a bigger problem on the superdelegate front than folks realize? Why do we think party leaders -- who saw the Democrats lose governorships, state legislatures, and the control of Congress during the Clinton years -- suddenly jump on board the Clinton campaign? Isn't this the reason the Clinton campaign has only been able to keep uncommitted supers from climbing board Obama's bandwagon but they haven't been able to woo a new super to their side in a month? ? Isn't this also an explanation for why the Clinton campaign has done so poorly in the caucuses? The caucuses are made up of the activists who follow this stuff closer and think about things like electability and who can help the party keep Congress, etc. If Clinton's not winning over caucus activists, why should we believe she'll win over a large enough chunk of superdelegates to overcome Obama's pledged delegate lead? Ultimately, her best chance is to convince supers that Obama is completely unelectable on par with McGovern, an argument that might have been helped a tad by Rev. Wright."
source
source
Clinton on Sinbad: 'He's a comedian, you know'
How condescending! A man makes a legitimate living and Senator Hillary Clinton BELITTLE'S HIM!? what kind of messages does that send to the American people?
"Hillary responded to Sinbad's recollection of their trip together to Bosnia, which Hillary has portrayed as perilous, and at which Sinbad said the most difficult choice was where to get lunch.
"He's a comedian, you know," she said, recalling that she was moved into the cockpit for safety, that the plane made an evasive maneuver, and that there was no greeting ceremony."
click here to read the Politico article
"Hillary responded to Sinbad's recollection of their trip together to Bosnia, which Hillary has portrayed as perilous, and at which Sinbad said the most difficult choice was where to get lunch.
"He's a comedian, you know," she said, recalling that she was moved into the cockpit for safety, that the plane made an evasive maneuver, and that there was no greeting ceremony."
click here to read the Politico article
Clinton Hedges When Asked Why Obama Can't Carry States She Won
What is she talking about? Where's the answer to the straightforward question: Why can't Obama carry the states Clinton won when it comes time for the general election against Mccain?
Fox News Sunday Starts "The Obama Watch"
Chris Wallace told me last December that the Democratic candidates were "damn fools" for refusing to debate on Fox, and that Barack Obama -- unlike Hillary and, famously, Bill Clinton -- declined requests to appear on "Fox News Sunday."
This morning, Wallace launched the "Obama Watch."
Showing perfect News Corp. synergy, Obama was displayed in split screen a la "24," with the ticking time clock at 730 days, 13 hours, 53 minutes and 9 seconds. And counting.
That number dates to May 2006, when Wallace said Obama first agreed to a face-to-face interview on "Fox News Sunday."
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Sunday, March 16, 2008
Another important Oregon union endorses Obama
Oregon AFSCME Endorses Obama
by Christopher HassSunday, March 16, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Yesterday the progressive blog Blue Oregon broke the news that <the Oregon AFSCME union workers had voted to endorse Barack Obama for President. According to Blue Oregon, "Oregon AFSCME's executive director, Ken Allen, described the vote as 'overwhelming.'"
In an official statement released last night, the Oregon AFSCME explained:
"The union took action prior to the upcoming Oregon primary because Obama has a history of standing up and fighting for working people," said Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. "In Illinois, Sen. Obama fought alongside AFSCME to keep vital public services open, including mental hospitals and prisons. He also worked to help organize thousands of workers at Resurrection Hospital, and supported card check recognition for other workers seeking to unionize in their workplace.
“He is a candidate organized labor can proudly stand behind and support.”
... “I believe Obama can unite Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, which is what our membership within Corrections looks like,” [Corrections Counselor Tina Turner-Morfitt] said. “This endorsement best reflects the thinking of our members and leaders.”
... With the Obama endorsement, Oregon AFSCME joins the other biggest unions in Oregon supporting Obama in the Oregon primary, including the Oregon Education Association, the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers and others.
The Oregon AFSCME plans to send out mailings to its members, and to participate in get-out-the-vote activities for Barack during the lead-up to Oregon's May 20th primary.
