Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

I think McCain should keep the same rhetoric. It clinches a Dem win. Poor old man.

by the way, Craig, when you said "trotting out" didn't you mean "tottering out"? just wondering

Well I just finally scanned the news... It's looking more and more like the race is Obama's to lose. I am very tired so can't really articulate much here yet, but like most of the Hillary supporters I am very undecided what to do if she doesn't get the nomination. Of course I am only one person, so who cares?

Cheers,

ET

"Feel free to holler at me if you need to."

ROFL, Julia.....so you two got Warren started.....it sounded like something he'd come up with. Warren, I stand corrected.

It was a decisive win. And props to Obama's team for getting out that young vote.

As far as McCain's campaigning, I think he'll end up just letting the 527s orchestrated by Rove do the job. Not to mention the security alerts and terror threats we'll have starting in August, no matter who the candidate is.

EXTRA....EXTRA....READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!!

Obama talks on water!!!!

I posted this on the last blog. I don't know if it's appropriate but I've been reading three different topic blogs here and I need to say this.
***************************************************************************************

Now now TT, it's time to start putting our differences behind and start lining up behind our party nominee (who is winning it fairly and squarely) and hopefully the next president of the US, Barack H. Obama.

Posted by: Brian In NYC | February 20, 2008 2:43 AM

Brian, with all due respect, as I read here it seems you are delighting in taunting Clinton supporters and making snide comments. That's ok, because that's how you are in this blog, but isn't it disingenuous to then call on people to "start putting our differences behind...?" I don't know if you really understand just how nasty you come across. You have all the makings of a chat room "bully", attacking people for their beliefs, calling them all sorts of not nice names, and thinking it is all very clever. Again with all due respect, I don't this it is clever, I don't think it is nice, and I most certainly don't think a lack of civility is the best route to encourage people to "start putting our differences behind." And who knows? Perhaps in person you are an awesomely nice person and what is perceived (received?) as animosity and personal insulting, is simply a misunderstanding of your real tone.

That's all I want to say. I don't want to put you down. I don't want us to go back and forth again because it is a waste of time. Perhaps we will all forgive and forget our differences, but being nice to each other would be a great way to begin that process.

And I don't think the nomination is wrapped up, though I am more and more certain that it's going to go Obama's way.

ET

P.S`. If you want to flame me go ahead... It wouldn't be the first time. :-)

Posted by: EuroTom | February 20, 2008 6:55 AM

Bear

Thanks for all the Lauryn Hill clips, from last night!!(I go to bed too early...I miss all the fun).

Speaking of clips, here is one by Cher that really spoke to me when I was a troubled teen, and a troubled teen I was! :-) It's the song that really made me a fan from an album in 1975 called STARS. It was not "cool" to like her then, but I thought she was awesome and I couldn't believe how much shit she took from the public because she chose to divorce Sonny. Anyway, this song was written by Jimmy Webb: JUST THIS ONE TIME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy4yNCfkmWs

P.S. Can we make this relevant to the current campaigns? Maybe it describes Hillary's battles to reach more people who believe in what she says and hopes to do for the American people :-)

Craig
Interesting theory....
Two questions or points

To use the words experienced is one thing but to actually have experience is different. If you line up the three, McCain by far leads the way in experience, fact is Hillary is closer to Obama in actual experience if you measure time as an office holder. And not count the time she was in the kitchen.

How the American people will view the difference. Since Hillary is not much different then Obama’s experience her words are empty – among other reasons she is not in control. McCain’s words have backing and he is consistent.

I should have said. Hillary is closer to Obama with LACK of Experience,

My "word of the day"...

BARACKTALK
--making campaign promises out the wazoo 8D

Is that BAR - Rack Mountain?

Mika and Scarborough are unusually quiet this morning. I was expecting a total "gloat-fest" from them.

They seem a bit nervous. Maybe they think HRC has nothing to lose and now she is going to get all ugly on BHO.

EuroTom, What part over the pond are you

Until last night, Jim was 100% sure he was voting for Hillary. 8)

Last night, after watching Obama's speech he said, "I don't know, hon...he talks a good game...".

OK, so now two things have to happen, in our home...
1) I need to suspend his TV privileges!!

2) I need to use my "wifely powers" to lure him back to the dark-side and make sure he stays here, in "Hillaryville", with me. 8)

Please WATCH this clip:

Chris Matthews Humiliates Obama Supporter State Senator Kirk Watson

"What has Senator Barack Obama accomplished in the Senate?

Can you name any, can you name anything he's accomplished as a congressman?

"Nah, I'm not going to be able to do that. ... " adds Watson, stuttering. "

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

GORDO...they just showed that clip on MSNBC!!

Oh Lordy...it didn't take Chris and Joe too long to start to turn on BHO.

GORDO
Thanks for the link...
Wow, problem is Matthews was taking on just a poor little texas boy... You know them boys from texas aint so great with their words

BHO has seen nothing yet. Wait until the Reps start pounding on him. His wife's statement the other day will be brought up over and over again. He's going to be getting it from them and since Hillary now has nothing to lose she is going to go after him too. Chris finally started to ask BHO's supporters tougher questions the other day, so maybe the media is turning on him too. No more free ride now that your down the home stretch.

Oh sure.....when I'm home , all you people do is fight. When I'm at work , you talk about lesbian tendencies and sex! Thanks a lot , people!

good morning gang....
well.... it looks like the Democratic nominee will be Obama....
I will support and vote for him.... hell..... this year I would have voted for Nash's can of tuna if it had a D on it's back.....

Craig.... you must have been tired when you wrote that TM.... of course you know that comparing the parties nomination process for their respective candidates with the general election is comparing apple to oranges.....

