How do you get voters in a supposedly tolerant state like California to vote to take away rights from people without making yourself look like a hateful bigot in the process? Simple – you cast yourself as a victim of hate, even though you’re the one trying to take rights away from people.
One of the most powerful weapons in the Yes on Prop 8 campaign’s arsenal was the argument that same-sex marriage rights would somehow limit religious or parental freedoms. The No on 8 campaign never effectively countered this, and this conservative victimology helped insulate Prop 8 supporters from being called to account for their bigotry.
As the marriage equality movement racks up victory after victory – Iowa, Vermont, and soon New Hampshire – the opponents of equal rights are plotting their counterattack. The National Organization for Marriage is running this creepy ad shown at right arguing that a “storm” is coming – that the “rights” of religious people and parents to teach hate and inequality are under attack by those damn liberals who want to turn all your children gay.
Their arguments are based on lies, and always have been – marriage equality in California wouldn’t have changed how preachers preach or how teachers teach, and Vermont’s new marriage law makes clear that religious freedom is still respected.
But these arguments are also powerful. Conservative victimology has been one of the key methods by which Prop 8 supporters have escaped responsibility for their actions or even acknowledging what Prop 8 was – an attack on the legal equality of thousands of Californians merely for their sexual orientation. When framed this way the Yes on 8 position becomes almost unassailable, immune to criticism. “They’re just protecting their freedoms,” we’re supposed to think, and not be allowed to ask them to face the realities of what they have done, not be allowed to criticize them for voting to take away equal rights and destroy existing marriages, and not be allowed to act with our own conscience by demanding equal rights for everyone. Each of those acts is cast as an aggressive and hurtful act, where the oppressed are cast as oppressors.
These folks have nothing left in the tool box after the Iowa ruling decimated the excuse that religious opposition should govern civil law. So now the folks at the National Organization for Marriage have decided to send out e-blasts and a new video that uses a multi-racial set of actors to portray the aggrieved heterosexuals affected by same-sex couples being allowed to marry.
You might laugh at these fundnuts, but they are crafty, and don’t mind continuing to promote outright lies and deception.
We’re winning the battle for equal rights. But to ensure that equal rights prevail across the nation – and here in California – we have to push back against these lies.
UPDATED by Brian: It seems the audition videos tape was leaked, and it’s now on YouTube. Yay, fun! Nothing makes you cynical like seeing a bunch of actors saying the same thing, because they, you know, really care about it. Check the video (h/t CapAlert) over the flip.
You can catch the PDF Summary or full opinion at Iowa Politics. The opinion is strong in its analysis of the situation, such as dismissing tired arguments that marriage is simply for children:
Same-sex couples currently raise children in Iowa, even while being excluded from civil marriage, and such couples will undoubtedly continue to do so. Recognition of this under-inclusion puts in perspective just how minimally the same-sex marriage ban actually advances the purported legislative goal. A law so simultaneously over-inclusive and under-inclusive is not substantially related to the government’s objective. In the end, a careful analysis of the over- and under-inclusiveness of the statute reveals it is less about using marriage to achieve an optimal environment for children and more about merely precluding gay and lesbian people from civil marriage. (Varnum at 57-58)
And of the “stability of heterosexual marriages”:
While the institution of civil marriage likely encourages stability in opposite-sex relationships, we must evaluate whether excluding gay and lesbian people from civil marriage encourages stability in opposite-
sex relationships. The County offers no reasons that it does, and we can find none. (Varnum at 60)
And, of course, the deciding paragraph gives me the chills:
Iowa Code section 595.2 is unconstitutional because the County has been unable to identify a constitutionally adequate justification for excluding plaintiffs from the institution of civil marriage. A new distinction based on sexual orientation would be equally suspect and difficult to square with the fundamental principles of equal protection embodied in our constitution. This record, our independent research, and the appropriate equal protection analysis do not suggest the existence of a justification for such a legislative classification that substantially furthers any governmental objective. Consequently, the language in Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman must be stricken from the statute, and the remaining statutory language must be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage. (Varnum at 60)
This is an opinion worthy of our nation and of the topic. I highly suggest you take a gander at it. Even if you don’t have a background in the law, it is well-written and explains the background well enough for everybody to understand the legal questions. The logic persists here in California, despite the success of Prop 8. Or even because of the success of Prop 8. One of the questions that the court grappled with was the political power of the relevant group. And the passage of Prop 8 here, in California, the loony Left Coast, shows that clearly. If we are to have equal protection, it must truely be equal, and it cannot be subject to political whims.
But, back to where I started. The rational, considered legislating. You see, in Iowa, a Constitutional Amendment cannot be placed on the ballot simply by gathering a slightly higher number of signatures. No, it must go through the legislature not once, but twice. The good folks at Bleeding Heartland suggest that the large Democratic majority will likely resist any such efforts.
