Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Just read some very bad news. Tavis Smiley lost his gig as a commentator on the Tom Joyner Morning Show -- and according to the report it is because of his "let's wait and see" attitude about Barack Obama's candidacy.

How is pointing out voters' bitterness supposed to make them "sweet on you?" Seems like an uncharacteristic lapse on Obama's part. Could "battle fatigue" be setting in?

At this moment, Obama is speaking in Indiana,(available thru CNN) re-tooling the comments to his SF fundraisers--will it work to his advantage--I suspect with the able assistance of the media, he may well transform what appeared to be condescending & elitist into a plus-- may not necessarily help in PA--but the media will use every opportunity to praise his forthrightness--just review the first reports in various media this am--it has already begun.

this is an amazing moment in the primary season according to me!
My jaw dropped when I heard this. This is confirmation of what some people have been saying in the past. Obama is a black elite who wants to rule form his ivory tower. "Look at me, Look ta me, I am the black man that made it"..
This is why he twice has let down the black communuty by not showing up in Memphis among others..

More belief to me, that the Big B is just what I thought he was... A black Uncle Tom.

There...
I've said it......

Hope people wil start to realise that he is there because he has been put there. Hope you will get that the Kennedy's didn't just lent their support, it is a favour, for a return gift....He says these things when he is with the elite, the elite that formed him and the ones that will own him. They are the ones that want HRC to quit, because they know, she will NOT be that puppet!

Pfffffffffff
However this story will die down rather quickly...Messiah Obama has said it, so let it dwindle into the past.

We as African Americans will wake up when it is too late, when it will take us another 200 years to get a viable black candidate with a chance. These remarks and actions will haunt us for ages to come.
Thanks Barrack. Thank you!

HRC 08

By Paul Farhi
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 12, 2008; Page C01
One of Sen. Barack Obama's toughest African American critics is quitting his long association with a national radio show after facing a backlash from the program's listeners.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103056.html

Just imagine for one minute if Hillary Clinton had made a remark of this type about why she is not getting the AA vote. She did say that AA's were voting for Obama because they were proud of his candidacy and that she respected that. That was a respectful analysis unlike "bitter people resorting to guns and religion" but she was called a racist for that and less.

First paragraphs from the AP story by Jim Kuhnhenn that Craig links to:

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- In the midst of an assault from his rivals, a defensive Barack Obama said Friday that many working-class Americans are angry and bitter over economic inequalities and have lost faith in Washington - and, as a result, vote on the basis of other issues such as gun protections or gay marriage.

The Illinois senator's analysis of what motivates working-class voters came after chief rival Hillary Rodham Clinton accused him of looking down on such voters. Clinton rebuked Obama on Friday for similar remarks he made privately last Sunday to a group of donors in San Francisco.

"People don't vote on economic issues because they don't expect anybody is going to help them," Obama told a crowd at a Terre Haute, Ind., high school Friday evening. "So people end up voting on issues like guns and are they going to have the right to bear arms. They vote on issues like gay marriage. They take refuge in their faith and their community, and their family, and the things they can count on. But they don't believe they can count on Washington."

The Huffington Post Web site reported Friday that Obama, speaking of some Pennsylvanians' economic anxieties, told supporters at the San Francisco fundraiser: "You go into these small towns in Pennsylvania and, like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years. ... And it's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

In Terre Haute, Obama said he did describe some voters as bitter when a donor asked why working-class voters in Pennsylvania were not getting behind his campaign.

"Well, that's not my experience," Clinton told a Drexel University crowd, describing the state's residents as resilient, optimistic and hardworking.

"Pennsylvanians don't need a president who looks down on them," she said. "They need a president who stands up for them."
===============

Rest of article is quotes from McCain and Clinton folks piling on.

OK: would you rather have a president who observes the disconnect voters feel from Washington -- where they vote on cultural issues since they feel unheard -- or someone who patronizes them?

Clinton has been telling them all along to feel very very afraid and she's the only one who can fight for them (because they sure can't fight without her) and now they're resilient, optimistic and hard-working?

Oh puhleez.

Craig; do you choose your headlines?

Like Clinton with "Shock and Awe" and Obama with "Fib" and "Bitter" on recent links?

What will Olbermann do, his guys are actually saying something negative about Obama. First Richard
Wolf and now Craig.....guess we won't be seeing you any time soon.

For the first time in my adult life, this bitter, clingy, typical white person wishes that the Obama's would just go away.

I heard that Hillary has a bobmshell waiting in the wings after the debate. What could that be?

Be interesting to see the next set of poll numbers in PA. See if there is any fallout from yesterday.

If Edwards would like to have an impact on this race, he should endorse someone after PA but before NC.

Well Craig does hit the story and please note the rebutal by Obama is not what he said in SF.

Please note the following as well

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/obamas-college.html

The comments are rather harsh, but let's be clear; Obama said his growing up abroad when he was very young is his best foreign policy credentials. 6 - 10 years old, and this experiance let him understadn the world and what people outside America think. So Rez, what was that about Frank Davis have zero impact on him because "who remembers things between the age of 10 -17?" Of course, I'm paraphrasing you.

