June 30, 2008
Independence, MO
Monday, June 30, 2008
Voices from the Iowa Democratic Convention
Democrats from across Iowa gathered at the State Convention to discuss the direction of our country, the issues that shape our party, and our work to help us move forward towards honest solutions with common sense leadership.
Colorado Unites for Change
Supporters of Senator Obama from all over Colorado held house parties on June 28th, 2008, as part of Unite for Change.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Unite for Change: House Parties Video
On June 28, all across America thousands of people will gather in each others homes to discuss why they're involved in politics. Find out more at my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange
Friday, June 27, 2008
David Plouffe (Obama Campaign Manager) on Our Strategy
Campaign Manager David Plouffe records a video to supporters on a laptop, sharing his presentation about the Obama campaign's strategy for the general election.
Change that Works for You: Pittsburgh, PA
Barack participated in a panel discussion about American competitiveness, and first shared these opening remarks.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Obama disagrees with Supreme Court on Capital Punishment ruling
"Democrat Barack Obama said Wednesday he disagrees with the Supreme Court's decision outlawing executions of people who rape children, a crime he said states have the right to consider for capital punishment.
"I have said repeatedly that I think that the death penalty should be applied in very narrow circumstances for the most egregious of crimes," Obama said at a news conference. "I think that the rape of a small child, 6 or 8 years old, is a heinous crime and if a state makes a decision that under narrow, limited, well-defined circumstances the death penalty is at least potentially applicable, that that does not violate our Constitution."
The court's 5-4 decision Wednesday struck down a Louisiana law that allows capital punishment for people convicted of raping children under 12, saying it violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.
The ruling spares the only people in the U.S. under sentence of death for that crime — two Louisiana men convicted of raping girls 5 and 8. It also invalidates laws on the books in five other states that allowed executions for child rape that does not result in the death of the victim.
Obama's Republican rival, John McCain, also criticized the court's decision, calling it "an assault on law enforcement's efforts to punish these heinous felons for the most despicable crime."
"That there is a judge anywhere in America who does not believe that the rape of a child represents the most heinous of crimes, which is deserving of the most serious of punishments, is profoundly disturbing," McCain said in a statement.
Obama, the likely Democratic presidential nominee, said that had the court "said we want to constrain the abilities of states to do this to make sure that it's done in a careful and appropriate way, that would have been one thing. But it basically had a blanket prohibition and I disagree with that decision."
Obama has two daughters, ages 7 and 9.
He has long supported the death penalty while criticizing the way it is sometimes applied.
As an Illinois legislator, he helped rewrite the state's death penalty system to guard against innocent people being sentenced to die. The new safeguards included requiring police to videotape interrogations and giving the state Supreme Court more power to overturn unjust decisions.
He also opposed legislation making it easier to impose the death penalty for murders committed as part of gang activity. Obama argued the language was too vague and could be abused by authorities.
But Obama has never rejected the death penalty entirely. He supported death sentences for killing volunteers in community policing programs and for particularly cruel murders of elderly people.
"While the evidence tells me that the death penalty does little to deter crime, I believe there are some crimes — mass murder, the rape and murder of a child — so heinous, so beyond the pale, that the community is justified in expressing the full measure of its outrage by meting out the ultimate punishment," he wrote in his book "The Audacity of Hope.""
source
Senator Obama on the Economy and Energy
At a Press Availability in Chicago IL Senator Obama spoke about the economy, off-shore drilling and America's Energy Future.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Change that Works for You: Las Vegas, NV
Barack Obama held a discussion about energy at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 24, 2008.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Change that Works for You: Albuquerque, NM
Barack held a discussion with working women in Albuquerque, NM on June 23, 2008.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Barack Obama used his address at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami to shore up support for a $300 billion foreclosure bailout and assail McCain
"Making his pitch to a key group of power brokers, Barack Obama promised hundreds of mayors gathered in Miami that he would push back on President Bush's threatened veto of legislation aimed at rescuing homeowners facing foreclosure.
The bill would allow the federal government to insure $300 billion in new loans so homeowners who can't pay their mortgages could refinance. The legislation is a priority for many mayors whose cities are faltering under the housing crisis.
''If George Bush carries out his threat to veto the housing bill -- a bill that would provide critical resources to help you solve the foreclosure crisis in your towns and cities -- I will fight to overturn his veto and make sure you have the support you need,'' Obama said."
source
The bill would allow the federal government to insure $300 billion in new loans so homeowners who can't pay their mortgages could refinance. The legislation is a priority for many mayors whose cities are faltering under the housing crisis.
''If George Bush carries out his threat to veto the housing bill -- a bill that would provide critical resources to help you solve the foreclosure crisis in your towns and cities -- I will fight to overturn his veto and make sure you have the support you need,'' Obama said."
source
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Barack Obama at U.S. Mayor's Conference
An excerpt from Obama's address to the U.S. Mayor's Conference in Miami, FL on June 21, 2008.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Obama Team Weighs Nunn, Edwards As Running Mate
"WASHINGTON — Former Sens. John Edwards and Sam Nunn are on a list of potential running mates for Democrat Barack Obama, a congresswoman said Thursday, one day after she met with the team Obama has reviewing possible candidates.
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., who leads the Congressional Black Caucus, said members of her caucus asked her to forward the names of Edwards and Nunn when she met Wednesday with Obama's vice presidential search team. The team, Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, indicated the two were on the list."
source
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, D-Mich., who leads the Congressional Black Caucus, said members of her caucus asked her to forward the names of Edwards and Nunn when she met Wednesday with Obama's vice presidential search team. The team, Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, indicated the two were on the list."
source
Exclusive: MoveOn To Close Its 527 In Response To Obama's Candidacy
"MoveOn, the advocacy group supporting Barack Obama, has decided to permanently shutter its 527 operation, partly in response to the Illinois Senator's insistence that such groups should not spend on his behalf during the general election, I've learned from the group's spokesperson."
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Barack’s Bounce: The latest NEWSWEEK Poll shows the Democrat with a 15-point lead over McCain
"Barack finally has his bounce. For weeks many political experts and pollsters have been wondering why the race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain had stayed so tight, even after the Illinois senator wrested the nomination from Hillary Clinton. With numbers consistently showing rock-bottom approval ratings for President Bush and a large majority of Americans unhappy with the country's direction, the opposing-party candidate should, in the normal course, have attracted more disaffected voters. Now it looks as if Obama is doing just that. A new NEWSWEEK Poll shows that he has a substantial double-digit lead, 51 percent to 36 percent, over McCain among registered voters nationwide."
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Obama Calls Muslim Women Barred From Stage
Updated Shimaa Abdelfadeel and Hebba Aref, the two Muslim women who were asked not to sit where they could be photographed behind Senator Barack Obama because they were wearing traditional religious head coverings, received a call from the candidate himself today to follow up on his campaign’s initial apology. They released a statement about it to The New York Times:
At the rally for Senator Obama in Detroit on Monday, June 16, two volunteers denied us seating behind the stage the Senator would soon take. The volunteers informed us that we were not allowed to sit in that area due to the hijab, the headscarf that each of us was wearing.
This incident was unfortunate and extremely disappointing. Senator Obama has called us each to personally convey his deepest apologies and acknowledge that this was inexcusable. We both immensely appreciate the Senator’s phone call and his commitment to remedy this issue. We commend him for displaying qualities befitting an effective President. We acknowledge that this injustice has been taken seriously and that Senator Obama does not tolerate discrimination against Arabs, Muslims or any community. We are assured that he and his staff are committed to upholding the principles of justice for all peoples and bringing about change we can believe in. The infringement on our rights occurred and has been addressed; now we are ready to move forward. We will continue to support Senator Obama in his campaign and wish him the best as the race continues.
Regards,
Shimaa Abdelfadeel
Hebba Aref
Update: Mr. Obama’s released the following statement:
I reached out to Ms. Aref and Ms. Abdelfadeel this afternoon. I spoke with Ms. Abdelfadeel, and expressed my deepest apologies for the incident that occurred with volunteers at the event in Detroit. The actions of these volunteers were unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign. I take deepest offense to and will continue to fight against discrimination against people of any religious group or background. Our campaign is about bringing people together, and I’m grateful that Ms. Abdelfadeel accepted our apology and I hope Ms. Aref and any who were offended accept my apology as well.
source
At the rally for Senator Obama in Detroit on Monday, June 16, two volunteers denied us seating behind the stage the Senator would soon take. The volunteers informed us that we were not allowed to sit in that area due to the hijab, the headscarf that each of us was wearing.