I want Obama to win.... and bring in many more Democratic Congressmen and Senators with him....... but I have no illusion that it will be a cake walk....

This is old(no pun intended), but funny...

http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/index/php/20080206.phtml

pssst..Corey.. we wait till you go to work :)

I think it's time Obama started talking about voting dem all the way down the line.. it doesnt do any good to have a Dem president and then have both houses go Rep... this has got to be a systematic change...

LushisLinda, did you feel that feel that our votes last week meant very little and that Texas, Ohio, and PA meant everything.

There's a difference between Dem. primary voters, and more mature general election voters. Dems don't care about qualifications. But general election voters do!

Why else would the most qualified Dems (Richardson, Biden, Dodd) be eliminated early, whereas the least qualified (Urkel, err, Obama) is their nominee?

Chuck(I hear angels singing)Todd, just made the exact same point Jim did this morning...

...in '92, BJC was the "new kid on the block"...no one had any hope that he could be elected...he admitted to drug use...he was young...had no experience, blah, blah, blah...

Jim reminded me how excited we both were to vote for BJC!!

Then he asked me if I thought we were just getting old!!!

My answer...YES WE ARE..YES WE ARE!!!

ROTFLMAO!!

I was excited after the rally but now I feel we have been dumped. I feel the same thing about the people in WI.

RebRenee,
So you are so jaded (and not saying it is wrong) with the job of the defeated 2006 majority in the congress and bush - that you would auto disregard the facts and issues with the general election?

I would say that is a scary situation to blind vote against something that is not understood

vadaryl...how are you??

No, I don't feel that way. I am glad we took the time to go to the HRC rally and to cast a vote for her!!!

cheer up...it's not over!! 8)

I am doing ok, a little down, glad we went and it was nice meeting you, I just feel her speeches after the primaries left me cold

ohhhhhhhh, vadaryl...don't be sad!! 8(

Everything will turn out as it is meant to be...

Think positive thoughts about Hillary!!!

It was great meeting you, Iris and Hilary too!! I know that Iris took lots of incredible pics, but you have to send me your email addy...I have one pic of you that is hilarious!!

lushislinda52 at yahoo dot com

If anyone has posted this - I apologize in advance.

But this one might be funnier than the Wilhelm video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU08cYX-7y4

Coming from Chris Matthews should hearten Obama supporters that he considers him the nominee. Coming from Chris Matthews should also worry them that he's starting to turn on him.

Guess a chill didn't go up his leg during last nights speech.

Obama gives opponents plenty of ammunition
by Gene Lyons

"So far, Obama’s strategy of playing upon the Washington media clique’s loathing for everything Clinton has succeeded. To the extent that Hillary Clinton is polarizing, however, it’s due to 16 years of deliberate character assassination, accusing her of everything, including drug smuggling and murder. The basic GOP method is to portray Democrats as fraudulent elitists who “Blame America First” and seek power by encouraging minorities to see themselves as victims. (The real victims, of course, being Rush Limbaugh listeners. ) Obama, alas, has given them plenty to work with. If he wins the nomination, will voters still recognize him come November ?"

http://www.nwanews.com/story.php?paper=adg§ion=Editorial&storyid=217354

Wendy,

Gotta say, Chris Matthew will always turn on a candidate. He an equal oppotunity player of Political Hardball.

That said, I really hope he finds the weak spots now, so that the very sharp Obama camp can correct course.

Like he said last night in the speech, "I know
I have imperfections".

Julia - as to your post from the last thread:

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/02/obama-takes-wisconsin-by-storm.html#comment-38200

That is what has been bothering me - among other things...but the hypocrisy as well.

Sheila re: Matthews - I know he's a total jerk - but at least now I can sit back and laugh a little bit about it since I don't have to take any of this all too seriously anymore.

Still hoping for a Hillary comeback but like I said yesterday...I'm a realist and know that maybe difficult.

Brian, in elected politics it's lousy form to gloat; people never forget.

Well, the State newspaper in Columbia must really think it's over; Obama's victory didn't even make it above the fold.

ET - your 6:55 post from last thread:

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/02/obama-takes-wisconsin-by-storm.html#comment-38235

Well said.

I know Wendy...really I do.

But if i can speak in my eternal hopeful personality speak,

The first phase is almost over. So I would like to congratulate all of us for over coming a lot of bitterness between US.

And that including our Hillary people. Because we really know who is really going to win in November. We are!

Very tired here and still in shock that Clinton wasn't closer. She has now allowed Obama to pull out ahead.

But Clinton is right. It's not over till its over. The Clinton's have something in the works and we just have to wait to see.

The Obama camp has to work very hard in 3 states now. He has to pull out enough to stop this. She only has to tie in order to keep going to the convention.

WHY is she sure the Superdelegates will circle the wagons and help her above Obama?

I'd love to know

So take heart. I am still for Obama, but I am a realist and the "Horserace" has always held a total facination for me!

Ditto on the "well said" for EuroToms post

Wendy: In regard to video posted at 8:18 AM

OK...yet another guy they can't send out to do press! Loved loved loved it. Thanks for cheering my up this morning! You rock!

Flatus,

Good Morning!

I am not defending Brian. He's a big boy.

I just want to introduce you to our resident Rude boys and or "BLUNT" sometimes too much for themselves.

One is far left and his name is Brian. The other is far right and HIS name is FRYDADDY.

Right now FRY feels its best to slame the Obama's so he is in good with the majority here. Brian of cours is for Obama.

The moment we get a candidate, FRY will turn and then delight in nigglin US and getting us hot under the collar.

Brian does the same thing but only in far left terms.

I believe both keep this BLOG alive with posting when it gets dull around here.

That said, I say go ahead the correct Brian for being a twerp! Just letting you know some of the more interesting carrectors here.

