Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

another report

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

Go Obama? Shouldn't there be more of a directive with that statement?

Craig - Reverse psychology, huh. But what if they know we think they want us to do that so we won't do that thing that they don't want us to do?

I would like The Onion a great deal more if it weren't so darn painful.

I realize that the taxation code needs refinement, and I also am wise enough to realize that I can not possibly know every nuance regarding taxes, either personal or corporate.

I appreciate your post.

Hopefully, a tax plan will be put in place that is fair and encourages a period of growth for our country.

CTV on Obama, Clinton and NAFTA

(This could be BIG trouble for Obama - hope there are some tough attack ads.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAJYMgX4JuU

Hi all.

And to carry the theme of Craig's post further, does anyone think for a MOMENT that the GOP is going to be bashful about beating the horses of Obama's patriotism, upbringing and religious affiliations until they are all way past dead? And then beat them some more. They won't pull punches like Russert did -- the follow up on Tuesday night wasn't splitting the hairs between "denounce" and "reject". It was to ask him about his minister's apparent associations with Farrakhan. But that just got lost in the shuffle.

Based on what's already out there, would it be so far-fetched in a future debate for some journalist to ask this question: "Senator Obama, much has been made of your upbringing in a foreign land, your mother's marriage to two citizens of other countries, your wife's declaration that it has only been recently that she began to feel pride in her country. Given all that, please describe for us when you experienced your own earliest feelings of having love for this country?"

You don't think the party that gave us Willie Horton and SWIFT boat will be afraid to ask that question? And you don't think the electorate that bought Willie Horton and SWIFT boat will be affected by it?

Dream on, folks.

"NAFTA is an incendiary issue in Ohio, where tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs have been destroyed since NAFTA was signed into law. Voters in Ohio and Texas have been deluged with Obama campaign ads suggesting he would revisit the trade pact to negotiate new environment and labor standards.

I am appalled but not surprised by this report, said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger. Working families cannot trust a candidate who telegraphs his real position to a foreign government and then dissembles in a nationally televised debate."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20080228/pl_usnw/obama_telegraphs_pro_nafta_position

I am officially endorsing the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. Oh , and the Detroit Pistons in 2008 as well.

Considering Bush's track record over these last 7years, he is either shameless or oblivious to the effects of his disastrous policies.
He should be the last person to be critical of any democrat candidate.

Vivian...unfortunately the word "should" is not in the GOP dictionary. That would imply a sense of right and wrong, rather than just shameless cynicism.

Bush is shameless and oblivious

Was it Bush's dad who, when he was be shown around a supermarket, marveled at the price scanner?

Does anyone have an opinion on the John Lewis defection to Obama. I'm from a political period when you danced with the one who brung ya and the definition of an honest politician was one who once bought stayed bought.

Apparently, he is facing a tough election against someone hitting him for the Clinton association among other things and we have already heard that the declared Clinton superdelegates of the Black Caucus are getting a lot of pressure to switch to Obama.

Seems like more than a little dirty pool to not let it ride as is until after March 4th.

Ideas?

I give him a pass.

Jamie. I agree on the weirdness of the Lewis deal. It's one thing to go from not endorsing anyone to endorsing someone in midstream. But to actually switch sides? I think it does water down the impact of a Lewis endorsement. What's weird is how the media make such a big deal of the Lewis endorsement now that he's for Obama. Didn't seem to hear much about it when he was in Hillary's camp.

Corey...you might have a winner with the Lakers this year. But the Pistons? They will be the Michigan Delegates of the playoffs.

CC........damn shame, aint it............

Lal

I don't think it is so much where he went as why he went now that is getting the attention. Tradition would hold that you stay with your candidate until they say it's time to leave (kind of an honor among thieves scenario), and like those 26 delegates Edwards still holds until he either endorses someone else or releases them to vote any way they choose. That's just the way the game is supposed to be played.

The question then comes up about why now. Was he being threatened in any way by either the power brokers in his district or the Obama campaign. If so it lends creedence to the lack of deep ethics and manipulation charges against Senator Obama.

If he did it on his own then it is decidedly a demerit against a man for whom I've always had enormouse respect.

File under: ya just never know.

"David Duke Says Obama Is No Worse Than Clinton Or McCain"

http://www.kxmc.com/getArticle.asp?ArticleId=213593

tt

no, it was bush's mom being shown around the Katrina people in the stadium......she thought they probably were better off than usual......such a nice stadium for them to hang out in......

Dog, all other things being equal...I would agree with you. But your scenario assumes we can freeze the playing field of voter attitudes to February 28, 2008.

And we can't, because the first Farrakhan-related attack ad on Obama hasn't run yet. And believe me, it will be created and it will be aired. Hell...I'm just a dumbass sitting at my home computer and I can see that. No WAY at this stage in 2004 could I have predicted that chickenhawk Bush could actually turn Kerry's war record and heroism against him. That was truly an amazing thing to see, and is amazing and still unbelievable to think back on now.