This incident was unfortunate and extremely disappointing. Senator Obama has called us each to personally convey his deepest apologies and acknowledge that this was inexcusable. We both immensely appreciate the Senator’s phone call and his commitment to remedy this issue. We commend him for displaying qualities befitting an effective President. We acknowledge that this injustice has been taken seriously and that Senator Obama does not tolerate discrimination against Arabs, Muslims or any community. We are assured that he and his staff are committed to upholding the principles of justice for all peoples and bringing about change we can believe in. The infringement on our rights occurred and has been addressed; now we are ready to move forward. We will continue to support Senator Obama in his campaign and wish him the best as the race continues.
Regards,
Shimaa Abdelfadeel
Hebba Aref
Update: Mr. Obama’s released the following statement:
I reached out to Ms. Aref and Ms. Abdelfadeel this afternoon. I spoke with Ms. Abdelfadeel, and expressed my deepest apologies for the incident that occurred with volunteers at the event in Detroit. The actions of these volunteers were unacceptable and in no way reflect any policy of my campaign. I take deepest offense to and will continue to fight against discrimination against people of any religious group or background. Our campaign is about bringing people together, and I’m grateful that Ms. Abdelfadeel accepted our apology and I hope Ms. Aref and any who were offended accept my apology as well.
source
Barack Obama: Governor's Conference on the Economy
Barack Obama met with 15 of the country's democratic governor's to discuss the economy on June 20, 2008.
Artists for Obama: Antar Dayal
A behind-the-scenes look at the production of Antar Dayal's Artist for Obama print being produced at Continental Colorcraft.
McCain And Obama Tied In GEORGIA !!
A New InsiderAdvantage / PollPosition survey conducted June 18 of registered likely voters in the November presidential contest shows Sen. John McCain leading Sen. Barack Obama by a single point in Georgia, making the race in Georgia a statistical tie. Libertarian Bob Barr, a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, received 6 percent of the vote. ...
The Results:
McCain: 44%
Obama: 43%
Barr: 6%
Undecided: 7%
Analysis from InsiderAdvantage CEO Matt Towery:
"As Barack Obama has become the clear presumptive nominee of his party, the race has become defined and voters appear to be taking early stands in the race.
"Georgia is competitive for Obama for several reasons. First, it has a high African-American voting age population (VAP). Second, it has an unusually high percentage of younger voters (18-29). Both of these groups are more in the Obama camp, with black voters already at the 83 percent level and likely to climb.
"Equally important, like its neighbor Florida, Georgia has a high percentage of voters who consider themselves independent. Obama is carrying that critical swing vote by about 10 percent in the poll.
source
The Results:
McCain: 44%
Obama: 43%
Barr: 6%
Undecided: 7%
Analysis from InsiderAdvantage CEO Matt Towery:
"As Barack Obama has become the clear presumptive nominee of his party, the race has become defined and voters appear to be taking early stands in the race.
"Georgia is competitive for Obama for several reasons. First, it has a high African-American voting age population (VAP). Second, it has an unusually high percentage of younger voters (18-29). Both of these groups are more in the Obama camp, with black voters already at the 83 percent level and likely to climb.
"Equally important, like its neighbor Florida, Georgia has a high percentage of voters who consider themselves independent. Obama is carrying that critical swing vote by about 10 percent in the poll.
source
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Author Of McCain-Feingold: Obama Smart To Opt Out Of Public Funds
One of the principal authors of the most significant campaign finance legislation since Watergate said he was neither "outraged" nor "surprised" with Barack Obama's decision to forgo public funding in the general election.
Norm Ornstein, a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute and substantial contributor to the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act -- also known as the "McCain-Feingold" campaign finance legislation -- said on Thursday that Obama's move was "pragmatically the right decision to make," and that, if the Senator had not chosen that path, "I would have sued him for political malpractice."
"What I told a bunch of people a few weeks ago," said Ornstein, "is that while it would be nice if he decided he felt honor bound to stay within the system and take the money, if he did so I might join a group of people who sued him for political malpractice. When you have the ability to raise the kind of money that he could raise and do it without selling your soul to spend all the time between now and the election on fundraisers, your goal is to win an election and not turn your back on the people voting. There will be outraged editorials and McCain will be justifiably pissed. But it was pragmatically the right decision for him to make."
Orstein told The Huffington Post that he had advised the Obama campaign about the issue of public finance a "long time ago" but not as the decision approached. "I don't think it was a slam dunk decision six months ago, in part because people didn't have any idea what kind of reach he could have, how many people he could bring into his camp."
In defending Obama, Orstein became the sole author of McCain-Feingold to offer sympathy for a position that, at least in the spirit, goes against the purpose of the campaign finance legislation. McCain, unsurprisingly, called Obama's pronouncement "a big deal."
"He has completely reversed himself and gone back, not on his word to me, but the commitment he made to the American people," said the Senator.
While Feingold, a stalwart champion of public funds, expressed a slightly less outraged sense of disappointment.
"This is not a good decision," said the Wisconsin Democrat. "While the current public financing system for the presidential primaries is broken, the system for the general election is not. The entire system must be updated."
source
Norm Ornstein, a fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute and substantial contributor to the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act -- also known as the "McCain-Feingold" campaign finance legislation -- said on Thursday that Obama's move was "pragmatically the right decision to make," and that, if the Senator had not chosen that path, "I would have sued him for political malpractice."
"What I told a bunch of people a few weeks ago," said Ornstein, "is that while it would be nice if he decided he felt honor bound to stay within the system and take the money, if he did so I might join a group of people who sued him for political malpractice. When you have the ability to raise the kind of money that he could raise and do it without selling your soul to spend all the time between now and the election on fundraisers, your goal is to win an election and not turn your back on the people voting. There will be outraged editorials and McCain will be justifiably pissed. But it was pragmatically the right decision for him to make."
Orstein told The Huffington Post that he had advised the Obama campaign about the issue of public finance a "long time ago" but not as the decision approached. "I don't think it was a slam dunk decision six months ago, in part because people didn't have any idea what kind of reach he could have, how many people he could bring into his camp."
In defending Obama, Orstein became the sole author of McCain-Feingold to offer sympathy for a position that, at least in the spirit, goes against the purpose of the campaign finance legislation. McCain, unsurprisingly, called Obama's pronouncement "a big deal."
"He has completely reversed himself and gone back, not on his word to me, but the commitment he made to the American people," said the Senator.
While Feingold, a stalwart champion of public funds, expressed a slightly less outraged sense of disappointment.
"This is not a good decision," said the Wisconsin Democrat. "While the current public financing system for the presidential primaries is broken, the system for the general election is not. The entire system must be updated."
source
Obama's First General Election Ad: "Country I Love" (VIDEO)
"The Obama campaign today announced the release of its first television advertisement for the general election," an Obama camp press release states. "The sixty second ad, entitled "Country I Love," will begin airing in eighteen states across the country tomorrow to highlight how our shared values have shaped Senator Obama's life."
In the spot, Senator Obama speaks to voters about the core values this nation was founded on and how they have guided him to work hard for his education, to bypass jobs on Wall Street to work as a community organizer, and to lead the fight for America's families and veterans as an Illinois and United States Senator.
The ad presents Senator Obama's record of passing laws to reform welfare, to cut taxes for working families, and to ensure America's veterans have the health care they deserve.
The ad will air in Alaska, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Virginia.
source
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
VIDEO - Al Gore Endorses Barack Obama in Detroit, MI
Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Al Gore endorsed Barack Obama at a 20,000 person rally in Detroit, MI on June 16, 2008.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Barack Obama on Jimmy Kimmel Live
With topics including his high school basketball state championship and how he passes Father's Day, Barack Obama comes as a guest on Jimmy Kimmel's show
Survey: Record number of Americans following election via Web
Once Barack Obama started Twittering, John McCain created a MySpace page, and Hillary Clinton joined Facebook, it became apparent that the 2008 presidential election was relying heavily on social media. But now, a Pew survey has the numbers to prove it, concluding that 46 percent of Americans have used the Internet for politics so far this election season, with topics like Obama and online videos taking a front seat.