Read the full Oregon AFSCME statement endorsing Barack.
source
by Christopher HassSunday, March 16, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Yesterday the progressive blog Blue Oregon broke the news that <the Oregon AFSCME union workers had voted to endorse Barack Obama for President. According to Blue Oregon, "Oregon AFSCME's executive director, Ken Allen, described the vote as 'overwhelming.'"
In an official statement released last night, the Oregon AFSCME explained:
"The union took action prior to the upcoming Oregon primary because Obama has a history of standing up and fighting for working people," said Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. "In Illinois, Sen. Obama fought alongside AFSCME to keep vital public services open, including mental hospitals and prisons. He also worked to help organize thousands of workers at Resurrection Hospital, and supported card check recognition for other workers seeking to unionize in their workplace.
“He is a candidate organized labor can proudly stand behind and support.”
... “I believe Obama can unite Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, which is what our membership within Corrections looks like,” [Corrections Counselor Tina Turner-Morfitt] said. “This endorsement best reflects the thinking of our members and leaders.”
... With the Obama endorsement, Oregon AFSCME joins the other biggest unions in Oregon supporting Obama in the Oregon primary, including the Oregon Education Association, the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers and others.
The Oregon AFSCME plans to send out mailings to its members, and to participate in get-out-the-vote activities for Barack during the lead-up to Oregon's May 20th primary.
Read the full Oregon AFSCME statement endorsing Barack.
source
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Hillary Has Not Passed All That Legislation She Touts
"WASHINGTON - Hillary Clinton, who has frequently described herself on the campaign trail as playing a pivotal role in forging a children's health insurance plan, had little to do with crafting the landmark legislation or ushering it through Congress, according to several lawmakers, staffers, and healthcare advocates involved in the issue."
click here to read the Boston Globe article
click here to read the Boston Globe article
Obama Want To Close KBR Tax Loophole
"this news has lead Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John Kerry Thursday "to propose legislation that would prohibit companies like KBR from exploiting tax havens to avoid payroll taxes." Reps. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois and and Brad Ellsworth of Indiana are proposing the legislation, known as the Fair Share Act of 2008, in the House."
source
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Big News: Obama Gains 9 More Delegates in Iowa
"Big news, everybody -- Obama gained 7 more delegates today in Iowa!
Campaign Manager David Plouffe just sent this note to our hard-working Iowa staffers. We thought we'd share it with you...
Dear Team Iowa,
Another contest in Iowa just showed the hard work and dedication you put into the state. For those of you that worked the caucuses, you gave momentum to put us in the great position we are in. For those of you that came back for the county conventions, you worked your magic again, along with the precinct captains and supporters to squeeze 7 more delegates out of Iowa for Barack (there may still be one up for grabs).
Thanks for all of your hard work. I know you are all tired, but dig deep, remember the way you felt after the Iowa Caucuses, and the way staff there feels again tonight.
-David"
UPDATE: Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe today released the following statement on the results of the Iowa county conventions:
Iowans went to the county conventions today to make clear that they want a Democratic nominee who will bring real change to this country and who will be the strongest candidate against John McCain. With all of the results in, Senator Obama earned 25 delegates, while Senator Clinton earned 14. Senator Obama netted ten delegates tonight. For comparison purposes, Senator Clinton netted nine delegates in Ohio.
Final Pledged Delegate Results
25 Senator Obama
14 Senator Clinton
6 Senator Edwards
Prior to today
16 Senator Obama
15 Senator Clinton
14 Senator Edwards
source
Campaign Manager David Plouffe just sent this note to our hard-working Iowa staffers. We thought we'd share it with you...
Dear Team Iowa,
Another contest in Iowa just showed the hard work and dedication you put into the state. For those of you that worked the caucuses, you gave momentum to put us in the great position we are in. For those of you that came back for the county conventions, you worked your magic again, along with the precinct captains and supporters to squeeze 7 more delegates out of Iowa for Barack (there may still be one up for grabs).
Thanks for all of your hard work. I know you are all tired, but dig deep, remember the way you felt after the Iowa Caucuses, and the way staff there feels again tonight.
