Sen. Barack Obama's letter
to Tavis Smiley
The following letter dated February 13, was sent to Tavis Smiley asking him to reconsider his decision not to let Michelle Obama stand in for her husband at the 2008 State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans.
February 13, 2008
Mr. Tavis Smiley
President and CEO
The Smiley Group
Dear Tavis,
Thank you for the invitation to participate in the 2008 State of the Black Union forum in New Orleans, Louisiana February 21-23. The exchange of ideas raised at this annual symposium are invaluable as our nation strives to address the critical issues facing not just African Americans, but Americans of every race, background and political party.
I especially commend you for hosting this dialogue in New Orleans. On the eve of the Louisiana primary, I visited this great city for the fifth time since declaring my candidacy to share policy proposals for rebuilding the Gulf Coast so that we never experience another Hurricane Katrina. On February 9, I was deeply humbled to win the Louisiana primary with 86 percent of the African American vote and a 14 point lead among all voters who said they were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Uniting our country and creating a national constituency for fundamental change is why I am running for President of the United States. We have come a long way in this race, but we still have a long road ahead. In the final stretch, I will be on the campaign trail everyday in states like Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin talking directly with voters about the causes that are at the heart of my campaign and the State of the Black Union forum such as affordable healthcare, housing, economic opportunity, civil rights and foreign policy. I am committed to touching every voter, and working to earn their vote.
That is why with regret, I am not able to attend the forum. I understand that you have declined the campaign’s request to have Michelle Obama speak on my behalf. I ask that you reconsider. Michelle is a powerful voice for the type of real change America is hungry for. No one knows my record or my passion for leading America in a new direction more than Michelle Obama.
Tavis, this is our movement and our time. I look forward to working closely with you throughout this election. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
(Mary Mitchell)
**************************
NOTE: Sure would be nice to see Michelle and Hillary discussing the issues. Is Hillary afraid of Michelle ? Bet Tavis would let Bill fill-in for Hill in a heartbeat.......so sad.
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Friday, February 15, 2008
Commentary:Democratic nominee should be chosen
by voters, not party elite
By: Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.
February 12, 2008
The Democratic Party is on fire. We have two talented, precedent-shattering, history-making candidates. We have a fired-up, mobilized, energized base, breaking voting turnout records. We have a grass-roots donor base that is using the Internet to set new fundraising records every time we turn around. And the Republican Party seems tohave settled on an aging nominee who has serious problems with his conservative base, tells voters that their jobs are gone and promises a 100-year war and occupation of Iraq. So I would suggest that this is a time that Democratic superdelegates should tread lightly. Let's not get in the way of our rising tide. Let's allow grass-roots voters to choose the 2008 presidential nominee for the Democratic Party, not party elites.This is a subject I know a bit about.
I am one of 796 superdelegates, by virtue of being a member of Congress. I'm a national co-chair for the Obama for President campaign and I was once a Democratic National Committee member. I came of age during the great political campaigns of my father, Rev.Jesse Jackson, grass-roots campaigns during the 1980s that took on the Democratic Party's establishment, the superdelegates and the question of political elites ruling the convention. My father's 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns brought the civil rights movement of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. fully into electoral politics, registered millions of new Democratic voters and changedthe face and structure of the party -- including the rules.We fought during the '80s to make the Democratic Party a party of inclusion, and we largely succeeded, as our two remaining Democratic presidential nominees this year illustrate.
Back then, we registered millions of young African-American voters, an investment that has paid huge dividends to the party at every level for the last 20 years.We fought to lower barriers to grass-roots participation and won rules changes that made our primary process fairer, smoother and more accessible to everyone.These rules changes were bitterly resisted at the time, yet Democratic presidential nomination races since 1988 have been less acrimonious and fairer and have helped us win at least two, really three and maybe even four presidential victories in the years since(depending on how many stolen elections you believe took place).What were those changes? We fought to eliminate "winner-take-all" and"bonus" primaries, which were very biased against grass-roots candidates, especially minorities -- and we won.We fought to lower the threshold percentage for winning delegates from 20 percent to 15 percent -- and we won.
We actually succeeded in eliminating hundreds of superdelegates at the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, by taking away the status of unelected committee members. (Unfortunately, those slots were quickly reinstated as superdelegates the next year, once the election was over.)The Democratic Party now is fairer and more accessible than it was a generation ago, which is a big reason why Barack Obama has such a good chance to become the party's presidential nominee. Still, one-fifth of the convention delegates in Denver this summer will be superdelegates -- more than enough to make the final choice in this year's close primary contest.Don't do it. Let the process play out.
Let's see if the voters point us in a clear direction, and rather than intervening to change that direction, we superdelegates can ratify their decision. Let's trust the voters to make wise decisions. Let's trust the candidates to stay on the high road, so that a long primary process continues to build the party up. Let's keep a wary eye on proposed solutions that favor the power of elites over that of voters. And when this is all over, let's revisit this whole superdelegate issue. Because maybe the number of superdelegates who will be seated at the Denver convention are just too many. If it better serves justice, I'd be willing to give up my automatic superdelegate slot(as long as my colleagues join me). Most of all, let's not break the hearts of the millions of young people who have been inspired to participate in the election process this season. If we keep them involved, we'll all reach higher ground.
Jesse Jackson Jr. represents the 2nd Congressional District of Illinois. He is a national co-chairman of the Obama for President campaign.
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Whats' Wrong With Tavis...
Now Calling Michelle Obama A Liar !
Tavis Smiley has been making what many consider to be anti-Obama statements during his regular commentaries on The Tom Joyner Show including statements that only 'uppidy Negroes' are Obama supporters. Tavis will be holding his yearly symposium next week of which he decided to invite the candidates to appear. Hillary, of course , agreed to attend in hopes of winning back some black support while Obama stated that naturally, he is busy running for President.
Michelle Obama called in to the Michael Baisden Show to express how she and Barack have always been great admirers of Tavis but since Barack was busy, Michelle stated that she would attend the symposium in proxy of her husband. (Would love to see Michelle against Hillary !) Michelle also stated during the Baisden Show that she had contacted Tavis' people and was told that Tavis did not want her to attend....that it would be inappropriate! (Bet if it was Bill Tavis wouldn't have said that)
But the kicker is the very next day, Tavis did his great commentary on Tom Joyner where he stated that he had never been contacted by Michelle at all, that she had never offered to attend in lieu of Barack....but if he had been contacted he would have told her that she could not attend and that it would be inappropriate for her to attend.....which is exactly what she said his response was. So the bottom line is, not only does Tavis think that everyone is to cater to him as if he's the 'King of the Blacks', while he is simultaneously doing all he can to help his girl Hillary, while downing one of the strongest black men of modern day...now he's calling that man's wife a liar.
If Tavis had simply listened to Michael Baisden's Show the day before he would have realized how insulting his comments were. I too, have always greatly admired Tavis, but nowadays....the more he opens his mouth...the sadder he sounds. He claims to not have endorsed either candidate while doing everything he can to help Hill and hurt Obama. Just be honest Tav....tell us that you want Hillary to win. Blacks folks across America are seeing through all of your tactics and it's sad that you don't get it.
Although we're very disappointed in you Tav, due to the great works that you have done for the Blacks Community, we're not going to throw you under the bus. Instead, we're going to consider this as one of your big mistakes in life (we all have them) and we're still going to show you Brotherly Luv. But to call the Obama's liars and degrade them is beneath you and should stop.
Greg Jones
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Civil Rights Icon John Lewis
Tilting Away From Hillary To Obama
MILWAUKEE — Representative John Lewis, an elder statesman from the civil rights era and one of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s most prominent black supporters, said Thursday night that he planned to cast his vote as a superdelegate for Senator Barack Obama in hopes of preventing a fight at the Democratic convention.
“In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit,” said Mr. Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who endorsed Mrs. Clinton last fall. “Something is happening in America, and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.”
“In recent days, there is a sense of movement and a sense of spirit,” said Mr. Lewis, a Georgia Democrat who endorsed Mrs. Clinton last fall. “Something is happening in America, and people are prepared and ready to make that great leap.”
Mr. Lewis, who carries great influence among other members of Congress, disclosed his decision in an interview in which he said that as a superdelegate he could “never, ever do anything to reverse the action” of the voters of his district, who overwhelmingly supported Mr. Obama.
“I’ve been very impressed with the campaign of Senator Obama,” Mr. Lewis said. “He’s getting better and better every single day.”
His comments came as fresh signs emerged that Mrs. Clinton’s support was beginning to erode from some other African-American lawmakers who also serve as superdelegates. Representative David Scott of Georgia, who was among the first to defect, said he, too, would not go against the will of voters in his district.
The developments came on a day in which Mrs. Clinton set out anew to prove that the fight for the Democratic nomination was far from over. Campaigning in Ohio, she pursued a new strategy of biting attack lines against Mr. Obama, while adopting a newly populist tone as she courted blue-collar voters.
His comments came as fresh signs emerged that Mrs. Clinton’s support was beginning to erode from some other African-American lawmakers who also serve as superdelegates. Representative David Scott of Georgia, who was among the first to defect, said he, too, would not go against the will of voters in his district.
The developments came on a day in which Mrs. Clinton set out anew to prove that the fight for the Democratic nomination was far from over. Campaigning in Ohio, she pursued a new strategy of biting attack lines against Mr. Obama, while adopting a newly populist tone as she courted blue-collar voters.
Mrs. Clinton also intensified her efforts in Wisconsin, which holds its primary on Tuesday and where she and Mr. Obama now have the first dueling negative television advertisements of the campaign.
In the ads, Mrs. Clinton taunted Mr. Obama for refusing to debate her in Wisconsin. And she and former President Bill Clinton prepared for a new fund-raising blitz to try to counter Mr. Obama’s edge of several million dollars in campaign cash.
Yet even as the Democratic rivals looked ahead to the primaries in Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas, Mr. Lewis said he and other prominent African-American party leaders had been moved by Mr. Obama’s recent victories and his ability to transcend racial and geographic lines.
Though Mr. Lewis had praise for Mrs. Clinton and for her historic candidacy, he said he could decide within days whether to formally endorse Mr. Obama.
