John Edwards is still focusing on Issues that matter to Working Families!

like the Economy … like Taxes.

All the while the GOP continues to “debate” that “only MORE Corporate Tax Cuts will create Jobs and keep the Economy strong!”

Hmmm … Where are all those Jobs, by the way?

Billions in Tax give aways to the Rich, for the last 5+ years, only seem to have strengthen the Rich, it seems to me.

From the John Edwards Issues pages:

In America today, families are working harder to get by.

Half of American families say they are living paycheck to paycheck,

and 3 out of 10 American workers have not been able to save a dime for their retirement.

…

Wait there’s More !

from the John Edwards Issues pages

who single-handedly put Poverty squarely on the Landscape of Issues:

37,000,000 Americans live in Poverty.

The top 300,000 individuals now make more than the bottom 150,000,000

given that Census reports the USA had Population of 301,621,157 in 2007, these “poorly” reported numbers Chart out this way:

Does the millionaire-elite segment of society, really need any more help?

From the John Edwards Issues pages:

The top 300,000 individuals now make more than the bottom 150,000,000.

The result is Two Americas, one struggling to get by and another that has everything it could want.

Taking a cue from Drew Carey’s “Power of Ten” (the exponential scale)

Refocusing this Wealth imbalance on the scale where “real people” live,

you can hardly see those corporate boardroom movers and shakers, anymore:

Does the millionaire elite segment of society, really need any more help?





John Edwards doesn’t think so:



Solutions for Working Families, from the John Edwards Issues pages:

John Edwards believes we have to build One American Economy-where everyone has the opportunity to work hard and build a better life.

He will restore respect for work to our tax code and

cut taxes for working families.

He will overhaul our weak labor laws

to give workers a real right to organize.

Strengthen Labor Laws:

Union membership can be the difference between a poverty-wage job and middle-class security.

Federal law promises workers the right to choose a union, but the law is poorly enforced, full of loopholes, and routinely violated by employers. …

Enact Smarter Trade Policies:

Trade deals need to make sense for American workers, not just corporations.

Edwards will make sure any new trade agreements include

strong labor and environmental standards and

will vigorously enforce American workers’ rights in existing agreements. …

Make Work Pay:

Edwards will increase the reward for working by raising the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2012, tripling the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) …

Protect Prevailing Wages:

Edwards pledges to protect the Davis Bacon Act, which ensures that workers on federal construction projects receive the local prevailing wage. …

Help Families Save and Get Ahead:

Edwards will crack down on abusive lenders by creating a new Families Savings and Credit Commission to protect families

Edwards will create Work Bonds to help families save and invest, providing financial safety nets for hard times. …

Work Bonds:

A new tax credit of up to $500, would help low and moderate-income, working Americans save for the future. …

http://www.johnedwards.com/iss…

—-

John Edwards was FIRST to take the cue, from billionaire Warren Buffett, about our US Tax Policy which should NO LONGER favor the Rich over the interest of ordinary Working Folks

Tax Solutions from the John Edwards Issues pages:

Reverse the “War On Work”:

Nothing better reflects the problems with our tax code than the lower tax rates for capital gains. As Warren Buffett says, there is something wrong when he pays taxes at a lower rate than his secretary.

As president, Edwards will:

  – Raise the tax rate on capital gains to 28 percent for the most fortunate taxpayers – taxing the investment income of the wealthiest Americans similarly to the wages of the middle class.

  – Repeal the Bush tax cuts for the highest-income households and keep the tax on very large estates (above $4 million for couples).

  – Declare war on offshore tax havens by cracking down on tax shelter promoters, cooperating with allies to fight tax havens, and closing the “tax gap” by improving IRS customer service, simplifying tax filing, auditing more large corporations and high-income individuals and requiring more third-party reporting.

  – Close unfair loopholes like the tax breaks for hedge funds and private equity fund managers and unlimited executive pensions.

http://www.johnedwards.com/iss…

—-

For More, in-depth analysis of Edwards Tax Reform Plan, click here.

Given the changing polling in SC, as reported by JedReport, there is definitely a market for a Leader with real substantive Plans like Edwards!

Question: Do you want a President who:

WILL fight for the issues that MATTER

to you and your family?

Isn’t it finally time the Working Folks of America,

finally has their Voice heard in Washington DC —

for a Change?

John Edwards is Speaking up for US!

John Edwards WILL be that Voice for working folks!

Thousands of working people, like you, are stepping up for Edwards, right now:



Edwards breaks Q4 online fundraising in 25 days.

by BruceMcF – Fri Jan 25, 2008 at 10:26:05 AM PST

Learn more:

Edwards on the Issues

http://johnedwards.com/issues/

Meet John Edwards: Selected Clips:

http://www.youtube.com/profile…

Don’t become another statistic …

Vote your conscious.

