Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"Getting hard to type with two dogs in my lap. One weighs about 50 lbs and the the other is about 12 lbs."

Sounds like my dog, Chicken George! The cats think he's a wuss.

Woo-hoo. I"ll leave you all in the minty freshness.

Hard to find fault with this thread Craig.

Yes We Can!
Yes We Can!
Yes We Can!

Very telling for the fate of the GOP nominee that despite the fact he all but has the nomination in his hand McCain can barely get above 50% within his own party. Life is good!

I have two must read weekly magazines--the New Yorker and the Economist. Of the two, the Economist is the best informed, best edited, and most often right about political things. It's published in London.

Below is a 'fair use' excerpt out of this week's cover story about Obama. It reflects my key concerns about his candidacy:

"Of magnets and magic dust

That question is partly answered by Obama the phenomenon. His immediate effect on international relations could be dramatic: a black president, partly brought up in a Muslim country, would transform America's image. And his youthful optimism could work at home too. After the bitterness of the Bush years, America needs a dose of unity: Mr Obama has a rare ability to deliver it. And the power of charisma should not be underrated, especially in the context of the American presidency which is, constitutionally, quite a weak office. The best presidents are like magnets below a piece of paper, invisibly aligning iron filings into a new pattern of their making. Anyone can get experts to produce policy papers. The trick is to forge consensus to get those policies enacted.

But what policies exactly? Mr Obama's voting record in the Senate is one of the most left-wing of any Democrat. Even if he never voted for the Iraq war, his policy for dealing with that country now seems to amount to little more than pulling out quickly, convening a peace conference, inviting the Iranians and the Syrians along and hoping for the best. On the economy, his plans are more thought out, but he often tells people only that they deserve more money and more opportunities. If one lesson from the wasted Bush years is that needless division is bad, another is that incompetence is perhaps even worse. A man who has never run any public body of any note is a risk, even if his campaign has been a model of discipline.

And the Obama phenomenon would not always be helpful, because it would raise expectations to undue heights. Budgets do not magically cut themselves, even if both parties are in awe of the president; the Middle East will not heal, just because a president's second name is Hussein. Choices will have to be made—and foes created even when there is no intention to do so. Indeed, something like that has already happened in his campaign. The post-racial candidate has ended up relying heavily on black votes (and in some places even highlighting the divide between Latinos and blacks).

None of this is to take away from Mr Obama's achievement—or to imply that he could not rise to the challenges of the job in hand. But there is a sense in which he has hitherto had to jump over a lower bar than his main rivals have. For America's sake (and the world's), that bar should now be raised—or all kinds of brutal disappointment could follow."

Actually, Brian.....it's you we like to call "uppity."

Flatus, be kind to your source -- please include links to excerpted articles or, if not online, the edition date and page number. It's one of our few house rules. Thanks.

Wow, Nice to see....YES WE CAN!

Horsey Cartoon Alert.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/horsey/viewbydate.asp?id=1712

"Flatus, be kind to your source -- please include links to excerpted articles or, if not online, the edition date and page number. It's one of our few house rules. Thanks."

It's page 11 of the Economist issue of Feb16th-22nd 2008. The URL is :
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10689547

It will probably require a subscription to read on-line.

And, I'll say:

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Oh come on patsi I'm sure you've called me a lot worse!

and while we're giving credit to sources -- "Yes We Can" belongs to the late and great César Chávez: http://www.amazon.com/Cesar-Puede-Belpre-Illustrator-Awards/dp/0761451722

Si, Se Puede!

And We love that too Craig,

Thanks for pointing out that little know point. Its fitting.

well Sheila, it would seem more fitting for Hillary -- Chavez founded the United Farm Workers, which endorsed her: http://www.ufw.org/_board.php?mode=view&b_code=news_press&b_no=3485&page=1&field=&key=&n=507

Karoleena, your "facts" are wrong. Hillary's plan will allow people to CHOOSE among many plans including keeping their existing plans. They will NOT have to pay for anopther plan.

LOL Thanks Craig, Maybe Hill wasn't fast on the Up take....YES WE WILL ;0)

hi craig.. how's the ankle?

Tylenol -- ankle is still in this stupid ortho boot, but feels fine, tks for askin -- hobbling outside tonight for the first time in a week to have dinner with Helen Thomas

THis is insteresting....

NYT: Dem officials hope Gore can help avert 'convention rift'

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/NYT_Dem_officials_hope_Gore_can_0216.html

it is a great slogan, Sheila, just cant understand why Obama couldnt have given Chavez some credit, instead he's aggravated many Hispanics by stealing it -- it was the Chavez signature slogan and the 10,000 UFW members at Hillary's endorsement rally chanted it repeatedly

.YES WE CAN!
.YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!.YES WE CAN!.YES WE CAN!

Do you people have ANY idea what this mantra sounds like? I do know how some Republicans felt when the fundamentalists took over.

Craig,
"hobbling outside tonight for the first time in a week to have dinner with Helen Thomas"

Watch out. She'll get you liquored up and next thing you know...

Helena Thomas! Lucky you. I adore her! She has more guts than all the guys in the White House press corp combined.