I actually just checked the delegates and it appears to be only a net of about 9 delegates for BO last night - looks bad on paper but wasn't that bad.

It was a quick glance...

Keepin' hope alive. There is a debate tomorrow.

Sheila I'm not sure how pulled together we'll be. I don't plan on doing any campaigning for Obama should things continue to move in his direction- I have nothing good to say about him - I'll leave that to the Obama supporters like David Wilhelm and Senator Watson - they're doing a very good job promoting their candidate and his ideas - they don't need my help.

It will be interesting to see how the military men and women and their families vote.

I think we will begin to see more press coverage of our military , which in turn will bring the war and the military readiness issues back in front of the jobless and uninsured.

Wendy: Go watch the whole thing at this link. It's even funnier because there are people laughing in the background of MSNBC. Day late and a dollar short but funny nonetheless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFXxQJWkH3k

From GORDO's 8:18 post...

"An Edwards aide commented dryly, “Next thing you know, he’ll be rooting for the Tar Heels.” "
--that's funny

the bamboozled comments
--of course Spike Lee has endorsed BHO

the Malcolm X comments
--scary

There goes Sheila the Nun again! LOL! :)

Wasn't it GWsr who looked at his watch during a debate?

Anything can happen, I hope the upcoming debate isn't another "love in"

typo GBsr

lushislinda - I just sent you some pictures

ha ha ...dang i need some coffee

Bush sr....

Jamie - interesting about the democratic primary up there in Washington.

Wendy – Was on the phone with one of my girlfriends on Bainbridge Island, WA yesterday (where I lived before I moved to Iowa) and asked her if she had turned in her primary ballot. She said, "No, why would I?" I told her to get her butt in gear and go drop it off at her polling place (she is an HRC supporter.) I find the results very interesting as well!

oh...OK..thanks vadaryl!!! Lemme go check 'em out!!

From Washington Monthly, report by "Devil Dog", a caucus goer in Hawaii:

Just got back from the Democratic caucus at Manoa Elementary school, about a mile from the where Obama went to high school (Punahou School). Usually, there are about 100 or so people at a caucus. Tonight, there were thousands. People stood in line for hours to register as Democrats so they could vote. None of the old timers who were there could recall anything like it, not even close.

I'm told the same scene was repeated all over the state. I can't imagine a bigger indicator of dissatisfaction with the current political lanscape and the desire for dramatic change.

At Obama headquarters, calls were coming in from people identifying themselves as Republicans asking if anyone could register as a Democrat and vote in the caucus.

I don't think how the press feels about Obama is going to matter all that much at this point. A lot of voters have already made up their minds, and opinions airing on cable news won't change them.
=====================

This should give all of us hope for a good electoral turnout in November.

It's time for Sen. Clinton to put party unity ahead of her own hopes for securing the nomination, which are unrealistic by now. She is a gracious and intelligent woman, and I expect to see some class from her.

And from her supporters, please.

Catch up on your "world in flames" reding while I catch up on the postings.

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gpx2Q0rEGxh4F9s1RuZ9UIueG3TQ

Ally - just finished watching the entire clip. That is so much better than the Wilhelm tape. The very end...the exchange between Oberman and Matthews was also very funny.

I love how Matthews had this serious look on his face the entire time and during the end - his grave look of concerns. As if he's suddenly decided to become a serious newsman.

I still think MSNBC is tabloid journalism - but I enjoyed that none - the - less.

Why is hillary having a rally in NY? What good does that do?

McCain maybe saying experience but whom ever said watch the surrogates....although this could be the dumbest .
http://firedoglake.com/2008/02/20/wanker-national-park/

From a Texan, explaining the mood:

"Texas has an open primary, which means anyone can vote in the Democratic primary, INCLUDING Republicans and, of course, independents. Now that McCain has all but wrapped up the Republican nomination, these voters are thinking, "What should I do with my vote? How can I put it to good use?" And a lot of them are concluding "Hmmmm. How about we stick a fork in Hillary's political career once and for all. Yummy."

Vadaryl: Was watching CNN when they cut out from the Hillary rally and Kiran Chentry (at least I think it was her) and she said something to the effect that Hillary was "looking exhausted, sounding exhausted."

Thanks for the pics, vadaryl!!

YOU'VE GOT MAIL!!

" I expect to see some class from her.
And from her supporters, please."

Does this mean that when He speaks I have to start clutching a Bible to my chest and moaning Hosanna before I finally faint from orgasmic ecstacy in front of the television set?

I've already said I'd vote for the guy.

My dog got really sick last night...hubby wasn't feeling much better, so I am glad I missed all the posts last night...from a brief read, it sounded ugly.

By no means it is over for the dem nominaton or repug war in November. There will be plenty of politics moving forward...and anything can happen to any of the candidates now.

Tonight is the last total lunar eclipse of this decade...so the party starts here at 7pm (total eclipse by 8pm mountain time). I think I will enjoy the celestial event and give the political event a rest. And no one candidate is in total eclipse just yet...just the moon. And I noticed a few of you were showing yours last night. : )

monday I spent the nite in Austin, TX. The news was reporting that the percentages were 51% Clinton and 49% Obama. They have a CNN debate for tomorrow night. Things may change after that.

Austin is full of younger people attending Uni of Texas and working in the computer related businesses. In fact, you can't swing a cat by the tail and not hit at least one computer geek.

yo soy Horsedooty!

cnn.com was carrying it. It's over now. She did look tired.

Wendy: And how Olbermann really wanted to change the subject! The Fourth Estate...yeah, right.

Good morning all. Last night I told Wendy that I rarely do politics on my blog since it is more about other interests such as history. Today will be one of the rare times.