-David"
UPDATE: Obama for America campaign manager David Plouffe today released the following statement on the results of the Iowa county conventions:
Iowans went to the county conventions today to make clear that they want a Democratic nominee who will bring real change to this country and who will be the strongest candidate against John McCain. With all of the results in, Senator Obama earned 25 delegates, while Senator Clinton earned 14. Senator Obama netted ten delegates tonight. For comparison purposes, Senator Clinton netted nine delegates in Ohio.
Final Pledged Delegate Results
25 Senator Obama
14 Senator Clinton
6 Senator Edwards
Prior to today
16 Senator Obama
15 Senator Clinton
14 Senator Edwards
source
Clinton Won't Release Earmark Requests Like Obama
Close observers of yesterday's reports on the efforts of McCain and Obama to get Sen. Clinton to disclose her earmark requests going back to 2001 may have noticed a strange thing about the statement her office issued at the end of the day.
It said all manner of things about earmarks, and moratoriums, and funding, and accountability. But it never said whether she would disclose her earmark requests going back to 2001. (See after the jump).
We spent today back-and-forthing a few more times by e-mail with her press office, and the exchanges made it pretty clear that the oversight was intentional. The plan seems to be that since the NY press has never obsessed over Hillary's earmark requests, she can safely not release them as long as she doesn't say she won't and doesn't say why she won't.
source
It said all manner of things about earmarks, and moratoriums, and funding, and accountability. But it never said whether she would disclose her earmark requests going back to 2001. (See after the jump).
We spent today back-and-forthing a few more times by e-mail with her press office, and the exchanges made it pretty clear that the oversight was intentional. The plan seems to be that since the NY press has never obsessed over Hillary's earmark requests, she can safely not release them as long as she doesn't say she won't and doesn't say why she won't.
source
NYT Survey Shows Uncommitted Superdelegates Favor Backing Popular Vote Winner
"A New York Times survey of superdelegates last week found that Mr. Obama had been winning over more of them recently than Mrs. Clinton had, though Mrs. Clinton retained an overall lead among those who have made a choice. Over the past month, according to the survey, Mr. Obama, of Illinois, picked up 54 superdelegates; Mrs. Clinton, of New York, picked up 31."
source
source
Barack Obama in Indiana: Unifying America
After denouncing controversial remarks at an event in Plainsfield, Indiana, Barack speaks further on the matter of bringing America together to actually address fundamental problems that face us all.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Obama Denounces Controversial Remarks
Barack Obama denounces controversial remarks by Rev. Jeremiah Wright, retiring pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ
Wisconsin Superdelegate Endorses Barack Obama for President
Chicago, IL – Today Wisconsin superdelegate Melissa Schroeder endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his unique ability to stand up to the special interests and unite all Americans to bring about real, meaningful change.
Melissa Schroeder said: “After much consideration, I have decided to endorse Senator Barack Obama. My decision came down to electability and who I felt would do a better job of unifying this country for a common purpose. Obama's message of hope and change has touched millions of voters in a way that I haven't seen since the late 1960's. People from every walk of life, young and the not so young, Democrats, Independents and some Republicans, are all rallying around a belief that change can happen if we want it bad enough. With Obama as our nominee, I am confident that this November we will increase our majority in the House and Senate and elect a Democrat to the White House.”
Melissa Schroeder is Wisconsin’s 7th District Democratic Party Secretary.
source
Melissa Schroeder said: “After much consideration, I have decided to endorse Senator Barack Obama. My decision came down to electability and who I felt would do a better job of unifying this country for a common purpose. Obama's message of hope and change has touched millions of voters in a way that I haven't seen since the late 1960's. People from every walk of life, young and the not so young, Democrats, Independents and some Republicans, are all rallying around a belief that change can happen if we want it bad enough. With Obama as our nominee, I am confident that this November we will increase our majority in the House and Senate and elect a Democrat to the White House.”