Vote in your own best interests — (while you still have the chance)

Vote for John Edwards!  — It Matters!

and contribute if you can afford it.

thanks!

cross-posted @ One Million Strong

                   

                                          arizona gov. janet napolitano endorses obama

Debates

January 15, 2008, Las Vegas, NV, NBC/MSNBC, Brian Williams & Tim Russert

January 31, 2008, Kodak Theatre, Los Angeles, CA, CNN

Nevada Caucus Information

                               

                                 senator john kerry endorses obama in charleston, sc

                               

                                               kerry endorses obama in south carolina

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

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.

Count the votes and pundits shut up.

                             

                                      obama accepts culinary union endorsement, las vegas, nv

Obama Fact Check Website

Second in NH, Obama Still Fired Up!!

New Hampshire Photoblog–Canvassing for Obama by casperr

Don’t Count the Women Out for Obama

::

Michelle Obama:  Husband is No “Fairytale”

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

Fairbanks, Alaska…and Obama by nadeane

Kerry: “Lets Kick their Ass” (Video + pix) by al rodgers

the heart and soul of the party by kid oakland

Governor Napolitano Cites “Fresh Voice” for Obama Endorsement

                             

                                        obama’s speech from new hampshire, “yes we can”

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

                             

                                             obama in jersey city, nj, jan 9, 2008

Senator Dick Durbin Warns Clinton

California and Arizona See Obama Ads Running on Television

Obama Challenging Clinton in New York

Yes.We.Can by Populista

Obama Casts a Wide Net

::

Who’s Afraid of Obama?

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.

                             

                                                   eve of unlv, las vegas, nv, debate

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; Brown Iowa; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama; Netroots for Obama;  Economists for Obama

Clintons Move to Ease Racial Tensions

Obama Book Sales are a Boom

February 5th News

Obama Spell is Strong

Obama’s Movement vs. Clinton Campaign

David Brooks: Bush White House Would Prefer Clinton by psericks  

                               

                                                  obama at del sol hs, las vegas, nv

Endorsements/Announcements

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

No Sad Faces at the Obama Camp

Democrats Eye California

The Rhetoric Sharpens

Buried in 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

Obama, Clinton Want High Profile Backers

Key Backing Lifts Obama

My Money’s on Obama

Obama and Clinton: The Showdown is South Carolina

::

icebergslim’s last word:  the clintons

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.

As for Barack Obama’s response, read it here.

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….

::

contact me @ [email protected]

This Week With Barack Obama

cross posted @ One Million Strong

Iowa Caucus Center

Nevada Caucus Center

Obama Iowa Mailer

                 

                                   obama at storm lake, ia, december 17th

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

December 26, 2007 – Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Mason City, IA

December 26, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Webster City, IA

December 26, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Fort Dodge, IA

December 26, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Carroll, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Nevada, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Marshalltown, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Toledo, IA

December 27, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Vinton, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Willamsburg, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Coralville, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Clinton, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Davenport, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Muscatine, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Burlington, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Fort Madison, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Keokuk, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Mount Pleasant, IA

December 29, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Ottumwa, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Knoxville, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Newton, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Indianola, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Des Moines, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Perry, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Jefferson, IA

December 31, 2007 – Meet and Greet with Michelle Obama, Grinnell, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Boone, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Iowa Falls, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Ames, IA

                         

                                                               obama on 527s

Obama Hitting His Stride in Iowa

Obama Says He’s Ready for White House

Obama Describes Faith Amid False Rumors

Selling Obama Door to Door

::

Obama Says Clintons’ Attacks Will Backfire

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.

From Bob Johnson’s Diary:

A piece in Sunday’s Washington Post confirms what many people here have been discussing over the last month as Obama has crept up in the polls:

Racial Undercurrent Is Seen in Clinton Campaign

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

Obama Fires Up Crowd in Iowa

Obama Touts Rural Plans in Iowa

Second Choices In Iowa

                             

                                                      portsmouth, nh, dec 20

Polls

Yes, coming daily, sometime two and three.  Expect this through January.

Boston Globe NH Poll; Reuters Poll On Clinton’s Negativity; USA/Gallup National Poll; Survey/USA Iowa and General Poll; Zogby National Poll; Washington Post/ABC Iowa and Internals; Insiders Advantage Georgia Poll; Insiders Advantage Iowa Poll; CBS South Carolina Poll; Wall Street Journal Poll; Survey/USA California Poll; Rasmussen South Carolina Poll; Hotline National Poll

Obama for America by Femlaw

Endorsing Barack Obama for President 2008 by GirlZero

Obama Campaigns Comes to Nashville by GoldnI

Populista’s Obama 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.