I feel sorry for the position he was in, however, I do not see Stephanie Tubbs-Jones ever doing this.

I guess I am the type that would never forget who left me high and dry when I needed them most, and the stakes could not be any higher

Jamie: I think there is a lot of pressure on AA Clinton supporters and superdelegates. Hillary alluded to it in at the SOTBU and I believe she was sincere when she said that it pains her to know that some of her supporters are being pressured and I think she understands their dilemma (maybe I am being a Pollyanna but I believe her.)

BC can now move his Harlem office to SOHO without thinking twice.

This is the Lewis opposition candidate. The Wiki article has a negative tone, so can't speak for its accuracy other than the church and business associations that seem to be accurate. He is associated through Rainbow push with Jesse Jackson who is supporting Obama

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markel_Hutchins

Jamie...Ally...
Thing about John Lewis...his reputation is secure no matter what he does as a congressman or politician today. He made his bones and then some during Civil Rights. I don't think he's ever really had much power or influence as a legislator (beyond being a symbol), although I will stand corrected if someone else here knows better.
All of which means: I don't think pissing Hillary off will really cost him anything.

Jamie - regarding John Lewis...it's exactly how you see it.

Jessie Jackson Jr. threatened him and others

Some switched...some didn't....Lewis decided to fence sit...then the minister in GA said he was going to challenge him for his seat because he would not withdrawal his endorsement of Clinton (even though he said if it came down to a floor vote, he'd support Obama).

It's dirty politics...you know...the kind Obama says we need to change and he doesn't participate in...that dirty politics.

I think you are right about this Craig..I fear that BHO will get sidelined by the repugs in November. I know my hubby disagrees thinking that the repugs won't have a chance in November...but this is really the calm before the storm. They repugs read your book about the 25 rules. And they know the race for delegates is still very close between the dems. Now that Bloomberg is not a threat and Nader is in to skim a few votes, they repugs are probably relieved. They also know that the closeness of the race for dem delegates will cause a lot of hurt feelings in November...keeping some at home. I think my hubby doesn't understand that repugs will protect their money no matter what and that will drive them to the polls in November. And if the dems are not united...well, I worry about that.

Blonde, and to add one more nuance to your analysis: All of the conditions you cite would make it tricky for ANY Democrat to win, even in this seemingly can't-lose year.

But if the Dems nominate yet another candidate whose yet-to-be-probed negatives will ultimately make him unelectable, no matter how good he makes us all feel in March...

Well, forget i then.

Blonde Wino: I tell my husband daily never to underestimate the power of greed. You are absolutely spot on.

forget *it, I mean

Jamie:

You remember this:

"He said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois had recently asked him "if it comes down to the last day and you're the only superdelegate? ... Do you want to go down in history as the one to prevent a black from winning the White House?

"I told him I'd think about it," Cleaver concluded.

Jackson, an Obama supporter, confirmed the conversation, and said the dilemma may pose a career risk for some black politicians. "Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position" in the future, he added."

Shortly after this the challenge for Lewis' GA seat came up - like maybe a week later.

nice.

Also, it will be interesting to see how Obama performs in a debate against a Republican...when he will actually have to elaborate upon and justify his own positions on issues...rather than just say "I agree with most of what Hillary just said..."

Jamie,
I disagreed with Congressman Lewis switching his support before March 4th ( at the very least ).
Based on his credentials in his district , the threat of a primary challenge was destined to suffer stillbirth.
His switching has aided the media frenzy which is suggesting that TEAM Clinton is falling apart.

Wendy...are you saying Emmanuel Cleaver has switched to Obama too?

No way!!! That simply can't be.

Obama Ad parody - Change and more change

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v80By52jOI&eurl=http://savagepolitics.com/

LL

That's a very good point...

I think you will see independents that were for Hillary switch to McCain. McC is not a far right repug. He has experience that Obama lacks, he does the 4 years (due to age he does not seek re-election), and Hillary runs in 2012

"They also know that the closeness of the race for dem delegates will cause a lot of hurt feelings in November"

Presuming Senator Obama does become the candidate in November (something I haven't yet conceded), this is what will make it very difficult for me to vote for the first time in my life. It isn't so much even anti-Obama, but the almost overwhelming feeling that between what I saw at the caucus and how the media so interfered with the race in so many ways that I'm no longer convinced that we truly have a democracy in this country.