Now why Obama just decided to go to that College Spring break in Pakistan is anyone's guess. I would love to know what he did and who he hung out with. Certainly the Taliban and AQ were not around and it is astonishing that Obama thinks this is foreign policy experiance. My guess is that he spun this now because he knows his passport was looked at and Pakistan fits in to the Obama WAS a Muslim THEN.

So Good Morning everyone and thanks Craig for highlighting yesterday's hot topic. Corey might be right, but perhaps it will be today's hot topic as well, that is, until Media finds some unimportant thiing to tar Hillary with. Perhaps Sinclair for boosting Hllary in PR.

I'm still bummed out that Tavis Smiley has been kicked under the bus.

Craig: I take it today is our "fertilizing the garden" tutorial?

Because even compost made from bitter, bitter coffee grounds can have a beneficial effect, out in the fresh air and sunshine.

I think Obama was showing empathy, not elitism with his remarks.

And that if he felt the average voter was that stupid, he would not have bothered with his thoughtful and heartfelt speech on a More Perfect Union a few weeks ago.

Hillary will take this and run with it, but the underlying truth behind Obama's remarks could use a good look.

Shall check back with you later. Quick rain has made the yard more pliable -- time to get after some early dandelions. (Not for any culinary purposes, KGC.)

Sorry dog....I stand by my post on the last thread. Obama was telling his San Francisco donors that he'd lose Pennsylvania because of ignorant rednecks.

Yeah Patsi, but that's likely to be your view.

I think he may have been trying to explain why it was hard for them to take a chance on a newcomer, and that their expectations of Washington and any possibility of change is very low.

It will be fascinating to see how this plays out; actual impact won't be apparent for a week or so. (Would suspect it will hurt him in early polling.)

This could work to his advantage if he gets in front of the story.

He's got a lot of people's attention, that's for sure.

Patsi: question from earlier thread: are you working on a new book or an article? Good luck if so.

Wow Tom -- that's quite an article you linked....this last paragraph!!!

"On the Huffington Post Web site yesterday, author and political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson suggested that Smiley was the victim of "the black Obama thought police," which had subjected him to "a verbal public lynching" for comments that ran counter to mainstream black opinion. "

I agree with Ivy to a point. Obama is fatigued; he's running out of steam. The longer the campaign drags on, the less glittery he appears. However, he was also playing to that particular audience. If he wasn't smart enough to realize that his comments would go beyond the confines of that room, well, he's either really off of his game or he's just incredibly arrogant.

Arrogant: Well, like attracts like which would explain KO.

ps - Typo alert - "...became public)." Yer knot gonna poynt out myne tho, rite?

a book, dog....just finishing.

Geez, we just finished prying Carlton Heston's gun from his cold dead fingers, and now it's them god fearing, gun totin', Pennsylvanians turn. You need a huge bus to get all these people under it.

The decendents of the Pennsylvania Volunteers that helped save the Union.

http://www.pa-roots.com/~pacw/infantry/143rd/143rdorg.html

Jason, don't know if you are still here...but I had a funny encounter yesterday. I was in line at a Quik Stop....the little white guy (almost skin head looking) in front of me was talking to a big black guy right behind me. The white kid was doing an almost Saturday Night Live "black" thing, "Yo! Bro! Ax me 'bout mayyyh new rap." He had all the hand and body moves.

The second black guy standing in line was looking at the white kid like he was an alien.

When the white kid left, the second black guy made a remark about the way the kid talked, and so I said "Yeah, what's up with that?"

The first guy said, "He talks like that all day long. I work with him."

Second guy: "Augggh."

Me: "Sounds like he's lookin' to be a brother."

First guy, almost falling down laughing: "REAL bad! He's wants it REAL bad. You ain't got any idea how many of those littler jive ass dudes there are running around! We laugh at him every day and he still don't get it."

Pats, Travis told Maher that he thought LBJ had MLK killed and that MLK's message was no different than Wright's. His excuse now is as funny as Rhodes who blames Air America wanting to break her contract as the real reason she was fired.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/09/jon-stewart-awards-obama_n_95875.html

Even Stewart is under attack for blasting Obama and I can only hope SNL keeps it up. Maybe a sketch about Obama getting a GI Joe as a child and that being his military experiance.

In any case, I'm hardly sad to see Travis get the boot no matter if it was related not to LBJ, but rather keeping the race alive.

Obama's message is running out of steam. He still makes the same blunders like not having an answer to the drivers license question or saying he would call first responded if we are attacked. There is a long list that Media was soft on.

Also please note that Obama better come up with a better excuse on Ayers. Saying they met because their children were in the same school is lame. In 1995, the Obamas had no children.

Dog,

If you're still around, I commented on your "Truth as its own defense" posting on the prior thread, but after Craig's new one was posted. Nothing earth-shaking, but I wanted you to know it's there.