Have Fun with Helen.....I just used to love tea with her!

Si, Se Puede

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuvT6BmEpJQ

Don't have a clue what its about.

Jack

Patsi,

Do you realize what your post looks like to US? LOL

From nannymm: "Karoleena, your "facts" are wrong. Hillary's plan will allow people to CHOOSE among many plans including keeping their existing plans. They will NOT have to pay for anopther plan."

“The debate between the candidates hinges on the major difference in their proposals: Clinton's includes an individual “mandate” (which means everyone must “pay” for it) that would require everyone to obtain health insurance; Obama's plan only mandates that children have it.”

Obama’s plan gives everyone access to universal healthcare. But, the experts say that neither Clinton’s nor Obama’s would give 100% universal coverage. Clinton’s plan, though, requires that everyone must pay for it. It’s as though she knows what is best for all!!! You can read the pros and cons from the so-called experts here:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/111811/page/1

also, they couldn't have bothered to include a single image of Chavez in their YesWeCan video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

Craig: will you and your boot made for walkin' be traveling to Wisconsin or TX or Ohio? CQ sending you out on the road?

Also: plz tell Helen hello from a secret pal.

Hey Craig,
Did you happen to catch Luntz on Maher last night, curious what your take on his statement about the machine Obama has put together. Whether you love him or hate him the man has put together an amazing campaign machine the likes of which we haven't seen since in ages.

Was amused when he said "who would have thought Hillary would run such a bad campaign". I along with many others are still shocked by how bad her campaign has been run.

All those who voted for Ronald Reagan post: YES WE DID!

DO NOT SPILL WINE ON HER this time!!! :)

Craig, I think the person who wrote and directed that wonderful Video was enamered with the speech. He may have been ingnrant of the original quoter and why, but his video was still poignant and relevent for Today.

Karoleena, yes everyone must have an insurance plan. NO you don't have to buy an EXTRA plan if you already have one and want to keep it. The goal is UNIVERSAL health care, That means everyone has to have ONE plan. No one will be forced to buy TWO. Again, get your facts straight.

"also, they couldn't have bothered to include a single image of Chavez in their YesWeCan video?"

Chavez was a controversial figure, and some of the Obama demo can't remember Chavez, but if they see an opening, wouldn't be surprised to see ti.

Craig - Thanks for pointing out that 'yes we can' was originally associated with Cesar Chavez. I don't believe that anyone else has mentioned that.

And dating myself, I'm pretty sure it was grapes that we boycotted oh so many years ago-in support of his union's efforts to organize.

Of Course, I did....I said I was a Reagan Dem. :0) LOL

"Karoleena, yes everyone must have an insurance plan. NO you don't have to buy an EXTRA plan if you already have one and want to keep it. The goal is UNIVERSAL health care, That means everyone has to have ONE plan. No one will be forced to buy TWO. Again, get your facts straight."

Well, I thought I had them straight!

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g8-DEMtAE9q4i4ySQ0eV_qZefmRQD8UIVGG00

Karolenna, this is from Hillaery's official website, I suggest you check out the plan and see for yourself,

"It puts the consumer in the driver's seat by offering more choices and lowering costs. If you're one of the tens of million Americans without coverage or if you don't like the coverage you have, you will have a choice of plans to pick from and that coverage will be affordable. Of course, if you like the plan you have, you can keep it."

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/healthcareplan

brian, an Obama machine that could end up losing seven of the eight largest states might still need some work for the general

as far as Clinton "machine" goes, the decision to opt out of Super Tuesday caucus states was utterly stupid, but i'm content to wait and let the voters in remaining states make their choices before we render final judgements

I voted against Carter

'Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it' George Santayana

Craig, do you think you could convince Helen T. to have a go at Obama???

Karolenna, the link you posted states:

KarolenAP Top News at 12:19 p.m. EST
Feb 3, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans. The New York senator has criticized presidential rival Barack Obama for pushing a health plan that would not require universal coverage. Clinton has not always specified the enforcement measures she would embrace, but when pressed on ABC's "This Week," she said: "I think there are a number of mechanisms" that are possible, including "going after people's wages, automatic enrollment."
na. your link from the AP states:

This refers to people who do not have and will not buy insurance. If you have insure, your wages will NOT be touched.

Jamie or anyone, can you please help me explain this to Karolenna. Clearly, I am not doing a good enough job.

Craig,

I think we are ALL in full agreement on that one. Obama's campaign in still fledgling. But they have been amzing. If Clinton gets the NOD, At least the ride was exciting!

Coreen-
It's funny...I thought we boycotted lettuce.in 1972...I seem to remember not eating salads.
`g

"YES WE CAN!

Do you people have ANY idea what this mantra sounds like? "

Are you referring to Obama, Chavez or Clinton now that she's co-opted the phrase.

Or are you referring to McCain's: "YES, I'M ON THE CAN!"

In all fairness Craig Obama didn't have the big head start the Clintons have.

dnd, good one.

Gidget, as I recall growing up in my little socialistic household, we boycotted grapes and lettuce when the Farmworkers were striking.