Last night when for the very first time Chris Matthews demanded specifics from the Obama rep and got nada while Olbermann looked stunned that Chris did it, my thought was that MSNBC finally realized that they had gone too far.

So later, I'll invite you all over to read "BETRAYAL". It won't be anti-Obama except in the sense of what is wrong with having an unchecked media and how the shrinkage of media ownership now has the potential to destroy a democracy.

jamie ------------

The next to last paragraph in this link is interesting. A search of the Archives using "LBs" (spelled out) provides much more info.

http://dailyhowler.com/dh021408.shtml

" I expect to see some class from her.
And from her supporters, please."

Mmmhmmm - steppin on her speech last night like he did John Edwards speech when Edwards dropped out of the race. Classy. But then again, I shouldn't be surprised...we've been dealing with a double standard for the entire campaign so whatever.

Here is my new theme for the rest of the campaign:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DXahx3Jtcg

This link is better for my theme song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DXahx3Jtcg

I have asked Obama supporters the same question that Chris asked and got the same answer he got. So how is this guy so popular and no one knows what he is all about. I know go to the web and find out, it's all there, but most people are counting on the media like Chris to do the work for us. The Cable News channels ratings are going thru the roof, so it's about time they start doing their job.

Vadaryl:

Yet when you go to the Web there really isn't anything there.

OK

Keep in mind the country is still split right down the middle. They currently have pretty equal support although i'll admit...he is slightly ahead.

Here is how he's doing it.

Young voters that for the most part don't have a clue about issues just enjoying the ride...it's like going to a concert...he's young, good looking, and they don't need any real substance to move them-their parents are still paying many of the bills after all.

They have short attention spans...hopefully for older Obama supporters that do have a clue it will last through November.

African Americans

Men who hate strong women because it threatens their masculinity

And then your average Clinton haters.

For all of these groups...he could read the phone book into the microphone and they'd still vote for him.

LIL

"how excited we both were to vote for BJC!!"

The Obama folks often bring this up. What they don't bring up is that Clinton had run for Congress, been elected Arkansas Attorney General, been elected to two terms as governor, and was president of the DLC and head of the Governors association

There were the campaigns of McGovern and Dukakis and the speech at a previous Dem convention (that bit didn't go so well. That boy do love to talk).

Anyway, the "boy Governor" as he was known when he started to run for the Presidency had a whole lot more experience than "baby Senator" Obama.

i have been justified in getting out of the democrat party back in 1984 when they put mondale up for president ,,,,dems have a way of making complete asses out of themselves as history indicates.....starting with mcgovern (lost 49 states to nixen)....then carter (nice guy terrible pres) ....mondale (reagan landslide).......... then dukakus(bush landslide),,,,,,,,,,clinton (finally a winner thanks to perot)...........al gore (we all know that story)....then the wimp kerry(no balls) ,,,then they pick a left wing crazy ...howard dean to run the party......,,,and now a super con artist that has a cult left wing following .......like i said in the beginning ....im so glad i dont have to say im a democrat......i changet to independent in 1984.......and im so happy i did because i might have switched to republican party and that i dont want..

The "inexperience" attack isn't working in this Democratic primary because so many of the whacky left refuse to allow our candidates to talk tough on national security without attacking them as "Bush-Cheney lite".

But what the whacky left doesn't realize is that the Presidential election will be ALL ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY, just like it always is. Their short-term memory enables them to forget that the GOP won in 2004 despite the fact that they ran an AWOL deserter against a Democrat who was an actual Vietnam war hero.

McCain hitting Obama for his lack of experience as well as being unqualified as Commander-in-chief will not only work well with the GOP, it will also win over Independents, Reagan Democrats, as well as a majority of current Clinton supporters.

zumper -- I don't see Obama as a left wing wacko....he's very much in bed with corporate America, lobbyists-- the whole nine yards. Certainly as much as HRC. He'll spend most of his time in office bending over for Republican interests....

Zumper - I have considered over the last few years switching to Indie.

Really I'm not a lifelong Dem. I started out in the peace and freedom party...ah youth (still voted for Clinton) ...switched to Green Party (still voted for Clinton)...Nader drove me out...then Dem with the prospect of Hillary funning for President...might go ahead and jump to Indie - Dems seem to have lost their Friggen minds.

Craig,

Where do you fall with the experience argument? You seem to be tipping your hand by saying "it turns out that a lot of voters are not interested in resumes." Whether you intend it or not, that gives the clear implication that Obama does not have a strong resume--an implication many would disagree with. He's been a civil rights attorney (3 years), a constitutional law professor at the well-respected Univ. of Chicago (11 years), a state Senator (8 years), a U.S. Senator (3 and 1/2 years), and a community organizer in Chicago's inner city areas (3 years). I think that's undoubtedly one of the most diverse backgrounds we've had in a presidential candidate, yet on top of it he has experience growing up with a single mother, dealing with identity as both a black and a white individual, living in Indonesia, having a Kenyan father, an Indonesian step-father, and so on. The experience of these areas, when one speaks of resume, run deep, and I think the press and others would do well to consider that when reporting (whether it's advertently or inadvertently overlooked).

From GB Shaw (this is for you, Chris Matthews)

"There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's desire. The other is to get it."

I think this sort of sums-up the glee over BHO...now you have him, Chris.

JoeCHI - makes some very good points about the 2004 election. Seemed like a slam dunk for Kerry the war hero - that didn't turn out so good.

The Mathew's interview makes that Texan look extremely stupid. Something new? I'm not sure how everyone imputes that to BO. The guy should not have been permitted to be a spokesperson for the campaign. Big mistake of his and the campaign's.

Ok, I have heard the Michelle comments many times now. What I first noticed was that she said "really proud". I use the word really quite a bit- really too often at times.