The poll, conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project, was based on information provided by Princeton Survey Research Associates.
Earlier this spring, the surveyors contacted 2,251 Americans to find out how they are using the Web to investigate and communicate about the election. The survey results found that almost half are turning to the Web to get information about the presidential race. That's a significant jump from the spring of the 2004 election, when only one-third of adults said they looked online for election news.
Several of the conclusions show numbers doubling or tripling from the last presidential election season. One of these was in the area of online political videos. In 2004, only 13 percent of adults said they watched online videos concerning the election, but this year, already 35 percent use sites like YouTube for partisan information. And people aren't just watching campaign ads, but seeking out primary sources like recorded speeches.
Young Democrats and Obama supporters reportedly lead the wave of political blogging and researching, with 74 percent of Internet-using Obama supporters logging on to follow the campaign, compared with Clinton's 57 percent and McCain's 56 percent.
And young voters are using the Web in different ways than other generations. The study found that young voters are consuming more political online video than older adults, while creating their own political commentary with posts, e-mails, text messages, and social-networking sites. One-third of all 18- to 29-year-old adults used a social-networking site for political activities like adding candidates as their friends.
Despite the statistics on increasing Internet usage, the Pew study concluded 74 percent of users said they would be just as involved in the campaign without using the Internet, a result that was also highlighted in a Pew report this January.
source article
The poll, conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project, was based on information provided by Princeton Survey Research Associates.
Earlier this spring, the surveyors contacted 2,251 Americans to find out how they are using the Web to investigate and communicate about the election. The survey results found that almost half are turning to the Web to get information about the presidential race. That's a significant jump from the spring of the 2004 election, when only one-third of adults said they looked online for election news.
Several of the conclusions show numbers doubling or tripling from the last presidential election season. One of these was in the area of online political videos. In 2004, only 13 percent of adults said they watched online videos concerning the election, but this year, already 35 percent use sites like YouTube for partisan information. And people aren't just watching campaign ads, but seeking out primary sources like recorded speeches.
Young Democrats and Obama supporters reportedly lead the wave of political blogging and researching, with 74 percent of Internet-using Obama supporters logging on to follow the campaign, compared with Clinton's 57 percent and McCain's 56 percent.
And young voters are using the Web in different ways than other generations. The study found that young voters are consuming more political online video than older adults, while creating their own political commentary with posts, e-mails, text messages, and social-networking sites. One-third of all 18- to 29-year-old adults used a social-networking site for political activities like adding candidates as their friends.
Despite the statistics on increasing Internet usage, the Pew study concluded 74 percent of users said they would be just as involved in the campaign without using the Internet, a result that was also highlighted in a Pew report this January.
source article
Obama campaign announces a wave of new hirings
***UPDATE*** The Obama campaign has sent out a press release highlighting a swath of new hires as they gear up for the general election campaign. One name on the list which sticks out is Patti Solis Doyle, the former campaign manager for Hillary Clinton. Doyle will fill the role of chief of staff to the vice presidential nominee.
From the Obama campaign:
New roles announced today:
Constituency Director: Brian Bond - formerly LGBT Outreach Director at the DNC
National Field Director: Jon Carson - formerly Obama for America Voter Contact Director
Senior Advisor to the Campaign and Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama: Stephanie Cutter
Industrial States Regional Director: Paul Diogardi - formerly Political Director for the Democratic Governor's Association.
Battleground States Director: Jen O'Malley Dillon - formerly Iowa State Director for John Edwards for President
Chief of Staff to the Vice Presidential Nominee: Patti Solis Doyle
Latino Vote Director: Temo Figueroa - formerly Obama for America National Field Director
First Americans Vote Director: Wizipan Garriott
Northeast Regtional Director: Eureka Gilkey - formerly Obama for America Deputy Political Director
50-State Voter Registration Director: Jason Green - formerly Obama for America political and field staff
Campaign Chief of Staff: Jim Messina - formerly Chief of Staff to Senator Max Baucus
LGBT Vote Director: Dave Noble - formerly of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
West Regional Director: Matt Rodriguez -.formerly Obama for America New Hampshire State Director
Senior Advisor: Michael Strautmanis
African American Vote Director: Rick Wade
--
Politico reports that Obama is expanding his campaign staff in Florida and Chicago:
Jim Messina, Max Baucus's chief of staff, is coming on board in Chicago with the title chief of staff, to help administer the growing operation with David Plouffe.
And Steve Schale, whom Adam Smith describes as a "hot shot," will run Obama's Florida operation
Obama has also hired a major Minnesota player to be his state director: Jeff Blodgett, the former campaign manager of Senator Paul Wellstone.
source
From the Obama campaign:
New roles announced today:
Constituency Director: Brian Bond - formerly LGBT Outreach Director at the DNC
National Field Director: Jon Carson - formerly Obama for America Voter Contact Director
Senior Advisor to the Campaign and Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama: Stephanie Cutter
Industrial States Regional Director: Paul Diogardi - formerly Political Director for the Democratic Governor's Association.
Battleground States Director: Jen O'Malley Dillon - formerly Iowa State Director for John Edwards for President
Chief of Staff to the Vice Presidential Nominee: Patti Solis Doyle
Latino Vote Director: Temo Figueroa - formerly Obama for America National Field Director
First Americans Vote Director: Wizipan Garriott
Northeast Regtional Director: Eureka Gilkey - formerly Obama for America Deputy Political Director
50-State Voter Registration Director: Jason Green - formerly Obama for America political and field staff
Campaign Chief of Staff: Jim Messina - formerly Chief of Staff to Senator Max Baucus
LGBT Vote Director: Dave Noble - formerly of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
West Regional Director: Matt Rodriguez -.formerly Obama for America New Hampshire State Director
Senior Advisor: Michael Strautmanis
African American Vote Director: Rick Wade
--
Politico reports that Obama is expanding his campaign staff in Florida and Chicago:
Jim Messina, Max Baucus's chief of staff, is coming on board in Chicago with the title chief of staff, to help administer the growing operation with David Plouffe.
And Steve Schale, whom Adam Smith describes as a "hot shot," will run Obama's Florida operation
Obama has also hired a major Minnesota player to be his state director: Jeff Blodgett, the former campaign manager of Senator Paul Wellstone.
source
Gore endorses Obama
FLINT, Mich. — Al Gore says he is backing Barack Obama and will do whatever he can to help him get to the White House.
In a letter to be e-mailed to Obama supporters, Gore says Obama has united a movement over the past year and a half.
The former vice president also asks for donations to help fund Obama's effort _ the first time he's asked members of his Web site AlGore.com to contribute to a political campaign.
Gore is one of the most popular figures in the Democratic Party, but he kept a low profile in the primary campaign. He's planning to appear with Obama at a rally in Detroit Monday night.
source
Former Clinton Campaign Manager Joins Obama Team
The Obama campaign is about to make its first big hire out of the campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Patti Solis Doyle, who was Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign manager until she was ousted in a staff shake up in February, will join Mr. Obama's campaign as the chief of staff to the vice presidential candidate – whoever he (or she) will be, campaign officials said. Ms. Doyle will take the position before Mr. Obama announces his choice for a running-mate – he has not said when that will be. Mrs. Clinton and Ms. Doyle have a long friendship, and Ms. Doyle has long been one of her closest aides, until she was forced out. Could that mean – tea-leaf reading time – that Mr. Obama is really considering Mrs. Clinton for the No. 2 position, and wants to have an ally of her in place to ease the way? Perhaps. Or perhaps not. More likely, the Obama campaign was looking for a high-profile spot to put Ms. Doyle, given her previous position, and most of the major roles in Mr. Obama's campaign are filled. Ms. Doyle's hire is the latest sign of the two fields in the Democratic Party attempting to come together. She is also – not incidentally – a Hispanic woman, making her a member of two demographics that Mr. Obama has been making a particular effort to appeal to. The Obama campaign also is strengthening the team working for Michelle Obama. Later today, the campaign is set to announce the hiring of Stephanie Cutter, a longtime Democratic strategist who worked as Senator John Kerry's communications director in 2004, as chief of staff to Mrs. Obama. Ms. Cutter is scheduled to begin soon, with the first task of re-crafting the image of Mrs. Obama, who has. come under intense criticism by Republicans and even some Democratic rivals. She also will lead a war room to fight attacks against Mrs. Obama. Jeff Zeleny contributed reporting
Link to NY Times article:
Link to NY Times article:
Barack Obama announces Unite For Change
Barack Obama announces Unite For Change. Visit http://my.barackobama.com/u... to host or attend a Unite for Change house meeting on Saturday, June 28.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Women voters lining up behind Obama : McCain hopes to lure Clinton loyalists. But polls show they are staying Democratic.