::

Obama: I’ve Fought Harder Against Special Interests

Obama Makes Big Gains in California by Femlaw

Appealing to Indy Voters

Obama Finds His Address

                           

                                                    happy holidays from the obamas

Big Battle For South Carolina

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

Winning Friends Among Former Rivals

Clinton Trying to Wrestle the Change Mantle from Obama

Change We Can Believe In

Obama’s Hoop Buddy

                         

                                               obama in exeter, nh, dec 20th

Endorsements & Announcements

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

February 5th Could Decide Between Clinton and Obama

The Obama-Clinton Issue

Law Student Gave Obama Big Thumbs Up

Did Clinton Worker Blow it with Obama Drug Comment?

Obama Talks Foreign Policy

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

I Can’t Stop Wondering About Obama’s Mother

Job Loss A Plea for Help

Obama Proposes U.S. Ban on China Toys

60 Foreign Policy Experts Endorse Obama

::

icebergslim’s last word:  closing

Right now all the candidates are running around and doing the closing line.

Good, they should finalize their position with the voter and hope for the best.

But my closing is this, take a look at this map.

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.

Finally, the two best article read of the week, “Why Did Clinton Overlook Obama?”  Good question.  Why did she?  And Michelle Obama, The Closer in the Family.

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama; Netroots for Obama;  Economists for Obama

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.

::

contact me @ [email protected]

This Week With Barack Obama

cross-posted @ One Million Strong

                           

                                                  barack in independence, ia

Iowa Caucus Center

Nevada Caucus Center

                           

        Obama embraces U.S. soldier Brian Jesness during a campaign rally stop in Mason City, Iowa

Obama and Oprah’s Last Visit, Manchester, NH

More than 8,500 people attended and they were not disappointed.  To recap, over 18K in Des Moines, IA; over 10K in Cedar Rapids, IA; over 30K in Columbia, SC; and over 8K in Manchester, NH.  Now if this is not successful, tell me why it was not.  If Barack Obama gets the Democratic Nomination, without any doubt, the Oprah Winfrey effect will be one of the reasons.  Read the live account blog with photos by jhutson.

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

December 17, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Spencer, IA

December 17, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Storm Lake, IA

December 17, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Cherokee, IA

December 17, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, LeMars, IA

December 17, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Sioux City, IA

South Carolina is Fired Up and Ready to Go!!! by Drewid

Three Weeks to Crunch Time

Hillary Following Barack’s Lead Running Ads in Nevada

The BBC on Oprah

Summing up Oprah and Obama

Running on Hope

Unlike front-runners Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton, Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama aren’t selling electability or inevitability — they’re selling hope. Will that be enough to get them the nominations?

Friends and foes alike comment on the discipline of the well-oiled machine that is the Clinton campaign. Even Giuliani, well-known for sounding off at critics, has been remarkably disciplined in both his style and message. These strategic attributes may make Beltway pundits and wonks swoon, but they aren’t qualities that have much appeal for voters. It’s like the difference between getting a vacuum cleaner for Christmas versus a nice piece of jewelry. Sure, you really don’t need the jewelry, but it’s much more fun to open on Christmas morning.  National Journal

                     

                                               obama in seattle, wa

Audio/Video

Des Moines Register Iowa Debate (real player required); NPR, Obama and Oprah Make Splash in S.C.; What Oprah Endorsement Meant for Obama; Wish Lists for Santa, Politicians in Milford, N.H.; Democratic Debate in Iowa Good Natured; Democratic Hopefuls Make Last Pitch to Iowans; Countdown to Caucuses, Part One;  Countdown to Caucuses, Part Two; Precinct Captains leaves Clinton, Switches to Obama

Obama Signs up for Louisiana Primary

“Change We Can Believe In”, Obama Op-Ed in The Daily Iowan

Samantha Powers Discusses Obama’s Foreign Policy

Obama Goes To Work In Iowa’s Small Towns

Polls

Yes, the polls are coming out fast and furious.  Expect this through January.

Concord Monitor New Hampshire Poll; Rasmussen New Hampshire Poll; Iowa Independent Power Ranking; Quad City/Research 2000 Iowa Poll and Treadlines; Iowa Pollster.com; Georgia Poll; CNN/WMUR New Hampshire Poll; Hotline Iowa Poll; Strategic Vision Iowa Poll; SurveyUSA South Carolina Poll; Nevada Poll; Insider Advantage South Carolina Poll; CNN/Opinion Reasearch National Poll

Sorry Hillary, Obama is Electable

Obama Works Hard to Woo College Votes

Father’s Abandonment Molded Obama

::

Going through my reading I ran across this little tidbit “Hillary Can’t Beat Oprah”.  I thought, why would she try?  One can only speculate that the announcement of Oprah stumping with Barack and Michelle, and then Team Clinton polling the affects of a Barbra Streisand endorsement makes one wonder.  Will this really have an effect?  I think it will.  Since we are in the stretch to start the primary cycle, Obama prior to Oprah stumping, was on the incline in polling.  This is across the board.  So, one cannot state he has no momentum coming up to the January 3rd caucus.  And if there is any consolation prize, it is that Barbra Streisand had the pleasure to be polled by Team Clinton for her possible effectiveness as the blunt to Oprah Winfrey.  Notice the silence.