*chuckles watching the Clintonista grab at straws*.

Importing EdVB and burrito posts, since they were both on topic and illuminating. (PS: did not do this with link because both are short and linking takes you out of this thread to yesterday's.)

Ed's:

Dog,

I agree that truth is its own defense, and as soon as I read that in your post, I thought about President Clinton saying that Jesse Jackson had been victorious in South Carolina.

That was an historical fact that became spun into racism, probably by Obama supporters with the help of the media. Senator Obama's statement is more opinion than fact, but there are certainly voters, as Dexter indicated, who easily prove the Senator's point.

The risk in making the statement is the likelihood that it might convince more undecided voters to oppose him than to vote for him. My guess is the statement had no effect on his or Hillary's supporters. It also had no effect on the people he's talking about.

Posted by: EdVB | April 12, 2008 10:37 AM

burrito's post, which was last of previous thread:

“It's not surprising then they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

Obama's words speak to what Obama believes - not to the people he is stereotyping.

Maybe these proud people aren't so impressed with a rich arrogant Harvard lawyer politician -type telling them how they feel....and how they "bitterly cling" to their faith and weapons as a crutch.

Gray and cloudy here - have a great day everyone. I am going to the range for some target practice after church.

: )

Posted by: unlikely_burrito | April 12, 2008 10:58 AM

Better to grab at a straw than to snort cocaine through one.

t appears that most people who oppose Obama oppose him because they are afraid of change. This is a documented psychological disorder. (My advice: if you oppose Obama, unless you're really, really rich or a Washington insider, get counselling.)

For the first time in two generations, we have a presidential candidate who does understand & care about people's frustrations with their government(s), who really does understand what's wrong with our federal government (including the incestuous press, Craig) & who really does have a shot at changing the system for the better.

When you see the abject self-serving density of Obama's opponents Clinton & McCain, you see the real faces of bitterness (okay, even if they're rich, hypocritical faces) & panderers to bitterness.

People who love this country want a president who will lift us up. Neither Clinton nor McCain even has the desire to do that, but less the ability. A vote for either of those two is downright unpatriotic.

Craig...typo...second paragraph, third line...double 'they'.

Dear Marie:

I am so glad you said "most People" I will assume that all the Hillary Supporters are the exception to what you stated if I did not know better I'd say you are brian in drag but then again...

--Heather

typo....* I meant to say..."will assume that all the Hillary Supporters here at Craig's Trail Mix

Has the1981 Pakistan trip been mentioned in Obama's prior books, speeches or comments? If so, was there any reaction by MSM?

"would you rather have a president who observes the disconnect voters feel from Washington"

That's not what he was doing...he was calling them bitter, gun loving, bigots to explain why they don't support his candidacy...

Just because he's spinning it around the other way today in public doesn't mean he didn't say those things in private.

Taken together with Rev. Wright and the "typical white people" comment...I think it's time to stop saying these are blunders and ADMIT that these all point to how Barrack Obama really feels about whitey. "If I can't guilt you into voting for me like I can the rich white folk...then you are bitter, gun loving, bigots."

Yes people who love this country want Obama and those that don't, won't. Hey, Marie, you're making Brian look good. Even he hasn't said Hillary supporters don't love their country. McCain doesn't love our country? I suspect there are medical names for the disorder you have, but perhaps a therapist would be better at pinpointing your problem.

Craig was just pinpointing Obama's problem as of today.

"abject self-serving density" -good luck with that....

Enjoy the morning every one.

"appears that most people who oppose Obama oppose him because they are afraid of change. This is a documented psychological disorder. (My advice: if you oppose Obama, unless you're really, really rich or a Washington insider, get counselling.) "

This is either a joke or pathetic. Either way, it's funny as hell.

(Note to poster: if you are going to psychoanalyze, please remember that "counseling" only contains one "l". Damages your cred.)

Marie Burns: welcome and stick around. There is a bitter crew on this blog, and it ain't the Obama supporters!

Hey Max...on the I lived in Indonesia for 4 years story...besides the fact that he was 6 when he moved there . . . how about the fact that is was 40 years ago.

Had to laugh at that one..."I have foreign policy experience because I lived in Indonesia 40 years ago when I was 6."

Perhaps his appearance in San Francisco was him trying his new stand up routine rather than a speech. Maybe we have it all wrong - because most of what he said that night is a complete JOKE.

bowmanc,

Re: Your 10:57 post

I tried to open the link, but access was forbidden. Do I have to send them a copy of my DD214?

"There is a bitter crew on this blog, and it ain't the Obama supporters!"

This tone is exactly why so many Hillary Clinton supporters are sick to death of the way Barack Obama has "brought this country together." He has been divisive all along, attempting to destroy the Democratic party by developing a constituency of indies and Republicans that look adoringly at Mr. Tranformative Ronald Reagan and hate the Clinton presidency. It appears he has created a cult following to mimic him.

"Had to laugh at that one..."I have foreign policy experience because I lived in Indonesia 40 years ago when I was 6."