Instead of immediately subjecting these new rights to a vote of the people, the Legislature considers how this process will turn out to work in reality. Iowans will see the sky doesn’t fall and that everybody won’t just run out of their marriages because the gays get to marry. They will see the moral fabric of society is stronger, not weaker. And tomorrow will be better than today.
That, my friends, is how the process should work, if in fact a process of voting on rights should occur at all. Sit back and think of what you do. Let the leaders you elect consider the policy options before you move forward. A novel concept from our perspective, I know, but it certainly puts an exclamation on our own structural dysfunction.
Lots of people are showing up at the White House forums on healthcare and delivering a very different message from Beltway insiders about what the final bill should look like.
In Des Moines Monday, registered nurses, doctors, and other healthcare activists, led by the California Nurses Association National Nurses Organizing Committee, Minnesota Nurses Association, Physicians for a National Health Program, and Healthcare Now, showed up outside the hall pressing the case for single-payer reform, and then took the theme inside the meeting.
But though the White House and some in the media continue to close their eyes, the regional events are providing a reminder of what type of reform does have the support of doctors, nurses, and so many grassroots activists.
In Des Moines, Iowa, Dearborn, Mi., and Burlington, Vt., all three forums have seen big turnouts by single payer activists outside and inside the meetings outlining vocal opposition to any reforms that leave the insurance industry with a chokehold on our health.
Rally in Burlington, Vermont
In Dearborn, for example, Adrian Campbell Montgomery, one of the real life stars of “SiCKO” recounted her chilling experiences with the insurance industry that have continued since the release of the film.
What is it that those other countries do? They have single payer or national health systems and don't let the insurance companies decide who will receive care and who won't. That's a message those holed up in the insular committee rooms in Washington seem anxious to avoid.
Two more summits and two more opportunities remain, for all of us to send a reminder about what real reform would look like: March 31 in Greensboro, NC, and April 6 in Los Angeles. Join us.
(An interesting endorsement of Obama from one of our elected leaders. – promoted by Brian Leubitz)
NOTE: Cross-posted from California Progress Report
On February 5th, California Democrats will play a major role in electing our next President.
For this good fortune, we face a difficult choice between talented and qualified candidates. While every one of them would be an improvement over George W. Bush, Sen. Barack Obama is Democrats’ best choice in 2008. See the extended.
Up until last week I supported former Sen. John Edwards, a passionate advocate for improving the lives of the millions of Americans living in poverty. Whatever happens this year, I hope John Edwards remains in public life – the country needs his important voice.
But I switched to Obama because he’s the only candidate who can awaken a significant number of Americans – the apathetic and disengaged – who have turned away from an unresponsive government and, in turn, our civic life.
Just look at Iowa, where younger voters and independents boosted Democratic Caucus turnout from 124,000 in 2004 to 239,000 in 2008. These voters, who do not normally participate in elections in these kinds of numbers, responded to Obama’s call for Americans to “build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states.”
With a resume unique among American presidential candidates (he was a paid community organizer before he was a politician), Obama recognizes that increasing public participation in our Democracy is the only way to build a consensus for change to take on our most intractable challenges – like passing universal health care and lessening America’s dependence on oil.
While Obama is a consensus-builder at heart, he’s not afraid to stand on principle, even when it’s not politically expedient – he was alone among the leading Democratic presidential candidates in coming out against the Iraq War from the start.
There’s much more to Barack Obama than I can write about here. Go to BarackObama.com to find out more about the man and how you can join his fight for change, either as a precinct captain in your neighborhood or even as a contributor to his campaign.
No matter which candidate wins the California primary, I believe that a Democrat will occupy the White House in 2009, riding a message of change and leadership to improve our country’s standing in the world.
In my view, only Barack Obama can turn that message into a mandate.
Darrell Steinberg represents Sacramento in the California State Senate
January 14, 2008 – Stand for Change with Barack, Reno, NV
January 14, 2008 – Meet the Candidate with Barack, Fallon, NV
January 14, 2008 – Stand for Change Town Hall with Barack, Carson City, NV
New Hampshire, what a ride there!!
Really, everyone believed the polling from the candidates to the TV pundits, but in the end Barack lost by only 2% points.
The truth of the matter is this, “No one should believe any polls, until the votes are counted.” I have never lived or died by the polls and only really believe them a week out to see the trend, now forget the polls.
Michelle Obama said Sunday her husband is the person America needs in the White House right now and criticized anyone who would dismiss his campaign as being built on illusion or fairytale.
She said Barack Obama is the right candidate “not because of the color of his skin, but because of the quality and consistency of his character” and that postponing his bid for the White House was not an option.
“I know about the sense of doubt and fear about what the future holds, that keeps us hoping and waiting for a turn that will never come,” she said. “There are a lot of doubters and naysayers out there talking about, ‘I’m not sure America is ready for a black president.'”