GWB is still GWB...he even flubbed the use his words by first using 'nominee' instead of 'nominaton' in his speech today, but he is twice "elected" and isn't that what it is all about? (And I typo, he talkos)

Geez...anything can happen until November and probably will. When the economy is down and we can have war breakout in Europe, Latin American, Africa, Asia...hmm...it makes me wonder. They will make BHO look very weak on protecting the American public internationally and financially weak Americans will be looking to save their own asses at home ignoring threats. I know where is my BOdacity of hope?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/02/changeup-in-the-maverick-roste.html#comment-43967

I agree Jamie

McCaina...I agree. But what if the Dems go negative on McCain, and run ads about how he couldn't even fly without getting shot down? And about how he spent all that time at a Hilton Hotel in Hanoi while his buddies were dying in the field?

(Just kidding. But to me, that would be the equivalent of SWIFT boat in reverse. So it's honestly not that outrageous)

LL

No he didn't

Sorry - the article was posted before so I didn't want to over do but here is the original article:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gXjToGnNHp5pOXGvB6BawqOoxAswD8UQEK183

He is one of several AA Clinton supporters that said...at that time...he saw no reason to change...and then was threatened.

I still believe the only dem hope is the dream team and we have to stick together. There have been so many fights outside of the early primary voting places in El Paso. BHO is not visiting the area, but several out-of-state supporters are working the area...much to the dismay of local dems (most of whom are HRC supporters). It is really ripping the party in two..just like PaBu suggested. The repugs must be loving this.

Couldn't somebody have mentioned this sort of thing just a bit sooner with Senator Obama's appearances at black churches drawing the attention of the IRS.

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ucc0228.artfeb28,0,6286797.story

For the Obama campaign to take on a Civil Rights hero like John Lewis and threaten his seat in Congress is reprehensible. And that is exactly what happened. Of course John Lewis is proud of what Obama is doing. But for Obama, who carefully distanced himself from activists like John Lewis for years, to threaten him...well, I am sickened. I saw the look on Lewis's face.

I will have something more to say tomorrow, about Ohio state congressman Eugene Miller, whose seat has also been threatened by Obama because of his support of Hillary. Miller, a young black single father who got his GED, then a BA in sociology, before running for his seat, is about to be thrown under the bus. And all that implies, by the way.

OK - wait - I have to say...the very end of that Obama video...priceless

CHANGE

...

it's not always better

ROFLMAO

I think who JMc selects for vice president will be very important..hey, he could pick Joe Liebermann. : )

re...CTV on Obama, Clinton and NAFTA

the talk about scrapping nafta wasnt about canada...it was about mexico...

canada has the same standards--unions--hourly wages--etc. as the u.s....u.s. jobs arent going north...

doesnt surprise me that either candidate might say it doesnt apply to canada......free trade between u.s. and ca has been a boon to a lot of border states

I can't wait to see what happens next Tuesday if Hillary pulls out razor-thin victories in Texas and Ohio. Then the media mantra will be "but it terms of gathering crucial delegates, who wins or loses the state is basically meaningless arithmetic."

Funny. That point wasn't mentioned in all those places that Obama won by close margins. He just won them...and "gathered momentum"

BTW - Jamie - I heard a small clip of that speech that is in question regarding IRS and it really bothered me. I've been looking for a full transcript or full audio so I can see if the entire speech was like that.

It had a very God will run the government tone to it. Was too Bush for me. I'm still incredibly frightened of constitutional amendments that can strip people of their rights...hearing Obama give a speech where he thought God should be the one guiding decision made in government really troubled me. I'm sorry, I just believe that we are too diverse a country to proclaim any one's individual God should be the decision maker for our country. Still believe in separation of church and state.

But...as I said...it was a short clip and taken out of context...but if anyone can find a transcript of that entire speech...I'd really like to see it.

I never thought that I's see Democrats acting like Republicans. Yes they eat their own too.

Good night.

Basically, we're at the point now where Hillary can't win even if she DOES win.

It's Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers, times 10.

Blonde

I don't think McC will be dumb enough to pick Lieberman...won't reconcile him with his base. I believe Bush...Cheney...Rove and the bunch have already decided who McC will pick. I believe he made a deal with them 4 years ago right before he turned John Kerry down to be his running mate. Stick with us kid and we'll set you up nice in 4.

Obama’s Ignorance of Defense

"I suppose it is too much to ask the new Messiah to get his facts right, especially on defense issues. But then again, Barack is soooo special. Check out Barack’s comments posted last October. He proposes three things that, on the surface, seem eminently reasonable–stop spending $9 billion a month in Iraq, cut the missile defense system, and set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, which includes taking “ICBM’s off hair trigger alert.”

Most of this is your normal political boilerplate. Devoid of specifics and unlikely to be implemented. For example, if Obama wants to go into a general election and argue that a missile defense system should be cut, good luck. That plays right into the hands of the Republican message machine that will portrary Democrats as cowards unwilling to protect America."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/

goLieberman.......yes...go away

I'm heading out folks. Nice talking tonight. Will probably resurface on Tuesday, when we have more real data to talk about.
Cheers...

