BS: Popular Views on Obama

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 03:59 PM

Fox News, bless their weasely little hearts, reports:

"Barack Obama racked up two key newspaper endorsements this week — one from South Carolina's largest paper, the other from rival Hillary Clinton's backyard.

South Carolina's The State endorsed Obama for Saturday's Democratic primary Tuesday, calling the Illinois senator "a groundbreaking nominee" and the best candidate to unite the country and repair America's reputation around the world.

"Sen. Obama is the only Democrat who plausibly can say that he wants to work with Americans across the political spectrum," The (Columbia) State said on its Web site.

Then on Wednesday The New York Observer backed Obama over Clinton, a New York senator.

"New Yorkers might ask why they should not pull a lever for our junior senator, Hillary Rodham Clinton. While Mrs. Clinton is an extraordinary United States senator for New York, we believe that Mr. Obama can be a great president for the United States of America," the paper wrote. "Most of the other candidates have absorbed, assimilated or appropriated Mr. Obama's issue of change. It is a powerful concept. But a great deal of the argument for Mr. Obama's candidacy is about one great issue in American life: restoring and reinvigorating American democracy."

Click here to read The New York Observer's endorsement.

The paper said Obama would be the most" formidable" Democrat in the general election, and that "It is difficult to remember the last national candidate who has charged and jazzed the democratic system as Mr. Obama has.""

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 06:20 PM

Charley, Ron's bickering with me is just a very minor side issue on the political threads. His main bickering lately is with Rinslinger and Richard Bridge. Indeed, the mutual love, caring, and respect that passes between me and Ron Davies is simply beyond question. ;-) You should instead focus on the acute negativity brought to these threads by the seething twin scandals of Rinslinger-Gate and RichardBridge-Gate, which are the primary targets of Ron's ire these days. ;-)

Amos - I do prefer the Democrats to the Republicans, no question about that. I would vote Democratic almost without question if I had to choose between them. (and so would at least 80% of the Canadian public) That doesn't mean, though, that I trust the Democratic Party machine any farther than I would trust Al Capone, Tammany Hall or Heinrich Himmler...

A "bit of a sticky wicket", I'd call it...when all one has is 2 lots of coporate-backed scoundrels to choose from.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 06:38 PM

LH - I'm going to stick my neck out and agree with you here, but I'm leary about what Ron will counter with.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 06:41 PM

I daresay...

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: mg
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 06:55 PM

Hey don't knock Tamany Hall..I might be related to Big Bill Devery who gave corruption a whole new meaning. And if any genealogists out there could help me with this I would love to know..my grandmother was a Devery...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:01 PM

"WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is enjoying a comfortable lead in the newest polls over rival Hillary Clinton as the South Carolina primary draws closer.
Palmetto State Democrats hold their primary on Saturday. In an average of polls compiled by RealClearPolitics, Obama is pulling in 42.8% of voters while New York senator Clinton is getting 30.6%. Former North Carolina senator John Edwards is trailing with 14.2%.
South Carolina will be one of the last dominoes to fall before Florida's Jan. 29 primary and the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday," when the candidates compete for delegates from 21 states. The Feb. 5 contest could be a make-or-break day for White House hopefuls since it includes big states like California and New York."


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:27 PM

I reviewed Dennis Kucinichs ballsy performance in the last all-Democratic-candidates debate he was in. The man has spit, fire and brains. He had the guts to call for impeachment in the middle of the debate. I love this guy. Not mention his gracious and charming spouse.
If he had half the shot Obama has at the White House hotseat I'd vote to send him in. Unfortunately he will probably not be on the ballot.




A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 07:52 PM

Makes the 'debates' (paid infomercials) with just the three candidates look pretty lame by comparison, doesn't it?

Even if you don't think he has a chance at getting elected, don't be afraid to get involved with the work he's doing if you'd like to see more of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 08:00 PM

Yeah, Amos, it's a great shame about Mr Kucinich's chances being so minimal, considering what he is offering. When a candidate is simply shut out by the mainstream media networks, all of them owned by huge corporate entities, I don't see how he or she really has any chance of being elected. Still, the work has to be done a bit at a time. It's a long range struggle for fundamental change, not just a fight to win one election.

It will be interesting to see if the voting results in the South Carolina Primary match the polling results. If they do, Obama is going to beat Hillary Clinton badly. If not...hmmm...