Laughing @ DND

Gidget

I'm pretty sure it was a grape boycott back in the 60's,a long time ago, so I could be wrong. But at least
some of us were backing union rights.

"Craig, do you think you could convince Helen T. to have a go at Obama??? -- Posted by: Flatus"

actually, she is extremely critical of Obama's war voting record -- 100 percent in line with Hillary's, which she also despises -- there really is nothing in the man's voting record that looks remotely anti-war, unless you count the CYA timetable votes that they both cast -- neither cast tough votes against funding, not once -- that's what would have earned them Helen's respect

Colleen,

As I recall, growing up in a Navy Household, with 5 kids, we couldn't afford Lettuce, and we got grape jelly a lot.... But I do remember all of it. I was living in San Diego and my Dad used to keep us up in human rights issues.

Colleen-
I've probably got selective memory...I turned 21 in 72 and I'm pretty sure I was drinking wine : ) but not eating salads.

~g

Craig,

See if Helen has any really good lowdown info. She is so good at fact digging.

Thank you for that mental image, dnd.

Sen. McCain gets so little respect!
===========

Apropos of nothing: one of VP Cheney's dogs has died. The yellow lab that was motorcaded to the vet's last week. They still have another dog, thank goodness, as friends are in increasingly shorter supply.

The great thing about Helen is her razer sharp eye for the truth. Even if you don't like it. ;0)

Craig, did that creepy press office ever allow you to have a pass?

Gidget, you're probably right. I only know we were always boycotting something. Still do.

Craig: plz ask Helen what president Sen. Obama most reminds her of. That should be telling.

Dog's Eye, I'll bet she doesn't say JFK.

Yes Craig, I for one would LOVE to hear the answer to that one in full detail.

"just cant understand why Obama couldnt have given Chavez some credit, instead he's aggravated many Hispanics by stealing it "

He seems to be very good at "adopting" the plans and positions of others without credit.

wonder if Hugo, my man in Venezuela, is related to Cesar?

Si Se puede

As a way of life not just a silly political slogan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFl7ZjGNMMQ

Jack

My first boycott was of Florida orange juice due to Anita Bryant.

Gidget, et al

All our memories are good. Cesar Chavez led a boycott of table grapes in the mid 60s, & thereafter
it included lettuce as well.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/aug22.html

My First Boycott was to follow Buy American. Its been increasingly hard to do so in the last 8 years, but I have tried.

Jack,

Very moving video ;0)

here is Helen's latest dim view of Clinton and Obama on the war: "The two Democratic frontrunners -- Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama -- should fish or cut bait.

Surely, we have a right to know where they stand on the war that has caused so much human suffering and is draining the national treasury.

They can't stand on the sidelines. They should not be sucked into that Karl Rove-brand of baloney that those who call for a pull out to cut our losses are not supporting the troops.

The lawmakers can fund the troops for an orderly withdrawal and bring them home, or perhaps turn over peacekeeping to an international force."

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/15124198/detail.html

To bookmark Helen's column: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/index.html

nannymm

I'll put it up again, but this is the last time. Euro Tom and I have both explained how the plans work in Belgium which is the closest existing plan to Hilary's which as yet doesn't exist in the real world so she can't give absolute particulars. So here goes.

Absolutely everyone in the country MUST be insured.

Who you are insured by will be your choice.

No one can be refused insurance nor can they be charged more for pre existing conditions.

Insurance can be paid for by the Employer, the Employee, a combination of the two, or in the case of poverty by the government.

All policies will be required to have dental and mental health coverage.

Since everyone will be in the pool, costs will be reduced by a combinations of the size of the group, competition with other insurers, and costs for health offset by those requiring care. (In all probability these basic policies will be negotiated by the government in the same way that they now negotiate the plans for Congress and medicare as to deductibles/percentage of coverage etc.)

The insured can buy additional "supplementary insurance policies (such as Medigap currently available to Medicare recipients) to cover luxuries such as private rooms or necessities such as deductibles.

Now there are a whole slew of possible bells and whistles that need to be negotiated, but those are the basics.

The reason for the MANDATE is that just as with Social security, the size of the pool of people covered reduces costs down to the least possible expense.

Good for Helen!

Plz buy her a red wine on us. Thanks Craig.

more Helen: " Both Clinton and her rival for the Democratic nomination, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., are all over the place when it comes to their preferred timing to pull out U.S. forces from Iraq."
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/351481_thomas17.html

i'll give her your love tonight, must get ready -- we're trying to write a book together, but this damn overtime in the dem race is complicating my work schedule

Craig,

I remember having tea with Helen in Turkey on a trip. All of the rest of the press were avoiding her because SHE WAS holding Bush's feet to the fire about all the lives that we were snuffing out.

Back then it was a very unpopular opinion and I was in the Military at the time. but she fasinated me.

She has never changed and I hope she doesn't.

Colleen-
Table grapes...yea...I probably adherred to that boycott...my mother was very big on boycotts...I do remember the orange juice boycott....and my least favorite one was against meat...
~g

CRAIG.....How cool is that! I hope you guys sync and succeed.