Jamie...

Re: your 6:59 post. I don't think we do have a true democracy at this point. I've believed for some time that we've shifted to an oligarchy...and that the media are part of the elite that now determine how we are governed.

I agree Wendy...it was a tease about countering Louis Farrakhan. But, the choice will be interesting

Also, I feel so much of the conversation about NAFTA is just window dressing. We are in the middle of global mass consumerism, no putting that back.. There was an editorial in the WSJ this week (I have already recycled my papers a la Sally in Business Time) trashing BHO's policy for US companies doing business overseas...limiting tax breaks based on their union records, etc. I wish I had a link, but I cannot find. (it was this past week). Really trashed his policy.

And I love how Bush "lied" about the recession today...right out of Craig's book! Sort of scary to me to see how well these lies actually work.

have to say the dust up about the NAFTA issue looks so much nicer on a Union Web Site.

http://www.goiam.org/content.cfm?cID=12515

So is it true that it was Drudge who leaked the news that Price Harry has been on the front lines in Afghanistan for ten months? That the Brits have been keeping it a secret because of the peril it would bring to Harry and his fellow soldiers?

gordo i really cant stand what amounts to spamming in your posts....if i had a vote it would be for hillary......but these constant Obama slams are getting old fast

A recession cant be determined until after we are in it. The data isn't available until I think 3 months out. This is what the economists say on CNBC, and the Motly Fool was talking about it today on NPR.

I am stuck in Attack-Mode.

Where's all this evidence that JL was being threatened by anyone, especially Obama. Sure, someone stepped up to run against him, but that's standard political practice if you feel unrepresented. It's like telling a pol you are not going to vote for them next time. Is that a threat? Wow, you guys are getting in the weeds with certain other tin hat wearers around here.

btw Jamie, I read he made those speech arrangements a year in advance. i'll find the info if you doubt it.

McCaina

I know the definition of a recession..most of the time we are in one before the definition catches-up to us. This may be even bigger than a recession and economist may have to give it a new name and definition. I personally felt the change in the economy last August...I have noticed it at the grocery store shortly after that. I have personally circled my own financial wagons. I traded in my gas hog for a gas miser. I lost a phone line, cable service...opted for cheaper plans, etc. I can feel it coming -- this financial crisis. Stagflation, deflation and inflation like one big gas bubble in the economic gut of the country.

"Where's all this evidence that JL was being threatened by anyone, especially Obama. Sure, someone stepped up to run against him, but that's standard political practice if you feel unrepresented. It's like telling a pol you are not going to vote for them next time. Is that a threat?"

It's been reported all over the country, Rez. Including death threats to Tavis Smiley and his family. That's not tin hat stuff -- it's the sorry truth.

You're saying JL or others switched due to death threats?

I did not know TS was a SD??

Hey Craig,

When was the last time you were on Countdown?

Blonde - I guess I did not follow what your post was about referring to Bush lying and a recession.

Rezdog -----------------------------

".. .. Cleaver notes that some members of Congress who support Clinton are experiencing threats — not from fellow members but when they return home.

They have been told that they would face opposition in their next election if they do not support Obama, and Cleaver says some — such as John Lewis — have become the victims of "robo-calls." In Lewis' case, the calls said "very, very derogatory things about him."

Cleaver, too, has experienced some troubles.

"I had a person in my district send out a newsletter, for which I know he didn't pay, distributed primarily in the African-American community, in which he suggested that I had been paid by Sen. Clinton to support her. I don't know if there's anyone who [is African American] who hasn't taken some grief for supporting Sen. Clinton." .. ...

http://www.taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=27027

Wes Clark will be in Texas this weekend (starting tomorrow) campaigning for Hillary. If anyone is interested in the schedule, here is a link:

http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/13606

The actions of threatening by any AA towards another AA -SD is horrible. How can anyone support that type of behavior. Does Barack Obama support it ? Has BO denounced it - or rejected it? Or does BO encourage it ? What kind of integrity does Barack Obama have?

I don't believe it. A poll in Texas has Hillary in the lead. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/docs/InsiderAdvantage_MajorityOpinionTXDemPrimaryPoll-2-28-2008.html Now if you were here and saw these numbers would you quit in advance of March 4th.

McCaina

Bush knows the economy is in trouble and he claims we are not in a recession... when he was asked about a gallon of gas being $4.00, he was shocked (this is an oil man talking). I know the classic definition of recession keeps Bush from saying we are in a recession, however, in Craig's book, The Politics of Life," I think it is Rule 8 for a successful leader to be able to "lie" -- "never keep your word if circumstances change." Bush has been a classic in lying to the American people in order to control us. Bush is a very successful manipulator. We can think he is an idiot, but a very successful idiot. And he used this press conference to promote BHO, just like Craig's post states.