Michelle and I are the same age. I was touring Boston College on the day Reagan was elected, my junior high years were of gas rationing, one of the biggest stories as a high school student was the pull out of the Olympics. Then there was the hostages in Iran.

As a liberal democrat in college time- The Reagan years? I did not feel really proud. One of my first overt political acts was to call up to WBZ when in college to criticize Reagan's bombing of Libya. So many people called to criticize me a "rich college kid" and lesbian, (really- every caller complained for the next 3 hours!) that they made a commercial out of it.

The Clinton years were a lot better and things felt okay- I got married and had 2 kids during this time. Things were good relatively.

Then Sept. 11 and all that followed in Iraq. So, when I heard Michelle say that, I though that many liberals of our age would feel the same way- there has not been a lot to feel really proud of- Can we love our country and want better= yes. Can we see the potential? yes. But have we felt really proud of its actions, and of the American public rolling over to allow things to happen?

When I have heard Michelle speak she really made a connection. One specific thing she said was that she wanted her children to be able to go to other countries and not be afraid as a Americans. She spoke of the possibility of this country, that she got a terrific education and her dad was a blue collar guy with a mom at home. Her message was all about restoring the possibility and idea that is America.

So, Taylor Marsh and her posse can make this be the be all and end all, but I think it points out a generational thing more than anything else. I love my country and can see that it can be so much stronger and better.

In our lifetimes, as liberal Americans, there have been many things that have not left us to feel "really proud" of our country.

Wendy, I agree with you. I don't want this to come out wrong, but he's the flavor of the month for the media

If Senate experience is your main concern, Biden was your man!

Oh, and I should add, graduate from Columbia Univ. in political science and international relations, and as often noted, of Harvard Law, leading the Harvard Law Review as the first African American.

Hardison - note the blank stare on the Senators face towards the end of this video when he's asked to name one accomplishment of Obama's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFXxQJWkH3k

Hardison...that pales to BJC's resume. And he too, grew-up in a "broken home,"

mornin' all.

Well, it looks like HIllary's run is all but over - TX & OH will likely either be the final straw or the last breath of air she'll get. A 62 delegate spread at this point is pretty large and hard to overcome. Congratulations to Obama's organization - they did a superior job. Mark Penn's brilliant strategy took away any chance Hillary had in the "stretch" contests. I do not like what this portends, but it is what it is. Assuming Hillary doesn't do any better in TX & OH than about a 10 point spread, we will be faced with the old coot ("Get off my yard") versus the whippersnapper ("Nyah, nyah.") in November, and frankly, I don't like it. All that said, it really ain't over 'til it's over, and it ain't over yet - party unity or no.

It will be interesting to see what mechanations occur to try and sway both the "regular" and super delegates.

Zumper,

Kind of negative aren't you?

wendy
your right...the dem party is gone look at our 2 leaders in congress ....pelosi and reid....constantly out maneuvered by the minority and cant get anthing done ....i never thought id say this but we do need a third party in this country.....we keep ending up with candidates who are phonies on both sides (look at bush)

I am glad Chris keep asking, and asking for input. Also when the guy tried to switch to Hillary, they both said no, we asked about BO. Go Chris!!!!

"interesting about the democratic primary up there in Washington."

If I had been advising the Clinton campaign, I would have treated it differently. The Primary didn't count on the Democratic side, but I would have have run advertisements to encourage them to vote anyway to show how the caucus system failed to reflect the will of the people. That would have meant going against the state party, but considering what a poor job they did for her on the caucus, she probably should have anyway.

I hope Wolfie does a good job tomorrow on the CNN debate. I hope he asked policy questions, not what BO wife said, or the copied speech the other day. If he has to at least wait until the end so they don't spend the whole evening discussing that.

What was the count yesterday in Washington?

vadaryl, with 57% of the vote in, it was Obama 50%, Clinton 47% and Edwrds 3%.

shelia
im 67 and heard all this crap my whole life ......wheyher you want to admit it or not this is a centrist country and extreme wings of both party's are not healthy for the future of this country.........look at our deficits and debt....our standing in the world ......we are being pushed out of our number one standing on a few different fronts ........im an ex marine and voted for kennedy while i was in service ....i love this country but i get sick seeing all this extremism on both sides ....obama a senator for 2 years may be our president .....how many mistakes will he make because of inexperience.......the situation this country is in cant afford a major mistake ......we have to move to the center....billk clinton was a centrist and left office with this country in good shape ....we moved to the right with bush jr and look what happened ....obama will move us to the left and can put this country back another 10 years

That is close, does Hillary still have a chance to come out ahead or what's left is BO areas?

Rezdog - as to your 9:54 post - it goes to the heart of the campaign - it exposes the nothingness of the campaign if his supporters don't even know his record or what he'll do beyond INSPIRE people.

This is enhanced by the David Wilhelm debacle

Wendy, i'll be sure to check out the video, but to both you and "blonde wino," the reality is that he has had significant accomplishments, which i hope you've looked at his website to research before making claims like that. But here's some i know of or have read about there: working to bring ethics reform in Illinois and Congress, disallowing the huge issue of gifts, trips and meals from lobbyists; working with Dick Lugar to try to secure Russia's loose nukes; working for his first bill passed in Congress with Tom Coburn (no easy Rep. cat to deal with) to allow citizens to see how their taxes are spent; capital punishmnet reform in IL, requiring video taping of interrogations after some innocents turned up on death row; bringing over $100 million in tax cuts to families in IL via a state earned income tax credit; expanded early childhood ed in IL. Then his other jobs are all about getting things done, and all represent accomplishments in themselves. Also, I don't think you would find some such as Patrick Leahy or Kerry or Kennedy supporting Obama if they didn't think he had what it takes to get things done.