But she declared that “we are more ready and prepared than we can ever know.” AP
shoutouts:kid oakland, a reality break: part one; bill richardson leaves the race; black kos; obama for a new majority by populista; bonddad; one year later and nothing about the “surge” worked by clammyc
Ever since he threw his hat into the presidential ring, some liberals have worried that Barack Obama is unelectable. This country, they say, simply isn’t ready for a black president. Ultimately, the concern that Obama can’t win because he’s black says a lot more about the people who voice it than it does about the electorate it purportedly describes. So, who are these people, and what’s really behind their anxiety?
It’s tempting to say the “electability” worry is a pretext for people who really oppose Obama due to their own racial prejudices, and I’m sure that’s true in some cases. But it’s the folks who worry for Obama for his own good who are most fascinating. Lots of black people have said they think Obama can’t win and others-predominantly from the Southeastern states-have gone further and said they’ll vote against him to “protect” him from the inevitable assassination attempts that will dog a black president.
I find it hard to take this rather appalling paternalism seriously, but if it is a pretext, then what is going on in the minds of these defeatists? I suspect there are three distinct reasons for Obama fatalism among liberals of all races: false realism, once-bitten timidity, and investment-in-oppression.
Four new offices opening in California; Offfice opening in Bismarck, ND; Congressman Adam Schiff Endorses Obama; Senator Ben Nelson Endorses, (D-NE) Obama; Governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona, Endorses Obama; Ned Lamont Endorses Obama; Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) Endorses Obama; Congressman George Miller (D-CA) Endorses Obama; Maine Sunday Telegraph Endorses Obama; St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley Endorses Obama; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin Endorses Obama; National Union: UNITE HERE Endorses Obama; The United Association (UA)of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada Endorses Obama; California Endorsements; SEIU Nevada Endorses Obama
Buriedin the NH Exit Polls, Obama the Most Electable
::
Barack Obama Announces Plan to Revitalize the Economy
Barack Obama today unveiled a plan to revitalize the economy in the short-term with a stimulus package that will immediately inject $75 billion into the economy in the form of tax cuts and direct spending targeted to working families, seniors, homeowners and the unemployed. The plan also includes $45 billion in reserves that can be injected into the economy quickly in the future if the economy continues to deteriorate. Obama will discuss the plan later today at events in Nevada.
“The time has come to bridge the growing divide between Main Street and Wall Street,” said Barack Obama. “The American Dream is slipping out of reach for many families whose paychecks aren’t meeting the increased costs of their medical bills and tuition payments. Four months ago I said it was time to put a middle-class tax cut worth $1000 per family into the pockets of workers who deserve it. A tax cut that would eliminate income taxes for seniors who make under $50,000. We can’t wait for the next president to act. We need that middle-class tax cut now more than ever – not five months from now or five weeks from now, but now. I’m announcing a plan to jumpstart the economy by putting money in the pockets of those who need it most and will spend it quickly.”
“Strengthening our economy and creating good-paying jobs will be Barack Obama’s priority from the day he takes office,” said Governor Tim Kaine, who held a conference call with reporters to discuss the plan. “But we must act today. Barack Obama has offered a plan that will restore fairness to the economy and ensure that hard-working Americans can provide for their families and save for their future. Barack Obama offers us the best chance to revitalize our economy because he has the strength to unite Democrats, independents, and Republicans to pass reforms that will invest in all of America.” more
First off, the lost in New Hampshire was stunning. It was for many. After depending on polling both campaigns, the pundits, everyone believed Barack will win New Hampshire. Well, it did not pan out that way, and he lost by 2% points.
Lesson. Wait for the returns. Forget the pundits and spin, wait for the return. Everyone learned a lesson on that one.
Next. Hillary Clinton.
There has been much talk this past week about not only Hillary Clinton but her husband, Bill Clinton. This campaign is being run straight out of the Karl Rove playbook. After watching Meet the Press it was painfully clear.
I don’t agree about the vetting of Barack Obama. Look what he has gone through since his announcement and is still standing. You must also remember, all the smears, foul tactics are from Clinton surrogates and Bill Clinton himself. Let us review their playbook.
Prior to Iowa, there were two different times that Clinton staffers/volunteers were caught spreading the email Muslim smear against Barack Obama. And again, we get a limp, “I did not know. I did not authorize it.”
The Billy Shaheen incident. Shaheen was Clinton’s campaign manager for New Hampshire. His very unsettling remark of the “GOP will ask if Obama sold drugs”, not only outraged the African-American community, but many black establishment picked the phone up and weighed in on The Clintons and their smear tactics. Result, Hillary Clinton, publicly apologized to Barack Obama in D.C. at the airstrip as they were about to fly to Des Moines, Iowa. Billy Shaheen removed from the campaign. Shaheen’s wife, Jeanne Shaheen, former Governor of New Hampshier is now running for the senate seat, against, Sununu. Polling has her losing ground since her husband’s incident. The good folk of New Hampshire don’t like or appreciate slimy campaign tactics.
A former senator from Nebraska, Bob Kerrey, came on board for Hillary Clinton. In doing so, he also made menace of Barack’s heritage, family and name. So many found that over the top and offensive, Kerrey had to apologize.