Melissa Schroeder is Wisconsin’s 7th District Democratic Party Secretary.
source
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Obama's delegate lead over Clinton is wider than ever.
new cnn article:
NEW: Obama leads Clinton by 131 delegates, CNN estimates
Obama wins Mississippi by a wide margin
Obama comes in first in Texas caucuses
(note: I have been using the site www.realclearpolitics.com as my source for how many total delegates Senators Obama and Clinton have and I intend to continue using that same site)
NEW: Obama leads Clinton by 131 delegates, CNN estimates
Obama wins Mississippi by a wide margin
Obama comes in first in Texas caucuses
(note: I have been using the site www.realclearpolitics.com as my source for how many total delegates Senators Obama and Clinton have and I intend to continue using that same site)
Pittsburgh Office Opening
Check out this video of the opening of our office in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
'Obama Criticizes McCain on Taxes' (UPDATED)
Earlier today Barack spoke to reporters about the importance of ending the Bush tax policies, and he criticized Senator John McCain for reversing his position on tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans:
excerpt from Time article-
"(CHICAGO) — Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday that Sen. John McCain reversed his position on President Bush's deep tax cuts in order to win the Republican presidential nomination, one of his sharpest criticisms yet of the Arizona senator he hopes to face this fall.
Criticizing GOP efforts to extend major tax cuts from Bush's first term and to eliminate the estate tax, Obama said: "These are all steps that John McCain rightly said were irresponsible when they first came up."
"He made a decision to reverse himself on that," Obama told reporters as he flew from Chicago to Washington for a series of Senate votes on budget issues.
"That was how, I guess, you got your ticket punched to be the Republican nominee," he said of McCain. "But he was right then, and he's wrong now."
… Obama has proposed an array of subsidies for higher education, health care and other costs hitting middle-class families. He said he believes he can pay for such plans by closing tax loopholes, placing a new tax on carbon emissions, phasing out the Iraq war and ending the Bush tax cuts for the nation's highest earners.
"We have identified the cuts that we think are available, or the changes in our tax code that are available to pay for our middle-class tax cut as well as our proposals to fund higher education and so on," the Illinois senator said."
click here to read the Time magazine article
excerpt from Time article-
"(CHICAGO) — Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Thursday that Sen. John McCain reversed his position on President Bush's deep tax cuts in order to win the Republican presidential nomination, one of his sharpest criticisms yet of the Arizona senator he hopes to face this fall.
Criticizing GOP efforts to extend major tax cuts from Bush's first term and to eliminate the estate tax, Obama said: "These are all steps that John McCain rightly said were irresponsible when they first came up."
"He made a decision to reverse himself on that," Obama told reporters as he flew from Chicago to Washington for a series of Senate votes on budget issues.
"That was how, I guess, you got your ticket punched to be the Republican nominee," he said of McCain. "But he was right then, and he's wrong now."
… Obama has proposed an array of subsidies for higher education, health care and other costs hitting middle-class families. He said he believes he can pay for such plans by closing tax loopholes, placing a new tax on carbon emissions, phasing out the Iraq war and ending the Bush tax cuts for the nation's highest earners.
"We have identified the cuts that we think are available, or the changes in our tax code that are available to pay for our middle-class tax cut as well as our proposals to fund higher education and so on," the Illinois senator said."
click here to read the Time magazine article
Winning in November: Obama's Electoral Advantage
UPDATED 3/13/08: As another sign of Barack's competitiveness in traditionally "red" states, a new SurveyUSA poll shows that Barack would carry the state of North Dakota in a fall match-up against John McCain:
"Here’s one for the history books: A new poll from SurveyUSA found that if the presidential election were held now, Barack Obama would best John McCain in North Dakota. The sampling of 574 likely voters in the state said 46 percent would go for Obama, 42 percent for McCain. In the same poll, Sen. Hillary Clinton would lose to McCain, 54 percent to 35 percent among North Dakotans.
… Even the suggestion that a Democrat – any Democrat – can win the presidential vote in historically red-state North Dakota in 2008 is an eyebrow-raiser.
North Dakota has rarely been blue on the election map. Since statehood, North Dakotans have favored the Democratic presidential candidate only five times: Woodrow Wilson in 1912 and 1916, Franklin Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936; Lyndon Johnson in 1964."
"Here’s one for the history books: A new poll from SurveyUSA found that if the presidential election were held now, Barack Obama would best John McCain in North Dakota. The sampling of 574 likely voters in the state said 46 percent would go for Obama, 42 percent for McCain. In the same poll, Sen. Hillary Clinton would lose to McCain, 54 percent to 35 percent among North Dakotans.