an excerpt from a June 15th Los Angeles Times article
"An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll found a wide gap last week: Women favored Obama over McCain, 52% to 33%. The survey also found that voters who cast ballots for Clinton in the Democratic primaries preferred Obama over McCain, 61% to 19%."
source
"An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll found a wide gap last week: Women favored Obama over McCain, 52% to 33%. The survey also found that voters who cast ballots for Clinton in the Democratic primaries preferred Obama over McCain, 61% to 19%."
source
Barack Obama's Speech on Father's Day
Barack addressed the congregation at the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, IL on June 15, 2008.
Obama Helps Out with Flood Relief in Quincy, IL
Barack Obama helps with the sandbagging effort in Quincy, IL before the flood waters rose. June 14, 2008.
Tim Russert's final prediction for what states will decide the 2008 presidential election
In 2000 he famously said it was "Florida, Florida, Florida". In 2004 he said it was "Ohio, Ohio, Ohio".
On the MSNBC show Tucker, Russert predicted the battleground states of the 2008 presidential election would be New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada, saying, "If Democrats can win three of those four, they can lose Ohio and Florida, and win the presidency."
Here is the excerpt from the show where he says this:
"RUSSERT: Here is how the electoral college breaks down, in 2000 I said Florida, Florida, Florida.
CARLSON: Right.
RUSSERT: In 2004 I said Ohio, Ohio, Ohio.
In 2008 I am saying New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada. If the Republicans—if the Democrats can win three of those four, they can be elected president.
CARLSON: I don‘t see how the Republicans can win even two of those four.
RUSSERT: That‘s the game.
CARLSON: All but Arizona strike me almost by definition, Democratic states at this time.
CARLSON: That‘s the key. If the Democrats win three of those four, they could lose Ohio and Florida and win the presidency. If they win the same states that Gore and Kerry won in 2000/2004."
transcript source
Joe Lieberman is fast becoming the Democrats' public enemy No. 1.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Lieberman is fast becoming the Democrats' public enemy No. 1.
The four-term Connecticut senator, who came tantalizingly close to being Al Gore's vice president in 2000, not only has been campaigning for his pal, presumed Republican nominee John McCain, now he's publicly criticizing the Democrats' standard-bearer, Barack Obama. Lieberman has strayed before, most notably switching from Democrat to independent in 2006 to hold onto his Senate seat after a Democratic primary loss.
But the latest betrayal has upset Democrats, who often answer in clipped but polite tones when asked about Lieberman. The reason:The independent still caucuses with the Democrats on most issues except the Iraq war, and he holds their slim political majority in his hands.
"There's a commonly held hope that he's not going to be transformed into an attack dog for Republicans," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., an Obama supporter.
Lieberman has wasted no time in questioning Obama's positions on Iran and Israel, two topics on which Lieberman and McCain agree.
Just one day after Obama clinched his party's nomination, Lieberman joined Republicans on a McCain campaign teleconference call assailing Obama following his foreign policy address to a leading Jewish group.
Lieberman accused Obama of blaming U.S. policies for "essentially sort of strengthening" Iran.
"If Israel is in danger today, it's not because of American foreign policy, which has been strongly supportive of Israel in every way," he said. "It is not because of what we have done in Iraq. It is because Iran is a fanatical terrorist, expansionist state."
Later that day, during a budget vote in the Senate, Obama led Lieberman to a corner of the Senate floor for a pointed private conversation. Without elaborating, Obama told reporters the chat was about politics. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had a similar private conversation with Lieberman.
The four-term Connecticut senator, who came tantalizingly close to being Al Gore's vice president in 2000, not only has been campaigning for his pal, presumed Republican nominee John McCain, now he's publicly criticizing the Democrats' standard-bearer, Barack Obama. Lieberman has strayed before, most notably switching from Democrat to independent in 2006 to hold onto his Senate seat after a Democratic primary loss.
But the latest betrayal has upset Democrats, who often answer in clipped but polite tones when asked about Lieberman. The reason:The independent still caucuses with the Democrats on most issues except the Iraq war, and he holds their slim political majority in his hands.
"There's a commonly held hope that he's not going to be transformed into an attack dog for Republicans," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., an Obama supporter.
Lieberman has wasted no time in questioning Obama's positions on Iran and Israel, two topics on which Lieberman and McCain agree.
Just one day after Obama clinched his party's nomination, Lieberman joined Republicans on a McCain campaign teleconference call assailing Obama following his foreign policy address to a leading Jewish group.
Lieberman accused Obama of blaming U.S. policies for "essentially sort of strengthening" Iran.
"If Israel is in danger today, it's not because of American foreign policy, which has been strongly supportive of Israel in every way," he said. "It is not because of what we have done in Iraq. It is because Iran is a fanatical terrorist, expansionist state."
Later that day, during a budget vote in the Senate, Obama led Lieberman to a corner of the Senate floor for a pointed private conversation. Without elaborating, Obama told reporters the chat was about politics. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., had a similar private conversation with Lieberman.
Obama calls absent fathers to task
CHICAGO (AP) – Barack Obama celebrated Father's Day by calling on black fathers, who he said are "missing from too many lives and too many homes," to become active in raising their children.
"They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it," the Democratic presidential candidate said Sunday at a largely black church in his hometown.
Reminding the congregation of his firsthand experience growing up without a father, Obama said he was lucky to have loving grandparents who helped his mother. He got support, second chances and scholarships that helped him get an education. Obama's father left when he was 2.
"A lot of children don't get those chances. There is no margin for error in their lives," said Obama, an Illinois senator.
"I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle — that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls," added Obama, whose daughters, Sasha and Malia, and his wife, Michelle, watched from the audience.
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"They have abandoned their responsibilities, acting like boys instead of men. And the foundations of our families are weaker because of it," the Democratic presidential candidate said Sunday at a largely black church in his hometown.
Reminding the congregation of his firsthand experience growing up without a father, Obama said he was lucky to have loving grandparents who helped his mother. He got support, second chances and scholarships that helped him get an education. Obama's father left when he was 2.
"A lot of children don't get those chances. There is no margin for error in their lives," said Obama, an Illinois senator.
"I resolved many years ago that it was my obligation to break the cycle — that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father to my girls," added Obama, whose daughters, Sasha and Malia, and his wife, Michelle, watched from the audience.
source
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Obama Campaign Organizes Flood Relief
Today, Barack travelled to Quincy, Illinois to inspect the flood-damaged area and join grassroots volunteers in loading sandbags to help prevent further flooding.
The Mississippi River is expected to crest in Quincy on Monday or Tuesday. If you're in the Quincy area, the sandbagging operation is going on until 6:00 pm today and throughout the weekend. Local officials have put out a public call for all volunteers who are able to help. If you can assist, please travel to the Oakley-Lindsey Civic Center in Quincy this weekend.
For those of from elsewhere in the country who want to pitch in, please visit the Red Cross website to learn how you can help.
Thanks to all of you who have stepped up and lent a hand to your neighbors and fellow Americans. This campaign is more than about winning an election, it's about building a movement and rekindling the sense that we are all our brothers' keepers -- that we are all in this together.
The Mississippi River is expected to crest in Quincy on Monday or Tuesday. If you're in the Quincy area, the sandbagging operation is going on until 6:00 pm today and throughout the weekend. Local officials have put out a public call for all volunteers who are able to help. If you can assist, please travel to the Oakley-Lindsey Civic Center in Quincy this weekend.