Yet even as the Democratic rivals looked ahead to the primaries in Wisconsin, Ohio and Texas, Mr. Lewis said he and other prominent African-American party leaders had been moved by Mr. Obama’s recent victories and his ability to transcend racial and geographic lines.
Though Mr. Lewis had praise for Mrs. Clinton and for her historic candidacy, he said he could decide within days whether to formally endorse Mr. Obama.
He also said he and other lawmakers would meet in the coming days to decide how they intended to weigh in on the nominating fight. If neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. Obama receive enough pledged delegates to win the nomination, superdelegates like Mr. Lewis may play the deciding role in who wins.
“If I can be used as a mediator, a negotiator or a peacemaker, I’d be happy to step in,” Mr. Lewis said, adding that he intends to speak to both candidates in hopes of ending the race amicably in the next month. “I don’t want to see Mrs. Clinton damaged or Mr. Obama damaged.”
Jay Carson, a spokesman for Mrs. Clinton, said Thursday: “Congressman Lewis is a true American hero, and we have the utmost respect for him and understand the great pressure he faced. And Senator Clinton enjoys incredibly strong support from superdelegates around the country from all regions and races.”
The comments by Mr. Lewis underscored a growing sentiment among some of the party’s black leaders that they should not stand in the way of Mr. Obama’s historic quest for the nomination and should not go against the will of their constituents. As superdelegates, they may have the final say, which is something Mr. Lewis said he feared would weaken Democrats and raise Republicans’ chances of winning the White House.
Still, the Democratic nominating fight clearly has many turns ahead. On Thursday, Mrs. Clinton unleashed the most ambitious mobilization of her forces in weeks, reflecting the intense pressure she is under from Mr. Obama, the political necessity for her of towering performances in the delegate-rich primaries in Ohio and Texas on March 4, and her fresh hope of an upset victory in Wisconsin.
Specifically, Mrs. Clinton is hoping to gain political mileage by turning one of Mr. Obama’s attributes, his oratory, against him. She is warning voters about politicians who give great speeches and make big promises but ultimately do not deliver on them.
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Thursday, February 14, 2008
McCain Adviser Says He Will
Quit if Obama Wins Nomination
Won't Fight Obama
February 13, 2008 6:48 PMTalal Al-Khatib-->
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: On Wednesday, a top adviser to John McCain said more definitively than he has in the past that he will step down from the Arizona senator's presidential campaign if the presumed GOP nominee faces Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in the general election.
"I would simply be uncomfortable being in a campaign that would be inevitably attacking Barack Obama," said McCain adviser Mark McKinnon in an interview with NPR's "All Things Considered." "I think it would be uncomfortable for me, and I think it would be bad for the McCain campaign."
McKinnon, who was a Democrat before serving as President Bush's ad maker in 2000 and 2004, said that he plans to be behind McCain "100 percent" no matter who the Democratic nominee is. He explained, however, that if the Democrats nominate Obama, he will be supporting McCain "from the sidelines."
While saying that he does not agree with Obama on every issue, McKinnon gushed about the Illinois Democrat.
"I met Barack Obama, I read his book, I like him a great deal," said McKinnon. "I disagree with him on very fundamental issues. But I think, as I said, I think it would a great race for the country."
Audio of McKinnon's NPR interview is available here.
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Quit if Obama Wins Nomination
Won't Fight Obama
February 13, 2008 6:48 PMTalal Al-Khatib-->
ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: On Wednesday, a top adviser to John McCain said more definitively than he has in the past that he will step down from the Arizona senator's presidential campaign if the presumed GOP nominee faces Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in the general election.
"I would simply be uncomfortable being in a campaign that would be inevitably attacking Barack Obama," said McCain adviser Mark McKinnon in an interview with NPR's "All Things Considered." "I think it would be uncomfortable for me, and I think it would be bad for the McCain campaign."
McKinnon, who was a Democrat before serving as President Bush's ad maker in 2000 and 2004, said that he plans to be behind McCain "100 percent" no matter who the Democratic nominee is. He explained, however, that if the Democrats nominate Obama, he will be supporting McCain "from the sidelines."
While saying that he does not agree with Obama on every issue, McKinnon gushed about the Illinois Democrat.
"I met Barack Obama, I read his book, I like him a great deal," said McKinnon. "I disagree with him on very fundamental issues. But I think, as I said, I think it would a great race for the country."
Audio of McKinnon's NPR interview is available here.
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Sharpton VS. NAACP...
Don't Steal Fla., Mi.
WASHINGTON — Seating delegates from Florida and Michigan at the Democratic National Convention would be a grave injustice, the Rev. Al Sharpton said Wednesday in a break with prominent civil rights leaders.
"I firmly believe that changing the rules now, and seating delegates from Florida and Michigan at this point would not only violate the Democratic Party's rules of fairness, but also would be a grave injustice," Sharpton said in a letter to Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.
"I firmly believe that changing the rules now, and seating delegates from Florida and Michigan at this point would not only violate the Democratic Party's rules of fairness, but also would be a grave injustice," Sharpton said in a letter to Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean.
"As former presidential candidates we both know that, whether we liked them or not, we adhered to the rules set forth by the Democratic Party to select its nominee for president."
Sharpton, a black activist and radio talk show host, sought the presidency in 2004.
NAACP chairman Julian Bond also wrote Dean recently, taking the opposite position. Bond said failure to seat the delegates would disenfranchise minority voters in Florida and Michigan.
Former U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Chairwoman Mary Frances Berry and former Justice Department official Roger Wilkins also wrote Dean urging the DNC settle the issue before the convention for the good of the party.
Sharpton, a black activist and radio talk show host, sought the presidency in 2004.
NAACP chairman Julian Bond also wrote Dean recently, taking the opposite position. Bond said failure to seat the delegates would disenfranchise minority voters in Florida and Michigan.
Former U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Chairwoman Mary Frances Berry and former Justice Department official Roger Wilkins also wrote Dean urging the DNC settle the issue before the convention for the good of the party.
Berry _ who oversaw the 2001 report that studied the disputed 2000 Florida election and found thousands of voters, particularly black voters, were disenfranchised _ said she is also concerned about disenfranchisement of Michigan and Florida voters, although she didn't make a recommendation on how the DNC should resolve the dispute.
The DNC penalized Michigan and Florida for moving their primaries to earlier dates in violation of party rules. Both states were stripped of their delegates, and the party's presidential candidates signed a pledge not to campaign in either state. Florida lost all 210 delegates, including its superdelegates; Michigan, 156.
The DNC penalized Michigan and Florida for moving their primaries to earlier dates in violation of party rules. Both states were stripped of their delegates, and the party's presidential candidates signed a pledge not to campaign in either state. Florida lost all 210 delegates, including its superdelegates; Michigan, 156.
Since then, waging a hard-fought delegate battle with Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign has pushed hard for both states' delegations to be seated. Clinton won Florida's primary Jan. 29 and Michigan's Jan. 15, but was the only candidate to appear on the Michigan ballot after the other candidates removed their names.
Sharpton said he disagreed with those who say minority voters in Florida and Michigan will be disenfranchised.
Sharpton said he disagreed with those who say minority voters in Florida and Michigan will be disenfranchised.
"That claim, if true, should have been made many months ago before the decision was made to strip these states of their delegates, and, once the decision was made, it should have been vigorously objected to and contested by those who felt it disenfranchised voters," Sharpton wrote. "To raise that claim now smacks of politics in its form most raw and undercuts the moral authority behind such an argument."
The DNC has said it would allow both states to hold a different contest, probably a caucus, that would comply with party rules. Either state can also appeal the penalty to the DNC credentials committee, which will not meet again until this summer.
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Bill Clinton's 1992 Campaign
Chief to Back OBAMA !
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The man who served as national manager of former President Clinton's 1992 campaign plans to endorse Sen. Barack Obama, an aide to Obama said Wednesday.
Obama's campaign planned a 1 p.m. conference call Wednesday to announce the endorsement by David Wilhelm, who later became chairman of the Democratic National Committee, according to an aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement would be made public later in the day.
Obama's campaign planned a 1 p.m. conference call Wednesday to announce the endorsement by David Wilhelm, who later became chairman of the Democratic National Committee, according to an aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement would be made public later in the day.
Wilhelm planned to tell reporters that Obama can build a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans needed to win the general election.
Wilhelm is a superdelegate who was previously uncommitted in the race. His endorsement helps Obama in the race for delegates, in which he pulled ahead after Tuesday's sweeps of primaries in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Clinton remains considerably ahead in superdelegates, which are party officials, elected officials and others who can vote however they choose at the nominating convention.
Wilhelm is a superdelegate who was previously uncommitted in the race. His endorsement helps Obama in the race for delegates, in which he pulled ahead after Tuesday's sweeps of primaries in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Clinton remains considerably ahead in superdelegates, which are party officials, elected officials and others who can vote however they choose at the nominating convention.
If the race for pledged delegates based on outcomes in caucuses and primaries across the country remains tight, superdelegates could decide the nomination.
Obama leads the delegate race with 1,224 to 1,198 to Clinton, according to the latest count by The Associated Press. (Huffinton Post)
Obama leads the delegate race with 1,224 to 1,198 to Clinton, according to the latest count by The Associated Press. (Huffinton Post)
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
NEW MEXICO WINNER STILL UNCERTAIN
Thousands of ballots taken
to Hillary supporter homes SUPER TUESDAY !
Posted 2/06/2008 12:50:00 PM
(This article has been updated to include Richard Martinez’s comments to Nash and the new vote margin separating Clinton and Obama.)
The New Mexico Democratic Party caucus may be tainted by three ballot boxes that spent the night in the home of the Rio Arriba County party chair or the homes of other local election officials instead of being reported to the state party.
Those ballots still haven’t been counted, but they have been retrieved by the state party.
Several sources told me the ballot boxes spent the night at the home of Rio Arriba County Democratic Party Chair Theresa Martinez, whose state-lawmaker husband, Sen. Richard Martinez, endorsed Hillary Clinton. But Richard Martinez told Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Kate Nash that the boxes actually spent the night in the homes of three polling-place managers. He gave Nash no explanation for why the results from those ballots weren’t reported to the state party last night and why they were instead kept overnight in officials’ homes.
“The site managers locked them and they kept them and they took them to my wife this morning,” Nash quoted Richard Martinez as saying.
State party officials and Theresa Martinez have not returned my calls seeking comment.