"Craig: will you and your boot made for walkin' be traveling to Wisconsin or TX or Ohio? CQ sending you out on the road? -- Posted by: dog's eye view"

don't feel like traveling in this ridiculous boot, but expecting to be mobile for the Pennsylvania roads

Jamie as much you hope it to be so there is nothing to "dig up" on Obama.

How Clueless is Eugene Robinson?

"Eugene Robinson, by ignoring the obvious and presenting the Clintons as people making up some "beef" with the media, aids and abets the Carlsons of the wider media. But hey, that's evidently become Eugene's job, his mission, as he slyly promotes all things Barack Obama in the next breath

You'd have to have your head so far in the Obama clouds not to know what's going on. It has spread like a virus beyond the traditional media into the blogosphere, which has also been proven again and again. Carlson and Robinson are well paid for their troubles. Wonder who else is."

http://www.taylormarsh.com/

Pennsylvania. April 22. Got it.

If campaign is still a dogfight at that point, this dog expects to be in PA too. Barking it up til the end.

Maybe we will have to have an on the road meetup for HRC and BHO camps. No throwing of drinks; civil discourse only.

Craig,
Helen likes Patron Reposada. Keep 'em coming...

"Jamie as much you hope it to be so there is nothing to "dig up" on Obama. -- Posted by: Brian In NYC"

GOP rumor afloat that the seller in Obama house transaction will go public with dirty details in the fall when it counts most. Meanwhile, only the British press seems interested:

"Obama bought his family home in Chicago for $1.65m, $300,000 less than the asking price, on the day that Rezko’s wife Rita bought an adjoining lot at the full price of $650,000. Obama later paid her $105,000 for a sixth of her yard in order to expand his garden. The seller insisted on both plots being sold together, which suggests that Rezko did Obama an enormous favour even if the deal was not illegal. The seller has so far evaded press inquiries, but he is regarded as a potential “ticking timebomb” should he decide to go public."

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3382313.ece

PA??? really??? find me!! I'm here!!

Well Craig,

It is interesting that Clinton couldn't find the dirt pile for sure. If I were her, I'd use it.

Colleen and dog,

Too bad I'm still working, I'd come and find both of you!

If Hillary can stop Obama - without any side-shows - and simply win on message - than she will be ready for the general. And Clinton supporters should thank Obama - because Hillary has had to improve her campaign and sharpen her message.

If Obama wins, and (most of) the Clinton Machine backs him - he will be formidable - as a nominee and a president. And he will be ready for the republican attack machine after surviving the Clintons.

Si Se Puede!

Also, I don't buy the criticism of Democrats that vote to continue funding the troops. Right now - we cannot bring a successful resolution to the conflict. There is no consensus in Washington and Bush can't do the things that need to be done.

On consensus - imagine Obama, Webb (and maybe even Bill) and a politically charged electorate arguing the case for Iraq. The GOP will cave - even if they have to fall on their swords.

On policy, I think we need to start implementing more of what was set forth by the Iraq Study group - but we can't move forward on diplomacy till we get a new President. Bush's credibility is shot - and Iraqi people will reject leaders that cooperate with him too much.

"you hope it to be so there is nothing to "dig up" on Obama."

It's not a matter of hope. It is the fact that no one has looked. If someone looks and reports back, "aint nothin there folks just keep movin", that's fine, but there just hasn't been any major digging.

Rezco so far just looks like poor judgement, nothing particularly nefarious, but it really hasn't been probed. Some of his "present:" votes look as if he was avoiding two supporters who happened to be on opposing sides of an issue. I would like that looked at a bit more since "present" is not a position a President can take.

I really do want to know about Michelle's job ... how she got it since it came almost immediately after he was elected, exactly how much it pays, and is she being paid while on leave.

Who arranged for the Convention speaking position. Who are his mentors, backers, and lead contributors.

So, just questions not hopes.

"If I were her, I'd use it. -- Posted by: Sheila Stone"

well she tried with the "slumlord" attack at SC debate and media Obamabots called it a racist slur -- all i'm saying (and i really gotta run now) is that national media's fear to tread on his Chicago machine connections is doing him no favors in the long run because when GOP unloads it on him millions of swing voters will be hearing it for the first time

Craig that Rezko "deal" pales in comparison to what hillary must be hiding in her tax returns, the Clintons are awash in arab and asian money.

sure, brian, but if you're right and Obama is the nominee, Clinton won't be on the scene for making those diversionary comparisons. it will only be his record on stage. for a chilling preview of what GOP is planning, check this out: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3382313.ece

Craig,

If the REPS have the juice, so can Hillary. So just spit it out and lets get it over with....all I'm sayin. I'm a supporter and I want to know.

But so far, I see nothing to convince me from GORDO, jamie, no one.

Brian has a point, the Shady Deals are public. its a deep list and a lot of questions. When Obama said, Not one of us are totally clean", He was telling the truth.

Now, I'm laying down and watch something mindless, ya'll have a great night!

I think its fair to say that Obama's campaign has stayed away from really digging into the skeletons in the Clintons' closet. Calling her a Wal-mart lawyer is nothing compared to what the GOP will do.