Wendy -- I lived in Germany for two years in my 20s -- maybe I could get an ambassadorship! Oh, but I like Spain so much better, and I did spend a week in Barcelona....

I don't believe the Pakistan trip was mentioned which leads to some strange questions. We do know Obama's passport files were recently looked at and I suspect Obama's spin was to prevent this from popping up later. It is curious why he went to Pakistan of all places for a college student on a break to go and that three weeks gave him foreign policy experiance. Again read the comment thread.

Obama points to his growing up as a very young boy outside America as the best experiance in establishing his foreign policy cred, yet Rez and others dismiss whatever impact Davis could have had on Obama despite the obvious link to the Soviet mantra of Yes We Can. The thread of Obama's thinking seems to run from Davis straight to Wright. When pressed, Obama betrays these inclinations, time after time giving him this rather phony air.

http://news.yahoo.com/edcartoons/robertariail

Wendy, you have email...don't laugh, 'cause nothing surprises me anymore....

if true, we can add really bad taste to the list...LOL

UPDATE: Obama Concedes Remarks Were Ill Chosen: MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) -- "Democrat Barack Obama on Saturday conceded that comments he made about bitter working class voters who 'cling to guns or religion' were ill chosen, as he tried to stem a burst of complaints that he is condescending."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OBAMA_CLINTON?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Marie,

Dog's invitation to hang around was sincere. There is some unfortunate bitterness here, but I'm afraid it's not limited to one side re Clinton or Obama supporters. Heck, I'm about to take a friendly poke at you, and I'm still neutral on those candidates.

There's also a documented medical term for individuals who provide medical or psychological diagnoses of patients or groups from observing videos or analyzing blogs.

That term is "Bill Frist."

Please hang in and give your opinions. Most of the rancor here is because those on each side truly feel their candidate is the answer. Other than that broad-based defense, I'm not going to try to speak for anyone. Mr. Crawford is a generous host, and I'm hopeful that someday there will again be fun mixed with reasonable discussion on these pages.

thanks for the typo alerts, folks. all fixed. and by the way, we haven't given up on installing the edit function for comments. that is a top priority as IT searches for the right tool.

""I was raised with Midwestern values and an unshakable faith in America and its policies," she said. "Now, Americans who believe in the Second Amendment believe it's a matter of constitutional right. Americans who believe in God believe it's a matter of personal faith."

And what Midwestern values did Hillary learn that told her to oppose a trade deal while her husband gets paid almost a million dollars to push it and the head of her campaign gets 300 grand. Who knew lack of ethics was a Midwestern value. You learn something new everyday.

Welcome newbie Marie Burns. Stick around

Max...I responded to your e-mail earlier this a.m.

Not only were the comments "demeaning," but they will come back to haunt the Dems in the general if they are foolish enough to make him the nom. Considering that they put Kerry at the top of the last ticket instead of Edwards, it's possible.

Attacking your opposition may look bad to some voters, but to attack the voters was just tremendously stupid and/or arrogant.

"Guns and Religion" That would make a good album title. "We have time for racism , we have time for criticism , held bondage by our "isms"...when will there be a time 2 love?" - Stevie Wonder in the song "A Time 2 Love". To clarify what I meant by my remarks last night. I said "I highly doubt Clinton supporters will ever grow to love Obama and I also highly doubt Obama supporters will ever grow to love Hillary." TipToe did reply to this already. What I meant was: No matter what is said on this blog I doubt anyone who supports Clinton is gonna be swayed to suddenly to the Obama side , just as nothing that a Clinton supporter says here is going to make anyone on the Obama side suddenly switch their support to Clinton. Isn't that what these daily threads are about , trying to convince the others why they should support your candidate and not theirs? But , I am not saying that doesn't mean any of us won't vote for the Democrat in the election , no matter who it is. I remember Brian once said "If Hillary won the nomination , he would vote for her. He said "He'd hold his nose" , but he'd vote for her. So , I assume their are a lot of us who would do the same when voting for whoever the nominee is.

Funny how Brian wants everyone to stay on topic . . . unless it's bad news for Obama . . . then it's ok to change the topic.

Just an observation - not an attempt to suppress anyone's comments - just pointing out an interesting little fact.

ROFL

Welcome aboard Maria. Always happy to see another Obama supporter on the blog.

"That term is "Bill Frist."

ROFL, Ed....I'll cop to doing the Frist Twist every so often.

""Guns and Religion" That would make a good album title. "

Corey --I hate a t-shirt that says:

Repent & Reload
GOP: The Official Party of the Apocalypse

EdVB - LOL. What is the correct use of the term? Fristification? To Fristiculate?

Marie - Welcome. Change can be good or bad, depending on how it effects you. If you get a tax break, it's good for you...even if the burden is put on someone else; the change seems bad to them.

I think it's kind of a reach to infer that if you don't vote for Obama, the terrorists win. Oh, that's why Obama reminds me of W so much; it's his arrogance.