The three ballot boxes from Rio Arriba County and a fourth from Sandoval County account for the 2 percent of precincts that haven’t yet reported results from Tuesday’s caucus. With about 200 votes separating Clinton and Barack Obama, that’s huge. We’re talking about the ballots from half the polling places in Rio Arriba County.
I want to make sure this point is emphasized: Roughly half the votes from Rio Arriba County spent the night in the privacy of the home or homes of one or more election officials in boxes those officials may have had the ability to open. All the county party chair had to do last night to report the results was make a phone call. That never happened.
The ballot boxes were retrieved from Theresa Martinez by the state party this morning.
I understand there was a big snowstorm up there, and I realize people were up late and might have slept in this morning. It’s possible – perhaps even likely – that there is nothing fishy going on here.
But there are valid concerns. Rio Arriba County has a history of election scandal.
The Obama and Clinton campaigns should have lawyers there trying to figure out what’s happening and ready to act if necessary. My understanding is that Obama attorneys are already on their way. The state party needs to quickly resolve this and tell the public how it’s going to allay fears that the election process is tainted beyond repair.
If the ballots are disqualified, voters are disenfranchised. If they’re counted, the process may be tainted. This is an incredibly close race. You have to wonder if, at the end of it all, the losing candidate will petition the DNC to not seat some or all of New Mexico’s delegates, arguing that the process here was fatally tainted. I wrote earlier today about a number of other problems with Tuesday’s caucus. This only adds to the list.
A number of Democrats have told me they’re furious with the state party over these issues. I’m trying to get to the bottom of it. Check back later today for updates.
Update, 2:30 p.m.
Phil Sisneros, spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office, said an AG investigation is unlikely because this was a party-run election not subject to the state election code.
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Thousands of ballots taken
to Hillary supporter homes SUPER TUESDAY !
Posted 2/06/2008 12:50:00 PM
(This article has been updated to include Richard Martinez’s comments to Nash and the new vote margin separating Clinton and Obama.)
The New Mexico Democratic Party caucus may be tainted by three ballot boxes that spent the night in the home of the Rio Arriba County party chair or the homes of other local election officials instead of being reported to the state party.
Those ballots still haven’t been counted, but they have been retrieved by the state party.
Several sources told me the ballot boxes spent the night at the home of Rio Arriba County Democratic Party Chair Theresa Martinez, whose state-lawmaker husband, Sen. Richard Martinez, endorsed Hillary Clinton. But Richard Martinez told Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Kate Nash that the boxes actually spent the night in the homes of three polling-place managers. He gave Nash no explanation for why the results from those ballots weren’t reported to the state party last night and why they were instead kept overnight in officials’ homes.
“The site managers locked them and they kept them and they took them to my wife this morning,” Nash quoted Richard Martinez as saying.
State party officials and Theresa Martinez have not returned my calls seeking comment.
The three ballot boxes from Rio Arriba County and a fourth from Sandoval County account for the 2 percent of precincts that haven’t yet reported results from Tuesday’s caucus. With about 200 votes separating Clinton and Barack Obama, that’s huge. We’re talking about the ballots from half the polling places in Rio Arriba County.
I want to make sure this point is emphasized: Roughly half the votes from Rio Arriba County spent the night in the privacy of the home or homes of one or more election officials in boxes those officials may have had the ability to open. All the county party chair had to do last night to report the results was make a phone call. That never happened.
The ballot boxes were retrieved from Theresa Martinez by the state party this morning.
I understand there was a big snowstorm up there, and I realize people were up late and might have slept in this morning. It’s possible – perhaps even likely – that there is nothing fishy going on here.
But there are valid concerns. Rio Arriba County has a history of election scandal.
The Obama and Clinton campaigns should have lawyers there trying to figure out what’s happening and ready to act if necessary. My understanding is that Obama attorneys are already on their way. The state party needs to quickly resolve this and tell the public how it’s going to allay fears that the election process is tainted beyond repair.
If the ballots are disqualified, voters are disenfranchised. If they’re counted, the process may be tainted. This is an incredibly close race. You have to wonder if, at the end of it all, the losing candidate will petition the DNC to not seat some or all of New Mexico’s delegates, arguing that the process here was fatally tainted. I wrote earlier today about a number of other problems with Tuesday’s caucus. This only adds to the list.
A number of Democrats have told me they’re furious with the state party over these issues. I’m trying to get to the bottom of it. Check back later today for updates.
Update, 2:30 p.m.
Phil Sisneros, spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office, said an AG investigation is unlikely because this was a party-run election not subject to the state election code.
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Sunday, February 10, 2008
Ohio's Largest Newspaper Endorses Obama
Cleveland Plain Dealer Says Obama Is Best Choice !
Editorial: Obama offers an optimistic approach unencumbered by the past
An optimistic approach unencumbered by the past
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Barring some unforeseeable event, the Democratic Party is about to make history. Its presidential nominee this November will be either the first woman or the first African-American to carry the standard of a major political party. With the contest between Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois a virtual deadlock, Ohio Democrats on March 4 can play a critical role in this historic decision.
As usual with intraparty battles, the policy and ideological differences between Clinton and Obama are slight. Both share the party's liberal traditions on social and domestic issues. Both are committed to expanding health coverage and to closing the gap between rich and poor. Both oppose the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq. Both promise to break America's addiction to carbon-based fuels.
Given these similarities, Ohio Democrats have to ask themselves which candidate is more likely, first, to win the White House, and, then, to persuade a closely divided country to embrace his or her vision of change. Put even more pointedly: Who is more likely to change the world of a child born in 2008?
The answer, we think, is Barack Obama.
Although Obama stands on the precipice of a historic breakthrough, his personal story is a classic only-in-America saga: A white mother from Kansas. A black father from Kenya. A childhood in multi-ethnic Hawaii. Scholarships to Ivy League schools. Work as a community organizer and later a law professor in Chicago. Two terms in the Illinois Senate, then a landslide election to the U.S. Senate. An electrifying keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
That speech laid out the template for this campaign. He has challenged America to move beyond rigid racial, religious or partisan divides to focus instead on shared, national goals. It's a message that appeals to young voters and independents, to disillusioned Democrats eager to regain a sense of possibility and, yes, hope.
Obama's frequent talk of hope strikes some people as naive. It leads others to question his toughness. But Obama understands something his critics do not: Change requires vision and optimism, shared sacrifice and mutual trust. Hope can sustain those elements; a presidency defined by political tactics cannot.
Hillary Clinton is an exceptionally bright and accomplished woman. Only a fool could dispute that. It would be nice if Obama's policy proposals were as meaty as those she has put forward. It's no wonder she wants Democrats to see this race as a choice between résumés.
But in a campaign where history matters, she carries an inordinate amount of baggage. Who wants to relive the soap operas of the 1990s?
Bill Clinton says his wife excelled at "making positive changes in other people's lives." Consider that construction. Then listen as Obama talks of bringing people together to change their own lives.
America needs a fresh start. Barack Obama is the Democrat to provide it.
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Cleveland Plain Dealer Says Obama Is Best Choice !
Editorial: Obama offers an optimistic approach unencumbered by the past
An optimistic approach unencumbered by the past
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Barring some unforeseeable event, the Democratic Party is about to make history. Its presidential nominee this November will be either the first woman or the first African-American to carry the standard of a major political party. With the contest between Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois a virtual deadlock, Ohio Democrats on March 4 can play a critical role in this historic decision.
As usual with intraparty battles, the policy and ideological differences between Clinton and Obama are slight. Both share the party's liberal traditions on social and domestic issues. Both are committed to expanding health coverage and to closing the gap between rich and poor. Both oppose the Bush administration's strategy in Iraq. Both promise to break America's addiction to carbon-based fuels.
Given these similarities, Ohio Democrats have to ask themselves which candidate is more likely, first, to win the White House, and, then, to persuade a closely divided country to embrace his or her vision of change. Put even more pointedly: Who is more likely to change the world of a child born in 2008?
The answer, we think, is Barack Obama.
Although Obama stands on the precipice of a historic breakthrough, his personal story is a classic only-in-America saga: A white mother from Kansas. A black father from Kenya. A childhood in multi-ethnic Hawaii. Scholarships to Ivy League schools. Work as a community organizer and later a law professor in Chicago. Two terms in the Illinois Senate, then a landslide election to the U.S. Senate. An electrifying keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
That speech laid out the template for this campaign. He has challenged America to move beyond rigid racial, religious or partisan divides to focus instead on shared, national goals. It's a message that appeals to young voters and independents, to disillusioned Democrats eager to regain a sense of possibility and, yes, hope.
Obama's frequent talk of hope strikes some people as naive. It leads others to question his toughness. But Obama understands something his critics do not: Change requires vision and optimism, shared sacrifice and mutual trust. Hope can sustain those elements; a presidency defined by political tactics cannot.
Hillary Clinton is an exceptionally bright and accomplished woman. Only a fool could dispute that. It would be nice if Obama's policy proposals were as meaty as those she has put forward. It's no wonder she wants Democrats to see this race as a choice between résumés.
But in a campaign where history matters, she carries an inordinate amount of baggage. Who wants to relive the soap operas of the 1990s?
Bill Clinton says his wife excelled at "making positive changes in other people's lives." Consider that construction. Then listen as Obama talks of bringing people together to change their own lives.
America needs a fresh start. Barack Obama is the Democrat to provide it.
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Friday, February 8, 2008
WHAT KIND OF LOSER
WILL HILLARY BE ?
Can Mrs. Clinton Lose?
By PEGGY NOONAN February 8, 2008
By PEGGY NOONAN February 8, 2008
If Hillary Clinton loses, does she know how to lose? What will that be, if she loses? Will she just say, "I concede" and go on vacation at a friend's house on an island, and then go back to the Senate and wait?
Is it possible she could be so normal? Politicians lose battles, it's part of what they do, win and lose. But she does not know how to lose. Can she lose with grace? But she does grace the way George W. Bush does nuance.
Is it possible she could be so normal? Politicians lose battles, it's part of what they do, win and lose. But she does not know how to lose. Can she lose with grace? But she does grace the way George W. Bush does nuance.