For those of from elsewhere in the country who want to pitch in, please visit the Red Cross website to learn how you can help.
Thanks to all of you who have stepped up and lent a hand to your neighbors and fellow Americans. This campaign is more than about winning an election, it's about building a movement and rekindling the sense that we are all our brothers' keepers -- that we are all in this together.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Change That Works for You: Columbus, OH
At a town hall meeting in Columbus, Barack Obama continued his Change that Works for You tour on June 13, 2008, discussing social security.
Change that Works for You: Kaukauna, WI
At a town hall meeting in Wisconsin, Barack Obama continued his Change that Works for You tour on June 12, 2008.
"Meet The Press" host Tim Russert has passed away at the age of 58
(CNN) -- Tim Russert, who became one of America's leading political journalists as the host of NBC's "Meet the Press," died Friday, according to the network. He was 58.
The network said Russert suffered a heart attack while at work and could not be revived. He had just returned from a family vacation in Italy to celebrate the graduation of his son, Luke, from Boston College.
Russert joined the network in 1984 and quickly established himself as the face of the network's political coverage.
In 1985 he supervised live broadcasts of the "Today" show from Rome, negotiating an appearance by Pope John Paul II -- a first for American television.
He took the helm of "Meet the Press" in 1991, turning the long-running Sunday-morning interview program into the most-watched show of its kind in the United States.
Washingtonian Magazine once dubbed Russert the best and most influential journalist in Washington, describing "Meet the Press" as "the most interesting and important hour on television."
In 2008, Time Magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
His two books -- 2004's "Big Russ and Me" and 2006's "Wisdom of Our Fathers" were both New York Times best sellers.
Russert served as press secretary for former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo and as chief of staff to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a New York Democrat who died in 2003.
Russert was born in 1950 in Buffalo, New York, the son of Timothy John Russert Sr. -- a newspaper truck driver and sanitation worker who was the "Big Russ" from his autobiography -- and Elizabeth Russert, a homemaker.
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Bloggers Note: I am deeply saddened by this loss. My own father brought me up on the sunday morning talk show "Meet The Press". Mr. Russert always stood as one of the few last honest and objective journalists out there. It did not matter matter if you were conservative or liberal, man or woman, black or white, nominee or official. He would come down hard on every individual just the same. Not only that but he would ask questions of SUBSTANCE and not the usual garbage that we have seen in the past few years and in this election year especially. You will be missed Mr. Russert.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Obama moves DNC operations to Chicago
In a major shakeup at the Democratic National Committee -- and a departure from tradition -- large parts of the committee's operations are relocating to Chicago to be fully integrated with the Obama campaign.
The DNC's political department, housed in Washington, D.C., will be dramatically rebuilt, with staffers offered a choice of moving to Chicago, joining state operations, or staying in Washington, DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney said.
But the power will clearly be shifting to a centralized Chicago hub.
The DNC's key role in coordinating political operations with state parties is expected to largely be taken over and overseen by Obama's senior staff in Chicago, state party officials said.
"This is part of the implementation of the plans Paul [Tewes] discussed last week with the state party chairs," Finney said. "As part of the efforts to fully integrate DNC operations with the Obama campaign here in Washington, in Chicago and in the states, political, field and constituency operations are moving to Chicago to work in the Obama headquarters. The goal is to consolidate these efforts into one operation and effectively drive one national strategy."
People familiar with the plan said that state party staffers paid for under Howard Dean's 50 State Program would be shifted to working for the presidential campaign, at least in targeted battleground states.
The move reflects Obama's desire to maintain an unusually streamlined campaign, as well as his swift and complete takeover of a Democratic Party that isn't always known for its unity. The move may also save the campaign money, as the Obama campaign can use DNC salaries and staff to pay for elements of its organizing campaign and avoid some of the duplication that has often dogged presidential efforts.
source
The DNC's political department, housed in Washington, D.C., will be dramatically rebuilt, with staffers offered a choice of moving to Chicago, joining state operations, or staying in Washington, DNC spokeswoman Karen Finney said.
But the power will clearly be shifting to a centralized Chicago hub.
The DNC's key role in coordinating political operations with state parties is expected to largely be taken over and overseen by Obama's senior staff in Chicago, state party officials said.
"This is part of the implementation of the plans Paul [Tewes] discussed last week with the state party chairs," Finney said. "As part of the efforts to fully integrate DNC operations with the Obama campaign here in Washington, in Chicago and in the states, political, field and constituency operations are moving to Chicago to work in the Obama headquarters. The goal is to consolidate these efforts into one operation and effectively drive one national strategy."
People familiar with the plan said that state party staffers paid for under Howard Dean's 50 State Program would be shifted to working for the presidential campaign, at least in targeted battleground states.
The move reflects Obama's desire to maintain an unusually streamlined campaign, as well as his swift and complete takeover of a Democratic Party that isn't always known for its unity. The move may also save the campaign money, as the Obama campaign can use DNC salaries and staff to pay for elements of its organizing campaign and avoid some of the duplication that has often dogged presidential efforts.
source
Poll Suggests Obama Is Putting North Carolina In Play
Barack Obama's promise to make a play for North Carolina -- a state that has consistently voted Republican since 1980 -- might just have some potential to really pay off, a new poll from Rasmussen suggests.
The numbers: McCain 45%, Obama 43%, within the ±4% margin of error. This is consistent with other recent polls that have shown McCain with only a small lead here.
Another bad sign for McCain is that 54% of respondents said it's more important to bring the troops home form Iraq than it is to win the war, versus only 40% who think victory is more important than leaving -- a very bad finding for McCain in this traditionally red state.
North Carolina - 15 electoral votes
source
The numbers: McCain 45%, Obama 43%, within the ±4% margin of error. This is consistent with other recent polls that have shown McCain with only a small lead here.
Another bad sign for McCain is that 54% of respondents said it's more important to bring the troops home form Iraq than it is to win the war, versus only 40% who think victory is more important than leaving -- a very bad finding for McCain in this traditionally red state.
North Carolina - 15 electoral votes
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Malcolm, Albright Urge Female Voters To Get Behind Obama
Several of Hillary Clinton's most influential female supporters, urged members of the pro-choice, pro-female candidate group, EMILY'S List to overcome their grief over Clinton's loss and throw their support behind Barack Obama.
Speaking at group's annual luncheon celebrating in Washington D.C., Ellen Malcolm, EMILY's List's founder and director, offered a highly personalized plea for Democratic unity, saying that the possibility of a John McCain presidency outweighed political grudges.
"I have been meandering my way through the various stages of grief: sadness, bargaining, anger, and my personal favorite dessert," she said to a crowd of approximately 900. "And so for the sake of my waistline as much less the sake of the party and country, I will follow Hillary Clinton and say it is time for the party to come together."
The crowd applauded. Later in the event, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, another Clinton supporter, declared that "we are all in one campaign now" and "the reality is that this year the Democratic Party produced not one but two candidates who are qualified to win in November." She was greeted with a more enthusiastic reception.
source
Speaking at group's annual luncheon celebrating in Washington D.C., Ellen Malcolm, EMILY's List's founder and director, offered a highly personalized plea for Democratic unity, saying that the possibility of a John McCain presidency outweighed political grudges.
"I have been meandering my way through the various stages of grief: sadness, bargaining, anger, and my personal favorite dessert," she said to a crowd of approximately 900. "And so for the sake of my waistline as much less the sake of the party and country, I will follow Hillary Clinton and say it is time for the party to come together."
The crowd applauded. Later in the event, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, another Clinton supporter, declared that "we are all in one campaign now" and "the reality is that this year the Democratic Party produced not one but two candidates who are qualified to win in November." She was greeted with a more enthusiastic reception.
source
Obama Launches Website To Confront Online Rumors
WASHINGTON — Democrat Barack Obama's campaign said Thursday that Michelle Obama never used the word "whitey" in a speech.
The campaign has created a new Web site to debunk rumors about the Obamas, . http://www.fightthesmears.com
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
GOP Congressional Group Says It Won't Back McCain: New Gang of 14 won’t back McCain
excerpt from article:
"At least 14 Republican members of Congress have refused to endorse or publicly support Sen. John McCain for president, and more than a dozen others declined to answer whether they back the Arizona senator.