Can't wait to see how the "bitter" remarks show up on SNL tonight.

Off to feed the ducks & turtles & see if I can coax that catfish to the top, again. He's gotta be 8 to 10 pounds & he has cataracts. Poor baby. I think he knows it's feeding time from all of the commotion from the turtles.

Have a good day y'all.

Maxtrue, thank you. It, indeed, is strange that such an exotic place for a college student to visit for three weeks would have been forgotten and left out of autobiographical material. Also strange why there was or is no follow-up by the MSM or opposition.

Praise the Lord and pass the ammo.

"Son don't you wade to deep, in Bitter Creek "- The Eagles

Craig, I am the most needing the spell check...LOL

Thanks for the update...

Wendy, thanks for your perspective, I replied.

So Obama this morning has a triple wammy. He is seen foolish in regard to Penn and those with "guns and religion" and he makes some absurd foreign policy credential claims promoting more questions than answers. Meanwhile, his Senate bill drowns from a complete disregard for how the Senate works.

Now if he finds a way to blame this all on Hillary with help from MSM, he'll be back spouting his high-road and "being the smartest and most intellectual" candidate running for President. by Monday. Yes He Can, God Damn it!!

I suspect that claim is based on another unflattering prespective of "we the people".

One last point: If Obama gained such foreign policy experiance in his three week stay in Pakistan sensing the vibe of the people, why were his remarks about Pakistan several months ago met with the unified condemnation of the Pakistani people, denouncing him by name? Could it be that his experiance isn't all that Obama thinks it is? And note that Japan, Australian, India, Israel are not far from Obama's first stop to visit his homeland. Instead he chose to visit Pakistan and did not write about such serious foreign policy experiance in his acclaimed books.

Blue,

I think the condition is Fristitis. I like "Fristiculate" for the verb, and can't argue with Patsi's Frist Twist label.

I tend to pontificate quite often at work (and elsewhere), and now that we have our 16th Pope Benedict, I label my efforts as Benedictions. Of course I only apply that label after the fact, when friends or others take me to task for them.

Wendy , the other night we were discussing Randi Rhodes. Brian made this post at 9:09 P.M.

"So lets see the president addressed the nation about expanding the war, McCain told us yesterday how he has no problem bombing a nation that could hardly be considered a threat to us. And you people drone on about Randi Rhodes, impressive."

This is what he posted earlier at 8:51 p.m.

"kudos to KO for calling Elton John on his stupid misogyny remark last night. "

I thought we were talking about Randi Rhodes and brain lamented that , when he brought up KO and Elton John just a few minutes earlier? I mean , shouldn't KO be talking about McCain and Bush instead of Elton John , too?

Yes , I cherry-picked those posts from Thursday night.

Patsi, I feel it.

The AA will need to see this, but they won't because it lies deep with this community.... Sad.

Straws Brian??????
I have to laugh at that.
Well thanx for the straws. It can serve as food to the needy....

I read the CQ link to AP story by Kunnheim and Babington.

Read it yourself, folks, and then ask who is "authentic" and who is "elitist and out of touch."

I think this could help Obama a lot because there is truth underlying his remarks.

And it is high time to discuss that truth, instead of some mythology about the inherent nobility of working people left behind when the jobs leave.

Maybe one of the candidates actually was listening.

yes Jason, grasping at straws, it's a common expression.

grasping at straws
1. trying to find reasons to feel hopeful about a bad situation. She thinks he might still be interested because he calls her now and then but I think she's clutching at straws.
2. trying to find some way to succeed when nothing you choose is likely to work. Jerry, grasping at straws, searched the backup tapes from last week, looking for the missing files.

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/grasping+at+straws

Regarding Marie's post. I am not an Obama supporter , but I am getting counseling. But , not for that reason. LOL!

Just do not let them counsel your sense of humor and perspective out of you, Corey. It is greatly appreciated.

Paid, it is strange that Obama doesn't reaaly discuss his Columbia University days either. Some believe that the activity and friends he was involved with there are better kept secret. I think Gordo has something to add to this.

Selective history is the best we can call Obama's autobiolographical endevors. BS is another view, but one voters will ultimately have to decide for themselves. Please note Obama ALWAYS alters course slightly AFTER objections break through the MSM barrier. Smarter judgment would have nipped these issue in the bud from the start. To imagine Wright and Rezko would not have become issues is the height of arrogance. At this point I would say Obama can dance better than Hillary, but it is the kind of dance that is troubling. The problems that beset Obama are of a qualitative difference than those hurting Hillary. Unfortunately MSM seems to be the one holding the score card. Let's hope Pennsylvania teaches Zogby and MSNBC another lesson.

One bit of music for the day and then I'm out. LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qCXug0XFOY&feature=related

"Obama was trying to explain his upcoming loss in Pennsylvania to his San Francisco donors: those pesky Pennsylvanians are just a bunch of down scale, ignorant, gun totin', religious nut racists."

Patsi - have you ever been to PA?