… Even the suggestion that a Democrat – any Democrat – can win the presidential vote in historically red-state North Dakota in 2008 is an eyebrow-raiser.
North Dakota has rarely been blue on the election map. Since statehood, North Dakotans have favored the Democratic presidential candidate only five times: Woodrow Wilson in 1912 and 1916, Franklin Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936; Lyndon Johnson in 1964."
Obama Releases His Earmark Requests; Calls on Clinton to do the Same
Chicago, IL – Senator Barack Obama’s campaign today released his earmark requests for 2005 and 2006 and called on Senator Hillary Clinton to do the same. Last year, Obama’s Senate office released his 2007 earmark requests.
The ’05 and ’06 requests can be seen by clicking HERE. The ’07 requests are available on the official Senate website. To date, Senator Clinton has refused repeated requests to disclose her earmark requests.
“Bringing real change requires changing the way we do business in Washington,” said Obama for America Communications Director Robert Gibbs. “If Senator Clinton will not agree to join Senator Obama in releasing her earmark requests, voters should ask why she doesn’t believe they have the right to know she wants to spend their tax dollars.”
Obama believes that there has been too little transparency in Washington, and he has been a leader in reforming the earmark process so that every American can know how the government spends their tax dollars. Barack Obama teamed up with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) to pass a law that lifted the veil of secrecy in Washington by creating a Google-like search engine that allows ordinary Americans to track federal grants, contracts, earmarks and loans online. The database – known as “Google for Government” – was launched by the Office of Management and Budget in early December and is available at www.USAspending.gov. As president, Obama will give voters the tools they need to track spending so we can stop letting the special interests set the agenda in Washington.
The ’05 and ’06 requests can be seen by clicking HERE. The ’07 requests are available on the official Senate website. To date, Senator Clinton has refused repeated requests to disclose her earmark requests.
“Bringing real change requires changing the way we do business in Washington,” said Obama for America Communications Director Robert Gibbs. “If Senator Clinton will not agree to join Senator Obama in releasing her earmark requests, voters should ask why she doesn’t believe they have the right to know she wants to spend their tax dollars.”
Obama believes that there has been too little transparency in Washington, and he has been a leader in reforming the earmark process so that every American can know how the government spends their tax dollars. Barack Obama teamed up with Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) to pass a law that lifted the veil of secrecy in Washington by creating a Google-like search engine that allows ordinary Americans to track federal grants, contracts, earmarks and loans online. The database – known as “Google for Government” – was launched by the Office of Management and Budget in early December and is available at www.USAspending.gov. As president, Obama will give voters the tools they need to track spending so we can stop letting the special interests set the agenda in Washington.
Obama Campaign Annotates Clinton Press Release
"Wednesday morning, the Clinton campaign sent reporters and bloggers covering the campaign a statement that consisted of questions and comments under the title of "Keystone Test: Obama Losing Ground."
The Obama campaign's communications department decided to annotate those questions and comments with some comments of their own... and boy, they held nothing back.
Below you'll find the annotated e-mail that has been making the rounds of the media. The Obama campaign's comments are in bold."
click here to read the annotated statement
The Obama campaign's communications department decided to annotate those questions and comments with some comments of their own... and boy, they held nothing back.
Below you'll find the annotated e-mail that has been making the rounds of the media. The Obama campaign's comments are in bold."
click here to read the annotated statement
Barack Obama on Registering to Vote in PA
Barack explains the registration process for the Pennsylvania primary.
Barack Obama in Fairless Hills, PA
Barack spoke to workers at the Gamesa Plant in Fairless Hills, PA about green technology and creating green jobs. March 11, 2008.
update to Senator Barack Obama Receives Endorsement of Flag Officers from Army, Navy and Air Force story
"CHICAGO—Citing his judgment and ability to lead, admirals and generals from the United States Army, Navy and Air Force that together have served under the last nine Commanders-in-Chief today announced their endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for president. "
click here to read this very impressive article
Delegate Scoreboard: Obama Has Erased Hillary's March 4 Gains
"Barack Obama's likely delegate take from Mississippi appears to be a +5 edge — while he won the popular vote by 24 points, Hillary Clinton's narrow win in the First Congressional District will apparently keep the delegate margin at 19-14.