Well I think by the stimulus package, even though I personally think there were better ways, Bush has, by actions admitted there are economic problems.

I did not see the speech.

He lies they all lie.

As for integrity... David Axelrod has none.

He's Rove all over again.

CNN is calling the press conference attacks on BHO a gift from the White House to BHO.

For all of her delegates, this sure makes HRC seem as ineffective as Huckabee. HRC is polling better than BHO on the economy. But, there is a reason the repugs want to fight BHO instead of HRC. Too bad they have to influence the dem nominaton...now why is that?

Here is more info on that poll. http://southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_228_247.aspx

Thanks for the polls - hopefully it is a trend

Has MSNBC or CNN picked up on these numbers yet?

Rezdog -----------------------------

Jesse Jackson Jr. Threatens Colleagues as Pandemonium Breaks Out Over Lewis

"...takes it a step further and floats a nakedly offensive suggestion to his African American colleagues. He takes his racist Katrina insult to the point of an out and out threat leveled at African American lawmakers currently supporting Hillary Clinton.

However, they don't stop there. Vote for Barack Obama, or you just might "find some young primary challenger" stepping in to take your job. It's hard to know where to start, but considering Jesse Jackson Jr. has done this sort of race baiting before for the Obama campaign, I cannot say that I'm surprised. There is, however, something so offensive about his threat that it smacks of the same type of hierarchical control African Americans, especially John Lewis, have always fought against, only this time it's a black man in the position of power telling people how they must use their vote or else.

This will make the average voter recoil. The damage it can do to Obama's candidacy is unquestioned, especially looking into the general election. "

http://www.taylormarsh.com/archives_view.php?id=27023

I am headed to a party...a juicing party...not steroids! One of those multi-level marketing thingies...I am getting solicited a lot more these days by network marketing (not that there is anything wrong with that!!). It is just another sign the economy is really getting worse.

It is fun to be back online after getting rid of my hijacker. I tried scrubbing, deleting, cursing, etc....finally outwitted the unwelcome traveller by doing a system restore from the day before my hijacking...duh. It is tough being a blonde wino sometimes.

"

You're saying JL or others switched due to death threats?

I did not know TS was a SD??"

Rez....are you being purposefully obtuse?

Even FOX has a new line: With New Fundraising Numbers, Hillary Defies Political Obituaries

Hillary Clinton’s down, but she’s not out.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/02/28/with-new-fundraising-numbers-hillary-defies-political-obituaries/

Gordo -- DO NOT answer for me. Not ever. I can answer for myself without your help. I put you in the same category as an Obamapod.

Patsi -------------------------

Too much info?

Yeah right Patsi..I forgot you are the only one with any intelligence around here. Excuse me. Please let us simple minded folk enjoy ourselves occasionally.

I'm sure both men have received deaths threats over the course of their lives in the conduct of their activities.
But I hardly believe JL switched his position with respect to HRC/BO due to one. And I'm sure TS is not a SD. However my reading of your first reply was that JL changed his mind due to a death threat. And obviously he didn't.. I don'r give a hoot about TS.to be honest.

I

My favorite Bush quote from this month - "If you vote for the Democrats you're going to lose all of this prosperity that you've been enjoying." Does he live in some alternate universe?

"However my reading of your first reply was that JL changed his mind due to a death threat."

Then maybe you should have read it twice. Because I clearly said it was a threat to his re-election. And I don't care whether you give a damn about Tavis....he has been an effective voice. And he got kicked in the teeth for it.

Rezdog: Jackson was calling SEVERAL AA superDs including Lewis:

"Jackson, an Obama supporter, confirmed the conversation, and said the dilemma may pose a career risk for some black politicians. "Many of these guys have offered their support to Mrs. Clinton, but Obama has won their districts. So you wake up without the carpet under your feet. You might find some young primary challenger placing you in a difficult position" in the future, he added.'"

As I said...about a week later Lewis' competition surfaced.

Note that they are quoting Jackson in the above paragraph...you can scroll up if you want the link to the article.

Wendy i actually recall seeing a Jesse Jr. interview where he framed the question in terms of the "last person last vote to determine nominee" . I don't equate that with a death threat. i have called and written my Congressperson(s) on several occasions and related to them that i would not vote for them and encourage others to vote against them if that did not vote my position. BFD.

"Shows Shift in Momentum Towards Clinton in Texas Democratic Primary Race"

Something is sticking...

hehehe

Did you notice in that poll she's winning in all categories except for 18-29s and Black voters....oh and Independents but that's the largest undecided group left so there is a chance to pick up some votes there.

hehehe again.

Aren't most of the Independents in the 18-35 range?

"Then maybe you should have read it twice. Because I clearly said it was a threat to his re-election. "
That's BS and so is this conversation.