Anyways, Obama - didn't you learn anything from Carville. Never apologize!! (unless you lie....oops, I mean misspeak). Once you apologize - you admit you did something wrong.

(Actually - I am ok with him coming out and saying his words were ill chosen. New politics baby. Don't be afraid to admit when you are wrong....amazing that that is new.)

That is a shame about Tavis Smiley. He is one smart dude. At least he still has his show on PBS.

I totally agree some Obama supporters are over-the-top. But for some of these freaks - it is the first time in their lives they have really cared about who gets elected President - and not everyone knows how to deal with that feeling....

Warren you get the award today for posting a contradiction. I think Obama is rubbing off on you.

Obama said A

A is correct

Obama didn't learn not to do B when A is wrong

doing B is okay

Max must do C....later

Great post dude. Now we are all clear on that....

Its Brian that need the counseling lo;

( 0-0 )
U
//////////////

Ha!

Travis a smart dude? So you agree that MLK is like Wright and that LBJ murdered MLK?

Well I guess you're as smart as Travis....

now I'm utta here....later people

I always enjoyed Tavis Smiley he has always been a class act and well worth anyone's time. Anytime I watched him I came away the better for it

--Heather

Well I went to HuPo and read the blivet on the speech. Here's the remark that really caught my attention (in a negative sort of way):

"When people tell me they've all stressed about racial discord, well, you know, try slavery for a while." (26:02)"

I not going to listen in their entirety, so I ask, is he talking about white people being stressed, or about black people?

In either case, as he's pretty much made race off-limits for the other candidates, he's placed himself as the only one who can make such pontifical pronunciations.

Now, back to his statement.

To the best of my knowledge the only people in this country who have experienced slavery emigrated here as a matter of humanitarian necessity or of choice. Either way, they left that vile institution behind.

And, I suspect that most of those here who experienced slavery directly are either European or Asian.

Perhaps I'm the only one who has reacted so viscerally to Mr Obama's remark. If so, that's my problem to reconcile which I shall try to do (in any case).

love u Brian....

Amazing how U can worm worm ypirself out of it... Just like your candidate!

Stay good,

In 11 days we will see

marie:

I agree that people resisting Obama are scared of change. They think one of these old Washington types is the safer choice. (And by "old" - I mean they have been in Washington and the "public eye" for a long time...).

But I think "therapy" is a bit drastic (unless they have other issues they need to work out...and judging from this blog - hah! just kidding peeps).

Anyways, the point is - they don't need counseling - they just need to listen to this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtkVGClqrT4

A lesson in how to make a silk purse from a sows ear.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/04/obama-responds.html

Maxtrue:

Often...the truth is a contradiction.

(btw, get over yourself dude)

I do not have permission to repost this, but I am going to do it anyway. One of my MySpace friends (I think he is a Republican) had this to say:

"I went for a long walk in the early evening and thought about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Of course we recently recalled his assasination and on August 28th we will observe the anniversary of his famous "I have a dream....." speech. August 28th. I kept thinking about that date.

"Last night after dinner with friends downtown overlooking the bay I went ont he internet and wanted to double check the dates of the Democrats convention--- August 25-28th! Interesting. I kept thinking that Howard Dean is NOT in such an impossible situation as I thought when you think about the duel between Hillary and Barack. I know that no democrat has ever won the White House without obtaining 60% of the african american vote and at least 40% of the white vote (I hate these terms but they lead to my point) .

Howard Dean knows that Obama must be the nominee if the Dems want to win the White House. Obama said, correctly too I think, that "I think her (Clinton) supporter's will vote for me but I am not so sure that my supporters will vote for her..." And Dean knows this is true. Dean will select the nominee and I believe I can predict who Obama will ask to be his VP. Hillary will not quit, but she will not win the nomination.

Howard Dean is working with Obama right now and I think they have already cut a deal with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (what a slap to Clinton) to be the VP nominee with Obama at the top of the ticket. And guess on what date the nomiee gives his acceptance speech.....August 28th....the anniversary of Dr. King's great speech........

Can you imagine Senator Obama on the 28th of August accepting his parties nomination, making references to the King speech, and running with the very popular Mayor of New York? I can. Its almost perfect I think. Unless McCain gets to Bloomberg first...which won't happen."

Thoughts?

(if my posts are a bit cranky today - blame the hangover - not the drinker. Kinda like "hate the racisim, not the racist.")

Flatus: could you put up the link to Huffington item you've mentioned (re 26:02 -- is that time on a speech excerpt?). Also, what's a blivet?

Would be interested to see any source material.

Many thanks.

There is so much on HuffPost that I find wading through it kind of difficult some times...

Thoughts, ET? I think it's so much of a stretch that it's BS.

Max,

"Obama said his growing up abroad when he was very young is his best foreign policy credentials." - Max

I think you're taking a lot of license with this one. As i recall it was about experience living AMONG people abroad as opposed to VISITING abroad.