But here's something to put it in perspective: Between the Mississippi and Wyoming results alone, Obama will have just about undone Hillary's small delegate gains from March 4.
Here are the latest delegate estimates from various news organization, including super-delegates unless otherwise noted:"
source
But here's something to put it in perspective: Between the Mississippi and Wyoming results alone, Obama will have just about undone Hillary's small delegate gains from March 4.
Here are the latest delegate estimates from various news organization, including super-delegates unless otherwise noted:"
source
Would Justice Department Have To OK New Florida, Michigan Mail Primaries?
"In order to get them in and have 'em count by June 10, lawyers for Barack Obama say the answer, unequivocally, is yes."
click here to read the article
click here to read the article
Republicans Voting For Hillary To Sabotage Obama Campaign
Now that John McCain has won the GOP nomination, Republicans are voting in the Democratic primary in increasing numbers, hoping to pick their opponent for the November election, or at least cause more turmoil in our already divisive nomination battle.
Their choice? Hillary Clinton.
Yesterday, in the Mississippi primary, 24% of Hillary Clinton's support came from Republicans. Unlike the Republican support generated by Barack Obama, according to exit polling data, Clinton's Republican support appears to be part of the explicit plan promoted by radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh to wreak havoc upon the Democratic Party by voting for Hillary Clinton.
source
Their choice? Hillary Clinton.
Yesterday, in the Mississippi primary, 24% of Hillary Clinton's support came from Republicans. Unlike the Republican support generated by Barack Obama, according to exit polling data, Clinton's Republican support appears to be part of the explicit plan promoted by radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh to wreak havoc upon the Democratic Party by voting for Hillary Clinton.
source
OK GO Want You to Register and Vote
Damian Kulash and Tim Nordwind of OK GO met Barack Obama and are excited to remind all their fans and friends in Pennsylvania to register Democrat by March 24th to be eligible to vote for Barack in the April 22nd Democratic Primary.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Barack Obama: Judgement to Lead
On March 12, 2008, Obama Received the endorsement of Flag Officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mississippi Exit polls: Obama viewed as more honest
(CNN) – Mississippi Democratic voters view Barack Obama more honest and trustworthy than Hillary Clinton, exit polls indicate.
Roughly 7 in 10 voters said Obama was honest and trustworthy, while only a little more than half said the same for Clinton.
But Clinton voters appear to view Obama in a more negative light than Obama voters view Clinton.
Greater than 9 in 10 Clinton voters said Obama was not trustworthy, while roughly 7 in 10 Obama supporters said the same of Clinton.
source
Roughly 7 in 10 voters said Obama was honest and trustworthy, while only a little more than half said the same for Clinton.
But Clinton voters appear to view Obama in a more negative light than Obama voters view Clinton.
Greater than 9 in 10 Clinton voters said Obama was not trustworthy, while roughly 7 in 10 Obama supporters said the same of Clinton.
source
Obama’s California Comeback
Wall Street Journal article:
"A little-noticed shift in the tally of California’s Democratic delegates may affect the primary between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton as much as the heavily hyped results last Tuesday in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island."
source
"A little-noticed shift in the tally of California’s Democratic delegates may affect the primary between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton as much as the heavily hyped results last Tuesday in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island."
source
Interview with Chris Matthews - Mississippi Victory
Interview with MSNBC's Chris Matthews on the night of winning the Mississippi Democratic Primary.
Barack Obama at Gamesa Turbine Plant
Barack took questions from Gamesa employees at a townhall meeting in Fairless, PA on March 11, 2008.
CNN Interview with Wolf Blitzer
On the night of his victory in Mississippi, Barack Obama and Wolf Blitzer discuss the state of the race for the Democratic Nomination.
A Ferraro flashback
Geraldine Ferraro, a Hillary supporter, made the "if he wasn't black" comment before! here it is:
"If Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race," she said.