Hillary referenced the Civil Rights Era as had it not been for LBJ and passing the Civil Rights Act, it would not have been. Stating it took the power of the president to get it done. Well with Martin Luther King, Jr. anniversary upon us in a week, ask many of those who are still alive what they went through. Meaning, many blacks and whites were beaten, dogs attacked, hoses put upon these individuals, and many were killed for ending segregation and justice.
Bill Clinton. Notorious for being all about me, then referenced Obama’s campaign as a fairy tale. Bill Clinton then had to go on Al Sharpton’s radio program to explain his answer and himself. Why? The African-American community was shocked and now angered.
The Clinton Campaign complained and tried to suppress the college, youth vote in Iowa. The campaign complained about out-of-state students participating in the caucus, when the law states clearly that they can. As Clinton advisers stated, “Our people look like caucus-goers [and Obama’s] look like Facebook.” Now the Clinton Campaign is entrenched in suppressing the caucus goers in Nevada, targeting the casino workers.
All of this leading up to Clinton’s performance on Meet the Press.
Through this program, practically every answer from her mouth was about Barack Obama. Watching this program, you would think Barack was sitting next to her. Literally and figuratively. Tim Russert, then questioned Hillary Clinton’s vote for Iraq, she could not answer straight because she was on the Barack Obama bandwagon.
Since, Donna Brazile, a Democratic Strategist and Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) have weighed in with displeasure of The Clintons campaign tactics, they have been under the gun. Both are neutral on the race, as for endorsements, Clyburn is insinuating that he may just endorse. While all this is going on The Clintons are still implying that the Obama Campaign is the one who have started the veiled race notions, when it is clear and evident that all this has been started by Team Clinton.
The Democratic Party is a big tent. We have people of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds, etc. This is the party of inclusion, not exclusion. It pains many to see these nasty, dirty tactics being used against Barack Obama. Does vetting from your own party mean, all the above? If so, what kind of party is this?
GOP tactics have no business in this primary season. It does not. Which only make it perfectly clear what The Clintons are about. Winning at all cost, don’t care about any opponent, winning just narrowly, abide by 50+1 guideline, don’t care about a 50 State Strategy, and only care about themselves.
The last time I read, The Democratic Party was not named “The Clinton Party.” We must vote for total change, not some change, total change.
::
Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) will remain neutral for any endorsements for South Carolina. At this point, one is not needed, the damage by The Clintons has already been done. Read here.
::
If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the beginning of the caucuses and primaries, with our eye on the Tsunami Tuesday of February 5th with 22 states voting. If you have not made your contribution, do so today.
the above picture is in las vegas with gov. napolitano of arizona. much has happened this week, but we must move on. all the negativity by the clinton campaign, just make all those out there watching this angered that a democrat would stoop so low towards another democrat. again, we are the democratic party, not the clinton party. remember this, as we march forward….and always focus on obama and not the drama….
Second, why are Biden and Dodd dropping out when California is SO important and a whole month away?
Third, watch those tracking polls in California over the next week. Will they differ by even a point from the national numbers? Signs point to no. That would kind of be the key. A bunch of candidates spending money in a primary state when it grows closer is the lamest justification you could ever make for moving up the primary. It’s Mr. Magoo-like in its myopia. “Californians actually showed up for the primary, proving it was a good idea to have the primary!”
Fourth, you’d think someone looking dead in the face at lame-duck status in 33 days would have better things to do than care what some dude on the Internets has to say.
…I should also mention that we had fantastic turnout for our Calitics/Drinking Liberally caucus watch party in Santa Monica last night. Well over 100 people, perhaps as much as 150, including Congressional candidate Hoyt Hilsman, LA County Democratic Party chief Eric Bauman, your favorite bloggers and more. California Democrats are extremely excited and energized by this campaign season. That’s completely besides the point of whether or not it was a good idea to create a Trojan-horse June primary, etc. And telling me about all the wonderful events happening doesn’t change that.
Antonio Villaraigosa, by the way, traveled from Iowa to New Hampshire today. Apparently Los Angeles can run itself.
John Edwards’ number rounds up to 30, Hillary Clinton’s rounds down to 29 (by 3/100ths of a point – ouch). There is a reason why $29.99 appears far less than $30.00
With same day registration, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden calling no joy, and fierce Baracketting, New Hampshire looks like another upset win for Barack Obama on Tuesday
This means Nevada will become Hillary’s first potential win. This puts California boots in play with the ease of traveling to Vegas/Henderson or Reno
Expect this to put a f-ton of small dollar money heading to Anyone But Clinton — I think Obama could best $12 million by New Hampshire
Clinton isn’t in the top 3 on the huge facebook poll by the League of Young Voters, Moveon, et al.