John McCain...man of his word
and according to McCain if Obama tries to weasel out of the public financing of the general election he is a liar.

Gotta get back to work now, but will ck back for comments later

Kathy

"she got a terrific education and her dad was a blue collar guy with a mom at home"

Most of the current problems within the AA community today is that the above condition is extremely rare: A married couple where the man has a blue collar job good enough to allow for a stay at home mother. That was lower middle class then, but stable enough to send a talented daughter to get the education she deserved.

Now it is becoming extremely rare within the rest of the middle class where it now takes two incomes just to barely keep up with the style of living we took for granted 40+ years ago while more and more of the duties of parents are dumped on schools and children are warehoused in afterschool programs or become latchkey kids. If it is a one parent household, it is even worse.

Zumper - regarding another party - I've thought the same thing. The overwhelming Indie reg over the past few years tells you that. I wonder if the Indies will start to organize into a party.

perhaps we just need some good ole campaign and election reform and a no party system - that might be the best way.

that's too easy though...isn't it...and probably no fun.

BO is following the script of the movie The Canidate starring Robert Redford. He wins and at the end he goes into a room and asks his aids what do I do now!

Another McCain attack on Obama is based on his interpretaion of Obama's plan to "bomb" our friends in Pakistan without telling them first.

Right, expect class from Hillary supporters - like Obama supporter Maureen Dowd is showing today - in her best anti Clinton froth.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/20/opinion/20dowd.html?hp

daryl, I couldn't say.

those of you who are new to politics ......JFK probably would have ended up being a great president ......but due to his inexperience he almost got this country in a major war ,,,when in his first year he made a few major blunders especially the bay of pigs fiasco.....thank god he made the right decision on the missle crisis....as we know now we were with in a whisper of a nuclear war and maybe we wouldnt be here now ......thats how serious a presidential mistake can be ......saying change isnt goint to stop the american hatred thats built up in this world

"If he has to at least wait until the end so they don't spend the whole evening discussing that."

Yea - those kinds of questions will be good time fillers but I agree - let her bang on him over policy.

Hey guys,

I'm still trying to figure out why Clinton didn't campaign harder in Wisconsin? As an Obama supporter, I thought he could be vulnerable in a hardscrabble, Midwestern state, but she made the curious decision to get to Texas and Ohio early. That would have made me mad if I were a Wisconsin resident. Beside my candidates' appeal, I think Clinton's campaign has been a disaster from the standpoint of creating a strategy after February 4th. It's like we're watching the internal squabbles show up in the election results. Anyone agree or disagree?

by the way K.Graham Cracker, besides the nice name, i think i agree with you, it does seem that O should go w/public financing. Although, it's hard to know if the program is set up in such a way that they can both have enough coverage before the majority of American voters (ie, if there's enough money for that). Tough issue, but i tend to lean your way

Where did you find the Washington dem primary results for last night

You see Zumper and the rest,

I see Obama's Tactical Political moves as more "tradtional Primary campaign". Move to the left to pick up as many DEMS as possible.

Get the NOM and then move more center to pick up the rest....

But he's picking them up NOW.

I've been following him since the 2004. I'm telling you the Horse has not changed his color. He's PURPLE (to borrow).

While Obama has been very direct and honest about consistant about his beliefs, he was also been bipartison and a team player for the sake of the country.

He's got great managerial skills and he's not so arrogant that he things he can do it all. He inspires old and young to get involved again.

AND we all know we are at critical mass. One President can do it all.

The people are looking for someone who is going to gather ALL the best to get us out of the !@#$

We can parse and bray at the moon about whether Obama is ready.

BUT the real question you should be asking yourself is, are you ready to help us save ourselves, no matter what.

OBAMA or CLINTON can't do !@#$ from now on, if WE are fighting amongst ourselves. Simple as that.

Zumper - I actually consider myself pretty liberal but believe in centrist/moderate government for the very reasons you outline - too diverse a country-must govern from the position of compromise. I guess I'm really a centrist trying to hold onto the liberalism of my youth.

BS. This is about winning. Obama going with public financing is about as smart as letting your opponent sit in on your strategy sessions. Obama will out fundraise the Republicans ten times over, and just like Clinton did with Dole, McCain will effectively run out of money months before the general election.

Hey Wendy because one candidate's supporter doesn't know an answer to a newsman's question, The candidate's campaign is nothing. great critical thinking!. Vote for McCain if you like. Better suited.

JoeCHI and others: regarding the GOP running a campaign on NATIONAL SECURITY: let them. The public has been telling pollsters for months they do not believe that the Iraq War was worth the lives, cost or effort, and that Iraq did not have anything to do with 9/11. Afghanistan is a war we need to win and Iraqamok has imperiled the outcome there too.

The American public that is turning out in droves to vote for Sen. Obama -- who called it right on Iraq from the get go -- would seem to have wearied of the "all war all the time" theme.

I feel a little sorry for Sen. McCain, who is looking at being defeated by GWBush twice in a row -- first in SC primary (the black baby rumors) and second in having to run against a deplorable record.

Where do you get this information that independents and former Clinton supporters are going to turn to McCain? That's nonsense.

Also: regarding Obama's liberal record: I do not see him dragging the country to the left. I see him stepping up to bring us together as Americans first to look anew at the many problems that have festered under outright and benign neglect of Bush administration. And restoring respect for the Constitution, checks and balances, and America's role as a partner in the world.

Further, it's very likely we are heading into a recession. BHO is a realistic man who has run a far better campaign than his greatly experienced Clinton camp rivals. I do not see any grandiose schemes in the works.

If Obama turns out to be purple all the youth vote will be staying home in November

But it will be pretty hard to be purple with the most liberal voting record *in the Senate

*with apologies to Bernie Sanders

Hardison - your 10:15 post regarding Obama was a very good argument for him.