Really. The cite is an April 15, 1988 Washington Post story (byline: Howard Kurtz), available only on Nexis.
Here's the full context:
Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."
Asked about this at a campaign stop in Buffalo, Jackson at first seemed ready to pounce fiercely on his critics. But then he stopped, took a breath, and said quietly, "Millions of Americans have a point of view different from" Ferraro's.
Discussing the same point in Washington, Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."
Obama Camp Concerned About Mail-In Votes
"David Axelrod, Obama's senior strategist, told reporters Tuesday that the campaign is reserving final judgment until a plan is offered.
'But obviously there are concerns about a mail-in vote. I mean, there are concerns about eligibility, ballot security," he said during a conference call. "The state of Oregon has mail-in voting, and it took them more than a decade to perfect it to the point where they felt that they could run a statewide campaign through mail-in votes. And now we're going to turn this process over to parties within the states to run on with a matter of weeks to prepare.' "
source
'But obviously there are concerns about a mail-in vote. I mean, there are concerns about eligibility, ballot security," he said during a conference call. "The state of Oregon has mail-in voting, and it took them more than a decade to perfect it to the point where they felt that they could run a statewide campaign through mail-in votes. And now we're going to turn this process over to parties within the states to run on with a matter of weeks to prepare.' "
source
Fla. Dems settle on new plan for vote-by-mail primary
"WASHINGTON — Facing tight deadlines for a do-over election, Florida Democrats are rushing to deliver to the national party as soon as Thursday a plan to vote again in the presidential primary — this time, by mail.
If approved, ballots could start going out to voters in April.
Though the election-by-mail plan has its detractors, state Democrats say they're under a time crunch to complete voting by June 10 — the Democratic National Committee's deadline for allocating delegates. Submitting the plan now will start a 30-day public-comment clock that would end in time for ballots to be sent out mid April."
source
If approved, ballots could start going out to voters in April.
Though the election-by-mail plan has its detractors, state Democrats say they're under a time crunch to complete voting by June 10 — the Democratic National Committee's deadline for allocating delegates. Submitting the plan now will start a 30-day public-comment clock that would end in time for ballots to be sent out mid April."
source
quote of the day
this is a great quote I read today"
"Saying that Hillary has Executive Branch experience is like saying Yoko Ono was a Beatle."
source
Oregon's teachers union, the OEA/PIE endorsement is considered one of the most important endorsements to win... and they just endorsed Senator Obama!
"Today, OEA delegates from across the state cast their votes in the Oregon Education Association endorsements. Oregon's teachers union, the OEA/PIE endorsement is considered one of the most important endorsements to win.
For President, OEA endorsed Barack Obama. In the US Senate race, OEA endorsed Steve Novick. In the 5th Congressional District, OEA endorsed Kurt Schrader. And with less drama, they also endorsed for re-election Congressmen David Wu, Earl Blumenauer, and Peter DeFazio."
source
Obama wins Mississippi primary!
with 99% of precincts having reported in:
Obama has won 61% to Clinton's 37 % of the vote.
17 delegates for Obama
11 delegates for Clinton
5 delegates to still be determined.
Source: CNN's Mississippi results page
Sinbad Unloads on Hillary Clinton
"Finally, the Barack Obama campaign has found a big gun to help shoot down Hillary Rodham Clinton's self-proclaimed foreign policy experience. And he may be the wackiest gun of all: Sinbad, the actor, who has come out from under a rock to defend Obama in the war over foreign policy credentials.
Sinbad, along with singer Sheryl Crow, was on that 1996 trip to Bosnia that Clinton has described as a harrowing international experience that makes her tested and ready to answer a 3 a.m. phone call at the White House on day one, a claim for which she's taking much grief on the campaign trail.
Harrowing? Not that Sinbad recalls. He just remembers it being a USO tour to buck up the troops amid a much worse situation than he had imagined between the Bosnians and Serbs.