BTW Rezdog - I don't believe JL changed his support due to a death threat...he changed it due to a political threat by JJjr and others.

You say that kind of stuff happens all the time. I don't disagree and don't think we should be surprised.

However...Obama says he's different and doesn't resort to those kinds of tactics...he says we need a change...a new kind of politics...this tells me he's lying...like he lied to Ohioans about NAFTA. I'm just saying he IS the same old politics.

Rez -- you are flatly a liar. Here was my John Lewis post:

For the Obama campaign to take on a Civil Rights hero like John Lewis and threaten his seat in Congress is reprehensible. And that is exactly what happened. Of course John Lewis is proud of what Obama is doing. But for Obama, who carefully distanced himself from activists like John Lewis for years, to threaten him...well, I am sickened. I saw the look on Lewis's face.

I will have something more to say tomorrow, about Ohio state congressman Eugene Miller, whose seat has also been threatened by Obama because of his support of Hillary. Miller, a young black single father who got his GED, then a BA in sociology, before running for his seat, is about to be thrown under the bus. And all that implies, by the way.

OK what gets me about that Southern Political Report article is about their careful language...don't want to be too exuberant as to really give Hillary momentum:

"InsiderAdvantage’s latest survey in Texas shows a shift, at least temporarily, in momentum in the Democratic race for president."

and

"For now, I think it’s at least fair to say that has turned momentum, to some degree, back in her direction.”

man...if they were talking about Obama...they would be saving themselves all kinds of commas as they would surely omit all those qualifiers.

ROFL

OMG

Abrams is GREAT today

Craig is of course TERRIFIC!

BTW - Obama was a very bad bad boy according to Abrams...lots O' blunders.

Patsi, I agree with you completely.

Rep Lewis, to my eyes, was under duress and clearly in agony over the distress his decision was causing the Clintons; distress much less than what he appeared to be experiencing himself.

Clearly, this was not something he was doing willingly.

Rez...let's hear your response.

Is the media starting to shift a little here?

I have been saying for days now watch out for Hannity and crew, while now there loaded up and firing away.

I've read many conservative blogs and some would love to nail Clinton regardless of whether Obama is a stronger force against McCain. Drop by Free Republic sometime. Actually, about as many conservative think Obama IS more dangerous and support Clinton despite their dislike of her. This is because they know she will be more bipartisan and likely stronger on national defense. This runs counter to conventional wisdom as Obama is trying to convince everyone he has a better chance to sway the middle. Crazy eh? Rush and others have also said they prefer Hillary to McCain, but have never said that about Obama. McCain might be attacking Obama because he wants to face him, as he knows Hillary is the tougher opponent. Just my humble opinion.

Overall, perhaps a slight majority of Republicans hate Clinton more than the knowledge they have of Obama's more liberal creed and the danger to their national security values. This seems to be changing as they know more about Obama, not less. Well, Republicans should have thought about national security long ago when they were screwing it up. Had they been more competent thay might be boasting instead of being defensive. Then Obama would not be in the running. Iraq has been Obama's primary stake on Hillary.

I think Craig underestimates the addictive nature of Republican's hatred of the Clintons. Their attack is not about helping Clinton, Frankly, they are astonished the Democratic didn't rally around Clinton months ago under the combined attack of media and Republicans and moonbats. Well, NH was a bit of this. But the Republicans weren't bashing her yet. As soon as they smelled weakness they tried to finish Hillary off out of contempt more than looking at Obama. At this point THEY think so many Democrats have sipped the Kool Aid, it doesn't matter who they attack.

On the other hand, there are stiill enough moderate Democrats in Ohio, Texas and Penn to pull it out for Hillary. Note the nature of Hillary attacks -almost all personal which Democrats ought to defend. The attacks on Obama are about legitimate concerns they hope will be important to Independents. Perhaps this reveals their thinking and not trying to help him, though as I said, McCain might consider him the lesser danger. This is his thinking from the head. Not sure it will work out..

Wow - I hadn't seen the Lewis video...brought tears to my eyes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EycmUFRTou0

You know something is wrong when the man says changing from Clinton to Obama was harder than leading the march across the bridge in Selma...

I'd say shame on you BO but that's become a joke and I don't think this is funny. Very sad.

:-(

Rezdog

Marian Wright Edelman came out and said she had been threatened, but that she would not be swayed from her support of Senator Clinton. More and more of these stories are emerging. It could very well be lower level campaign workers or people in their district, whatever. The major point is that Senator Obama has not said "Stop It"

Those are very convenient ethics.

I don't believe he said that. He had a chance to rethink what he said but he didn't.

Bad example he used, I believe him when he said it was a hard decision. But there is a lot more behind this decision and the timing of it.