She often talks about how tough she is. She has fought "the Republican attack machine" that has tried to "stop" her, "end" her, and she knows "how to fight them." She is preoccupied to an unusual degree with toughness. A man so preoccupied would seem weak. But a woman obsessed with how tough she is just may be lethal.
Does her sense of toughness mean that every battle in which she engages must be fought tooth and claw, door to door? Can she recognize the line between burly combat and destructive, never-say-die warfare? I wonder if she is thinking: What will it mean if I win ugly? What if I lose ugly? What will be the implications for my future, the party's future? What will black America, having seen what we did in South Carolina, think forever of me and the party if I do low things to stop this guy on the way to victory? Can I stop, see the lay of the land, imitate grace, withdraw, wait, come back with a roar down the road? Life is long. I am not old. Or is that a reverie she could never have? What does it mean if she could never have it?
We know she is smart. Is she wise? If it comes to it, down the road, can she give a nice speech, thank her supporters, wish Barack Obama well, and vow to campaign for him?
It either gets very ugly now, or we will see unanticipated--and I suspect professionally saving--grace.
Does her sense of toughness mean that every battle in which she engages must be fought tooth and claw, door to door? Can she recognize the line between burly combat and destructive, never-say-die warfare? I wonder if she is thinking: What will it mean if I win ugly? What if I lose ugly? What will be the implications for my future, the party's future? What will black America, having seen what we did in South Carolina, think forever of me and the party if I do low things to stop this guy on the way to victory? Can I stop, see the lay of the land, imitate grace, withdraw, wait, come back with a roar down the road? Life is long. I am not old. Or is that a reverie she could never have? What does it mean if she could never have it?
We know she is smart. Is she wise? If it comes to it, down the road, can she give a nice speech, thank her supporters, wish Barack Obama well, and vow to campaign for him?
It either gets very ugly now, or we will see unanticipated--and I suspect professionally saving--grace.
I ruminate in this way because something is happening. Mrs. Clinton is losing this thing. It's not one big primary, it's a rolling loss, a daily one, an inch-by-inch deflation. The trends and indices are not in her favor. She is having trouble raising big money, she's funding her campaign with her own wealth, her moral standing within her own party and among her own followers has been dragged down, and the legacy of Clintonism tarnished by what Bill Clinton did in South Carolina. Unfavorable primaries lie ahead. She doesn't have the excitement, the great whoosh of feeling that accompanies a winning campaign. The guy from Chicago who was unknown a year ago continues to gain purchase, to move forward. For a soft little innocent, he's played a tough and knowing inside/outside game.
The day she admitted she'd written herself a check for $5 million, Obama's people crowed they'd just raised $3 million. But then his staff is happy. They're all getting paid.
Political professionals are leery of saying, publicly, that she is losing, because they said it before New Hampshire and turned out to be wrong. Some of them signaled their personal weariness with Clintonism at that time, and fear now, as they report, to look as if they are carrying an agenda. One part of the Clinton mystique maintains: Deep down journalists think she's a political Rasputin who will not be dispatched. Prince Yusupov served him cupcakes laced with cyanide, emptied a revolver, clubbed him, tied him up and threw him in a frozen river. When he floated to the surface they found he'd tried to claw his way from under the ice. That is how reporters see Hillary.
Political professionals are leery of saying, publicly, that she is losing, because they said it before New Hampshire and turned out to be wrong. Some of them signaled their personal weariness with Clintonism at that time, and fear now, as they report, to look as if they are carrying an agenda. One part of the Clinton mystique maintains: Deep down journalists think she's a political Rasputin who will not be dispatched. Prince Yusupov served him cupcakes laced with cyanide, emptied a revolver, clubbed him, tied him up and threw him in a frozen river. When he floated to the surface they found he'd tried to claw his way from under the ice. That is how reporters see Hillary.
And that is a grim and over-the-top analogy, which I must withdraw. What I really mean is they see her as the Glenn Close character in "Fatal Attraction": "I won't be ignored, Dan!"
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TIME POLL: Obama Better
Against McCain Than Clinton
MICHAEL DUFFY/TIME MAGAZINE
Though the real election is nine months away, Sen. Barack Obama would fare slightly better than Sen. Hillary Clinton in a head to head match-up with Sen. John McCain if the general election were held today, a new TIME poll reveals.
Obama captured 48% of the vote in the theoretical match-up against McCain's 41%, the TIME poll reported, while Clinton and McCain would deadlock at 46% of the vote each. Put another way, McCain looks at the moment to have a narrowly better chance of beating the New York Senator than he does the relative newcomer from Illinois.
The difference, says Mark Schulman, CEO of Abt SRBI, which conducted the poll for TIME, is that "independents tilt toward McCain when he is matched up against Clinton But they tilt toward Obama when he is matched up against the Illinois Senator." Independents, added Schulman, "are a key battleground."
The difference, says Mark Schulman, CEO of Abt SRBI, which conducted the poll for TIME, is that "independents tilt toward McCain when he is matched up against Clinton But they tilt toward Obama when he is matched up against the Illinois Senator." Independents, added Schulman, "are a key battleground."
For much of the year, Democrats have enjoyed a wide margin over any Republican rival in theoretical match-ups. Those margins have begun to shrink in recent weeks.
According to the new poll, Democratic voters favor Clinton over Obama for the Democratic nomination by a margin of 48% to 42%.
According to the new poll, Democratic voters favor Clinton over Obama for the Democratic nomination by a margin of 48% to 42%.
Seventy percent of the voters polled by TIME said Bill Clinton's recent performance on the campaign trail had "no influence" on whether they were more or less likely to vote for his wife. Nineteen percent of voters said Clinton's recent comments made them less likely to vote for her; nine percent of voters said it made them more likely to vote for her.
The poll also sampled all voters' views of several possible vice presidential choices — and their various impacts on a potential race. According to the survey results, 62% of likely voters want Hillary Clinton to name Obama as her running mate. By contrast, only 51% of the same voters want Obama to return the favor. The same voters, by a margin of 55% to 11%, believed that Obama would help rather than hurt Clinton's chances were he to become her running mate. If Obama tapped Clinton as his running mate, that margin shifted, with 38% saying it would help his chances and 31% saying it would hurt.
The survey of nearly 1,000 likely registered voters was conducted February 1 through February 4, before Super Tuesday and the departure from the Republican race of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.
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Rush Limbaugh To Fundraise For Hillary !
Calls Drive 'Keep Her In...So We Can Win !
Rush Limbaugh is ready to do his part for the GOP by putting on his own fundraiser. Even if that fundraiser is for the only politician that he believes can unite the party -- Hillary Clinton.
From today's show:
RUSH: All right, folks, I need to ask you a question, personal question from me to you. Do I sound like I need cheering up here? I'm getting e-mails from friends, "Boy, you sound like you could use a little cheering up." And they're sending me these stupid little Internet jokes, "for you to smile," like an Internet joke would cheer me up. Spam would cheer me up. But do I sound like I need to be cheered up? I can't wait 'til the Drive-Bys get hold of my thought, my consideration of helping Hillary raise money. They'll miss the reason. They'll just publicize, "Limbaugh is so upset at Romney getting out, he's thinking of raising money for Hillary, period."
But the reason for raising money for Hillary is because that apparently my party is relying on fear and loathing of Hillary to get the nomination, to unite Republicans, who are, some of them, off the reservation. The Republicans do not seem to be relying on leadership in their party to unite the party. They seem to be relying on all these external things, nobody is going to vote for Hillary, negative turnout factor. What if she's not the nominee? We've got make sure she's the nominee if the Republican Party is to be unified. What more loyal thing could I do than to run a fundraiser for Mrs. Clinton? You watch, though, you watch how that will be questioned.
Limbaugh said yesterday that "if Obama is the nominee, we are doomed, and you should get ready and prepared for it now," and previewed what he thinks will be the Democratic arguments against McCain:
RUSH: She just polarizes people. I think she's going to gin up enough anti-Hillary turnout out there to perhaps be a boon to whoever the Republican nominee is.
CALLER: Absolutely.
RUSH: Now, if Obama is the nominee, we are doomed, and you should get ready and prepared for it now.
CALLER: I agree.
RUSH: I'm going to tell you something else that's going to happen. In addition to all this emotion that Hillary's going to revive in people, all this, "I don't care, I'm not going to vote for that woman," you know she's going to redefine negative turnout. You know she is polarizing. I'm going to tell you what's going to happen. It's already started, I pointed this out. Last week after one of the primaries, Anna Quindlen, Newsweek magazine, "How Old is Too Old?" she laid the foundation for the Drive-Bys' eventual turning on McCain as an old guy getting older. I want to predict to you that once he's got this sewn up you're going to see the Drive-By Media start doing stories on his age, and they're not going to be mean, they are not going to be vicious, they're going to be almost sorrowful. Somebody wrote about this in American Thinker today, too, and I can't remember the name. I think I've got it here in the Stack, but take a look at some of the pictures from last night on television. Here you had McCain, you've got an aging senator here, and an aging governor, gray-haired governor there, you've got old people, gray-haired, blue-haired Bloody Mary gang, women, blue hair in the hives and so forth, you've got pearls and so forth. You contrast that to the Obama crowd that is youthful, it's energetic, it wasn't stoic. I am telling you, if that doesn't work, they're going to go after this age business, and they'll do it almost regretfully. We're going to get the worst pictures of McCain. We're going to get him looking tired. We're going to hear references to his forgetfulness. "Isn't it just a shame?" And if that doesn't work, then they're going to do stories on the fact he's nuts. Just mark my words. Mark my words and don't doubt me.
Calls Drive 'Keep Her In...So We Can Win !
Rush Limbaugh is ready to do his part for the GOP by putting on his own fundraiser. Even if that fundraiser is for the only politician that he believes can unite the party -- Hillary Clinton.
From today's show:
RUSH: All right, folks, I need to ask you a question, personal question from me to you. Do I sound like I need cheering up here? I'm getting e-mails from friends, "Boy, you sound like you could use a little cheering up." And they're sending me these stupid little Internet jokes, "for you to smile," like an Internet joke would cheer me up. Spam would cheer me up. But do I sound like I need to be cheered up? I can't wait 'til the Drive-Bys get hold of my thought, my consideration of helping Hillary raise money. They'll miss the reason. They'll just publicize, "Limbaugh is so upset at Romney getting out, he's thinking of raising money for Hillary, period."