The worst part is, it will be the media, 527's and bitter partisan Republicans - and McCain will be able to stay above the fray. He can even condemn Coulture or Limbaugh for doing it after the damage has already been done. McCain can also make a legitimate claim to "change" vs. Hillary - that he can't make against Obama.

Craig I'm more than confident Obama will be able to deal with anything the repugs throw at him. This has been the genius of his campaign, he's very effectively neutrilized going negative against him. Unless you can demonstrate he's done something truly illegal it will be easy for him to shrug it off with a Reagan-like "Well there they go again" . Sure it might be red meat for the repug base and give the fat slob radio pundit something to crow about, but it's not going to fly with the independents and will drive them over to Obama.

It also goes to my point about the publics weariness of the way the game has been played, for this cycle at least the rules have been changed.

Also add in the pastor of his church, He is going to have trouble staying centrist and post racial. Afrocentric Churchs tend to collect interesting characters.

Jack

Thanks, Jamie. I was trying to explain it to Karolenna but you do a much better job. :-)

Craig:

If the Republicans don't label you as a socialist than you're not being a good Democrat.

I just had a discussion with one of my best friends. She is totally for Obama and I am totally for Hillary Clinton. I told her what I've told many people, including folks here. Obama was an INSPIRATION at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. I thought "man this idea of a new politics could help change how Washington works. " When he decided to run for President, I thought that was rather brash. His experience is still quite limited. If you compare him to Bill Clinton, Bill was far more experienced. "Huh?" you might say. The reason I make this statement is the fact that the role of President is an Executive position. Senators and Representatives work as one voice among their peers. They do not set the agenda the way the President does, or how a GOVERNOR does. A Governor is the "CEO" of his state. He is also an "executive". Obama does not fit that description. Hillary does to a large extent, as First Lady of Arkansas and First Lady of the United States. I was supporting Hillary early but also undecided, so I had both Obama and Hillary as my friends on MySpace.

My second reason for not supporting Obama at this time is the great disappointment I felt when he tossed the "new politics" to the wind and began attacking Hillary because her poll numbers were so high. Having soaked up the idealistic message of hope Obama gave us in 2004, I really did expect him to be different. He has also been held at a different standard than Hillary. The press conveniently "forgets" that Obama started the attacking, and yes it does matter because it speaks to the integrity of the "new politics" he espouses. When the numbers were down Obama started to "attack", "attack," attack." i wrote a message about him needing to take the "high road" and sent it on to the campaign. He turned out to be just another politician like all the others.

I am too tired to write anything else. ...

" This has been the genius of his campaign, he's very effectively neutrilized going negative against him."

Bull. Through his surrogates, Obama has insulated himself with the concept that every normal campaign speech is racist. Furthermore, his surrogates have planted from the beginning (see Larry O'Donnell) the idea that anyone (they started by targeting Edwards) who campaigned too hard against him, or wanted to win was "standing in the way of the first African American President."

Shameless.

Well said Thomas and Patsi. I agree with you both.

Just curious, how many of think Hillary will seek reelection to her senate seat in 2012?

I don't think she will.

Good Night E. T.

She will be President then, Brian. Why would she want a demotion?

The great California table grape strike last 5 years, ending in September , 1970.
That happened to be the full year I spent in Monterey, at Fort Ord, and the lettuce fields of "the nation's salad bowl" were literally adjacent to the post's boundaries.

Of course, to go against Mr. Chavez, the army bought tons and tons of scab lettuce. See, right after the grape strike was won, Mr. Chavez bargained for signed union contracts for the lettuce workers. As soon as the strike was announced, I noticed huge shipments of that scab lettuce in the mess hall where we ate.

I wanted to go hear Mr Chavez speak sometime, but the press always denied any notice of his engagements and appearances, but they reported it after he had gone.

I never heard him speak. I know he would appear now and then around the Salinas fields, but I seem to recall he was in SoCal most of the time...maybe he had offices there, I never did know that.

my source : http://www.answers.com/topic/cesar-chavez

From San Francisco's City Edition

http://www.thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/Winter08/2008Election.html

Hillary should change her campaign song to Dylan's "Like Rolling Stone", it's so about her.

EuroTom:

Just let us know when you are ready to whine again. Somebody will be hear to listen.

The president is supposed to articulate the voice of the American people and rise above politics - and Obama is doing that the best so far.

One of Bush's biggest problems is polarization. Nuance has been cast aside and the current debates are:

War vs. Surrender
Free markets vs. Soclized Medicine
Boarder Security vs. Amnesty

It led to a seven-time State of the Union speech with the problems only getting bigger. Hillary does not change that debate - Obama does. Lasting sollutions are not imposed by one party - they are built on consensus.

As I have posted many times - the Clinton campaign cannot "rip" into Obama, because it would alienate the "black vote". Hillary needs that vote in Nov. It is about winning the "battle", but then losing the "war". Pat Buchanan made the same point today. Also, remember the Repubs would have no reason to hold back anything.

Warren, did I warrant such a personal attack? I was not whining... but now I am fuming.

Whatever...

Dex, did you eat the lettuce?

Tom didn't you say you were too tired to type anymore?

To those who think that the RNC will drag out really mean nasty stuff against either Obama or Clinton, I only have two words: Keating Five.