                               

                                               des moines register democratic debate

Inside Obama’s Ground Game

At just 25 years old, Michael Blake may have more to do with Barack Obama’s chances of becoming President than anyone besides the candidate himself. That may sound like a stretch, but Blake has the all-important job of bringing in new Iowa voters to caucus for the Illinois Senator. And while some campaigns may focus most of their efforts on one or two constituencies – the way John Kerry so successfully courted military veterans in 2004 – Obama is spending an unprecedented amount of money and effort to turn out a wide cross section of new caucus-goers.

“This is the most extensive effort to reach out to new constituencies in the Iowa caucuses, I think, ever,” says Blake, who comes from the Bronx and was in the first class of “Yes, We Can!” a program Obama started soon after he was elected to the Senate to train minorities to more effectively use the political system. “Campaigns here have traditionally gotten attention for going after one or two groups. We’re applying that principle and hopefully will enjoy similar success with multiple groups.”  Time

Kenyan Boy Dreams to be Obama

Professor Obama Will Restore the Constitution by Populista

Obama Friend Sells Candidate

                               

                                               obama at universal city in california

Endorsements/Announcements

Former Republican Congressman Perkins Bass to vote for Obama; Boston Globe Endorses Obama; Littleton Courier Endorses Obama; Three more Nevada Offices Opening for Obama Campaign; Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) Endorses Obama; Iowa State Representative Paul Shomshor Endorses Obama; Former SC Democratic Chairman, Joe Erwin Backs Obama; Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) Endorses Obama; Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) Endorses Obama; Obama wins Salinas Straw Poll; Baltimore Ministers Back Obama; UNH Mock Presidential Primary Goes to Obama

Will Smith ready to Campaign for Obama

Obama Leading Internet Traffic

Chicago Defender on Michelle Obama

Obama: Saudi Arabia fosters human rights violations

::

Barack Obama has opened the floodgates for Americans to view how the government is spending its money.  Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 by Tom Coburn and Barack Obama allows anyone to track contracts, grants, earmarks, and loans.  This is monumental legislation passed by a Republican Congress and President.  More importantly it shows Obama’s ability to broker relationships, across the aisle.  This is drastically needed to get anything done in Washington, D.C.  For all the information, check out barath’s well sourced diary.

::

Obama Rising Roundup: Iowa Edition December 6-13

Obama Now on GOP Radar

Obama Organizing Nearly 1,000 House Meetings

Barack Obama Straddles Different Worlds

                                       

  obama attends church services at the first congregational united church of christ in mason city, ia

shoutouts: after the election, by keone michaels; obama: congress’ failure to pass hate crimes legislation, truly unacceptable; not for hillary, but loves bill; nyceve on consumer guide for health insurance; The Truth About Kyl-Lieberman (DL Won’t Take off His blinders!); toxic toy alert…by jhuston; black kos; anatomy of a smear:  winfrey gets attacked with lies by bob johnson; bush’s mortgage plan:  not good on several levels by bonddad; kos on hillary being “unacceptable as our nominee”

                             

                                              focus group after DMR Debate, obama wins

icebergslim’s last word:  slime and staying out of the mud

Another one of those, “you got to be kidding me weeks?”  Yes, we must remember desperate times call for desperate measures.  Enter Team Clinton.

We all know we keep one eye on each other, while smiling, that is politics.  We also know that whatever have been done in the past, we either can explain it or moved from it.  

What can we expect from an inevitable machine as Team Clinton’s?  Remember she brought us kindergate, staffing circulating the Muslim smear emails, oh and got caught again, planting questions throughout Iowa, astroturfing on Blue Hampshire (sigh), and now suggesting that Barack Obama may have sold drugs.

We all know Barack’s past with drugs as a teen, because he wrote about it in his 1995 book, Dreams from my Father.  So to attempt to make this an issue in the primary is just ridiculous, when he has been vetted by running and winning the senate seat for the State of Illinois.  Like Republicans did not know this?

But to insinuate, and the charge was made by Team Clinton’s now ex-New Hampshire Chairman, Billy Shaheen , that if Obama is the nominee, the GOP will question if he sold drugs, was way out of bounds.  And of course, every time Team Clinton does this slime, they apologize, as if that makes it right.  

Well, a lot of people were angered, mainly, the Black Community.  This was talked up on Tom Joyner, an African-American disc jockey with a syndicated show nationwide, and all black radio, period.  Many in the African-American community were taken aback.  Why?  Because whether you plan on voting for Barack Obama or not, the mere inference that he could have sold drugs, jolted the African-American Community.  This is the same stereotypical framing that is expected from the GOP, not Democrats.

Well, Hillary Clinton kissed the ring.  She personally apologized to Barack Obama, while waiting for him at the airport to board his plane to the Des Moines Register Debate.  She did the right thing.  This slime cannot go on, especially when you have no basis to it.  And it does make your campaign and candidacy look weak and ill-equipped to handle the real issues, when you have all this crap running around you.