Well, we shall see.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: mg
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 08:12 PM

LIsten if you can to Rush Limbaugh's broadcast today (I think it is available on his website)...he will explain the probable strategy of not just letting him win SC but hoping he does to incite racial problems further...I know many hate El Rushbo but finally finally some people are seeing what many of us saw decades ago and he has them pegged (The Clintons). mg

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 08:50 PM

I think Dennis Kucinch would mahe the best Secretary of State that the United States has ever had...

Would I like to see him president??? You bet... But that ain't gonn happen so the best we can hope for is that he gets an opportunioty to show his stuff...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 08:58 PM

MG, I love you dearly, but there are some things I won't do, ansd one f them is going out of my way t listen to Rush. :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:21 PM

Well, I have to admit to being a bit baffled by LH's rather apoplectic--thanks for giving me the excuse to use that word-- posting of 12:02 AM 23 Jan. We have had our disagreements on other threads. But I have had very little occasion to have friction with him on this thread, for the very good reason that I believe we're on the same page on Obama--, for a host of reasons ,his candidacy is the best thing that's happened to the US in decades--especially since, as the Democratic nominee, he stands an excellent chance of winning--far better than Hillary.

Admittedly, I am disappointed in the number of Mudcatters who fail to realize this. They must be waiting for the Second Coming--of Karl Marx.

Richard--

You're still "enquiring"? I'm afraid it did not seem so in the thread you started--with your cute little sketches of the candidates. Sounded like arch superiority, complete conviction on your part, and, in the grand tradition of the Red Queen--what was it? -- "Sentence first, trial later?"--for the candidates.    But perhaps I was mistaken.

Amos--

I completely agree --that WSJ article was fascinating. Perhaps the most riveting aspect of it was the detail as to how Obama is totally upending the old order in South Carolina. Hillary's state director was quoted as saying; "we have a political machine unmatched by any other in the state." So if Obama wins--and in a southern state-- it's a sea change in politics--and probably not just in South Carolina.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:41 PM

I wasn't feeling apoplectic at all, Ron, I had a bemused smile on my face. It simultaneously genuinely amuses me...and yet disturbs me...how downright vicious you can get with people when you disagree with them, that's all. And you do go on extended vendettas against certain people now and then just because you've had some disagreement with them over a political point, and it seems excessive to me, so I comment on that. (Even if I agree 100% with your opinions, as may be the case.)

****

Like you, I would be delighted to see Obama absolutely clobber the Clinton machine, and I hope he does.

I find it very disheartening that Dennis Kucinich's message is not getting through in the media, because his message contains far more progressive substance than the others...but in any case, I would be most happy to see either Obama or Edwards knock the Clinton organization right on their collective asses, because they are playing the dirtiest of dirty politics, in my opinion.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:45 PM

I hope he (Barack) sweeps through S. Carolina like crap through a goose and leaves Steven Colbert looking stunod!!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:46 PM

LH--

You're a master at hiding your amusement, then.

But I am glad to hear you support Obama also. Even though, as a Canadian, your vote may not count for much.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 10:50 PM

And now I feel somehow like I have the mark of the Beast on me--wonder how that happened? Must be an overdose of sarcasm. D'ye think?

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Little Hawk
Date: 23 Jan 08 - 11:11 PM

Well, we all feel like that now and then, don't we? ;-)

Look, I wish to God I could vote in the USA elections, I really do. You know why? Because I'm a North American, born in this great land that we all share, and it's important to me what happens in the USA elections. Darned right it's important.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 04:22 PM

This was in Kathleen Parker's column today:


Fact: Obama put his hand on the Holy Bible, not the Koran, when Vice President Dick Cheney swore him into the U.S. Senate. Annenberg has the photo.

Fact: Obama pledges allegiance to the flag. Annenberg has the videos.

Fact: Obama attends Trinity United Church of Christ, which declares itself "Unashamedly black and Unapologetically Christian." The church's magazine recently gave a lifetime achievement award to that beacon of racial harmony, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.


                   Wait until the swift boaters get a hold of that!

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 04:40 PM

"The church's magazine recently gave a lifetime achievement award to that beacon of racial harmony, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan."