EuroTom:

Once you dish out harsh attacks - you open yourself up to them in return.

I'm sure you will be fine.

Dexter, if my memory is accurate, wasn't he attacked several times and shot at least once? I don't blame them for being paranoid about his personal protection,

This burst of unionism died with a stake through its heart when Reagan did-in the air traffic controllers. That marked the start of the two-job-per-wage-earner household.

And also marked the opening of the border to undocumented workers.

Our Repug legacy.

The one bright spot with regards to Craig's post is that perhaps many of the Obama people that continue to criticize him for being in the Clinton's pocket will stop.

There is a little something for everyone here.

BTW - I think we need to do something about those darn voting machines - JUNK!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/16/mystery-ny-results-say-o_n_87020.html

The more you Obama-drones talk, the more I hate the guy.

Rule # 1 for the new era, Democrats will no longer fear the GOP.

Never forget we are the party of FDR!

Clinton/Ford 2008

Wendy:

I don't think he is in Clinton's pocket - but let's just say if he lived in Wisconsin - I have a pretty good idea who he would be voting for on Tues. But I've been wrong before!

The Democratic Party of today has little in common with the New Deal of FDR.

EuroTom.. I've been reading your posts for a while now... I know you're a very good advocate for HRC... but dont take your eyes off the prize... BO may very well be the nominee... and a great nominee at that... the most important thing is winning in November... there has never been a more important election (I know "they" said that last time, but 'they' were wrong).. It's either vote for more of the same, or vote for what you know is going to be an effective, forward-looking administration.

Sheila wrote:

"He may have been ingnrant of the original quoter and why"

Yes...I'm sure he was. I also saw him on Larry King where he was also quite ignorant of exactly what Obama will really be able to do for the country besides co-opting a slogan from the United Farm Workers.

And before anyone jumps on me about what I do and do not know about Chavez....my mother was in the fields picking chilies by the time she was 13 to help her family.

a final thought for down-in-the-dumps Clinton folk -- Wisconsin polls are tight and tightening, none of Obama's leads are comfortably outside the margin of error: http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/wisconsin/wisconsin_democratic_presidential_primary

The more you Obama-drones talk, the more I hate the guy.

Posted by: EuroTom | February 16, 2008 6:24 PM

Common Tom,

like him, hate him, respect him, mistrust him, maybe I'll vote and maybe I won't,,,,,,,we're listening to you. But don't hang him on your temper.

Back to my movie.... ;0)

Don't worry ET, once the Clinton machine has been fully crippled will Dems will be returning to our roots of being the party that unites and doesn't sell out our progressive agenda to suit the political goals of the ego driven.

have a good time, craig ... careful with the wine

Sheila point taken

Wendy,

Still not taking away from how insiring the speech was. AND how beautiful the cut.

I respect your passion though.

Craig expecting to raise people's hopes on the strength of a rasmussen poll may the cruelest thing I've ever witnessed in my reasonable long life!

Craig,

Care to comment on Zbig in Syria or the Independence coming to Kosovo? I don't see too many articles on Flordia reacting to having their delegates not count. I also do not see many responding to the likely questions Obama will face including new high speed enrichment by Iran created where? Then there is the matter of Rezko. While I am not convinced it was more than terrible judgment, their are some who do expect a bit more to surface in the coming months. Any reason as to why the media does not at least consider why Obama is on the ten most corrupt over at the Judicial Watch List? Clinton's reasons for being there have long been vetted. There is more to Obama being there than Rezko, which isn't even a factor.

I, like Eurotom, was very interested in Obama back in 2004. I have spared all from reposting numerous comments he made back them, but McCain certainly will. I expect Texas, Ohio and Penn will give Hillary her come back, but if they don't I think media has even been soft on looking at the real fight between an Obama and a McCain. Obama even lifts rhetoric and slogans from Chavez? Yes he does?

Yes we can is so moronic it is enough to get most Republicans to the polls whether they like McCain or not.

Just wondering.....

dnd wrote:

"or Clinton now that she's co-opted the phrase."

If she co-opted it she came by it honestly.

At a rally in Los Angeles I attended...nobody said the words until Dolores Huerta took the mic and lead us in the chant.

Just sayin'

Flatus: Just about every union-busting tactic in the book was used against the United Farm Workers.
Right now I can't recall any shooting attempts or beatings of Mr.Chavez, but that would worthy of a search.
It's impossible to get archival accounts for free from the newspapers going back 38 years, but the 'net is full of brief summaries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
colleen: I was the one who tried to dissuade my comrades from eating the lettuce, as I was changing daily in my political awareness.
I do remember a "dirty trick" ...I was told the strike was over and had a big lettuce salad one day , I even remember pouring French dressing on it...only to be informed by the Monterey Peninsula Herald that the strike was still on. Oh well.
Now all this reminiscing has me thinking of Cal avacados. Time to head for ths store.

and now we have the Reagan Airport. what a sense of humor we have! what a country! what wonderful irony!

Jamie wrote:

"He seems to be very good at "adopting" the plans and positions of others without credit."