Billy Shaheen, Team Clinton’s former Co-Chair in New Hampshire has resigned. Good, we don’t need the likes of him sniffing around campaign doors.  Will Mark Penn be next?  He should be, after his awful performance on Hardball.

Anyway, The Obama Campaign has and will continue to run a positive and upbeat campaign.   These tactics may be used to pull Barack into the muddy waters, but he refuses to play.  There is much at stake for these upcoming primaries and caucuses and the last thing the public need is a bunch of distractions to keep them from voting on the issues.

See what poll numbers will do to one’s campaign?

Finally, I always close out with focus on obama and not the drama.  You better believe that this message is resonating hard as we enter January 3rd.

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama; Netroots for Obama

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.

                             

mr. snowman is excited and ready for change.  he recognizes that no one has excited this country and transcended across the aisle, as barack obama.  can you imagine what caucus day will be like in iowa and nevada?  what primary day will be like in new hampshire and south carolina?  how february 5th and beyond, will be off the chain for change?  it will be people marching and voting for change.  for barack.  as, i always remind everyone, it is heating up on the boards as it should, and colder than “you know what” in iowa, but remember to focus on obama, and not the drama.

::

contact me @ [email protected]

This Week With Barack Obama

cross-posted @ One Million Strong & Daily Kos

                                 

                                                                   michelle, barack and oprah, des moines, ia

Debates/Forums

December 13, 2007 – Johnston, Iowa, Des Moines Register Democratic Debate

December 17, 2007 – Boston, MA

January 15, 2008 – Las Vegas, Nevada

                         

                                                                barack in new hampshire

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

December 10, 2007 – Study Break with Barack Obama, Las Vegas, NV

December 10, 2007 – Barack in L.A., Los Angeles, CA

December 11, 2007 – Generation Obama in Seattle, Seattle, WA

December 13, 2007 – Caucus for Change Precinct Parties, Iowa

The Caucus Center

Obama Action Center

Jesse, Jr. to Jesse, Sr. You’re Wrong on Obama

Obama Gains Show Volatility of Iowa Contest

Obama Campaign Launches Web Site, Documenting Clinton Attacks

                                     

                                                     npr debate, des moines, ia

Audio/Video

NPR Audio Debate; Iowa City; NPR, Obama Talks Taxes, Trade at NH High School; Oprah in Des Moines, part one; Oprah in Des Moines, part two; A Call To Serve; South Carolina Rally, Video in its Entirety

Wall Street Journal, Op-Ed Piece, by Senator Barack Obama, Homeland Insecurity

Obama Ad Launch on Television in Nevada

Vote Obama

Hillary Losing Backers to Barack?

The presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton, the Democrat frontrunner, is facing a wave of defections by supporters to Barack Obama, as an aura of “inevitability” about her nomination fades.

With Oprah Winfrey, the talk show host and Obama enthusiast, challenging former president Bill Clinton for star power on the campaign trail, the coronation of Hillary has been put on hold.

A few days ago, Helen Quarles peeled off the Hillary for President bumper stickers from her car and replaced them with Obama ’08.

“I didn’t think anybody could turn me away from Hillary,” said Quarles, who worked as a volunteer for Clinton’s first Senate election campaign in New York. “I liked her and was very fond of Bill.”

Quarles now lives in South Carolina, which holds its primary election next month. “In the South, a lot of people don’t like Hillary, so I felt it was up to me to turn things around for her. I really wanted her to win, but there’s something about Obama,” she said. “To me, he is the one who is going to make a difference.”  TimesOnline

Let the Fun Begin!!

Yes, this is what the Hillary Clinton Campaign, who I call affectionately, Team Clinton had to say about going after Barack Obama.

Well, we waited.  And we finally got the magnificent press release from  Team Clinton, last Sunday.  Among the explosive oppo research was the reference to Obama’s aspirations to become president, as early as kindergarten.  Yes, kindergarten.  Oh, and then it expounded on his refined penmanship in kindergarten and third grade with examples of his essays on  “I want to be President” topic.

Well, the media love fest was frenzy this week.  I mean who knew???  Who knew??? Obama wanted to be president in kindergarten!!!  Hell, I wanted to be Diana Ross, one day, then I wanted to be Cleopatra Jones (yes, throwback, y’all), meaning I wanted to be so many people, my parents would just say, “that’s wonderful, sugar.”  Oh, and then Team Clinton strategist, Mark Penn, tries to clean this up on Morning Joe, and said it was a joke.  Do they think people are stupid?  

Sigh, then Team Clinton gets caught up with a tempest in a tea pot.  Their own staff was found out emailing the muslim smear against Barack Obama.  Yes, good old Team Clinton who said, “Let the Fun Begin!!”, now looks sophomoric, at best, in handling all this through the week.