In an interview with the Sleuth Monday, he said the "scariest" part of the trip was wondering where he'd eat next. "I think the only 'red-phone' moment was: 'Do we eat here or at the next place.'"
source
Sources: Ex-Wife of Pardoned Fugitive Gave $400,000 to Clinton Library
"The former wife of fugitive financier Marc Rich contributed about $400,000 to the Clinton presidential library, legal sources tell TIME. This revelation is likely to deepen suspicions of congressional investigators looking into the controversial pardon given to Rich by President Clinton — that Denise Rich's financing of Clinton political and personal projects influenced his decision to give amnesty to her ex-husband."
click here to read the Time magazine expose
It's Official: Obama has won Texas !
The Texas Secretary of State is set to certify the official election results for the Democratic primary. As predicted, Barack Obama has beaten Hillary Clinton. While Clinton won the state's popular vote, Obama racked up more caucus support, so that, now that the final tally is in, the Lone Star state's delegate total reads:
Obama: 61 delegates from the popular vote + 38 delegates from caucuses = 99 delegates.
Clinton: 65 delegates from the popular vote + 30 delegates from Caucuses = 95 delegates.
So news people can now stop saying "two big wins in Ohio and Texas." Big win in Ohio, sure, but not Texas.
A further analysis of the delegate race over at DailyKos reveals that Clinton's supposedly big week has actually resulted in a net loss of 15 delegates to the front-runner. That's right, Obama continued to widen his delegate lead, and will certainly add to that margin (as well as to his lead in the popular vote) after today's contest in Mississippi.
AND
CNN is now also projecting that Obama has won the Texas caucus which puts him over the top in delegates compared to Hillary: 98-95 delegates ! WOO HOO
CNN's Texas results page
sorry for recent post shortage
sorry for not getting in that many posts recently. this week is killer for me. im much busier than usual and that started yesterday monday and will continue until tomorrow evening. i will try to get posts in here and there but i will be back posting at FULL STEAM starting again tomorrow night around 7ish.
Greg Craig, former director of the Policy Planning Office, U.S. State Department sent out this memo today (thorough, amazing document)
Greg Craig, former director of the Policy Planning Office, U.S. State Department sent out this memo today that just completely SHUTS DOWN Hillary Clinton's foreign policy experience claims.
The memo speaks for itself
click here to get to this must read document
Barack Obama in Jackson, MS
Barack rallied a crowd of almost 9,000 in Jackson, MS on March 10, 2008.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Obama's "bad" week (thick on the sarcasm here people)
"So conventional wisdom(why not just say that instead of being retarded and writing "CW"? you will know what i mean when you read the source article) is that last week was the "week from hell" for Obama, and given that he could've closed this thing out and didn't, we can stipulate that it could've been better."
But let's see just how horrible the week was:
"Bad Week"? Obama Won 7 More Delegates Than Clinton
click here to read this very interesting article and read all the way to "Update III"
But let's see just how horrible the week was:
"Bad Week"? Obama Won 7 More Delegates Than Clinton
click here to read this very interesting article and read all the way to "Update III"
OBAMA ON REPRESENTATIVE STEVE KING’S COMMENTS LAST WEEK:
Representative Steve King of Iowa said the following on March 7th, 2008:
"I will tell you that, if he is elected president, then the radical Islamists, the al-Qaida, the radical Islamists and their supporters, will be dancing in the streets in greater numbers than they did on September 11 because they will declare victory in this War on Terror."
source
Obama responded with the following statement:
I think that Mr. King has it backwards. The fact that the continuation of a presence in Iraq as Senator McCain has suggested is exactly what, I think, will fan the flames of anti-American sentiment and make it more difficult for us to create a long-term and sustainable peace in the world. But I have to say that Mr. King and individuals like him thrive on offensive or controversial statements as a way to get in the papers, so I don’t take it too seriously. I would hope Senator McCain would want to distance himself from that kind of inflammatory and offensive remarks.”
source
Hillary Clinton supporter Geraldine Ferraro: Obama is lucky he's black
its sad to say this type of ignorance doesn't surprise me all that much any more
Geraldine Ferraro (Hillary Clinton Supporter/finance committee member/major fundraiser/Vice-Presidential candiate in the 1984 Mondale vs. Reagan election) said the following:
"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."
source
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