ROFLMAO

You seem to have that effect on me - J

There is a woman I like at work. I just found out on Thursday night that "she is on her own". That was how she said it. I was wondering if perhaps Obama could help bring the two of us closer together? I would owe him BIG TIME!

One More Point Wendy,

That boy probably didn't know anything about policies and issues. But that speech inspired to to get up and pay attention. Now, he probably is...

When did you start paying attention and when you did, did you understand everything immediately?

I'm proud that all these young people are standing up and paying attention. I am for the first time in a Loooong time feeling hoprful that my Son's generation is the Next "Greatest" generation.

Oh, back to my Lifetime Channel Tear Jerker.

Corey, LOL LOL LOL !!!!

Thanks for the humour... I really needed that.

I am writing my first blog ever to express a concern I have about Sen Obama's campaign theme of "hope" and "change I can believe in". Because of my personal story I find a compelling reason why I can't place my trust and support behind him. While my reasons include a component of "race" it is from a perspective I haven't heard voiced yet. I am the great-aunt of a young man whose mother is African American and whose father, my nephew, is Caucasian. We consider our little guy to be a Bi-Racial American. Neither his mother's family or mine would ever think of identifying him as African American or Caucasian as that would negate one half of his family's racial heritage.As Sen. Obama's mother came from a white American family and his father came from a black Kenyan/African family I am perplexed at how he came to call himself an African American, and at how he has allowed the media, senators, congressmen and women, mayors, civil rights leaders, etc. to continue to call him African American. He has not corrected himself, nor has he corrected the media, etc. when they constantly refer to him as having the potential to become the first African American President. In neglecting to do so he has negated , and has allowed the media, etc., to negate one half of his racial heritage, that of his mother's white family. To truly be an African American would not his father have had to have been an American, not a Kenyan? Had his father emigrated to the US and then become a naturalized citizen one could make a case that his son, Obama, was African from his heritage and American from his American mother and therefore African American. However the term African American arose only in the last 50 years or so as a term to describe Americans who were descendants of Africans brought here against their will as slaves in the early days of America. Based on this I find Sen. Obama to have no true claim to being African American and believe he is in truth a Bi-Racial American of black African and Caucasian racial descent. From my perspective I believe the media, etc., could have been calling him a white man running for President for the past year if they had chosen to focus on the half of his racial heritage that is white. Whether they call him African American as they have been or white, in my opinion they are incorrect. And no one is correcting them.Not Sen. Obama, or anyone else.Why? That is the question. Are the white media correspondents and pundits unwilling to accept that he is half as white as they are? Are they somehow consciously or unconsciously prejudiced against Bi-Racial people? Are African American correspondents, pundits,etc. unwilling to openly acknowledge he is Bi-Racial for political reasons or their desire to have a first African American President?Is it because for centuries children of unions between black and white parents have always come to their community to find a placeof acceptance... an acceptance they have perhaps not found in the white community? I don't have the answers to these questions but I think it is something worth thinkng about, about how for some unknown reason Bi-Racial Americans feel, like Barack, that they must chose between their two racial heritages in finding their identity. I believe we must find a way to open our hearts and minds and accept and acknowlege Bi-Racial persons in a way that allows them to celebrate and proclaim both of their races in an equal manner. The Sen. from Illinois had the perfect opportunity to raise the level of discourse regarding civil rights and the equality of all peoples when he declared his intentions to run for President one year ago. He could have introduced himself to the American people as a Bi-Racial man and talked to us about how his dual racial background would assist in moving the banner of civil rights to new and necessary heights, about how he could understand the white community from growing up in his grandparents home, about how he understood the African American perspective as person descendant from an African father and family. He had a great opportunity to assist Americans of all races in having a better understanding of each other and he let it slip away by, in my opinion, falsely claiming to be African American and not the Bi-Racial American he truly is. Should he become president what kind of role model will he be for my great nephew...one who will show him he needs to chose which side of his family and which race he will identify himself with causing him to negate the other?Change, Change, Change. For Obama to suddenly change and begin to call himself the Bi-Racial candidate would call into question for me what had caused this sudden change.Would it be a need to attract a certain demographic's votes he had been able to do without prior to the change? He certainly likes to negatively point out his opponents changes of mind or vote. As it currently stands I find I can't support a candidae who, in my opinion, isn't clear about who he really is and who presents himself as other than he is. The only thing I do know is that no matter how many times we're told that Barack would be the first African American President it still won't make him that. If elected he'll always be the first Bi-Racial President. If he had run as that, I could have supported him.

Corey:

Get the woman Obama's book as a gift. Then you two would have something to talk about.

You can write off the surprise gift by saying you are a zealot who has joined the Obamatons - so she will think you're a freak instead of a creep.

It could work, maybe...

For Corey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Ar9Q0Eru4

From one of my favourite singers/actresses ever.