Isn’t Hillary Clinton the one who is vetted, tough, tested?   Yet, doing this stuff?  And is this the best they have on Barack Obama? We must be honest here, the Iowa Caucus is three weeks away and if you want to bring someone down, now is the time, not later.  But kindergarten papers?  Getting caught sending muslim smears?  Is this the tightly run campaign that everyone has bragged about all year?

They look very amateurish, to me.

                           

                                         university of northern iowa, cedar falls, ia

Polls

Well with Iowa Caucus 24 days away, around that, the polls are fast and furious.  All these polls show erosion of Clinton, steady for Edwards and emerging for Obama.  So, it is safe to state that Obama is catching Hillary.

MSNBC/McCLATCHY/Mason-Dixon; Newsweek Poll; Insider Advantage South Carolina Poll; Rasmussen South Carolina Poll; ABC/Washington Post New Hampshire Poll; Strategic Vision Iowa Poll; Zogby Phone Poll; USA/Gallup Poll; Iowa State Poll, this polling data is considered old, by 3 weeks, but was released as new; Public Policy North Carolina Poll

                                   

                                                     michelle and oprah, des moines, ia

The Obama Newness

Clinton Should No Longer Worry About Just Iowa

Obama:  Expand National Service Programs

Democrat Barack Obama on Wednesday advocated a major expansion of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and other national service programs, declaring, “This will be a cause of my presidency.”

The Illinois senator said the government is not keeping pace with those who want to help. “We will create new opportunities for all of us to serve,” he said at a rally at Cornell College.

Obama evoked the memory of President Kennedy and his Peace Corps volunteers, saying, “JFK made their service a bridge to the developing world.” Despite growing anti-Americanism around the world, he said, “the American people are not the problem, they are the answer.”

Obama, a senator from Illinois, said he also would expand the all-volunteer military but would “never send them to fight in a misguided war.”

“The burden of service has fallen more and more on the brave men and women of our military,” he said, citing “tour upon tour of duty in a war with no end.” For returning troops, he said, “We will enlist veterans to help other veterans to find jobs, and to pitch in at VA hospitals and nursing homes.”  more

Endorsements/Announcements

4 Rural Democratic County Chairs Endorse Obama; Obama Wins Kansas Straw Poll; Hampton Democratic Chair Endorses Obama; Iowa State Daily Endorses Obama; Illinois Education Association Endorses Obama; Obama Relentlessly Pursues Iowan; Clinton Co-Chair Switches to Obama; Obama Wins Townson Straw Poll; Stanford Professor Named Adviser to Obama

Michelle Obama Meets Women from Seacoast

Robert Reich on Hillary’s desperate tactics by nevadadem

D.C. Events by howardpark

                     

                                           michelle, oprah, barack in columbia, sc

Obama on a Roll

A Princeton professor and outspoken expert on African-American culture said he believes U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy for president is an important breakthrough for blacks — whether Obama wins the Democratic nomination for president or not.

But Cornel West believes Obama is going to win.

Speaking Monday night to thousands in the Joe L. Reed Acadome on the campus of Alabama State University, West said he believes the Illinois Democrat, after running behind U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York for most of the presidential race, has turned the corner.

“This man’s on the move, he’s out there running hard and sounding good,” West said. Recent polls show Obama and Clinton in a statistical dead heat.  MontgomeryAdvertiser

Obama Writes Essay for SC Legal Journal

Getting the Vote Out When Campuses Are Empty

Obama’s Musical Draw

Inside the Obama Campaign

                               

                                                             new iowa ad, “our moment”

Obama on Iran by Shaun Appleby

Obama: Publicize Names of Bad Nursing Homes

Obama say Democrats Need Decisive Win to Make Wide Changes

Obama Seeks Consumer Credit Guards

Obama Gets Grammy Nod

While Barack Obama is battling Hillary Clinton in the Democratic race, he can enjoy a small victory from those who vote with ears more than hearts and minds: He is one of five contenders for the Grammy Award for Spoken Word, one of 110 categories this year.

If only nominations on the campaign trail were decided so easily and early in December, just as primary season continues and eyes remain fixed for the 11 months until Election Day.

Like many of Senator Obama’s targets on the trail, the musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals who will decide this race are single-issue voters looking to improve “the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers,” according to the news release.  more, NYT

It Takes a Movement

Experts Praise Obama’s National Service Plan

Obama: PAC Contributions Violated No Campaign Rules

African-American Leaders Rally Behind Barack

Obama Rising Roundup: Iowa Edition Nov 28-Dec 5

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama

Vulnerable Democrats See Fates Tied to Clinton

Obama’s Ancestral Village Cheers on its Favourite Son

Obama Fits the Bill for President

As is the custom in New Hampshire this time of year, I recently asked a woman in a coffee shop who she was supporting for president. Her answer: “The last candidate I heard speak.” The point is we have a remarkable group of candidates, so it’s no surprise most voters remain undecided.