(bumped – come join us tomorrow night! – promoted by David Dayen)
OK, so next week is going to be of minor importance if you care about things like who the next leader of the free world is going to be. So Calitics is going to be joining with Drinking Liberally and our treasure trove of national bloggers here in Southern California to watch the Iowa caucus returns in the only place they should be watched; a bar with a big-screen TV. Here are the details:
Guess what? I believe that too. We have witnessed the undoing of an inevitable campaign, due to the sheer fact that Team Clinton truly believed the poll numbers, and that Team Clinton underestimated Barack Obama.
Barack Obama, stung by a fresh Bill Clinton attack on him, predicted that the Clinton campaign’s increasingly negative tone will backfire by reminding voters of the bad, old “blood sport” days of the 1990s.
Speaking to reporters in this frozen central Iowa city yesterday, Obama said he was less than impressed by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s apology for an aide’s suggestion that he once dealt drugs. Asked if Clinton’s mea culpa was sincere, a stone-faced Obama replied, “I’m not going to characterize it.”
Many have watched in amusement, disbelief, sadness as Bill Clinton, on Charlie Rose’s Show stated that Barack was not ready for this presidency. That he was a “roll of the dice”. Well, wasn’t Bill Clinton that in 1992? No one knew him from Adam’s Hatrack. A govenor from a tiny state, that was last in virtually everything, all of a sudden on that national scene. Much was written about Bill Clinton’s age, inexperience, etc. But somehow, the country believed it was time for someone new, fresh, not entrenched in Washington, D.C.
Now the quiet, rumblings, anger in the African-American Community is being talked about daily, and it is about the antics of The Clintons. Whoever is advising Hillary Clinton should be fired. Her misleading and mishandling of her staff is atrocious. The outwardly racial baiting from her hench men Joesph Wilson, Bob Kerrey and Bill Shaheen has not bid her well to the African-American Community.
It has unfolded mostly under the radar. But an important development in the 2008 Democratic battle may be the building backlash among African Americans over comments from associates of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton that could be construed as jabs at Sen. Barack Obama’s race.
These officials, including Clinton aides and prominent surrogates, have raised questions or dropped references about Obama’s position on sentencing guidelines for crack vs. powder cocaine offenses; on his handgun control record; and on his admitted use of drugs as a youth. The context was always Obama’s “electability.” But the Illinois senator’s campaign advisers said some African American leaders detect a pattern, and they believe it could erode Clinton’s strong base of black support.
This article is accurate and precise. Many don’t understand the Black Community and the radio. teacherken was one of the first to shout out, “hey something is going on here. The Black Community is livid about The Clintons insinuation of Barack Obama selling drugs and her campaign using racial tactics.” (paraphrasing) And this was his synopsis by listening to Black Radio.
The Clintons missed a mark here. The Black Community is angry. Period. Many don’t care if Clinton attack Obama on the issues, it is politics, it is hardball. But to slither to the depths of slimy snakes and use his ethnicity, race, family against him? Sorry, Hillary, you now have Black Voters who were firmly in your corner, moving to Barack Obama. And whose fault is that?
If it don’t smell right, it ain’t right.
Video/Audio
New Iowa Ad, Enough; Iowa Ad, Candor; Nashua Telegraph Editorial Board Video; Michelle Obama Video; Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr and Govenor Tim Kaine in Columbia, SC; Barack in Indianola, IA
Populista’sObama Rising Roundup: Iowa Edition December 6-13
shoutouts:clinton loses luster; bill clinton downplays wife’s chances in iowa; say goodbye to the fec by adamb; black kos; food pantries turning people away as demand doubles by bink; nyceve; online forum on foreclosure and bankruptcy relief by rep. brad miller; huckabee, my way; john edwards, will you stand up? by adamb
JustAngry has put out a great series broken down into six pieces, focusing on all the aspects you need to know about Barack Obama. Simply titled, The Only Thing You Need To Know. This is well worth a read for anyone who is searching more specific information about Senator Barack Obama.
In barely more than a month, the political attention now focused on the early voting in Iowa and New Hampshire will turn southward, to a Georgia neighbor with a proven record of helping decide presidential nominations.
South Carolina’s first-in-the-South primaries are set for Jan. 19, and tracking is already well under way. CNN released an Opinion Research poll Friday that showed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee claiming support from 24 percent of the state’s Republican voters, surging eight percentage points ahead of one-time front-runner, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), former Sen. John Edwards (center) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) are locked in a close race in South Carolina.
Aong Democrats, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York was holding on at 42 percent against the rising Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who had moved up seven percentage points since a July poll to 34 percent.
CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider predicted an “all-out fight” among candidates well aware of South Carolina’s potentially pivotal role. On the Republican side, South Carolina has picked the eventual party nominee in every primary contest since 1980. In 1992, Bill Clinton used a South Carolina win to solidify his claim on the Democratic nomination after being upset by rival Paul Tsongas in New Hampshire. AJC
Nashua Telegraph Endorses Obama; Portsmouth Hearld Endorsement for Obama; Dallas Morning News Endorsement; Sioux City Journal Endorsement; Iowa City Press Citizen Endorses Obama; Reka Basu for Obama; State Representative Wayne Ford for Obama; Daily Iowan Endorses Obama; Woodbine Twiner for Obama; Illinois Black Legislators for Obama; Idaho Democratic Lawmakers for Obama; U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack, D-IA, Backs Obama; U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah Endorses Obama; U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott Endorses Obama; Former Rep. Bedell Backs Obama; Blue New Hampshire Bloggers Endorse Obama; Documentary Filmmaker Ken Burns, Endorses Obama; Ministers Endorse Obama; Obama Opens Nashville Office; Obama Files to Caucus in Kansas; Obama Enters New Mexico Caucus; Texas Primary
Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday the nation’s foreign policy challenges call for a new leader who will worry more about doing the right thing than how it will look.
“There are moments in history when it is not enough to fall back on conventional ways of doing things, because the threats we face are unconventional,” Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery. “There are moments when new challenges demand new American leadership.”
He said that for too long the conventional way of thinking about foreign policy has valued “time spent in Washington over timely judgments, posturing over pragmatism and fear of looking weak over the conviction to get things right.”
He said he hasn’t been afraid to buck Washington thinking when it comes to foreign policy, including his opposition of going to war with Iraq while he was a state senator in Illinois. He said he’s the only Democratic nominee his Republican opponent won’t be able to challenge on that point. AP
It is interactive. See all the dark blue patches? Those are the states with offices or upcoming offices to open for Obama, prior to February 5th.
How important is this? Very important.
While all the candidates are pitching their closing argument, the real argument is who will win on February 5, 2008. That is the question. Meaning, who has the staffing, money, organization, etc., to win decisively on February 5th.
We know Hillary is running a chit driven campaign. She has called the chits in and expects them to perform. Edwards has no presence in these states, at all.
So, what should Iowans look for? Electability? Yes, all candidates are electable. They all have issues but they can be elected. The key word is viability. Which candidates are viable? Which candidates have the strength now and can move people through this process? Which candidate can fund the massive February 5th primary/caucuses and win?
That is the question. And the candidates better have answers for these caucus goers. Because right now, I only see two candidates positioned for this task.
If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!! Minimum five dollars. This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign. We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st. Remember to make your contribution.
well, it is cold out there. here at my home in the chicagoland area, the wind or “hawk” is whipping through here, as I finalize my last Christmas gifts. as, i look forward to chatting with my family the next few days, i hope that you are spending the time with your loved ones. and while you are at it, remember the biggest fight is coming soon, january 3rd. many of us will be in iowa, many of us will be mounting to new hampshire for the january 8th showdown. the blogs can be brutal now, just remember to stay focus on obama and not the drama. i am in iowa on the 27th through the caucus. i will post a short version of ‘this week’ next sunday, and try to post updates. keep your head up and let’s win this thing.
This edition of EENR will be a little different. I will be reporting the latest News on John Edwards of course, BUT with a focus on the WHY’s behind the Edwards headlines.
Why are people supporting John Edwards, anyways?
Don’t these people know that the National Polls and the Media already have scripted out how this Election is supposed to turn out?
Silly People, thinking they should actually be able to make up their own minds! Imagine that — the People actually picking their own Leader! (And NOT having one Picked for them!)
So stick around for a spirited look at why more and more people are saying:
“Why I’m with Edwards” …
(1) Here is an interesting Edwards Headline, from the Wall Street Journal:
WSJ
Iowa Farmers Union Embraces Edwards
Dec 21, 2007
John Edwards will get a welcome endorsement this evening from the Iowa Farmers Union, the state’s biggest advocacy group for family farmers and rural communities.
…
[Note: other Sources have Reported that it’s only the President of this Farmers Union, and NOT the Union itself that is Endorsing Edwards — WSJ needs to hire back its Fact-Checkers, it seems.]
“All the Democrats have good things about them,” Peterson said in an interview, but “Edwards cleaned house in rural areas in 2003” because “he’s against corporate farms and for localized economies.”
Here’s a few more reasons from this “influential Iowa agriculture leader”, Chris Petersen:
Chris Petersen, who is currently the president of the Iowa Farmers Union, endorsed the former North Carolina senator at a Friday rally in Nevada.
…
Petersen said he picked Edwards because of his strong views on the enforcement of anti-trust laws and competition in the livestock industry.
A vocal critic of the agribusiness conglomerates that have rapidly changed the face of agriculture in the Midwest, Petersen said “it’s time we got some political courage and leadership” to solve those problems.