Patsi,

On the Prince Harry story. The British press kept it secret for almost three months and then some minor Australian paper published it, but it didn't get picked up until Drudge put it on his front page and Drudge was the one who got blasted for it. He knew it was supposed to be secret but he opted for once in print fair game rather than keeping his mouth shut and letting the info disappear.

Patsi-
My last remarks about this.

You did say JL was being threatened with opponents. and others chimed in about Obama camp threatening others.

I came along and asked for "evidence" about who was threatening who, adding that it is normal politics to put up opposition candidates in these instances.

In reply you came back with some remarks about JL, further adding (first mention) that TS was getting death threats.

I understood (my reading) you to mean that JL was getting them too and I was questioning that Which you implied I was being smartalek or purposely "Obtuse".

Rest is history.

Well, Rez, thank you for your apology.

Rez

Here's one of the interviews.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19096400

More people the tax payer is supporting who aren't in the unemployment numbers

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ipF-Lz4nGCFYTeGsR30hQPYopFhgD8V3HSMO2

CRAIG, I really appreciate your view on Abrams. You said it all...Obama flatters everyone then behind your back ,he CHANGES.

Of course he is about change..HE CONSTANTLY CHANGES..This will make it easy for him to say in the long run..WELL AMERICANS I TOLD YOU ALL I WAS ABOUT CHANGE...but it will be to late for the ones who vote for him to CHANGE their VOTE!!

I also have received mailings from him in OHIO. I find it very confusing there is a picture of him and his father and then in print it states" It was from his parents that he learned the value of hard work and commitment..."So I really wonder where his commitment to his Mother is..no picture of her. WHY?
This really sent another message to me about how he must view WOMEN...My son would never leave me out of his spot light and would give me equal value as his father. This may seem silly but if you are a mother you will understand.
Its about character.

Jamie-
In the ongoing banter about this topic, I've indicated that telling a rep that an opponent is likely to emerge is practical politics. I don't consider that a threat anymore than me calling my congressperson with a request. If someone is making death threats, that's a different game. I bet most members of the CBC and many outspoken talk radio hosts have gotten hate mail and threats over the course of their careers.
Frankly, I don't see any wrongdoing with cornering JL or E Miller about switching their vote and to "not be surprised if an opponent with the opposite position pops up" . That's what I would call hardball politics. I'm sure JL has done a little arm twisting in his day.

You guys are SO clueless when it comes to black politics. The members of the Congressional Black Caucus are as divided as the rest of the Democratic Party. However, when they decided to back Hillary Cllinton, they made that decision thinking that they had enough clout and sway to bring their voters over to her column. However, the African American electorate is very different than what it used to be.

This is the post Civil Right generation. We're the ones who got up at the crack of dawn to go to integrated schools, live in integrated neighborhoods, while still maintaining our cultural connections. We don't walk lockstep with black leadership because we've been taught to QUESTION leadership. Also, 25 million of the 39 million African Americans in this country are 40 or younger. These African Americans understand politics, understand their own interests, and are HYPER aware of white liberal Democratic politicians promising the sky and delivering asphalt.

So when black CBC members decided to back Clinton, they showed that they were out of touch with their own constituents. With an average of eight out of ten African Americans voting for Obama, suddenly these CBC members saw their own futures in jeopardy. I don't buy all of these death threat claims. I DO buy the notion that for the first time in a LONG time, many of these representatives were challenged, and many like Stephanie Tubbs Jones, weren't used to it. These people suddenly had to stand up and be accountable to their community and state why they were going against their voters.

What you're seeing is a classic case of a generation outlasting their stay. Stale ideas. Not addressing many issues of interest to younger African American voters, like schools and the environment. And now, they're going to be challenged by younger black politicians.

BTW, you guys also fail to understand how pissed Clinton made younger African Americans. There's always been more hype about Clinton's connection to black people than the actual connection felt by the black community. He was always viewed favorably in CONTRAST to other presidents. He would do things like learn the lyrics of the Negro National Anthem, or have the right tone when talking to black people about issues. But when it came to actual policy, there's still a bunch of resentment in the community over a number of issues: Welfare reform, his tepid support of Affirmative Action, the absolutely useless Racial Commission that failed to deal with the effects of slavery, the "non apology" apology for slavery, his complete ignoring of Rwanda versus US action in the former Yugoslavia, Sister Souljah, etc.

But he really did believe, and a lot of the CBC members cozy with him let him believe, that he really was the first black president. But when the black electorate didn't think so, he threw a fit. One of the least reported on interviews that codified the black vote against Clinton was an interview he did on The Tom Joyner Show, which is the most popular syndicated radio show in this country. It was so "how dare you not do what I say" to the black community, that for weeks, listeners bombarded Tom Joyner (and Tavis Smiley who comments on the show) with protests.