But the reason for raising money for Hillary is because that apparently my party is relying on fear and loathing of Hillary to get the nomination, to unite Republicans, who are, some of them, off the reservation. The Republicans do not seem to be relying on leadership in their party to unite the party. They seem to be relying on all these external things, nobody is going to vote for Hillary, negative turnout factor. What if she's not the nominee? We've got make sure she's the nominee if the Republican Party is to be unified. What more loyal thing could I do than to run a fundraiser for Mrs. Clinton? You watch, though, you watch how that will be questioned.
Limbaugh said yesterday that "if Obama is the nominee, we are doomed, and you should get ready and prepared for it now," and previewed what he thinks will be the Democratic arguments against McCain:
RUSH: She just polarizes people. I think she's going to gin up enough anti-Hillary turnout out there to perhaps be a boon to whoever the Republican nominee is.
CALLER: Absolutely.
RUSH: Now, if Obama is the nominee, we are doomed, and you should get ready and prepared for it now.
CALLER: I agree.
RUSH: I'm going to tell you something else that's going to happen. In addition to all this emotion that Hillary's going to revive in people, all this, "I don't care, I'm not going to vote for that woman," you know she's going to redefine negative turnout. You know she is polarizing. I'm going to tell you what's going to happen. It's already started, I pointed this out. Last week after one of the primaries, Anna Quindlen, Newsweek magazine, "How Old is Too Old?" she laid the foundation for the Drive-Bys' eventual turning on McCain as an old guy getting older. I want to predict to you that once he's got this sewn up you're going to see the Drive-By Media start doing stories on his age, and they're not going to be mean, they are not going to be vicious, they're going to be almost sorrowful. Somebody wrote about this in American Thinker today, too, and I can't remember the name. I think I've got it here in the Stack, but take a look at some of the pictures from last night on television. Here you had McCain, you've got an aging senator here, and an aging governor, gray-haired governor there, you've got old people, gray-haired, blue-haired Bloody Mary gang, women, blue hair in the hives and so forth, you've got pearls and so forth. You contrast that to the Obama crowd that is youthful, it's energetic, it wasn't stoic. I am telling you, if that doesn't work, they're going to go after this age business, and they'll do it almost regretfully. We're going to get the worst pictures of McCain. We're going to get him looking tired. We're going to hear references to his forgetfulness. "Isn't it just a shame?" And if that doesn't work, then they're going to do stories on the fact he's nuts. Just mark my words. Mark my words and don't doubt me.
Limbaugh says he's calling his fundraising drive...'Keep Her In...So We Can Win !'
Visit: Blacks 4 Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Visit: Blacks 4 Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
IMPORTANT on-line PETITION DRIVE !
STOP HILLARY FROM STEALING ELECTION !
The Clintons have now resorted to absolute cheating in a desperate attempt to win nomination at any cost. Now they are trying to claim victory in Michigan and Florida despite being instructed by the Democratic Party to omit those states.
STOP HILLARY FROM STEALING ELECTION !
The Clintons have now resorted to absolute cheating in a desperate attempt to win nomination at any cost. Now they are trying to claim victory in Michigan and Florida despite being instructed by the Democratic Party to omit those states.
CHEATING WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED !
An on-line petition has been formed to let the Dem Party know that the American People WILL NOT tolerate the stealing of this election.SIGN THE PETITION !
Just CLICK HERE to sign. You can also add any comments you desire. This petition is being sent to Howard Dean of the Democratic Party as well as other key Dems.In your comments you may want to express that if Hillary Clinton tries to steal the election through this tactic or through the 'so-called' Super Delegates, we will refuse to support a cheater or a party who refuses to hear the voice of America!SPREAD THE WORD !
Visit Blacks 4 Barack ! Official Site
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Just In:
CLINTON CAMPAIGN GOING BROKE ?
Asks Campaign staffers to Work Without Pay !
February 6, 2008
Aside from losing 13 of 22 states and being behind in delegate count 838 to 834 after Super Tuesday, the Hillary Clinton Campaign has even more problems. In a report filed by Tucker Carlson of MSNBC it has been exposed that the Hillary Clinton Campaign may be in dire straits financially. The New York Post filed the following: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million from her personal bank account late last month, officials acknowledged today -- a surprising twist in the deadlocked race for the Democratic nomination.
"Late last month Sen. Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million," Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said late yesterday, after he was first questioned about possible Clinton-self-financing in a conference call with reporters.
"Late last month Sen. Clinton loaned her campaign $5 million," Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said late yesterday, after he was first questioned about possible Clinton-self-financing in a conference call with reporters.
"The loan illustrates Sen. Clinton's commitment to this effort and to ensuring that our campaign has the resources it needs to compete and win across this nation," he added.
"We have had one of our best fundraising efforts ever on the web stoday and our Super Tuesday victories will only help in bringing more support for her candidacy."
"We have had one of our best fundraising efforts ever on the web stoday and our Super Tuesday victories will only help in bringing more support for her candidacy."
The move came after Clinton's fundraising for January paled in comparison to rival Sen. Barack Obama's – he raised a staggering $32 million to her $13.5 million, officials said.
And the two are hunkering down for a drawn-out war of attrition over the next several weeks of primaries and caucuses, after last night's Super Tuesday battles failed to crown a clear winner.
Several people close to the campaign were unaware of the loan, sources said.
"He's got a huge advantage in that he is the Internet candidate," said one Clinton campaign source, referring to Obama's ability to raise web bucks. (end of article)
And the two are hunkering down for a drawn-out war of attrition over the next several weeks of primaries and caucuses, after last night's Super Tuesday battles failed to crown a clear winner.
Several people close to the campaign were unaware of the loan, sources said.
"He's got a huge advantage in that he is the Internet candidate," said one Clinton campaign source, referring to Obama's ability to raise web bucks. (end of article)
In spite of the spin the Clinton Campaign may attempt to put on this revelation, MSNBC's Carlson reported today that Clinton Campaign staffers are being asked to work without pay through the month of February including some of the higher-ups on the staff. Andrea Mitchell from MSNBC reports that the Clinton campaign mismanaged funds by over spending in Iowa which was a losing effort. We already know that she can't manage Bill but now Clinton's financial woes make some wonder, if she can't manage her campaign....how could she manage a country. Should she be trusted handling America's economy ? With money problems like these....no wonder she cried !
To donate to the Obama for President Campaign visit:
Visit: Blacks 4 Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
NEWSFLASH ! Following WEEKEND SWEEP
OBAMA LEADS In Delegate Count !
MSNBC just released the final numbers for the delegate count following Super Weekend Sweep and on the Democratic side Barack Obama has made an incredible comeback maintaining a lead in the delegate count 943 to Hillary Clinton's 895 . These are the actual delegate numbers which do not include super-delegates which can change their vote in either direction at any time therefore are considered un-commited. Obama prepares to extend his lead as the campaign goes into Louisiana, Nebraska and Maine this weekend. All viewers of political news programs should beware of false reporting which may state that Clinton is ahead, a tactic commonly enjoyed by quoting super-delegate numbers. Potomac....HERE WE COME !
Visit: MSNBC to see complete candidate delegate breakdown per state
Blacks4Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Say It Loud...BARACK & I'M PROUD !!!
Clintons Latino Advantage Decreases, Obama Surges as Latinos Vote Beyond Blacks and White
Robert Lovato (Huffington Post)
Posted February 6, 2008
Asked on Super Duper Tuesday to choose between a black candidate, Barack Obama, and a white candidate, Hillary Clinton, Latinos chose both -- and neither.
In a Democratic race in which the issue of race has played a definitive role, racially fluid and ambiguous Latinos delivered a loud and historic message to the candidates and pundits and to the country as a whole: the black-white electorate of yesteryear is dead.
In a Democratic race in which the issue of race has played a definitive role, racially fluid and ambiguous Latinos delivered a loud and historic message to the candidates and pundits and to the country as a whole: the black-white electorate of yesteryear is dead.
Preliminary results of the most intense primary in recent memory indicate that predictions of a monolithic Latino "firewall" for Clinton have fallen short. The candidates split key Latino states in different parts of the country. Clinton won states like New York and New Jersey while Obama won states like Colorado and Illinois. Exit poll results also demolished widely-held notions that Latinos are unwilling to support a black candidate. Obama succeeded in dropping Clinton's Latino advantage from 4-1 (68% to 17% according to a CNN poll conducted last week) to 3-2 last night. And in almost every Latino-heavy state that voted Super Tuesday, Obama received more than the 26 percent of the Latino vote he got in Nevada just 2 weeks ago.
Analysis of Latino voting patterns indicates that Latinos did not, as predicted, march monolithically into the voting booths to vote racially black or white. Instead, the Latino vote segmented along other vectors, the most interesting of which is the regional vector.
In what appears to be the development of a Latino voter regionalism, the vote varied depending on what part of the country (and in some cases what part of a state) the vote was cast. For example, while Clinton secured 74% of the Latino vote in her home state of New York, available data also indicates that Obama won 59% of the 30-44 year olds, the largest age bloc, in his home state of Illinois' Latino electorate.
In what appears to be the development of a Latino voter regionalism, the vote varied depending on what part of the country (and in some cases what part of a state) the vote was cast. For example, while Clinton secured 74% of the Latino vote in her home state of New York, available data also indicates that Obama won 59% of the 30-44 year olds, the largest age bloc, in his home state of Illinois' Latino electorate.
Obama won important Latino votes -- and delegates -- in Colorado, Arizona and other states where Clinton was expected to overwhelm him. With the support of New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and other members of the Latino political machine nurtured by her husband, the former President, Clinton won more than 60% of the Latino electorate in states like New Jersey and New York. And regardless of the final tallies in California, the Latino electorate has already proven to be a powerful, new and greatly misunderstood segment of the no longer solely black and white electorate of the United States.
"Candidates are spending tens of millions of dollars trying to capture the attention of Latino voters, mostly in the Spanish language media" said Maria Teresa Petersen, the Executive Director of Voto Latino, a nonpartisan voter registration organization that also uses technology and pop culture to promote the political participation of new Latino voters. "But what the campaigns haven't figured out is that 79% of the 18 million eligible Latino voters consume media in English" said Petersen adding, "So, it's terrific that they're targeting 21% of the voters with Latino messages, but when will they learn to target us with Latino ads in English?"