I was wondering who would be first with this old story. Depend on Kathleen Parker. I still wonder how true the story is.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 05:15 PM

Well, everything Louis Farrakhan had done isn't bad. He has done things to help people, so it wouldn't even be newsworthy in any other context.
          But imagine what people like Hannity and O'Reilly will try to do with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 11:50 PM

Here's a link to a dailykos diary that has YouTube videos of six great speeches given by Senator Barack Obama:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/1/25/22592/2166/76/443354
The Obama Six
by JustAngry
Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 08:07:14 PM PST


The 6 speeches are:

DNC 2004

2002 Anti-War Speech

Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Iowa Victory Speech: This Moment

New Hampshire: Yes We Can

and

Obama at MLK Jr's Church

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 01:16 PM

OK, Rig--

In the interest of public education-,

1) Who is Kathleen Parker?

2) What's the exact source for the Farrakhan connection?


And, as you may possibly be aware, even those who disagree with something a church does should not assume that all members agree with it.

Even assuming that your report is not, like many you have brought up, just a rumor off the shelf of one of your well-stocked Smears R Us stores.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 01:20 PM

Kathleen Parker is a syndicated columnis for the Washington Post. You can look up her column for Friday 1/25/08 and get all the documentation she provides there. It could have been printed in the Post a day or two earlier, because I found it in a local paper.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 01:46 PM

Here's an excerpt from Media Matter that includes Senator Barack Obama's statement regarding Trumpet Magazine's award to the African American Muslim minister {and former calyspo singer} Louis Farrakhan:

"Ignoring Obama's statement on Trumpet award, Hannity suggested that Obama "associated" himself with Farrakhan

"During the January 17 edition of Fox News' Hannity and Colmes, co-host Sean Hannity discussed an award given to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan by Trumpet Newsmagazine -- a publication founded by Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ, of which Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) is a parishioner. Hannity asked, "Now, if any Republican associated themselves with a anti-Semite racist, and if you replaced the word black with white and went to that type of church, wouldn't that be a huge deal in this campaign?" But in suggesting that Obama "associated" himself with Farrakhan, Hannity did not note that Obama issued a statement "condemn[ing]" Farrakhan's "anti-Semitic statements" and saying of the Trumpet award: "[I]t is not a decision with which I agree."

In his January 15 Washington Post column, Richard Cohen wrote: "Every year, [Trumpet] makes awards in various categories. Last year, it gave the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award to a man it said 'truly epitomized greatness.' That man is Louis Farrakhan." A report posted that same day on washingtonpost.com's The Trail blog provided a statement from Obama criticizing Farrakhan and disagreeing with the magazine's decision to give him the award:

[T]his afternoon, the Obama campaign responded with an unequivocal statement on it from the candidate himself.

"I decry racism and anti-Semitism in every form and strongly condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by Minister Farrakhan," Obama said in the statement. "I assume that Trumpet Magazine made its own decision to honor Farrakhan based on his efforts to rehabilitate ex-offenders, but it is not a decision with which I agree."

Also discussing Obama's church on January 17, Hannity stated that "Barack Obama's pastor ... talks about the Black Value System. Why not the Christian value system?" But as Media Matters documented, Trinity United Church of Christ refers to itself as "Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian," [emphasis added], while the "Black Value System" encourages parishioners to be "soldiers for Black freedom and the dignity of all humankind."

http://mediamatters.org/items/200801180006

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 01:58 PM

Thanks, Azizi, for that clarification. As I suspected, another "bargain" from one of Rig's Smears R Us outlets.

Who knows why he never does any research before passing on the smear?

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 04:14 PM

Is the right right on the Clintons?
Hillary's campaign tactics are causing some liberals to turn against the couple.
January 26, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-chait26jan26,0,7890763.column

"Something strange happened the other day. All these different people -- friends, co-workers, relatives, people on a liberal e-mail list I read -- kept saying the same thing: They've suddenly developed a disdain for Bill and Hillary Clinton. Maybe this is just a coincidence, but I think we've reached an irrevocable turning point in liberal opinion of the Clintons.

The sentiment seems to be concentrated among Barack Obama supporters. Going into the campaign, most of us liked Hillary Clinton just fine, but the fact that tens of millions of Americans are seized with irrational loathing for her suggested that she might not be a good Democratic nominee. But now that loathing seems a lot less irrational. We're not frothing Clinton haters like ... well, name pretty much any conservative. We just really wish they'd go away.