As the date gets closer, and more and more people ask who I’m with. After many months consideration, I’ve finally made my choice.

Kucinich deserves to do well in New Hampshire. His bold and uncompromising vision needs to be heard.

Bill Richardson would make a great chief executive, with his unmatched experience. But inspiring personal presentation (also called charisma) is a job requirement which is not his strength.

Chris Dodd is consistent on every issue, and is a terrific speaker. I wish his numbers were at least as high as Kucinich. Same goes for Joe Biden – great on the issues, a captivating speaker too. Just not connecting enough.

That leaves the “top three.” Before the Republicans have laid a glove on her, Clinton starts out with 50 percent of Americans saying they would never vote for her. She’s relied on an engineered aura of inevitability. She buys into the all-things-to-all-people style, the course laid out for Kerry by his political director Jeanne Shaheen. Straddling everything doesn’t win.

Some people say it’s time for a woman. Martin Luther King hoped we would judge people by the content of their character, not by their color, or by extension, their gender.

A new direction? What about support for the war in Iraq, her prideful refusal to accept that she made a mistake, her unconscionable vote declaring part of Iran’s government to be a terrorist organization (giving Bush the carte blanche to attack)? Her commitment to keeping combat troops in Iraq and her refusal to say she’d get them all out by 2013? Her blatant pandering to the right on flag-burning, and on late term abortions?

And then there’s planting softball questions for herself to answer.

Experience? Aside from spouse of the president, I can’t seem to remember her cabinet post.  more

Obama:  Keep Americans Warm+Action by Populista

Obama Rising–New York Edition by casperr

Michelle Obama Emphasizes Family Life

                       

                                     lining up in manchester, nh for obama and oprah

icebergslim’s last word:  oprah.  dirty campaign tactics.  change.

This was another weird week for Barack.  It was.  

First it was Team Clinton’s hilariously, funny press release last Sunday.  The cincher was that Barack has had aspirations, ambitions to become president in kindergarten and third grade.  And the witness to his third grade papers, promptly waved for everyone to see.  Oy!!!  Nothing is nicer than to be in a tight race in the early states and folks laughing at the front runner’s pettiness.

Then Barack had to deal with the on-going muslim email circulation.  Obama is not a muslim, he is a Christian and now his name is being used against him.  Well, guess what popped off?  Team Clinton’s staff caught sending and spreading this rumor.  Of course, the culprits were dismissed but the damage is done.  One cannot do anything but view Team Clinton as desperate and will do anything to win, even if it means spreading a lie.  Oh, yes, Team Clinton denounced it, but the damage is done.  It really is.

Then we have Oprah Winfrey.

I am one who has repeatedly said endorsements mean nothing.  It does not.  The candidate must seal the deal him/herself, no endorsement can do that.  But as this week has progressed, so did the energy of the Obama/Oprah weekend.  Suddenly, everyone was talking about it and when Columbia, South Carolina had to move the venue to an 80K stadium, well what else could one say.

I was more interested in what Oprah had to say than Barack.  What was she going to say?  Would it be quoted?  Will people listen?  Well, she gave a home run speech and no one can denounce or argue that point.    This phrase has stayed with me:

“When you listen to Barack Obama, when you really hear him, you witness a very rare thing,” she said in Des Moines. “You witness a politician who has an ear for eloquence and a tongue dipped in the unvarnished truth.”

Yes, a politician who is so eloquent but will not mince words.  He will tell it to you with a tongue dipped in the unvarnished truth.  That statement said it all for me.  It is about time we got a statesman in the White House.  It is about time we got someone who is honest and unafraid of the truth in the White House.  This has been missing so long, we forgot how it sounds.  Since the 90’s to now, we have had to deal with untruth in the White House.  Yes, we have had to deal with it.  And we are tired.  Just sick and tired of it.

Change.  This battle is about change.  It is.  It is not about electability because the three top runners are electable.  No, this argument is change and what kind we want.  After seeing over 18K in Des Moines, over 10K in Cedar Rapids, over 30K in Columbia, SC, what do you think?

People do not go to political rallies for anything.  They go searching and seeking an answer to the question.  And as Oprah Winfrey said, “I am here to tell you, Iowa, he is the one. He is the one!”

Yes. He is.

::

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, as we see the 30K crowd out to hear barack, oprah and michelle, in columbia, sc, things are moving and evolving at break neck speed.  we are in ties or slightly ahead in many of the early state polls, which shows we have the momentum.  people are showing that they want change and barack obama is that change.  as we move into the holiday season, remember the nastiness and sheer jealousy will continue to increase.  rise above it.  keep your eyes on the prize.  focus on obama and not the drama.

::

contact me @ [email protected]

This Week With Barack Obama

I think there may be some dispute between supporters of different candidates about who has the coolest celebrity endorsement, but for my money, the best one so far this campaign season is the endorsement of John Edwards today by Harry Belafonte.