"on the I lived in Indonesia for 4 years story...besides the fact that he was 6 when he moved there . . .Had to laugh at that one..."I have foreign policy experience because I lived in Indonesia 40 years ago when I was 6." - Wendy

Wendy/Patsi - (paraphrasing Max ) he believes at 6 a person is most impressionable and develops their lifelong political disposition.

Rez *standing atop a dead horse waving his 2X4*

And why are people so obsessed with Bloomberg. Webb would be a way better VP.

Sorry CNN...Foreign Policy is my #1 issue....

Obama's stereotyping of rural and small town Americans as gun-toting, bible-thumping, racist, uneducated folk waiting around for government to solve their problems shows a profound disrespect for rural culture in America. The 1st and 2nd amendments to the Constitution are not just something that Americans cling to when they are "bitter." The freedom to practice religion is one of the foundations of American culture. Guns represent not just self-defense but self-sufficiency in a rural environment.

Though America is only about 30% rural, the working class of small towns often come from rural roots, when families moved into town as a result of industrialization. Values of piety, freedom, hard work and self-sufficiency remain core working class values. To imply that the working class are bitter or whining because they decry irresponsible trade agreements or unfair job competition caused by illegal immigration is not only insulting to those core values, but also shows a complete ignorance of them.

EuroTom: I think it sounds plausible except I am not sure about the Bloomberg part. But an interesting observation and I hope you will share more of your friend's thinking. (Without getting said friend mad at you.)

Maybe friend was going with Bloomberg as a hopeful Republican guess?

Obama-Jim Webb is my dream ticket, although I will lose me one fine Virginia senator.

Interesting significance to August 28.

It's minutes into his speech, Dog. Here's the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mayhill-fowler/obama-exclusive-audio-on_b_96333.html

A blivet is a thing that is either too simple or too complex for an easy to craft description. I've never heard it used outside of the military. Ah, when all else fails, turn to Wiki:)
http://www.google.com/search?q=blivets+site:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki+-inurl:%22User:%22+-inurl:Talk:+-inurl:%22User_talk:%22+-inurl:%22Template:%22+-inurl:%22Template_talk:%22&btnI=I%27m+Feeling+Lucky

"Though America is only about 30% rural . . . ."

Ins't that Bush's approval rating.

Yep, Obama-Webb, great ticket!

I know that there are people up in PA that have lost their jobs and use those guns to supplement their grocery shopping. I know many hunters that do say a prayer over the body of the animal that they have killed.

Killing a deer in the fall puts a lot of good food on the table. Being more self reliant and having the ability to fend for yourself is empowering. If there was a major disruption to the food supply chain who is more likely to be eating well? A person upcountry with a gun or hordes of people breaking into warehouses and grocery stores. Can't happen? Think about Katrina.

Don't worry dog. There will be much more progessive Senators to come. On both sides of the aisle.

If it ain't broke - don't fix it. But if it is broken...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tBHOuHolYw

I think you should ONLY be allowed to hunt if you are eating what you kill.

Killing animals for sport is rather crude....

And Bowmanc what exactly do you think the people of the 9th Ward in NO would be hunting with those guns? Sewer rats perhaps, maybe each other?

"To IMPLY that the working class are bitter or WHINING. .

Carrie do you know Wendy? .lol

Flatus -- thanks! Will take a listen.

And I thought that might be a military term! Double thanks to you. Never heard that.

Blivet sounds like:

-- a techie's description of embedded audio link or some other internet content

-- yet another term for a rush of water

-- the young of some obscure animal or lifeform

-- a Scandinavian porn term

-- in punditry: cross between bloviating and bleeting, as with sheep, especially when you're speaking in sotto voce because you are not that sure of the accuracy of the information you are imparting (but hey, you're a pundit -- why should that stop you?) NOTE: Craig is immune to bliveting

-- a duvet cover for pets, sold in really expensive catalogs
....

gotta knock off the coffee

Off to walk the goose before it starts raining.

Carry on my friends.

*warren channels McCain*

(I can't wait for a debate between Obama and McCain. I think that will be great for our Country no matter who wins. Of course it will be better if my main man wins. And I am pretty confident given the record turn outs and the enthusiasim for "change" in this country.)

Hasta luego mi amigos...

Warren:

Two points less 28%

--Heather

Right Brian. The people in New Orleans would fare a lot better with fishing poles as opposed to 9 milimeters...

http://www.victoriainn.com/neworleansfishing.htm

Ok

My Favorite program is on NCIS! I can never get enough of that program or Mark Harmon!!!! he's easy on any woman's eyes :-))

Notice to all Yankees fans Yankees v Boston national game today on Fox :-)) 4 pm

--Heather

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1xSt7iganA

GO BOSOX!!

Careful, Heather. That's the second time you've mentioned Harmon in such, um, glowing terms!

Obama Event Coordinator: "Get Me More White People... We Need More White People"

“I didn’t know they would say, ‘We need a white person here,’ ” said attendee and senior psychology major Shayna Watson, who sat in the crowd behind Mrs. Obama. “I understood they would want a show of diversity, but to pick up people and to reseat them, I didn’t know it would be so outright.”