Analysts like Petersen, whose organization registered more than 7,500 young voters this past January, agree that the youthfulness of the Latino vote guarantees that this vote will both continue to see great flux. "Exactly 50% of the 18 million voters eligible to vote are under 50 years old. And this is a generation growing up in the era of anti-immigrant politics. This is why they marched and this is why they are voting. Immigration is more than an issue. It's a great catalyst. The candidate who understands this will win the Latino vote in the future, including the near future."
As the highly contested Democratic primary rages beyond Super Duper Tuesday states, Latinos will continue to play critical roles, especially in tight races, according to Antonio Gonzalez, the President of the California-based William C. Velasquez Institute.
"The big enchilada will be Texas, followed by mid-sized states where Latinos are about 5% of the vote, states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Washington" said Gonzalez. "It's going to continue to be very interesting" said a smiling Gonzalez. "On the one hand," he added, "Latinos are clearly trending towards Obama who overcame a 27 point difference nationally. But, on the other hand, Clinton still won several states with (Latino) margins of more than 50%." If estimates of a 61 to 38 percent Latino advantage for Clinton hold and if the trend, especially the youthful Latino trend, favoring Obama continues, understanding the fluidity of the very racially and ethnically diverse Latino electorate will be mission critical to success well into November's general election.
"The big enchilada will be Texas, followed by mid-sized states where Latinos are about 5% of the vote, states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Washington" said Gonzalez. "It's going to continue to be very interesting" said a smiling Gonzalez. "On the one hand," he added, "Latinos are clearly trending towards Obama who overcame a 27 point difference nationally. But, on the other hand, Clinton still won several states with (Latino) margins of more than 50%." If estimates of a 61 to 38 percent Latino advantage for Clinton hold and if the trend, especially the youthful Latino trend, favoring Obama continues, understanding the fluidity of the very racially and ethnically diverse Latino electorate will be mission critical to success well into November's general election.
Standing outside Public School 24 in Brooklyn's diverse working class neighborhood of Sunset Park, one sees and hears the political future in the opinions -- and votes -- of Latino voters like 31 year-old Smithe Celestrin. She and millions of other Latinos made clear to the country how far it has moved beyond the black-white electorate of yesteryear. "The candidates need to understand where Latinos stand" says Celestrin, a dark-skinned Puerto Rican-French-Chinese digital advertising manager whose main issues are the war, the economy and immigration. "This is our country and we will have our say in it."
Visit: Blacks4Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
BARACK OBAMA
An American & Kenyan Hero
With Kenyan grandmother (pictured)
By Christopher Wills Associated Press
KOGELO, Kenya »Barack Obama pushed through surging crowds and hurtled down roads lined with screaming fans yesterday before settling into the calm of a quiet meal with his grandmother in the Kenyan hamlet where his father grew up and is buried.
The U.S. senator from Illinois stopped at his father's grave for a few moments before ending his visit to the compound, a collection of small buildings, towering mango trees and assorted dogs and chickens.
"Anytime a child comes back to a parent's grave, it makes you reflect on your mortality and the next generation," Obama said, adding that he was especially happy to be able to bring his two daughters along.
Obama also spent much of the day studying the toll AIDS is taking on African families. He and his wife took HIV tests as thousands of people watched and he visited a project that helps grandmothers find the money to care for children orphaned by AIDS.
Obama's 85-year-old grandmother, Sarah, met him at the foot of the small hill where her house sits and hugged him. Then they and Obama's family walked to the house amid a crush of relatives, friends and reporters. Someone carried a huge American flag.
The family shared a meal of chicken, porridge, cabbage and more. His grandmother had told reporters that she would make eggs, which she said was the appropriate thing for a grandmother to serve a visiting grandson.
"She said she was only going to fix eggs, but I think somebody convinced her to go overboard," Obama said.
Obama's 85-year-old grandmother, Sarah, met him at the foot of the small hill where her house sits and hugged him. Then they and Obama's family walked to the house amid a crush of relatives, friends and reporters. Someone carried a huge American flag.
The family shared a meal of chicken, porridge, cabbage and more. His grandmother had told reporters that she would make eggs, which she said was the appropriate thing for a grandmother to serve a visiting grandson.
"She said she was only going to fix eggs, but I think somebody convinced her to go overboard," Obama said.
The 1979 Punahou Schools graduate began his day with an appearance at a hospital in Kisumu, Kenya's third-largest city. Thousands of people waited for him, even climbing trees for better views, as he visited a mobile HIV-testing center. When Obama appeared, the crowd surged forward and had to be held back by police.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, entered the mobile lab and underwent HIV tests in an effort to reduce the public stigma associated with testing in Kenya. He said the results were good news but the most important thing was the control that comes with knowing their HIV status.
"If a U.S. senator can get tested and his wife can get tested, then everybody in this crowd can get tested. Everybody in this city can get tested," Obama said.
"If a U.S. senator can get tested and his wife can get tested, then everybody in this crowd can get tested. Everybody in this city can get tested," Obama said.
As he left, people surrounded his car and the others with him, running alongside.
People lined up along city streets and rural highways and dirt roads to cheer Obama as his caravan passed by. The students of Jubilee High School rushed to the road in their uniforms of white shirts and dark pants. Old men waved. Barefoot children stared.
With his Kenyan heritage, Obama is getting a warm reception everywhere, but the reaction has been even stronger in this part of the country -- home to the Luo tribe, which includes Obama's family.
People lined up along city streets and rural highways and dirt roads to cheer Obama as his caravan passed by. The students of Jubilee High School rushed to the road in their uniforms of white shirts and dark pants. Old men waved. Barefoot children stared.
With his Kenyan heritage, Obama is getting a warm reception everywhere, but the reaction has been even stronger in this part of the country -- home to the Luo tribe, which includes Obama's family.
Kenyans have claimed Obama as one of their own, even though he was mostly raised in Hawaii and did not know his Kenyan father well. This is his third visit to Kenya, but his first since being elected the United States' only black senator in 2004.
"We love him so much. He has the same blood as our origins," said Austin Ochieng as he waited in a tree for the chance to see Obama. "We are expecting a lot of development from him. We also expect employment. We need him to talk to our government."
Obama's father, also named Barack, grew up herding goats and going to tin-roof schools, but he won a college scholarship in Hawaii. There, he married Obama's mother. The two soon separated, however, and Obama's father eventually returned to Kenya and worked as a government economist.
His father died in a car crash in 1982.
Visit: Blacks4Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Politicals Target Blacks4Barack Blog
DailyKos/Politico Attempt To Scar Obama Campaign via B4B blog
posting of Robert Novak's Revealing Hillary Civil Rights Article !
DailyKos/Politico Attempt To Scar Obama Campaign via B4B blog
posting of Robert Novak's Revealing Hillary Civil Rights Article !
By Greg Jones
________________________________________________
I occassionally do a search of our site, Blacks 4 Barack to see what sites or blogs may have picked up on some of the things we're discussing and to my surprise....make that shock....I saw that there were national articles about us on the major political sites.....Politico and Daily Kos, both of which I have always enjoyed. I immediately clicked to see what it was about....and I could not believe my eyes. They both wrote national articles about my posting of Washington columnist Robert Novaks May 2007 article on my personal Barack Obama blog. Novak's article entitled Hillary, King, Goldwater discusses Hillary Clinton having been a 'Goldwater Girl' (Senator Barry Goldwater was against Civil Rights Act of 1964) during the same period she claims to have been 'inspired' after hearing a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, a story she commonly tells on the campaign trail. Novak's article questions how Hillary could have had two different mindsets at the same time.
Politico and DailyKos' whole point in their articles was to somehow blame Senator Obama for what was posted on the Blacks4Barack blog. To top things off, they went as far as to have the headline in big bold print 'Should Obama Be Accountable....'. ACCOUNTABLE ? This is America Daily Kos and Politico. I, Greg Jones can say whatever I want on my blog just as you can on yours and I will continue to do so. And to try to use an article by Robert Novak that I post on my blog in an attempt to discredit or scar Senator Obama is absolutely pathetic !!! Also, to falsely claim that the posting of Novak's article is the Obama Campaign way to try to smear Hillary is preposterous.
Politico and DailyKos' whole point in their articles was to somehow blame Senator Obama for what was posted on the Blacks4Barack blog. To top things off, they went as far as to have the headline in big bold print 'Should Obama Be Accountable....'. ACCOUNTABLE ? This is America Daily Kos and Politico. I, Greg Jones can say whatever I want on my blog just as you can on yours and I will continue to do so. And to try to use an article by Robert Novak that I post on my blog in an attempt to discredit or scar Senator Obama is absolutely pathetic !!! Also, to falsely claim that the posting of Novak's article is the Obama Campaign way to try to smear Hillary is preposterous.
First of all, the article was written by Robert Novak....not Barack Obama. Secondly, it was posted on my community blog by me, Greg Jones, a Barack Obama supporter. Finally, everything in the Robert Novak article is true....Hillary Clinton was a 'Goldwater Girl'! This is a fact that even she wrote about in her own memoirs saying that she 'was a Goldwater Girl all the way down to my cowboy boots'. Truth is not a smear. Truth is truth. So if you Politico and DailyKos are upset that the truth about Hillary is coming out then say that.....but don't falsely insinuate that it is a smear tactic by the Obama campaign.
The fact that you are both this desirous to create negativity for the Obama Campaign is not only very revealing but extremely sad. Who are YOU working for ? I know that Senator Obama has been thoroughly researched all the way back to kindergarten, but now you're trolling through blogs of his supporters in hopes of finding ANYTHING you can to tarnish him with. And to blame Senator Obama for an article written by Novak in 2007 is really going to far. While you're trolling why don't you interview Ms. Clinton and ask her how she could have been be pro civil rights and pro Goldwater at the same time. While you're at it, ask her and Bill why Ms. Mirian Wright Edelman, (founder of the Children's Defense Fund, another story often shared by Clinton) is extremely upset with the Clintons to this day.( Google: Mirian Edelman Amy Goodman)
While I have your attention allow me to explain why it is upsetting to some of us, as blacks, to hear that Ms. Clinton was a staunch supporter of Senator Barry Goldwater who is known to have been a segregationist and adamently opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 while running for President against LBJ. Many of us are hurt to find this out because we had admired and even somewhat trusted the Clintons. For her 'Goldwater Days' to be exposed to us is quite revealing. Imagine, if someone claimed to honor a great Jewish person, then found out that the same person honored a Nazi at the same time. That would be very offensive to many in the Jewish community. It's the same thing here to many of us. We are pleased that Ms. Clinton has adjusted her civil rights stance since then, but we do have the right to question the contradictory facts about her past.