The big turning point seems to be this week, when the Clintons slammed Obama for acknowledging that Ronald Reagan changed the country. Everyone knows Reagan changed the country. Bill and Hillary have said he changed the country. But they falsely claimed that Obama praised Reagan's ideas, saying he was a better president than Clinton -- something he didn't say and surely does not believe.

This might have been the most egregious case, but it wasn't the first. Before the New Hampshire primaries, Clinton supporters e-mailed pro-choice voters claiming that Obama was suspect on abortion rights because he had voted "present" instead of "no" on some votes. (In fact, the president of the Illinois chapter of Planned Parenthood said she had coordinated strategy with Obama and wanted him to vote "present.") Recently, there have been waves of robocalls in South Carolina repeatedly attacking "Barack Hussein Obama."

I crossed the Clinton Rubicon a couple of weeks ago when, in the course of introducing Hillary, Clinton supporter and Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson invoked Obama's youthful drug use. This was disgusting on its own terms, but worse still if you know anything about Johnson. I do -- I once wrote a long profile of him. He has a sleazy habit of appropriating the logic of civil rights for his own financial gain. He also has a habit of aiding conservative crusades to eliminate the estate tax and privatize Social Security by falsely claiming they redistribute wealth from African Americans to whites. The episode reminded me of the Clintons' habit of surrounding themselves with the most egregious characters: Dick Morris, Marc Rich and so on.

The Clinton campaign is trying to make it seem as if the complaint is about negativity, and it is pointing out that Obama has criticized Hillary as well. That's what politicians are supposed to do when they compete for votes. But criticism isn't the same thing as lying and sleaze-mongering.

Am I starting to sound like a Clinton hater? It's a scary thought. Of course, to conservatives, it's a delicious thought. The Wall Street Journal published a gloating editorial noting that liberals had suddenly learned "what everyone else already knows about the Clintons." (By "everyone," it means Republicans.)

It made me wonder: Were the conservatives right about Bill Clinton all along? Maybe not right to set up a perjury trap so they could impeach him, but right about the Clintons' essential nature?"...

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: mg
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 04:31 PM

well of course they were right. I saw the sleaze in that man the second I laid eyes on him and over time I came to believe she was worse than him. Not just sleaze...evil. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 04:36 PM

Bill Clinton is not evil. He may be a tapdancer, but he is a good man at heart; he gets lured in combative manurers in political frays, but he did a decent job for the economy, and for our international repute overall, and has been slandered and swift-boated quite enough with wild-ass black PR machinations.

I do not want him to have a third term even as the President of Vice, and I doubt he will.

But ad hominem crap of this sort is unbecoming.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 04:39 PM

"(Jan. 22, 2008) In last night's presidential debate in South Carolina we got to see a dredging operation par excellence against Barack Obama, and a lot of deep river mud was hurled between podiums. But the mud slung by both Clinton and Edwards against Obama should not be permitted to go unchallenged by fair-minded observers in an age in which we all have the power to check the facts for ourselves, and weigh in.

As for myself, I cannot sit by and watch a brilliant, prepared and historic candidate like Barack Obama get tossed into the cotton gin of the Democratic party machine, which is fighting to preserve a Democratic Leadership Council status quo - especially given the possible positive sea change that can follow on an Obama administration, not only with respect to domestic policy but in foreign relations as well. So here goes."

I am inclined to agree. It would be a shame to see both Clintons go down in the mre of their own desperation, tangled up in hypocritical and underhanded character-smearing.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 04:50 PM

Well, if they go down, I don't expect they'll stay down. It always seems to me that all of this stuff is forgotten the moment they move on to the next phase of the election.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 05:28 PM

True enough. It is pretty safe to assume that whoever gets to be selected as candidate the other one will be campaigning for him or her, whatever they said about each other at this stage. That's how the political game goes. But the downside of that is that it's the very kind of thing that encourages people to recognise it as a dirty cynical game. Which it is, but in certain circumstances it becomes a game that we neglect at our peril.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: mg
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 05:41 PM

I don't think he will campaign beyond a modest amount for her..she has deliberately opened up festering wounds in this country.and should be ashamed of herself but probably can not achieve that emotion...if he should win I suspect she will campaign for him out of what might be advantageous for her politically. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 07:24 PM

"Sen. Barack Obama, vying to become the nation's first black president, has won the South Carolina primary today, ABC News projects, boosted by record turnout of African-American voters in a state whose electorate appears polarized along racial lines.