Until you got the the end...Kerry and Kennedy are supporting him for other reasons not because he's going to get things done.

But the rest of your argument was very good. You are a good advocate for him.

CORRECTION:

One President cannot do it all.

wendy
my point exactly indepent registration has gone up 200 percent ......sending a message that this is a centrist country.....as far a candidates ......with all the dirty politicing in the last 20 years ....a qualified candidate isnt going to run when his whole life will be investigated and torn to bits .....i personally think we need a person who is not onlyintelligent but a SOB when he or she has to be ....we will never find a perfect person but one with imperfections in personal life sometime helps in political life ....

Obama speaks at Reunion Arena in Dallas today...I think they are expecting 15,000 people there.

I believe Chelsea Clinton will be at University of Texas at Arlington and may draw a thousand or so students.

I haven't heard where Mr. or Mrs. Clinton will be today.

With regards to the money thing, if I were Obama, I would say it would be an insult to my thousands of contributors to refuse their money because I would be denying their ability to voice their opinions during the election season...

The mistake people make about feelings around the war in eyerack is that although everyone wants to get out now ...the feelings about going in the first place are not so unified.

A lot of people still feel if Shrub had done a better job in the first place it would still have been a good idea.
McCain is the face of doing a better job .

Marian Robinson, a secretary at Spiegel's catalog store.... MO mother was a working mother

Since McCain is the candidate of experience,

When will he adequately explain his experience with creating major financial problems for this country with is involvement as a member of the Keating Five?

must head to work...I hope....I hope....I hope this all works out.

Was there anything else on the Washington Ballot that would bring out over 500,000 dem voters, if not why would they come out and vote when they knew it did not count.

Well... Al-Sadr appears to be seriously rehearsing ending his cease fire.

This is not one of the cutesie pre-general election Bin Laden message releases which helped Bush win in 2004.

The American invasion created Al-Sadr: he was a minor offspring of major Shiite without a following, an identity or a nickel in his pocket. Western invasions of Islamic countries don't just inspire Al-Sadr's -- they make them out of dust, lead, blood and helpless rage.

Now that everyone is voting for their American Idol with their Numero Uno chants and pop star identities... Al-Sadr knows this country has resumed its traditional nature as The United States of Denial. NOTHING has been done to influence the political cesspool Bush created there. And now with the U.S. chanting and hoping... Al Sadr may be about to show us all actual change... and that change is not often a terribly hopeful event.

The supposed surge has taken a lot of money and sacrifice by the troops and the tax base. But it was given, for all the occasional articles about the maturing of the Army's anti-insurgency tactics, by Al-Sadr, lock, stock and cold gun barrel.

Change? Hope?

That's great for playing Lotto. You get a lot of hope for a little change. Until rising prices and job destruction reminds humanity of the place hope was given in Pandora's box of demons.

We got problems this election with the eventual nominees won't solve

It's a serious question of who'll worsen what. And it's not a matter of stark contrasts despite a lot of claims. It's a matter of whose arrogance will make the greater vortex for disaster.

The film probably won't win the Oscar but its title absolutely takes the Cassandra Prize-- There Will Be Blood.

I know when it comes to the Cassandra the Obamamites are much more into No Country For Old Men. Or Women. Or probably dogs.

KGC: " If Obama turns out to be purple all the youth vote will be staying home in November."

I could not disagree more. The youth vote -- and others who turned out to support Obama -- may be more pragmatic and less formulaic than their elders.

(Elders including me! Ouch!)

Having turned out in the primaries, they are highly likely to turn out in the general.

Bear
The Keating Five argument is hard with McCain since he was the only one of the five not charged with anything except being Keatings pal.

"In February 1991, the Senate Ethics Committee found McCain and Glenn to be the least blameworthy of the five senators. (McCain and Glenn attended the meetings but did nothing else to influence the regulators.) McCain was guilty of nothing more than "poor judgment," the committee said, and declared his actions were not "improper nor attended with gross negligence." McCain considered the committee's judgment to be "full exoneration," and he contributed $112,000 (the amount raised for him by Keating) to the U.S. Treasury."
http://www.slate.com/id/1004633/

A big win in Wisconsin, Uno the beagle sweeps Westminster, and the return of my friend 9/11 survivor.

An embarrassment of riches this week and last.

I could not disagree more. The youth vote -- and others who turned out to support Obama -- may be more pragmatic and less formulaic than their elders.

the whole youth appeal is that he is a different kind of politician that one that changes positions for elections.
The youth voices I have heard are not pragmatic at all but very idealistic and looking something very different from obama

No one in this world has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.
H. L. Mencken

Top of the day peeps,
Right on Craig, how McCain thinks he can be anymore effective using the "experience" theme against Obama than Hillary has been is beyond me. Going negative against Barack just isn't working, it's not reflective of the mood of the country and voters are turning a deaf ear to that tactic.

Hardison

"He's been a civil rights attorney (3 years), a constitutional law professor at the well-respected Univ. of Chicago (11 years), a state Senator (8 years), a U.S. Senator (3 and 1/2 years), and a community organizer in Chicago's inner city areas (3 years).

You would think out of all that "experience" someone on the campaign could point to

(1)a major civil rights case that he handled (hmmm only 3 years - was he every the lead attorney?)

(2) Eleven years as a teacher. That's good, Some of his students must be in the work world by now. Any quotes or testimony to time in class, ability as a prof, encouragement in a career, mentoring? Anything?

(3) State Senator - 8 years. Sounds good. Any major pieces of legislation that he wrote that passed? Co sponsor on anything? Something other than just voting the party line?

(4) U.S. Senator - Attendance record after first year? Legislation again? Sponsorship, major floor speeches. There has to be something there?