Since Senator Obama is totally dedicated to Unity, he would never bring up any issue related to the Clinton's past. I bring it up, on my own, not so much for Senator Obama.....but more so to let my fellow blacks (and whites) know the truth about the people we had brought into our hearts to the degree of even calling Bill 'The First Black President'.
Even though I am not a huge fan, I do thank Robert Novak for his very enlightening article. I'm sure you well informed political experts had seen it before, since it's been all over the internet for the last year. It's been on MSNBC's site.....Tucker Carlson discussed the article, in The Washington Post, Real Clear Politics, Townhall, etc (where's your aticle about them 'smearing' Hillary?) and all of a sudden you people are so desperate to scar Obama that you want to blame him for Robert Novak's article ! Again, that's pretty sad.....but I do thank you for the great exposure. Now I'm really ALL FIRED UP !!!!!
P.S. It's people like you who sit up nights trying to figure ways to divide people. That is why millions of us are for Barack Obama......his honesty, integrity, leadership and dedication to Unity! Not to mention....truth !
The fact that you are both this desirous to create negativity for the Obama Campaign is not only very revealing but extremely sad. Who are YOU working for ? I know that Senator Obama has been thoroughly researched all the way back to kindergarten, but now you're trolling through blogs of his supporters in hopes of finding ANYTHING you can to tarnish him with. And to blame Senator Obama for an article written by Novak in 2007 is really going to far. While you're trolling why don't you interview Ms. Clinton and ask her how she could have been be pro civil rights and pro Goldwater at the same time. While you're at it, ask her and Bill why Ms. Mirian Wright Edelman, (founder of the Children's Defense Fund, another story often shared by Clinton) is extremely upset with the Clintons to this day.( Google: Mirian Edelman Amy Goodman)
While I have your attention allow me to explain why it is upsetting to some of us, as blacks, to hear that Ms. Clinton was a staunch supporter of Senator Barry Goldwater who is known to have been a segregationist and adamently opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 while running for President against LBJ. Many of us are hurt to find this out because we had admired and even somewhat trusted the Clintons. For her 'Goldwater Days' to be exposed to us is quite revealing. Imagine, if someone claimed to honor a great Jewish person, then found out that the same person honored a Nazi at the same time. That would be very offensive to many in the Jewish community. It's the same thing here to many of us. We are pleased that Ms. Clinton has adjusted her civil rights stance since then, but we do have the right to question the contradictory facts about her past.
Since Senator Obama is totally dedicated to Unity, he would never bring up any issue related to the Clinton's past. I bring it up, on my own, not so much for Senator Obama.....but more so to let my fellow blacks (and whites) know the truth about the people we had brought into our hearts to the degree of even calling Bill 'The First Black President'.
Even though I am not a huge fan, I do thank Robert Novak for his very enlightening article. I'm sure you well informed political experts had seen it before, since it's been all over the internet for the last year. It's been on MSNBC's site.....Tucker Carlson discussed the article, in The Washington Post, Real Clear Politics, Townhall, etc (where's your aticle about them 'smearing' Hillary?) and all of a sudden you people are so desperate to scar Obama that you want to blame him for Robert Novak's article ! Again, that's pretty sad.....but I do thank you for the great exposure. Now I'm really ALL FIRED UP !!!!!
P.S. It's people like you who sit up nights trying to figure ways to divide people. That is why millions of us are for Barack Obama......his honesty, integrity, leadership and dedication to Unity! Not to mention....truth !
Greg Jones
Visit: Blacks4Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
SEE: Politico Article
SEE: DailyKos Article
Hillary's Health Care Plan Would Create
47 Million 'Universal' Law Breakers !
BEWARE !!! Hillary's so-called 'Universal' Health Care Plan is to make it AGAINST THE LAW FOR ANYONE TO NOT BUY THEIR OWN HEALTH INSURANCE (LIKE AUTO INSURANCE)That's not health care....that's just a law (that's what mandate means) !!!!! Under Hillary's health care plan everyone who breaks her law and does not buy their own health coverage (if not offered through their job) would be fined and wages could be garnished. Also, everyone would have to prove that they already have health insurance (show an insurance policy) before they could get a new job if that new job does not offer coverage.If people could afford health care they would have it already! To make it a mandatory law will just make people who are unable to afford the coverage (could be $300-$400 per month/per person) afraid to go to the hospital when seriously ill in fear of getting caught breaking the law (without coverage). Then we'll end up with millions of people simply hiding the fact that they don't have coverage....instead of receiving the true health care they need. TERRIBLE !!! DON'T BE FOOLED AMERICA !!!!!
"All Americans Would be required by law to purchase health insurance" reports CBS News Chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.
UPDATE: Feb. 4, 2008
"All Americans Would be required by law to purchase health insurance" reports CBS News Chief White House correspondent Jim Axelrod.
UPDATE: Feb. 4, 2008
Clinton Admits health plan may mean Garnisheed Wages !
"Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans.
The New York senator has criticized presidential rival Barack Obama for pushing a health plan that would not require universal coverage. Clinton has not always specified the enforcement measures she would embrace, but when pressed on ABC's "This Week," she said: "I think there are a number of mechanisms" that are possible, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/viewstory.asp?
"Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans.
The New York senator has criticized presidential rival Barack Obama for pushing a health plan that would not require universal coverage. Clinton has not always specified the enforcement measures she would embrace, but when pressed on ABC's "This Week," she said: "I think there are a number of mechanisms" that are possible, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/viewstory.asp?
Visit: Official BLACKS 4 BARACK Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
BREAKING NEWS:
ABC News Uncovers Walmart Video Tapes
Exposes Hillary Was ANTI-UNION while on Board
After recently gaining the endorsement of the United farmworkers Union of California, Brian Ross of ABC News is uncovering hidden videos acquired from the Walmart Business Meeting archives which show that Hillary was anti-union and complicit with other members of the Walmart Board to do everything to make certain that Walmart remained anti-union. The videos have just become available to ABC News and will be exposed and broadcast. The videos show Hillary in board meetings absolutely silent on the subject of union formation at Walmart while stating that she was pleased with Walmart's stance in every way. Wonder how the Farmworkers Union is taking this news ? Look for more on this coming soon. To see more visit ABC News. Also, read ABC News FULL REPORT.
Visit: Blacks4Barack Official Site(A Multi-Racial Organization)
ABC News Uncovers Walmart Video Tapes
Exposes Hillary Was ANTI-UNION while on Board
After recently gaining the endorsement of the United farmworkers Union of California, Brian Ross of ABC News is uncovering hidden videos acquired from the Walmart Business Meeting archives which show that Hillary was anti-union and complicit with other members of the Walmart Board to do everything to make certain that Walmart remained anti-union. The videos have just become available to ABC News and will be exposed and broadcast. The videos show Hillary in board meetings absolutely silent on the subject of union formation at Walmart while stating that she was pleased with Walmart's stance in every way. Wonder how the Farmworkers Union is taking this news ? Look for more on this coming soon. To see more visit ABC News. Also, read ABC News FULL REPORT.
Visit: Blacks4Barack Official Site(A Multi-Racial Organization)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Clintons Extremely Upset With Kennedys
For Endorsing Obama
From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
Ted Kennedy Is All In: The New York Times front-pages the news of Ted Kennedy endorsing Obama, which occurs today at 12:15 pm ET at American University in DC. "Both the Clintons and their allies had pressed Mr. Kennedy for weeks to remain neutral in the Democratic race, but Mr. Kennedy had become increasingly disenchanted with the tone of the Clinton campaign… He and former President Bill Clinton had a heated telephone exchange earlier this month over what Mr. Kennedy considered misleading statements by Mr. Clinton about Mr. Obama, as well as his injection of race into the campaign. Mr. Kennedy called Mr. Clinton Sunday to tell him of his decision.” Did we read that correctly? Ted Kennedy called Bill Clinton -- and not Hillary -- to tell him of the decision? Anyway, the Clinton camp trotted out a statement from Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as a counterpunch to the endorsements from Teddy and Caroline Kennedy (and, per NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, Patrick Kennedy will also be endorsing Obama). Umm, not quite the same impact...
Where Kennedy Helps Obama: The thing about a Kennedy endorsement is that once he's in, HE'S ALL IN. Ask Al Gore or John Kerry. Kennedy loves campaigning and when he hits the stump, he gets fired up. And as the Times reports, Kennedy is going to head West and then back to the Northeast to campaign for Obama. He could be particularly helpful for Obama in wooing rank-and-file, blue-collar Democrats as well as Latinos, two parts of the Democratic coalition Obama's under-performed with. Of course, Obama -- as this YouTube clip shows -- hasn’t always had kind words for Kennedy…
For Endorsing Obama
From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
Ted Kennedy Is All In: The New York Times front-pages the news of Ted Kennedy endorsing Obama, which occurs today at 12:15 pm ET at American University in DC. "Both the Clintons and their allies had pressed Mr. Kennedy for weeks to remain neutral in the Democratic race, but Mr. Kennedy had become increasingly disenchanted with the tone of the Clinton campaign… He and former President Bill Clinton had a heated telephone exchange earlier this month over what Mr. Kennedy considered misleading statements by Mr. Clinton about Mr. Obama, as well as his injection of race into the campaign. Mr. Kennedy called Mr. Clinton Sunday to tell him of his decision.” Did we read that correctly? Ted Kennedy called Bill Clinton -- and not Hillary -- to tell him of the decision? Anyway, the Clinton camp trotted out a statement from Kathleen Kennedy Townsend as a counterpunch to the endorsements from Teddy and Caroline Kennedy (and, per NBC’s Andrea Mitchell, Patrick Kennedy will also be endorsing Obama). Umm, not quite the same impact...