While the race for second-place is too close to call, Sen. Hillary Clinton appears to be leading former Sen. John Edwards in the race for second. This is the second win of the nomination battle for Obama, who won the Iowa caucuses earlier this month, but this is his first win in a state with a sizable African-American population."

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 08:48 PM

He not only won SC -- he won it at around 54 to 27 (versus Hilly-Bill).

(Those are per centage points). This was a dramatic win.


My hat is off to Mister Obama.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 09:35 PM

And this is an excerpt from my local daily paper that just arrived this afternoon:

    "Oregon schools have that atheist attitude with Christian holidays removed from their official calendars, which explains why the students were on "winter break" and having "winter concerts."

    Now, I look over the presidential candidates. I see a POW, an ex-actor, ex-governors, an ex-mayor, a former first lady who lost her memory when questioned by Congress, a lawyer, a Baptist, a Muslim and a Mormon to indicate the United States is ready to move past the Constitution and into multicultural politics. There is that candidate from Texas who does believe in the Constitution."


                                 I don't know how many people out there think this way, but there are some.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 10:25 PM

Caroline Kennedy endorses Senator Barack Obama for President:

"President Like My Father

By CAROLINE KENNEDY
Published: January 27, 2008; New York Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 10:50 PM

Excerpt from Senator Barack Obama's Victory Speech-South Carolina Democratic Primary


..."The choice in this election is not between regions or religions or genders. It's not about rich versus poor; young versus old; and it is not about black versus white.

It's about the past versus the future.

It's about whether we settle for the same divisions and distractions and drama that passes for politics today, or whether we reach for a politics of common sense, and innovation – a shared sacrifice and shared prosperity.

There are those who will continue to tell us we cannot do this. That we cannot have what we long for. That we are peddling false hopes.

But here's what I know. I know that when people say we can't overcome all the big money and influence in Washington, I think of the elderly woman who sent me a contribution the other day – an envelope that had a money order for $3.01 along with a verse of scripture tucked inside. So don't tell us change isn't possible.

When I hear the cynical talk that blacks and whites and Latinos can't join together and work together, I'm reminded of the Latino brothers and sisters I organized with, and stood with, and fought with side by side for jobs and justice on the streets of Chicago. So don't tell us change can't happen.

When I hear that we'll never overcome the racial divide in our politics, I think about that Republican woman who used to work for Strom Thurmond, who's now devoted to educating inner-city children and who went out onto the streets of South Carolina and knocked on doors for this campaign. Don't tell me we can't change.

Yes we can change.

Yes we can heal this nation.

Yes we can seize our future.

And as we leave this state with a new wind at our backs, and take this journey across the country we love with the message we've carried from the plains of Iowa to the hills of New Hampshire; from the Nevada desert to the South Carolina coast; the same message we had when we were up and when we were down – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope; and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people in three simple words:

Yes. We. Can."

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/samgrahamfelsen/CGxdg


This link also leads to a YouTube video of Barack Obama's speech.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 11:38 PM

Exit polls indicated that Bill Clinton's campaigning made a difference to about 6 in 10 South Carolina Democratic primary voters. But of those voters, 47% went for Barack Obama, while only 38% went for Hillary Clinton. Fourteen percent voted for John Edwards. The Obama campaign gleefully noted that in the mostly black precincts that Bill Clinton visted in Greenville, as much as 80% of the vote went to Obama.

If they can keep that up they stand a great chance of getting the nomination, imo.

Congrats to all involved.

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:47 AM

"CONGRESSMAN XAVIER BECERRA ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA
Says Obama will unite Americans to tackle challenges facing nation

LOS ANGELES, CA – Congressman Xavier Becerra today endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his ability to unite Americans to lead our country in a new direction. Becerra serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and as the Assistant to the Speaker of the House is the highest ranking Latino in the House.

"Senator Obama is the most qualified candidate to lead our country in a new direction," said Congressman Becerra. "Throughout his 20 years in public service, Barack Obama has united and inspired people from all walks of life and from all parties to bring change we can believe in. As war rages abroad and Americans worry about what the struggling economy means for their families, we need a leader who will tell us not what we want to hear but what we need to hear about the challenges we face. Barack Obama is our strongest candidate for president because of his great crossover appeal that spans parties and regions and his unique ability to rally the American people behind a common purpose."