Many of the recalcitrant GOP members declined to detail their reasons for withholding support, but Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) expressed major concerns about McCain’s energy policies and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) cited the Iraq war."
to read the rest of the article click here
"At least 14 Republican members of Congress have refused to endorse or publicly support Sen. John McCain for president, and more than a dozen others declined to answer whether they back the Arizona senator.
Many of the recalcitrant GOP members declined to detail their reasons for withholding support, but Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.) expressed major concerns about McCain’s energy policies and Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) cited the Iraq war."
to read the rest of the article click here
Christian Political Action Committee (PAC) Endorses Barack Obama
excerpt from article:
"Barack Obama has some new Christian friends. Mara Vanderlsice is heading up the new Political Action Committee (PAC) called "The Matthew 25 Network" and she tells the Brody File tonight that they will endorse Barack Obama. The group is having a fundraiser tonight but the official rollout isn't for a couple weeks. Vanderslice talked to me about the goal of the group.
"What we found are thousands of Christians across the country who want to find a way to put their faith values in action through supporting candidates and there was no long term organization that existed to galvanize and capture and give voice to that energy that we found around the country. The Matthew 25 network has endorsed Barack Obama. He will be our first candidate but the hope is that this will be an effort that will live long beyond this election cycle and will help give voice to Christians whose gospel values are expressed or lived out in the passage of Matthew 25 that we should care for the 'least of these' as Jesus did. We will be looking for candidates who endorse that agenda, and then we will endorse them."
to see the rest of the article click source
"Barack Obama has some new Christian friends. Mara Vanderlsice is heading up the new Political Action Committee (PAC) called "The Matthew 25 Network" and she tells the Brody File tonight that they will endorse Barack Obama. The group is having a fundraiser tonight but the official rollout isn't for a couple weeks. Vanderslice talked to me about the goal of the group.
"What we found are thousands of Christians across the country who want to find a way to put their faith values in action through supporting candidates and there was no long term organization that existed to galvanize and capture and give voice to that energy that we found around the country. The Matthew 25 network has endorsed Barack Obama. He will be our first candidate but the hope is that this will be an effort that will live long beyond this election cycle and will help give voice to Christians whose gospel values are expressed or lived out in the passage of Matthew 25 that we should care for the 'least of these' as Jesus did. We will be looking for candidates who endorse that agenda, and then we will endorse them."
to see the rest of the article click source
85% of Americans will pay less income tax under Obama than McCain
Today, CNN posted an article online summarizing the Tax Policy center's report comparing John McCain and Barack Obama's proposed tax plans. It is available by clicking here. The numbers are remarkable, but CNN failes to notice the obvious punchline: more than 85% of Americans will pay less in taxes under Obama than McCain.
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Change that Works for You: Chicago, IL
Barack Obama continued his Change that Works for You tour, talking about predatory lending, in Chicago IL on June 11, 2008.
McCain Iraq Comments: Bringing Troops Home From Iraq "Not Too Important" (VIDEO)
Sen. John McCain appeared on the Today Show this morning and continued to promote his idea of a long occupation in Iraq. But whatever merits there may be for his message, his delivery is once again promising to get him into trouble.
When asked if he knew when American troops could start to return home, McCain responded:
"No, but that's not too important. What's important is the casualties in Iraq."
When asked if he knew when American troops could start to return home, McCain responded:
"No, but that's not too important. What's important is the casualties in Iraq."
McCain wants Cheney to serve in his administration
"Asked whether he’d be interested in Cheney had the vice president not already have served under Bush for two terms, McCain said: “I don’t know if I would want him as vice president. He and I have the same strengths. But to serve in other capacities? Hell, yeah.”
to read the rest of the article click source
to read the rest of the article click source
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Barack Obama At Largest National Lead
The presidential matchup polls on our site have clearly shown a trend towards Obama over the past couple of months... His lead is at almost 70 electoral votes.
There are a few states that have not updated their results over those past couple of weeks and we reported earlier that Obama could extend his lead if those states were to update those results. But the reality is that the majority of those states that have not updated their poll results showed either an easy victory for McCain or a victory for Obama. So there is not much more room for Obama to gain.
He is behind 4% in Florida, behind 3% in South Dakota and if he was to be able to win those states and maintain his lead in the other states, his lead would balloon to almost 130 electoral votes!
And with his becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party, we would expect that.
Rasmussen Reports and Gallup have each been tracking the John McCain vs Barack Obama national polls on a daily basis. They each show Obama ahead by 7% nationally.
We shall see in the next month or so if McCain is able to narrow down this margin or if Obama will remain ahead the entire path to November.
Gallup Results - Obama 48, McCain 41
Rasmussen Results - Obama 50, McCain 43
There are a few states that have not updated their results over those past couple of weeks and we reported earlier that Obama could extend his lead if those states were to update those results. But the reality is that the majority of those states that have not updated their poll results showed either an easy victory for McCain or a victory for Obama. So there is not much more room for Obama to gain.
He is behind 4% in Florida, behind 3% in South Dakota and if he was to be able to win those states and maintain his lead in the other states, his lead would balloon to almost 130 electoral votes!
And with his becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democratic party, we would expect that.
Rasmussen Reports and Gallup have each been tracking the John McCain vs Barack Obama national polls on a daily basis. They each show Obama ahead by 7% nationally.
We shall see in the next month or so if McCain is able to narrow down this margin or if Obama will remain ahead the entire path to November.
Gallup Results - Obama 48, McCain 41
Rasmussen Results - Obama 50, McCain 43
Barack Obama in St. Louis, MO
Obama addresses attacks made by John McCain, the economy, and healthcare at a press conference in St. Louis. June 10, 2008.
Barack Obama's record on Women's Issues
here are two examples from a very long list of legislation that Obama has been involved with:
"ANTI-VIOLENCE
Obama Passed Law to Help Combat Violence Against Women.
Obama co-sponsored a bill that would authorize increased appropriations for FY2006-FY2010 for grants to combat violent crimes against women, revise provisions specifying purposes for grants to include use for under served populations and for forensic medical exams of sex offense victims, increase set aside amounts for grants to Indian tribal governments and U.S. territories and possessions, prohibit law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or other government officials from requiring sex offense victims to submit to a polygraph examination as a condition for proceeding with an investigation or prosecution of a sex offense. The bill would establish a sexual assault services program, directing the Attorney General to make grants to states, territories, and tribal entities for rape crisis centers or other programs and projects to assist those victimized by sexual assault, culturally specific community-based organizations for various services on behalf of sexual assault victims, and state, territorial, and tribal sexual assault coalitions. The bill would also award grants to accredited schools of medicine to develop interdisciplinary training and education programs that provide health professions students with an understanding of, and clinical skills pertinent to, domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence. [109th, HR 3402 (S. 1197), Passed by Unanimous Consent, 12/16/05; PL 109-162, 1/5/06]
Obama Passed A Law To Create The Victims Economic Security And Safety Act(VESSA), Which Helps Victims Of Abuse Seek Treatment Without Losing Their Job.
Obama was the chief sponsor and voted to created the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. The bill provided that an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, may take leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence by seeking medical attention or obtaining health or legal services. The Chicago Tribune reported, "But VESSA, as it is known, allows time off for personal issues not covered by the FMLA and is designed to help victims keep their jobs." Obama said he sponsored the bill after being approached by several advocacy group for battered women. "They came to me and indicated how difficult it is for victims of physical and sexual abuse to deal with the repercussions of an assault and then try to balance it with work and everything else." [93rd GA; HB 3486; 3R P 58-0-0, 5/20/03; Signed into law 8/25/03, PA 93-0591; Chicago Tribune, 8/20/03; University Wire, 8/22/03]"
to read the rest of the list click here
Also, click here if you want to read John McCain's abysmal record on women's rights issues.
Click here if you're interested in Obama's pro-choice record on abortion.
"ANTI-VIOLENCE
Obama Passed Law to Help Combat Violence Against Women.