"Craig expecting to raise people's hopes on the strength of a rasmussen poll may the cruelest thing I've ever witnessed in my reasonable long life! -- Posted by: Brian In NYC"

hey i'm the last person you'll find giving too much credence to polls, but rasmussen nailed potomac primaries and i don't see a statistically significant lead for Obama in any wisconsin poll: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/wi/wisconsin_democratic_primary-270.html

alright, now i'm late for dinner, later all

now just send her that video... LOL

Welcome Kate, and pull on your thick skin for that kinda talk. DIck Cavett, by the way, calls Obama "the partially white man"

bye bye

Craig I just got around to reading that UK Times link. Grover Norquist? It's to laugh at. I'm sure the public will be hanging on his every word!

Norquist has been close friends with Abramoff since college, when he ran Abramoff’s successful campaign to become national chairman of the College Republicans.

In 1996, the Choctaw tribe, an Abramoff client, donated $60,000 to ATR to oppose a tax on Indian casinos. The funds continued; in 1999, Norquist moved $1.15 million in Abramoff client money to Ralph Reed's for-profit political consulting company, Century Strategies, and to anti-gambling groups working to defeat a state lottery in Alabama. The money routing was deliberate: in one email reminder to himself, Abramoff wrote: "Call Ralph re Grover doing pass through."

ATR kept a small percentage of the funds that passed though the organization. In May 1999, Norquist asked Abramoff "What is the status of the Choctaw stuff?", in an email. "I have a 75g [$75,000] hole in my budget from last year. ouch." Abramoff eventually grew annoyed at the amount that Norquist took off the top before sending the money on, e-mails show. "Grover kept another $25 k!" Abramoff wrote in a February 2000 note to himself. [4]

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

Sheila wrote:

"So just spit it out and lets get it over with....all I'm sayin. I'm a supporter and I want to know."

Is it possible - even if hard to believe - that Hillary isn't going down a "swift boat" road as the Republicans will because she does want to have a united Dem party in the Fall? Is it possible?

Wendy!
"f she co-opted it she came by it honestly.

At a rally in Los Angeles I attended...nobody said the words until Dolores Huerta took the mic and lead us in the chant.

Just sayin'"

Ok, I'll accept that. So why did she take so long to adopt it? Was "Solutions for America" not working?

Kate, he's talked about being bi-racial... He's talked about all of it... Have you read his book?

dnd.. yer a scamp!

nice try, brian. but don't think grover is the only one, wasn't even the only one in that article

I have a particularly sweet and wonderful man who calls himself chocolate. he knows who he is and I believe he's chocolate.

I don't believe Obama's label of himself particularly hard to believe. He is proud of his father's heritage and his mothers, he has written about both and validated himself in them.

The label of African Americcan is no more than a census label.

Keating Five is stale, it will have no impact at all.

Believe it or not there still are moderate democrats that will not necessarily go with the party if they think the nominee doesn't have the qualities and experience to be chief executive of this country.

Yes we can may turn to "No You Don't" next November. Do not over estimate Obamas appeal. If people think that Bill Clinton was hard on Obama, just wait. Hillary has to go easy on him beacuse she could alienate her potential support later down the line. She is really in a no win situation. Which is too bad because the Republicans will probably win against Obama because they are not worried about a backlash. They will go negative early and often, Obama will be on the defensive and the message of hope and change will get lost when he has to spend all his time and treasure responding and defending himself. And if you think the conservatives are going to stay home, you are crazy, they are smart enough to know that even if they don't like McCain, he is better for their interests than Obama.

Another anthem for Corey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxfdDrKO8uM

Craig I'll see your rasmussen and raise you a Public Policy:

"Raleigh, N.C. – Barack Obama has opened up an 11 point lead on Hillary Clinton in
Wisconsin, according to a new survey of the state’s likely primary voters by Public
Policy Polling.
Obama’s 50-39 lead is particularly aided by a 55-34 advantage among voters most
concerned about the Iraq war."

http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Wisconsin_Release_021208.pdf

.....and BowmanC brings home the bacon.....

Nice post, Kate. My family is racially blended. My kids are Asian adoptees, and one of our grandsons, also adopted, is a combination of ingredients, including black. They all think of themselves as non-hyphenated Americans. That's why I spent a career in the military--to end the divisiveness that racked Europe.

Kids develop their own racial identities based on environment and peer pressure and their own perceptions of their place in life.

From what I can deduce about Obama is that he completely comitted to his blackness when he chose his wife. That's okay.

But, I don't think he's ever disparaged the white side of his being.

Why is Hillary saying Putin "doesn't have a soul." I might resent that remark.

I worry Hillary will run to the middle on Foreign Policy - and even if she beats McCain - she will lead this country down a path that is closer to want the Republicans want.

Obama will beat McCain on Foreign Policy by going to the left.

And the final one for Corey... Send HER this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNg0ReHeTiM

Craig aren't you late for dinner? And Grover's name just always sets off howls of ridicule in me! As I said if this the best repugs have bring it on, We're not afraid of a street fight!

Warren wrote:

"I have a pretty good idea who he would be voting for on Tues"

Didn't Craig say the other day he doesn't belong to a party and doesn't vote - he just analyzes?

I take him at his word that he calls them like he sees them - including those depressing poll numbers. ugh. Thank goodness the rest of the country will actually get to vote though.

BTW - I've missed you Warren.

Dim sum is on it's way, anyone else hungry, i over ordered.