"Congressman Becerra has spent his career taking on the special interests to put the American Dream back in reach for working families, and I'm grateful for his endorsement," said Senator Obama. "Xavier Becerra knows that to get things done, we must reach across the aisle and bring people of all parties together to find common ground. Xavier Becerra's inspiring story demonstrates what is possible in America, and he will be a great help in our effort to build a broad coalition to solve the complex challenges that lie ahead."

Congressman Becerra represents the 31st Congressional District of California in the city of Los Angeles. Becerra is the son of working-class immigrants and was the first in his family to graduate from college. On the Ways and Means Committee, Becerra has worked to restore fairness and balance to the economy and to strengthen Social Security for women and minorities. Becerra is a former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus."

http://thepage.time.com/obama-release-on-rep-xavier-becerra-endorsement/

-snip-

Barack Obama- Si Se Puede!

Yes We Can!

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Ron Davies
Date: 27 Jan 08 - 11:50 AM

Excellent!

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 27 Jan 08 - 03:42 PM

Kennedy to endorse Obama, officials say
By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press Writer

MACON, Ga. - Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts will endorse Senate colleague Barack Obama for president, party officials confirmed Sunday.

The endorsement will be announced Monday in Washington, said the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak officially.

In a television interview Sunday, Obama would not answer questions about an endorsement from Kennedy.

"I'll let Ted Kennedy speak for himself. And nobody does it better," he said on ABC's "This Week." "But obviously, any of the Democratic candidates would love to have Ted Kennedy's support. And we have certainly actively sought it. And you know, I will let him make his announcement and his decision when he decides it's appropriate."

Kennedy's endorsement was highly sought after by all the Democratic candidates. Besides his status as a liberal icon and member of the Kennedy dynasty, Kennedy boasts a broad national fundraising and political network as well"...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080127/ap_on_el_pr/obama_kennedy

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Azizi
Date: 27 Jan 08 - 03:47 PM

Ted Kennedy endorsing Obama
By Susan Milligan
Globe staff

WASHINGTON -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy will endorse Barack Obama for president tomorrow, breaking his year-long neutrality to send a powerful signal of where the legendary Massachusetts Democrat sees the party going -- and who he thinks is best to lead it.

Kennedy confidantes told the Globe today that the Bay State's senior senator will appear with Obama and Kennedy's niece, Caroline Kennedy, at a morning rally at American University in Washington tomorrow to announce his support...

Kennedy believes Obama can ``transcend race'' and bring unity to the country, a Kennedy associate told the Globe. Kennedy was also impressed by Obama's deep involvement last year in the bipartisan effort to craft legislation on immigration reform, a politically touchy subject the other presidential candidates avoided, the associate said.

The coveted endorsement is a huge blow to New York Senator Hillary Clinton, who is both a senatorial colleague and a friend of the Kennedy family. In a campaign where Clinton has trumpeted her experience over Obama's call for hope and change, the endorsement by one of the most experienced and respected Democrats in the Senate is a particularly dramatic coup for Obama.

"The America of Jack and Bobby Kennedy touched all of us. Through all of these decades, the one who kept that flame alive was Ted Kennedy,'' said Representative Bill Delahunt, A Quincy Democrat who is also backing Obama. ``So having him pass on the torch [to Obama] is of incredible significance. It's historic.''...

While polls show Clinton ahead in some large states, including her home state of New York and delegate-rich California, the Kennedy endorsement gives Obama a stamp of approval among key constituencies in the Democratic party that could make Super Tuesday more competitive.

Kennedy plans to campaign actively for Obama, an aide said, and will focus particularly among Hispanics and labor union members, who are important voting blocks in several Feb. 5 states, including California, New York, New Jersey, Arizona and New Mexico"...

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/ted_kennedy_end.html

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 10:03 AM

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

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

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

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


----Caroline Kennedy, writing in the New York Times

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 03:35 PM

WASHINGTON — Senator Edward M. Kennedy implored Americans on Monday to "reject the counsels of doubt and calculation," as he extended his endorsement and placed the aura of his family's name around the presidential candidacy of Senator Barack Obama.