Obama co-sponsored a bill that would authorize increased appropriations for FY2006-FY2010 for grants to combat violent crimes against women, revise provisions specifying purposes for grants to include use for under served populations and for forensic medical exams of sex offense victims, increase set aside amounts for grants to Indian tribal governments and U.S. territories and possessions, prohibit law enforcement officers, prosecutors, or other government officials from requiring sex offense victims to submit to a polygraph examination as a condition for proceeding with an investigation or prosecution of a sex offense. The bill would establish a sexual assault services program, directing the Attorney General to make grants to states, territories, and tribal entities for rape crisis centers or other programs and projects to assist those victimized by sexual assault, culturally specific community-based organizations for various services on behalf of sexual assault victims, and state, territorial, and tribal sexual assault coalitions. The bill would also award grants to accredited schools of medicine to develop interdisciplinary training and education programs that provide health professions students with an understanding of, and clinical skills pertinent to, domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence. [109th, HR 3402 (S. 1197), Passed by Unanimous Consent, 12/16/05; PL 109-162, 1/5/06]
Obama Passed A Law To Create The Victims Economic Security And Safety Act(VESSA), Which Helps Victims Of Abuse Seek Treatment Without Losing Their Job.
Obama was the chief sponsor and voted to created the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act. The bill provided that an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, may take leave from work to address domestic or sexual violence by seeking medical attention or obtaining health or legal services. The Chicago Tribune reported, "But VESSA, as it is known, allows time off for personal issues not covered by the FMLA and is designed to help victims keep their jobs." Obama said he sponsored the bill after being approached by several advocacy group for battered women. "They came to me and indicated how difficult it is for victims of physical and sexual abuse to deal with the repercussions of an assault and then try to balance it with work and everything else." [93rd GA; HB 3486; 3R P 58-0-0, 5/20/03; Signed into law 8/25/03, PA 93-0591; Chicago Tribune, 8/20/03; University Wire, 8/22/03]"
to read the rest of the list click here
Also, click here if you want to read John McCain's abysmal record on women's rights issues.
Click here if you're interested in Obama's pro-choice record on abortion.
MccCain flip flops on Estate Tax (aka the Death Tax)
excerpt from article:
"Lashing out at the "estate tax" is nothing new for most Republicans -- though it would seem to be for Sen. John McCain. One way you can tell is by simply contrasting his Tuesday remarks to small business owners -- in which he described the tax "one of the most unfair" in the entire code -- with his historical opposition to a total repeal of taxation on all inherited wealth that many of his Senate GOP colleagues have long lusted after.
Another way to identify McCain as a recent, and perhaps not wholly sincere, convert to the cause is to note his diction. Most opponents of the "estate tax" refuse to call it that, instead preferring the "death tax" moniker -- implying a "double taxation." (In fact this is not entirely accurate, as some inherited estate wealth comes from capital gains that were never taxed a first time.) While it's impossible to know whether McCain's avoidance of that cliched demagoguery masks a conflicted heart, the Congressional Record does offer a few tidbits that reveal a more nuanced view of the issue than he expressed today."
to read the rest of the article click here
"Lashing out at the "estate tax" is nothing new for most Republicans -- though it would seem to be for Sen. John McCain. One way you can tell is by simply contrasting his Tuesday remarks to small business owners -- in which he described the tax "one of the most unfair" in the entire code -- with his historical opposition to a total repeal of taxation on all inherited wealth that many of his Senate GOP colleagues have long lusted after.
Another way to identify McCain as a recent, and perhaps not wholly sincere, convert to the cause is to note his diction. Most opponents of the "estate tax" refuse to call it that, instead preferring the "death tax" moniker -- implying a "double taxation." (In fact this is not entirely accurate, as some inherited estate wealth comes from capital gains that were never taxed a first time.) While it's impossible to know whether McCain's avoidance of that cliched demagoguery masks a conflicted heart, the Congressional Record does offer a few tidbits that reveal a more nuanced view of the issue than he expressed today."
to read the rest of the article click here
EXCLUSIVE: Obama Campaign will Launch 'Joshua Generation Project'
excerpt from article:
"The Brody File has learned that in the next two weeks Barack Obama's campaign will unveil a major new program to attract younger Evangelicals and Catholics to their campaign.
It's called the "Joshua Generation Project." The name is based on the biblical story of how Joshua's generation led the Israelites into the Promised Land.
A source close to the Obama campaign tells The Brody File the following:
"The Joshua Generation project will be the Obama campaign's outreach to young people of faith. There's unprecedented energy and excitement for Obama among young evangelicals and Catholics. The Joshua Generation project will tap into that excitement and provide young people of faith opportunities to stand up for their values and move the campaign forward."
The official rollout won't be for another two weeks or so, but The Brody File has been told the activities will include house parties, blogging, concerts and more."
To read the rest of the article clickhere
Obama Says He's Partnering With Elizabeth Edwards On Health Care
Obama's speech in Raleigh launching his economy tour is underway, and towards the end, during a discussion of health care, he drops a surprise aside that wasn't in the speech's prepared remarks:
"By the way, I'm going to be partnering with Elizabeth Edwards, we're going to be figuring all this out."
source
Obama Confronted Lieberman Over Muslim Smears
According to Newsweek, Obama gave Joe Lieberman a piece of his mind on the Senate floor, particularly about the Connecticut senator implicit willingness to let smears against Obama fester:
In a brief but animated Senate floor confrontation last week, according to a campaign aide who asked for anonymity when talking about private discussions, Obama told Lieberman he was surprised by Lieberman's personal attacks and his half-hearted denials of the false rumors that Obama is a Muslim. (The aide says Lieberman was "strangely muted" during the exchange; a Lieberman spokesman says the chat was "private and friendly.") McCain spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker says Lieberman "played a key role in reaching out to the Jewish community in the primary ... and you can expect that will continue."
source
In a brief but animated Senate floor confrontation last week, according to a campaign aide who asked for anonymity when talking about private discussions, Obama told Lieberman he was surprised by Lieberman's personal attacks and his half-hearted denials of the false rumors that Obama is a Muslim. (The aide says Lieberman was "strangely muted" during the exchange; a Lieberman spokesman says the chat was "private and friendly.") McCain spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker says Lieberman "played a key role in reaching out to the Jewish community in the primary ... and you can expect that will continue."
source
McCain Again Pledges To Send Unlimited US Troops To Iraq (VIDEO)
During an interview with Sen. John McCain on Monday's NBC Nightly News, Brian Williams noted that "the videotape clip of your comment about being in Iraq 100 years if need be, of course, is still kicking around," and then asked, "[G]iven your support for the surge and where you believe this nation is in Iraq today, where do you see it going and will your support be there for however many U.S. troops are required?"
McCain answered flatly: "Yes. And the fact is we are winning in Iraq."
source
Monday, June 9, 2008
Change that Works for You: Raleigh, NC
Barack Obama kicked off his Change that Works for You tour in Raleigh, NC on June 9, 2008.
Blogger's Note: McCain 2008 Strategy Briefing and the stealing of "the Lessig Method"
now that its down to two -> know your enemy... er opponent
check out this video on mccain's homepage that is called "strategy briefing overview". it is interesting. it has some good points. after just listening to it once think about and take it with a grain of salt
"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected." - Sun Tzu( The Art of War)
by the way a message to Rick Davis (McCain campaign manager) nice job stealing the Lessig Method for presentation without giving Professor Lessig any due credit... cheapskate
check out this video on mccain's homepage that is called "strategy briefing overview". it is interesting. it has some good points. after just listening to it once think about and take it with a grain of salt
"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected." - Sun Tzu( The Art of War)
by the way a message to Rick Davis (McCain campaign manager) nice job stealing the Lessig Method for presentation without giving Professor Lessig any due credit... cheapskate
Brutal
This video, put together in February by a Ron Paul supporter, is shocking. Some of it is a little off the beaten track, but up to the 7 minute mark, it is horrifying, especially starting at the 2:30 mark.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Obama reacts to defeat of Climate change bill in the senate
The Senate today failed to pass cloture on the Lieberman-Warner bill, thus likely punting any climate-change legislation to next year. Today, Sen. Barack Obama released the following statement on the Climate Change Bill...
"As this week’s debate on climate change has unfolded, the American people and those watching us around the world had every reason to hope that we would act. Every credible scientist and expert believes action is necessary. This is critical and long overdue legislation that represents a good first step in addressing one of the most serious problems facing our generation.