…
(2) Here is an interesting Edwards Headline:
Edwards Unveils Stimulus Plan To Strengthen Economy And Create New Jobs
Dec 22, 2007
On final day of the “Fighting for America’s Voice” tour, Edwards urges Congress to pass $25 billion job creation plan
Lisbon, Iowa – On the final day of his “Fighting for America’s Voice” tour, Senator John Edwards proposed an economic stimulus package to strengthen our economy and create new jobs. Edwards urged Congress to act immediately to pass at least a $25 billion jobs plan in early 2008 and be ready to pass $75 billion more if there is more evidence that we are entering a recession. Edwards believes that every American should have access to a good job and the chance to build a better life. …
Yet again John Edwards is Leading with very specific comprehensive plans, to deal with REAL Problems faced by REAL Americans! One of those REAL Americans was there to speak up for Edwards’ Plan today:
About Doug Bishop:
Today, Edwards will be joined on the tour by Doug Bishop who, in September 2004, was among the first wave of employees to be laid off at the Maytag plant in Newton, Iowa. … Edwards is running for president to make sure the voices of hard-working Americans like Doug get heard in Washington.
“The American Dream is being taken away slowly, and surely, by some powerful people, who have No Respect for the American Workers in this country.
…
People like my grandfather, and hundreds before him, and hundreds after him, they didn’t strive to be rich. They didn’t strive to work their way through the Company and become the CEO … at Maytag he was chasing the American Dream, and he was allowed to finish that out. … As of yesterday, I had several relatives and neighbors who had that Dream taken away from them.
…
It’s happening all across this Country. We have tried, and tried, tried to get these unabated Trade Agreements — which are robbing Americans of their Livelihoods — stopped!
…
and most importantly, and this is something I’ll never forget, he grabbed my 7 year old son by the hand, he dropped to one knee, and he looked him straight in the eye, and he said: ‘I’m gonna keep fighting for your Daddy’s Job, I promise you that.’
Two years later, a man of his word — you know that stuff sticks with you —
… with no media, no press, no big event, it was just one man being a good person. Two years later he sets up a meeting at the Maytag Plant after they announced the closing. …
He wanted to sit down with the People who were effected, in that Plant, that day. ‘What are you going to do with your lives? What can I do to help? Where do we go from here?’
That’s the kind of things we need in a Leader in this Country!
… I want a guy who’s gonna sit down, and look a 7 year old kid in the eye, and tell him, ‘I’m gonna fight for your Dad’s Job’. That’s what I want!”
{applause} …
You know, fighting for the dignity of the American Worker, and their families, is at the very core of what it means to be an American. Or at least it used to be …
Franklin D. Roosevelt called for Four Freedoms …
They were the basis of FDR’s vision of Economic Fairness. Unfortunately, not all of these Freedom were fully incorporated in the New Deal legislation, that pulled the Country out of the Great Depression in the 1930’s
Here are those 4 Principles:
FDR’s Four Freedoms:
1. Freedom of speech and expression
2. Freedom of every person to worship in his own way
WALTHAM, MA – December 20, 2007 – The influential non-partisan discussion board and blog ‘Four Freedoms’ (http://www.fourfreedomsblog.com/) announces its endorsement of John Edwards in the Democratic Primary.
Senator Edwards has been a longtime supporter of the downtrodden, from his early days as a litigator to his Senate track record. John Edwards dwells not on the past, but on the hope for the future, and is the only candidate that truly understands what is important to average Americans.
…
The founders of Four Freedoms urge all true Americans and Patriots to vote for Senator Edwards, and calls upon citizens to cross party lines if necessary in order to advance Senator Edward’s campaign and restore hope, decency, and civility to the American Political Process, something that has been lacking for quite some time. Senator Edwards may not have all the answers, but he is our best hope for true change and progress towards what all Americas believe in…that is, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Now that’s truly a New Deal Endorsement! That is quite the statement about exactly WHO is ready to Fight for US.
(4) Here is an interesting Edwards Headline:
Des Moines Register
Surgery gives man a chance to speak his mind
Dec 22, 2007
If you’ve been to a recent Edwards event in Iowa or watched television, odds are good you already know Lowe’s story. He was born dirt-poor in Kentucky with a cleft palate. He moved to a mill town in the Appalachian Mountains and worked in coal mines for decades before an injury broke his back and put him on disability.
Lowe never had surgery to fix that cleft palate because he could not afford health insurance.
And for the first 50 years of his life, Lowe could hardly speak. He was an incomprehensible mumbleruntil about a year ago when a doctor donated cleft-palate surgery and, literally, gave Lowe a voice.
…
Now, Lowe has become a metaphor for the stated goal of Edwards’ campaign:to give a voice to the voiceless.
“I had an emotional reaction listening to his story,” Edwards said Friday in an interview. “I had a sense of outrage that somebody had lived for 50 years in America not able to speak because they had no health care. How could my country let people like James down like that?”
“I know John because, he saved our daughters life …
[the unthinkable happens to their family]
… so we began talking to attorneys, which was a new experience for us. I was in such a haze of grief, shock, and exhaustion, that little of what anyone said penetrated my fog. The only words I wanted to hear were: ‘I can help Valerie’.
And then we met John Edwards. When he held my hands and looked in my eyes, I saw the compassion, honesty, and integrity that is John Edwards. When he said the magic words I wanted to hear, I knew in my heart, that THIS Man would Fight as hard for Valerie, as if she were his OWN Daughter.