Where Kennedy Helps Obama: The thing about a Kennedy endorsement is that once he's in, HE'S ALL IN. Ask Al Gore or John Kerry. Kennedy loves campaigning and when he hits the stump, he gets fired up. And as the Times reports, Kennedy is going to head West and then back to the Northeast to campaign for Obama. He could be particularly helpful for Obama in wooing rank-and-file, blue-collar Democrats as well as Latinos, two parts of the Democratic coalition Obama's under-performed with. Of course, Obama -- as this YouTube clip shows -- hasn’t always had kind words for Kennedy…
Visit: BLACKS 4 BARACK Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Clintons Block Airing of Hillary Movie !
Republicans Hope Hillary Wins Nomination
So GOP Can Win Presidency
You may have noticed that all of the media seems to be pushing Hillary and you've wondered why. Fact is, almost all of the cable news channels and press are owned and controlled by Republicans....and the Republicans want to win. They will do everything they can to help Hillary win the Democratic nomination because they know without doubt that the Republican nominee, whoever it is, will definitely defeat Hillary. (They're totally afraid of Obama).
The Republican Party has such an arsenal of scandalous facts on the Clintons that their mouths are just watering for the chance to tear them down. Scandal after scandal. Flip-flops. Lies, lies lies....and more lies. By the time the Republicans finish with Hillary, Chelsea won't want to vote for her own mom. One of the weapons that the Republicans have 'on the ready' is a new documentary entitled ' Hillary The Movie' which has so much information on the Clintons that they filed a law suit against the producers disallowing it to be advertised.
In a recent interview on CNN, the producer simply stated that if Hillary is the nominee, they're airing the movie one way or another. Do America a favor and don't waste your vote on Hillary. If she wins the nomination it will be your fault when the Republicans are back in the White House. Guaranteed !
The Republican Party has such an arsenal of scandalous facts on the Clintons that their mouths are just watering for the chance to tear them down. Scandal after scandal. Flip-flops. Lies, lies lies....and more lies. By the time the Republicans finish with Hillary, Chelsea won't want to vote for her own mom. One of the weapons that the Republicans have 'on the ready' is a new documentary entitled ' Hillary The Movie' which has so much information on the Clintons that they filed a law suit against the producers disallowing it to be advertised.
In a recent interview on CNN, the producer simply stated that if Hillary is the nominee, they're airing the movie one way or another. Do America a favor and don't waste your vote on Hillary. If she wins the nomination it will be your fault when the Republicans are back in the White House. Guaranteed !
Visit: BLACKS 4 BARACK Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Kerry Blasts Clinton for 'abusing truth'
WASHINGTON (CNN) — John Kerry, the Democratic Party's 2004 nominee for president, took aim at Bill Clinton Friday, telling the National Journal the former president does "not have a license to abuse the truth."
The Massachusetts senator, who endorsed Barack Obama's White House bid earlier this month, said Clinton's criticisms of the Illinois senator have been "over the top," and suggested the former president is getting "frantic."
Targeting Clinton's recent spate of attacks on Obama, Kerry said, "I think you had an abuse of the truth, is what happened. …I mean, being an ex-president does not give you license to abuse the truth, and I think that over the last days it's been over the top.
"I think it's very unfortunate, but I think the voters can see through that," Kerry added. "When somebody's coming on strong and they are growing, people get a little frantic, and I think people have seen this sort of franticness in the air, if you will."
The former president has faced criticism for aggressively interjecting himself into the race between his wife and Obama of late. On Monday, Obama said he feels as if he is running against both Clintons, a charge the New York senator’s campaign said was borne out of frustration. The former president himself later dismissed Obama's comments, saying “I thought he was running against me.”
Campaigning in South Carolina Friday, Obama said the Clinton campaign has stepped up its attacks since his Iowa win, and joked that it's good practice for him, so "when I take on those Republicans I'll be accustomed to it."
Kerry formally endorsed Obama on January 10, saying then that Obama "isn't just going to break the mold….Together, we are going to shatter it into a million pieces."
The endorsement was seen as a blow to both John Edwards — Kerry's running mate in 2004 — and both Hillary and Bill Clinton, who had campaigned on behalf of Kerry's presidential bid.
The Massachusetts senator, who endorsed Barack Obama's White House bid earlier this month, said Clinton's criticisms of the Illinois senator have been "over the top," and suggested the former president is getting "frantic."
Targeting Clinton's recent spate of attacks on Obama, Kerry said, "I think you had an abuse of the truth, is what happened. …I mean, being an ex-president does not give you license to abuse the truth, and I think that over the last days it's been over the top.
"I think it's very unfortunate, but I think the voters can see through that," Kerry added. "When somebody's coming on strong and they are growing, people get a little frantic, and I think people have seen this sort of franticness in the air, if you will."
The former president has faced criticism for aggressively interjecting himself into the race between his wife and Obama of late. On Monday, Obama said he feels as if he is running against both Clintons, a charge the New York senator’s campaign said was borne out of frustration. The former president himself later dismissed Obama's comments, saying “I thought he was running against me.”
Campaigning in South Carolina Friday, Obama said the Clinton campaign has stepped up its attacks since his Iowa win, and joked that it's good practice for him, so "when I take on those Republicans I'll be accustomed to it."
Kerry formally endorsed Obama on January 10, saying then that Obama "isn't just going to break the mold….Together, we are going to shatter it into a million pieces."
The endorsement was seen as a blow to both John Edwards — Kerry's running mate in 2004 — and both Hillary and Bill Clinton, who had campaigned on behalf of Kerry's presidential bid.
NEWSFLASH: Hillary WAS A Slumlord and
Predatory Lender With Her Whitewater !
… Then consider the Whitewater investment. Forget for a minute about all the scandal associated with the word and the convoluted financing arrangements. Look at it for a minute as a pure investment—the biggest business venture that the Clintons had ever been involved in prior to the presidency.
Back in 1978, Bill Clinton was a popular Arkansas attorney general running for governor. He was campaigning as a reformer, an advocate of “consumer protection” and “rights for the elderly.” Like Hillary, he was concerned about unscrupulous “private corporations.” And as he has so often done in his public career, he made a point of claiming the moral high ground over his opponent.
An old friend and political operative, Jim McDougall, came to Bill and Hillary with an investment idea. He wanted to purchase 230 acres of land situated along the White River in the Ozark Mountains of north Arkansas and subdivide it to sell lots as vacation sites. McDougall promised huge returns, on the order of 20 percent a year. The Clintons thought it sounded like a great plan. Hillary in particular had high hopes for the property. While publicly criticizing Ronald Reagan’s tax cuts, she wrote McDougall in 1981: “If Reaganomics works at all, Whitewater could become the western hemisphere’s Mecca.”
The Clintons put no money into the investment. But Hillary, as an attorney in private practice, played an important role in establishing and running the venture. And what a venture it was meant to be. Whitewater was not designed as a regular real estate company. The plan was to sell lots, mainly to elderly retirees and middle-class families, by advertising in small-town newspapers. (They advertised several times in Mother Earth News.) Ordinarily, of course, when you buy a piece of land and finance the purchase, you receive a copy of the deed. If you start missing payments and can’t work things out with the finance company, they will eventually repossess the property. After paying off fees and debts, you will get back any remaining equity.
But the Clintons and McDougall did things differently. When customers wanted to buy a lot, they signed a simple purchase agreement. But this was no ordinary real estate contract. The small print at the bottom read: “In the event the default continues for 30 days … payments made by the purchaser shall be considered as rent for the use of the premises.” In other words, the buyers did not actually take ownership of their property until the final payment was made. If a buyer missed just one monthly payment, all their previous payments would be classified as rent and they would have no equity in the land at all.
This sort of contract was illegal in many other states, because it was considered exploitative of the poor and uneducated!’ One look at the experience of those who bought into Whitewater and you can see why.
Clyde Soapes was a grain-elevator operator from Texas who heard about the lots in early 1980 and jumped at the chance to invest. He put $3,000 down and began making payments of $244.69 per month. He made thirty-five payments in all—totaling $11,564.15, just short of the $14,000 price for the lot. Then he suddenly fell ill with diabetes and missed a payment, then two. The Clintons informed him that he had lost the land and all of his money. There was no court proceeding or compensation. Months later they resold his property to a couple from Nevada for $16,500. After they too missed a payment, the Clintons resold it yet again.
Clyde Soapes was a grain-elevator operator from Texas who heard about the lots in early 1980 and jumped at the chance to invest. He put $3,000 down and began making payments of $244.69 per month. He made thirty-five payments in all—totaling $11,564.15, just short of the $14,000 price for the lot. Then he suddenly fell ill with diabetes and missed a payment, then two. The Clintons informed him that he had lost the land and all of his money. There was no court proceeding or compensation. Months later they resold his property to a couple from Nevada for $16,500. After they too missed a payment, the Clintons resold it yet again.
Soapes and the couple from Nevada were not alone. More than half of the people who bought lots in Whitewater—teachers, farmers, laborers, and retirees—made payments, missed one or two, and then lost their land without getting a dime of their equity back. According to Whitewater records, at least sixteen different buyers paid more than $50,000 and never received a property deed. The Clintons continued this approach up until the 1992 election, when they tried to quietly get out of the investment.
I say “the Clintons” did these things because Hillary was at the center of it all. Monthly payment checks were sent to the Whitewater Development Corporation in care of Hillary Rodham Clinton. In 1982, Hillary herself sold a home to Hillman Logan, who went bankrupt and then died. She took possession of the home and resold it to another buyer for $20,000. No one was compensated (and she didn’t report the sale on her tax return).
Hillary has always very indignantly maintained that she and her husband “did nothing wrong” with regard to Whitewater. After all, they lost money in the deal. But they have always avoided discussions about how the business was structured, and how it exploited the very people they have often professed to help. In the meantime, Sen. Hillary Clinton has gone on to champion the cause of going after banks and other lenders for “predatory mortgage lending practices.” In an amazing feat of moral dexterity, she cosponsored the Predatory Consumer Lending Act, claiming that mortgage fees are too high. (No, the law does not outlaw the type of financing scheme she was involved in.) …
Just bear this in mind when you hear Hillary shedding her crocodile tears about predatory lenders and unfair mortgage foreclosures — or even “slumlords.” (Peter Schweizer)
Visit: Blacks 4 Barack Official Site (A Multi-Racial Organization)
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