Like many of my Senate colleagues, I believe the legislation could have been made even better. Had there been a substantive Senate debate about some of the concerns with this bill, I believe the outcome could have generated broad support. It certainly would have received my support.
Unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the Senate has chosen to block progress, rather than work in a good faith manner to address this challenge. This is a failure of our politics and a failure of leadership – a President who for years denied the problem, and a Republican nominee, John McCain, who claims leadership on the issue but opposes this bipartisan bill."
source
"As this week’s debate on climate change has unfolded, the American people and those watching us around the world had every reason to hope that we would act. Every credible scientist and expert believes action is necessary. This is critical and long overdue legislation that represents a good first step in addressing one of the most serious problems facing our generation.
Like many of my Senate colleagues, I believe the legislation could have been made even better. Had there been a substantive Senate debate about some of the concerns with this bill, I believe the outcome could have generated broad support. It certainly would have received my support.
Unfortunately, the Republican leadership in the Senate has chosen to block progress, rather than work in a good faith manner to address this challenge. This is a failure of our politics and a failure of leadership – a President who for years denied the problem, and a Republican nominee, John McCain, who claims leadership on the issue but opposes this bipartisan bill."
source
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Blogger's Note: The States that need to be fought for
The states that need to be fought for to decide this election:
1. Colorado - 9 electoral votes
2. Connecticut - 7 electoral votes
3. Florida 27 electoral votes
4. Iowa 7 electoral votes
5. Michigan 17 electoral votes
6. Missouri 11 electoral votes
7. Nevada 5 electoral votes
8. New Hampshire 4 electoral votes
9. New Jersey 15 electoral votes
10. New Mexico 5 electoral votes
11. North Carolina 15 electoral votes
12. Ohio 20 electoral votes
13. Pennsylvania 21 electoral votes
14. Texas 34 electoral votes
15. Virginia 13 electoral votes
16. Wisconsin 10 electoral votes
total electoral votes from these 16 states: 220
electoral votes needed to win election: 270
1. Colorado - 9 electoral votes
2. Connecticut - 7 electoral votes
3. Florida 27 electoral votes
4. Iowa 7 electoral votes
5. Michigan 17 electoral votes
6. Missouri 11 electoral votes
7. Nevada 5 electoral votes
8. New Hampshire 4 electoral votes
9. New Jersey 15 electoral votes
10. New Mexico 5 electoral votes
11. North Carolina 15 electoral votes
12. Ohio 20 electoral votes
13. Pennsylvania 21 electoral votes
14. Texas 34 electoral votes
15. Virginia 13 electoral votes
16. Wisconsin 10 electoral votes
total electoral votes from these 16 states: 220
electoral votes needed to win election: 270
Hillary Clinton: "Take Our Energy, Our Passion, Our Strength And Do All We Can To Help Elect Barack Obama"
WASHINGTON — Hillary Rodham Clinton suspended her pioneering campaign for the presidency on Saturday and summoned supporters to use "our energy, our passion, our strength" to put Barack Obama in the White House.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Obama Could Win 40 Percent Of Evangelicals
In a new interview with Dan Gilgoff for BeliefNet's God-o-Meter, DeMoss explains the lack of religious enthusiasm for McCain and predicts a potential major shift to Obama.
"If one third of white evangelicals voted for Bill Clinton the second time, at the height of Monica Lewinsky mess--that's a statistic I didn't believe at first but I double and triple checked it--I would not be surprised if that many or more voted for Barack Obama in this election. You're seeing some movement among evangelicals as the term [evangelical] has become more pejorative. There's a reaction among some evangelicals to swing out to the left in an effort to prove that evangelicals are really not that right wing. There's some concern that maybe Republicans haven't done that well. And there's this fascination with Barack Obama. So I will not be surprised if he gets one third of the evangelical vote. I wouldn't be surprised if it was 40-percent."
source
Jobless rates jumps to 5.5 percent _ biggest rise since `86
WASHINGTON — The nation's unemployment rate jumped to 5.5 percent in May _ the biggest monthly rise since 1986 _ as nervous employers cut 49,000 jobs.
The latest snapshot of business conditions showed a deeply troubled economy, with dwindling job opportunities in a time of continuing hardship in the housing, credit and financial sectors.
source
Israeli minister says alternatives to attack on Iran running out
An Israeli deputy prime minister on Friday warned that Iran would face attack if it pursues what he said was its nuclear weapons programme.
"If Iran continues its nuclear weapons programme, we will attack it," said Shaul Mofaz, who is also transportation minister.
"Other options are disappearing. The sanctions are not effective. There will be no alternative but to attack Iran in order to stop the Iranian nuclear programme," Mofaz told the Yediot Aharonot daily.
He stressed such an operation could only be conducted with US support.
A former defence minister and armed forces chief of staff, Mofaz hopes to replace embattled Ehud Olmert as prime minister and at the helm of the Kadima party.
source
Associated Press: Oil prices near $132 a barrel on weaker dollar and prediction of price spike
NEW YORK (AP) - Oil prices shot up nearly $7 a barrel Friday, extending big gains from the previous day and racing toward an all-time high after a Morgan Stanley analyst predicted prices could hit $150 by the Fourth of July. Light, sweet crude for July delivery jumped $6.27 to $134.06 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Earlier, the contract rose as high as $134.68.
Friday's surge builds on a $5.49 gain Thursday, which was the biggest single-day price increase in the history of the Nymex crude contract. That spike came as the dollar fell in response to comments by the European Central Bank suggesting the bank could raise interest rates.
source
FLIP FLOP! McCain Now SUPPORTS Bush's Program To Spy On Americans... "A Complete Reversal"...Wants "To Shore Up The Support Of Right-Wing Extremists"
NY TIMES ARTICLE TODAY:
A top adviser to Senator John McCain says Mr. McCain believes that President Bush’s program of wiretapping without warrants was lawful, a position that appears to bring him into closer alignment with the sweeping theories of executive authority pushed by the Bush administration legal team.
source
Thursday, June 5, 2008
"Hamas Un-Endorses Obama For President"... why is this a bad thing?... ITS NOT!
"We consider the statements of Obama to be further evidence of the hostility of the American administration to Arabs and Muslims," Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri told AFP."
Obama also reiterated that he will not negotiate with Hamas - which won parliamentary elections in 2006 and seized total power in the Gaza Strip in June 2007 - until it recognises Israel and renounces violence.
Mccain Campaign Manager asks people to "profile [their] neighbor".... awkward
Listen to the words Mccain campaign manager Rick Davis uses to describe a video contest for the Republican Convention this coming summer.
"Profile your neighbor".... seriously Mr. Davis you couldn't have thought of a better choice of words?
"Profile your neighbor".... seriously Mr. Davis you couldn't have thought of a better choice of words?
Obama's In Control: No More Lobbyist Contributions To Democratic Party (Happy 500th post!)
DNC issues a statement:
"The DNC and the Obama Campaign are unified and working together to elect Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. Our presumptive nominee has pledged not to take donations from Washington lobbyists and from today going forward the DNC makes that pledge as well," said Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean. "Senator Obama has promised to change the way things are done in Washington and this step is a sure sign of his commitment. The American people's priorities will set the agenda in an Obama Administration, not the special interests."
source
Senator Clinton suspending campaign on saturday
Hillary Rodham Clinton just sent the following letter out to all of her supporters:
I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.
On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.
I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.
When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.
I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.
I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.
I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.
In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.
I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.
Sincerely,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
source
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
VICTORY !!!!!
It has been a long time coming. Congradulations to the Senator from Illinois.
We close one chapter of this election year...
... and move on to the next phase:
Obama needs 270 of the 538 members of the US electoral college on election day. Check out this great site 270towin.com which offers a great visual tool to see polling for the general election in the fall and as a tool to be able to tally electoral votes on the night of the general election.
We close one chapter of this election year...
... and move on to the next phase:
Obama needs 270 of the 538 members of the US electoral college on election day. Check out this great site 270towin.com which offers a great visual tool to see polling for the general election in the fall and as a tool to be able to tally electoral votes on the night of the general election.
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