Because of John, I began to feel Hope.
We quickly realized John Edwards wasn’t just Valerie’s attorney — He was her Champion.
John Edwards took on the irresponsible manufacturer of the defective product that had caused Valerie’s injury. And we learned she wasn’t the FIRST Child to be maimed, or even killed by this Companies absolute indifference!
Even worse the company knew their product was defective, but hid the truth. John exposed their negligence, and Won Justice for Valerie.
John Edwards gave us hope in our darkest hours. He ensured that Valerie’s Medical Expenses would be taken care of for the rest of her life. And he helped change the ways companies do business, to make swimming pools safer for children.
…
Recently she told me, that she occasionally feels happy. That’s not something I thought I’d ever hear her say because her life hasn’t been easy. She’s suffered through horrors, that NO ONE should have to deal with, especially a child. She lives with pain everyday, and probably will for the rest of her life. But she’s strong, and with the help of people like John Edwards, she HAS survived.
She is here with me today to show her support, and love, for John Edwards. We believe that John has the intelligence, the determination, will power, integrity, and above all, the heart, to be a great leader to all of us in the United States.
We are honored to know him, and feel privileged to be here today. He talks about the heroes that he has met in his life, and during his campaign travels. But to us, He is the Hero! Thank you John.”
{applause}
WOW! That’s what it means, to fight for the “little guy”. That’s the same way John Edwards will fight for US, if we have the “same determination”, to help send him to the White House. If we do, Edwards will give Voice again, to us — the forgotten American People!
PORTSMOUTH – Wooing 700 voters at the Frank Jones Center on Wednesday, presidential candidate John Edwards pitched his plans for health care, warfare and education with a live rock ‘n’ roll sound track, a whiff of Hollywood and an endorsement from a local nuclear submarine welder.
Wrapping their endorsements for Edwards around a four-song set, Grammy-winning musicians Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne were introduced by actor Peter Coyote.
And the WHY’s behind the new ground swell of New Hampshire Excitement?
I Am A Patriotwith backing by Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne
Here is what a few of those New Hampshire citizens have to say about WHY they are NOW supporting John Edwards:
Citizen one:
“Seeing John Edwards speak tonite, and you know just listening to him answer the questions — and feeling the Energy in the Audience, in the crowd, he definitely has my Vote”
Citizen two:
“I love how straightforward he is, but I think also, how brave he is.”
Citizen three:
“He’s talking, he’s talking … fighting … the big corporations — Nobody else is saying that.”
Citizen four:
“I do feel like there is a lot of momentum going on, and I think that, John is going to take it over the top. And I think that he’s gonna win this Election.”
Hey, for you other New Hampshire citizens who have finally found your Candidate in Edwards, you too, can get involved to “help win this thing.” Here’s how:
(7) Here is a different Edwards Headline (with the Media Reporting on the Blogs — now that’s a switch):
startribune.com
Minneapolis, MN
Blog House: Edwards remains a wild card as caucuses near
…
The most surprising development is that Edwards, who’s been consistently third in most Iowa polls, seems to have a little heat behind him.
…
And the WHY behind those blogs which are buzzing about Edwards?
Marc Ambinder:
“On Monday, the Edwards campaign recorded more e-mail sign-ups than almost any day in its history,” Marc Ambinder (1) reported. “Over the weekend, the campaign was forced to add four new servers to handle all the Web traffic. Contributions are up online: Thursday and Friday, the two days after the debate, made for one of the highest 2-day totals they’ve seen in months.”
David Mizner:
In this race, Edwards could prove to be the tortoise and Clinton and Obama a pair of hares, according to David Mizner at MyDD (2). “It wasn’t supposed to be this way, with Edwards still in the thick of the race. Clinton and Obama had planned to out-spend and out-celebrity him into oblivion. The best-laid plans.”
So that’s it for tonite’s Roundup. Thanks for taking a few moments to reflect on the type of Leader, you would like to see running this country. I hope these “behind the news” snapshots, help give you some insight into the character, passion, and determination, that an Edwards Presidency would bring to Washington DC.
Most of these people Speaking out above, have given you a window into some of their reasons to “Why I’m with Edwards?”
SO, “WHY am I, with Edwards?”
Simply stated, out of all the Candidates running, John Edwards speaks out the most passionately, and clearly, and bravely, on nearly all of the Issues, that matter to me and my family!
And on top of that, in nearly every case, Edwards was the first one to take a bold stand, with thoughtful and detailed plans to the many problems this Country faces. “Fixing America” and “Restoring the American Dream”, for ordinary hard-working Americans, is more than just talk with John Edwards — it’s the cause of his life!
Such a Fighter, for real Progressive Democratic Values, will get MY Vote, every time!
Please, Edwards supporters, take a few moments, to add a comment or two about, if you can, about“WHY you’re with Edwards, too?”
(I’m sure there are still some undecideds out there, lurking, who would probably like to know. Thanks.)