"It is time again for a new generation of leadership," Mr. Kennedy said, speaking over a crowd of cheering supporters here at American University. "It is time now for Barack Obama."

Mr. Kennedy promised to campaign aggressively for Mr. Obama, a strong endorsement from a veteran Democratic leader that might influence some in the party's liberal Democratic base torn between Mr. Obama and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"We, too, want a president who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American dream and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal and who can lift our spirits and make us believe again," Mr. Kennedy said. "I've found that candidate and I think you have, too."

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 05:14 PM

I know everyone is saying it too but watch for ugliness..which is already out there from the Clinton team..about Latinos vs. Blacks..they are already reminding Latinos that they historically do not vote for Blacks, which I think is not true but since when did that matter.

Oh thank heavens for weeks if not months I have not heard people..usually women..saying the reason Sen. C. is unpopular is because people..or men in particular..just do not like strong women. I hope strong women rise up to defeat her and I am not saying this out of hatred for her..I don't disagree with her that much and I think she is competent in certain ways and probably does have people's interests at heart in terms of health care etc..but she scares the daylights out of me. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Amos
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 05:29 PM

From an Iraq vet:

"Exactly four years ago today, I returned home from Iraq.Ê Nineteen of my fellow paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne werenÕt as lucky. ÊI witnessed George BushÕs failed strategy firsthand and was determined to do something about it and start bringing our troops home.Ê Now, as the first and only Iraq war veteran in Congress, I take seriously myÊresponsibility to call for a new foreign policy, and to making sure our nation fulfills its promise to my fellow veterans.
We need a President who has the vision, the judgment, and the courage to make this change become a reality. Barack Obama will be that President.
Ê
From the beginning, Barack had the foresight to speak out against the war and the Bush Administration's terrible mismanagement of it.
Ê
Barack Obama will put an end to BushÕs policy blunders and bring our troops home safely and responsibly. Barack and I introduced the Iraq De-escalation Act.Ê (You can view details of our plan at my website, www.murphy08.com.)Ê
Ê
Our bill calls for clear benchmarks, a clear timeline for redeployment and a strategic strike force to combat al Qaeda.Ê Most importantly, this redeployment from Iraq will give our military the personnel and equipment it needs to redouble its efforts at destroying al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.Ê We need Senator Obama's comprehensive approach to foreign policy and we need to make sure that we are fighting on the right battlefields.Ê Ê
Ê
Barack Obama will bring a new approach to foreign policy, one that understands the world as it really is.Ê He will restore our reputation around the globe and end the Bush vision of foreign policy as a political weapon. And when a Republican candidate tells us that weÕll be in Iraq for 100 years, we know that a change in foreign policy canÕt wait one more day.
Ê
Barack is also committed to getting our veterans proper treatment. He is the grandson of a World War II veteran and serves on the SenateÕs VeteranÕs Affairs Committee, which just passed the largest increase in veteransÕ benefits in the 77 year history of the Veterans Administration.Ê As President, he pledged to have a "zero tolerance" policy for homelessness among our veterans. On any given night, there are 200,000 veterans living on the streets in this country.Ê As President, Barack will end this injustice.
Ê
But to truly change our nation's direction, we need more than just new policies. We need you.Ê A few weeks ago, I was up in New Hampshire door-knocking and talked with a 20-year old woman named Julie.Ê She and her brother were supporting Senator Obama.Ê She said, "My brother is a Marine who just left for his fourth deployment in Iraq.Ê We feel that if Obama is our next Commander-in-Chief, he wonÕt have to go back for a fifth deployment."
Ê
That is what this election is about.Ê I know Senator Obama has a rare ability to lead that doesn't come along very often. We need a fundamental change both at home and abroad, and I believe Barack Obama will bring about that change if we give him a chance.
Ê
Ê
Thank you,
Ê
Patrick Murphy
U.S. Representative, (D) PA-08"

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Riginslinger
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 06:25 PM

Is there anything to read into the reality that they re-arrested Tony Rezko on the same day the Senator Kennedy announced his endorsement?

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 06:57 PM

Motel Video made to smear Barak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVeFVtcdSYY

Subject: RE: BS: Popular Views on Obama
From: Bobert
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 07:18 PM

700 and...

Obama/Richardson '08...