Belafonte, who became famous in the 1950s by popularizing Calypso music from the Caribbean, has been a long time human rights activist. Among other things, he worked with the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He hasn’t stopped working for the betterment of humanity since.

The Life of Harry Belafonte

Belafonte with Sidney Poitier and Charlton Heston at the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington

From wikipedia:

Like Robeson and other African-American entertainers, Belafonte’s success in the arts did not protect him from racial discrimination, particularly in the South of the United States. As a result, he refused to perform in the South of the U.S. from 1954 until 1961. In 1960, President John F. Kennedy named Belafonte as cultural advisor to the Peace Corps. Belafonte was an early supporter of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and one of Martin Luther King’s confidants. He provided for King’s family, since King made only $8,000 a year as a preacher. Like many civil rights activists, he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. He bailed King out of the Birmingham City Jail and raised thousands of dollars to release other imprisoned civil rights protesters. He financed the Freedom Rides, supported voter registration drives, and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963.

In 1968, Belafonte appeared on a Petula Clark primetime television special on NBC. In the middle of a song, Clark smiled and briefly touched Belafonte’s arm, which made the show’s sponsor, Plymouth Motors, nervous. Plymouth wanted to cut out the segment, but Clark, who had ownership of the special, told NBC that the performance would be shown intact or she would not allow the special to be aired at all. American newspapers published articles reporting the controversy and, when the special aired, it grabbed high viewing figures. Clark’s gesture marked the first time in which two people of different races made friendly bodily contact on U.S. television.

And there’s a lot more…

In 1987, he received an appointment to UNICEF as a goodwill ambassador. Following his appointment, Belafonte travelled to Dakar, Senegal, where he served as chairman of the International Symposium of Artists and Intellectuals for African Children. He also helped to raise funds, alongside more than 20 other artists, in the largest concert ever held in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1994 he went on a mission to Rwanda, and launched a media campaign to raise awareness of the needs of Rwandan children. In 2001 he went to South Africa to support the campaign against HIV/AIDS. In 2002, Africare awarded him the Bishop John T. Walker Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award for his efforts to assist Africa. In 2004 Belafonte went to Kenya to stress the importance of educating children in the region.

I’ve been a fan of Belafonte for many years, ever since my mother introduced me to his music when I was probably in junior high school. One year, my sisters and I asked her what she wanted for Christmas, and she told us she wanted a copy of Harry Belafonte’s hit record from the 1950s, “Calypso.” That was the first time I ever heard of him, and this great album quickly became one of my favorites. I got to see him in concert probably least about 20 years ago now, and it was a wonderful concert!

Since I am a fan of Harry Belafonte, I want to share with you a couple of entertaining videos of him that I found on YouTube. I hope you will enjoy these!

Harry Belafonte on the Smothers Brothers Show

Harry Belafonte on the Muppet Show

Harry Belafonte and Nat King Cole

Belafonte’s endorsement of John Edwards today

Here’s what Harry Belafonte had to say about John Edwards when he endorsed him today in South Carolina. (Article and Video here.)

Belafonte is a likable, friendly man: one genuinely concerned with people and the state of this country. He says John Edwards is the only candidate also concerned and compassionate enough to try and deal with it.

“I’ve looked at his platform on education, healthcare, poverty, what young people are going through and I have come to believe he’s the best candidate,” Belafonte said.

He says all the other candidates talk about the plight of the middle class, While only Edwards talks about the poor.

“I also happen to believe that had he not so forcefully and precisely put the issue of poverty into this campaign, I don’t think we’d be talking aobut it as much as we are,” Belafonte said.

Belafonte feels Edwards was sincere when he announced his candidacy in New Orleans, saying it showed a commitment to the people devastated by hurricane Katrina.

“I’ve talked with John Edwards. I’ve looked into heart and his soul,” Belafonte says.

He added that Edwards has the makings of a great president. Belafonte attended a rally with Edwards at the College of Charleston.

Thank you to this great humanitarian, Harry Belafonte, for recognizing and supporting the promise of another great humanitarian, John Edwards.

The above is cross-posted from Daily Kos

(Note: Updated below to fix a mistake about the location.)

As an example of Harry Belafonte’s respect in the activist community, this Sunday in San Francisco, he will be honored by the ACLU of Northern California with the Chief Justice Earl Warren Civil Liberties Award at the organization’s Bill of Rights Day Celebration. I wish I could be there.

Celebrating the Bill of Rights,

Achieving Justice for All!

PROGRAM – 1:30 PM

registration opens at 1 pm

RECEPTION – 3 PM

light refreshments, no-host bar

THE WESTIN ST. FRANCIS

335 POWELL STREET (Union Square), SAN FRANCISCO

wheelchair accessible

JOIN US in Honoring:

Harry Belafonte

Click here for information on tickets.