(5) Community Organizer - Very good, tribute to his compassion - Children taken away from drugs or crime who are now successfully completing their educations? Buildings erected? Homes and neighborhoods cleaned up? Should be some concrete improvement that can be pointed to with pride? Was he really there or just standing by and watching while others did the work and he played cheerleader?

This man wants to be elected to what is probably one of the most important jobs on the planet. Please could we know how he performed on his previous employment history before we hire him for a new job?

At the risk of offending the Obama supporters here who have no sense of humor - aw, hell, I don't care - here's an unabridged dictionary of Obamacized words. Click on the circular arrow tothe right of Obama's picture below the text to see the words.

http://www.slate.com/id/2184502/

I think we will soon be seeing our war brought to the fore front. McC touched on it last night. This article explains, the depth and scope of the war ( more then just getting out of Iraq)....it is pretty interesting.

"The war against jihadism must be owned by both political parties. Thus one measure of any presidential candidate's seriousness is this: can he or she build a bipartisan coalition capable of sustaining the long-haul struggle required to defeat jihadist nihilism?"

http://www.newsweek.com/id/105583

dog's eye,

Thank you.

Uno has taken me out of my embarassing and all too revealing ignorance that beagles are really hounds. (So are basenjis which were the beagles of the Pharoahs.)

What a great doggy he is!

How's Craig's recuperation going?

Rezdog

He's not the only supporter that has done that - it is a pattern.

Even the candidate stammers and stutters over policy

Hardison here today is doing a better job of supporting Obama and making his case than he or any of his supporters does.

Hardison is making a good case on resume.

He did, however, begin running for President after only 1 year in the Senate - I have a problem with that. I know others disagree but I believe one does need some idea of how to get things done in Washington and I am suspicious of his quick run to the White House and don't believe he really has a grasp on how Washington works. I believe he's being propped up by the "old boys network" because they are afraid of a woman being in charge. I'm sorry Hardison - I know you think better of them but I don't think Kennedy does anything for the good of anyone but himself. Please don't make me go into detail about that.

As to his policies - for me they are thin and not well thought out. I disagree with him on his details more than I disagree with her. Universal Health Care is a big issue and I think mandates are a good thing not bad and I also agree that you have to start from a place of attempting to cover everyone for it to work. He is not sure or doesn't want to do that or whatever. FactCheck.org says he is misleading people when he says his plan covers everyone.

On a personal level he portrays himself as being better than the rest, different, above the fray - a new kind of politics. There is ample evidence that he is not. He lies about taking lobbyist and PAC money - I know Hillary takes lobbyist and PAC money but she's never claimed not to nor found it necessary to defend herself. He is misrepresenting himself. Personally, I don't have a problem with PACs as I believe they are groups of people like teaches and nurses who ban together to advocate for themselves and I don't have a problem with that. In fact Obama's campaign is a PAC - he's using his PAC to buy superdelegates.

I have to go to work now. But Hardison - I do like your posts and you are a very good advocate for Obama. I'm just not sold yet and I have been to his Web site and many many many others both pro and con and I just haven't bought into him.

I don't understand why Washington state had the dems vote last night when they already had their vote.

"Dems seem to have lost their Friggen minds."

Wendy -- keep in mind that the ones who are putting Obama in front are not the Democratic base. They are primarily indies, Reagan Republicans and people who never had any interest in politics until a preacher strolled into the room and saved them.

There was a better turn out of dems than Reps for a vote that did not count. Does not make any sense to me.

Jamie: Enough. You are classier than your 10:38 post. Or so I thought.

Can it be possible that you are just wrong, and cannot see (a) the flaws in your preferred candidate that make her unelectable -- as primary voters are demonstrating, coast to coast or (b) Obama's qualities as a genuine uniting candidate, ready to thoughtfully face a raft of problems domestic and international.

Everyone has a learning curve; experience is not a remedy for everything. Juggment and powers of observation count for a lot.

I have been amazed at how badly Sen. Clinton's campaign has been run. This does not give me any hope that she is ready, Day 1.

Do you not in your heart of hearts have any reservations there?

Jamie wrote:

"This man wants to be elected to what is probably one of the most important jobs on the planet. Please could we know how he performed on his previous employment history before we hire him for a new job?"

Damn you are good!

I have been amazed at how badly Sen. Clinton's campaign has been run. This does not give me any hope that she is ready, Day 1.

What if things change and she runs the table, will she then be ready for Day 1?

unlikely burrito,

Is McCain emphasizing war against jihadists and only war against jihadists? INo other strategies?

Does he want war against those who aren't jihadists as well because you never know if they're really jihadists?

Was he talking about Shiites? Sunnis?

What's in a name anyway?

What is everyone supposed to agree on, too.

Also, any and everyone --

Why the hell were there Congressional hearings with Roger Clemens?

Typically shameful crap... surprisingly for Waxman. But what follow-through has there been on the hearings that began in 2007 re: intelligence, torture, etc.?

Or could they just not contact Sam Lufti to testify about Brittney Spears and her place in the federal court system?

That Chris Matthews clip is destine to be a classic.

"I'm not sure that an anti-war Democrat can win," McGovern said in an interview. "We haven't proved that yet."

"Some people point to the fact that the war in Vietnam was dreadfully unpopular," he said, "but that when I came out for an immediate withdrawal, it helped me win the nomination but not the general election. And there may be some truth about that."
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0707/4848.html

there are more sexists than racists in this country and it goes way back ......fact : blacks were allowed to vote before women .......its really showing up in this campaign

Chris clip ranks up there with his convention dual one.

Keating 5 1989 - 18 years ago

McCain was not found to have done anything criminal, but he was criticized by the