Today, the John Lewis of the world understand that their world has turned upside down. Suddenly, being loyal to the King and Queen is less politically expedient than joining the rebels. Barack and his generation of African Americans are the rebels. The CBC members who back Clinton are free to do so, but they know that every political decision has a political cost and benefit. John Lewis figured his out faster than most.

Rezdog wrote: "That's what I would call hardball politics."

totally agree with you...just that Obama said he was...different...so now we can take he's for change and a new kind of politics off the table as a criteria for voting for him.

Phew...I'm glad now we can all go back to supporting the candidate that is the most qualified and has a detailed plan for moving the country forward ... Hillary ... because if we don't get "change" with Barack...then what do we get?

Also...Tan...did you really get a mailer from Obama that only has his father on there? Didn't his father leave when he was 2? Wasn't he raised by his mother? That's interesting. Would love to see the Ohio mailer.

Tan

On the brochure is it a picture of his Kenyan father or his stepfather? Given that his Kenyan father deserted the family when he was two and he only saw him once after that, learning from his "parents" would indicate one phillipino and the other the Kansas mother. If it is his real father, that would seem to me to be trying to indicate a false impression.

"For the first time in U.S. history, more than one of every 100 adults is in jail or prison, according to a new report documenting America's rank as the world's No. 1 incarcerator."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/28/AR2008022801704.html?hpid=topnews

Wow, i'll sleep so much better tonite!

Oh I forgot:

Wendy- You're free to go your own way ;-)

Rezdog,

Does it concern you that many of those prisoners are mentally ill and that prison has become the substitute for hospitals and treatment centers?

Jamie,
You reminded me of something.

The proper name is:

Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.

Everyone forgets and leaves off the "Jr."

Yes Jamie, and it disturbs me more that the races are disproportionally incarcerated too. What up with that ?
DW worked inside for five years.

Alpha

The point I am trying to make (the others can speak for themselves) is that it doesn't matter who is doing the pressuring (though I always find Jesse Jackson suspect in anything), it would be in Senator Obama's best interest to publicly say that threats (the real thing not just political opposition) of any kind were deplorable. He touts his Christianity (as does Senator Clinton - I want to make this two sided). To me that means a certain kind of ethics. There is always room for healthy self interest, but when it comes at the expense of the welfare and security of others, you should probably say STOP

Even if the threats never happened. I would think more of him as a person if he denounced that type of activity.

Night night all. HOpe the evening shift has a good time.

Jamie,

I think this whole "denouncing" game is just that. A game. Perhaps each candidate should sign a statement denouncing all bad behavior and call it a day. None of these candidates are responsible for nutcases. Obama has to have extra security because of the very real death threats he's received. Should Hillary have to denounce this? No, it's not her responsibility. Don't confuse ethics with responsibility.

I have some advice for Senator Obama..You need to quiet down the portion of your base who are enveloped in anger. They will destroy any chance of your winning in November if you are the nominee.

And conservative talk radio is a bastion of peace and love. Uh...thanks for the advice.

Somebody needs to check their insurance policy to see if anger management is covered..

Some facts that support my earlier claim of Republican strategy to sink Hillary. The attacks now on Obama are more the start of going after who they really wanted to face.

http://slate.com/blogs/blogs/trailhead/archive/2008/02/28/a-number-you-probably-haven-t-seen.aspx

It's what media and most Obama supporters don't want to hear.

New Thread

Craig, you're an oasis in the middle of this Obama desert - kudos for your objectivity!

By saying that the economy is fine, it obvious that Bush and McCain are disconnected from the daily realities of the American people. They are more connected to the realities of the lobbyists, special interests and the war profiteers.

Obama, despite being ahead among pledged delegates, has fewer total votes among people who identify themselves as Democrats. Obama has 7,392,809 votes; Clinton has 8,229,063. That gives Clinton a lead with 52 percent of Democrats.

Even if Obama leads in the popular vote and among pledged delegates, it might disturb party gray beards to learn that the nominee has essentially been chosen by outsiders.

Also the radical groups that support Obama are alarming. Those like the weather underground and islamic muslim groups and the biggest one of all Louis Farrakan. I bet if Hillary had these kind of supporters it would be on all cable channels non stop.

What has Obama done in his political career? Who has it helped? Look who he is indebted to now. Can Obama really bring the change he is promising? He is promising the moon. Judgement is his one big slogan. He wrote a speech. He was not accountable for a vote. So he gets to have bragging rights to a speech against the war but has not voted against the war since his vote counts now?

I believe that sexism is alive and well in America. Little white men so scared that a woman could get into the Good Ole Boys Club and do a better job than them that they are pushing this media bias beyond anything we have ever seen.

It is a sad to see that people are so easily led when there is a wealth of information out there if they just took the time to look. Journalism has become tabloid news and soundbites. Still in our politics it's he who has the money wins.