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/04/obama-event-coordinator-get-me-more.html

And what are we learning from this minor incident. Hillary has learned nothing from the Bill Richardson episode. Attacking Obama on this issue is just exactly what the SDs don't like about Hillary.

Sewer rats for sure, just like you would be in NYC. The Katrina reference was to the possibility of a major break down in the food supply chain. Just about anybody in an urban environment could end up in desperate circumstances in a pretty short period of time.

Except the Mormons, I am pretty sure their doctrine has them keep a years supply of food on hand. Let all head over to Mitt Romneys if a disaster strikes.

Kill it and eat it, thats what I say.

Warren, how do you feel about having low paid people kill and process animals so you can eat them? Or are you a strict vegan?

Oops, Corey, I meant to say "I have a t-shirt" -- not "I hate a t-shirt" -- it's my favorite shirt....

Looks like some here think it is a cardinal sin to criticize Saint Barack...The public is picking up on the sanctimony and sense of entitlement by the Obamas. Time is our best friend.

I find it quite ironic that those who vilify Senator and President Clinton on a daily basis, can't handle incoming criticisms which are an inherent part of a political campaign.

Here's wikipedia on Flatus's useage of "blivet" (edited for brevity):

US Army slang from \WWII: blivet defined as "ten pounds of manure in a five pound bag" (a proverbial description of anything egregiously ugly or unmanageable); applied to an unmanageable situation, a crucial but substandard or damaged tool, or a self-important person.

From Vietnam War, a blivet was a heavy rubber bladder in which aviation fuel or POL (petroleum, oil, and lubricants) was transported. Term in use today in US Afghanistan operations.

Also anything which, once unpacked, could not be replaced in its container.

In various US Air Force communities (e.g. Strategic Air Command), blivet may have referred to what are euphemistically called "Special Weapons" whose presence are officially neither confirmed nor denied. Usage apparently derived from the original cavalry definition.

In some areas of the U.S., it refers to a juvenile prank, clearly connected with the original military usage: a sack full of excrement is ignited on the victim's porch, while the pranksters ring the doorbell and run. The victim attempts to put the flames out by stamping on the bag. This may also be related to the term's claimed use as military slang for a land mine, not well-documented.

=======
Check out that last paragraph. Blivet is so much more genteel than calling it a flaming sack of ...

another usage, per Wiki:

"Blivet" is often used in the Southern United States as a self-descriptor when one has failed to adhere to a healthy and reasonably nutritious eating plan (e.g., "I feel like a stuffed blivet.").

The origin of this usage cannot be determined, but dates back certainly to the 1940s in the northern Alabama hill country. [citation needed]

When he does something that warrants criticism have it. OD what you're doing is spinning, not criticizing.

Thanks Brian..We simple, country people here in the West, so appreciate your input.

Well,I better go clean my gun to get some possum and then stop by the church to meet with my bitterness self-help group.

http://gcnlive.com/ListenLive/realplayerfreeNtwk1.ram

Sounds like a busy day ahead of you OD, enjoy.

If Obama assessment of certain voters is not correct, how did GW Bush win 2 prez elections? The only thing Obama missed in his assessment is "some" stupid voters are not just in small towns, they are everywhere!

OD......How many possum are in Oregon? None in Washington.....that is interesting....Blueberrys and hazelnuts and deer. ;0)

Have a great day!

I had some really good venison on Thanksgiving

Just looked and there really ARE possums in Oregon....learn knew things everyday!

You don't say Sheila, well shut my mouth and stuff it with corn pone.

Brian, dog, Rez, Warren, and all who want a knew toy,

Here is Slate's handy delegate counter. http://www.slate.com/id/2185278

Very cool indeed!

That's "NEW" toy...although it really knew....

I love new toys!

Rez, keep spinning

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/us/politics/10obama.html?bl&ex=1208059200&en=b73a8a7a2664d856&ei=5087%0A

NYT and Obama spin it too and say that 6 -10 were formative years and young adulthood...LOL

And then that VERY SIGNIFICANT three week stay in India/Pakistan that was SO SIGNIFICANT Obama never mentioned it in his two books.

Davis on the other hand was a political mentor reading poetry and befriending his communist dad and Barry's family. YOU decide that this could hardly have had any real impact on Obama though Davis and Wright share some obvious features and rhetoric. YES THEY DO GOD DAMN IT...LOL

And McCain didn't spend some hard time abroad? What utter bullshit. And what exactly was the Kenyan reaction to Obama's dad? I mean really, Barak even equates his WATCHING McCain in Iraq as somehow a substitute for HIS being there. Unlike JFK, Obama decided not to go to Europe and speak directly with European leaders and military experts. Instead, he found cheaper quarters in Karachi. Now you know Obama selected what things to leave out inhis bio and what mentors to put in. Your dismissing them defies even Obama's strange logic, or should I say "phoniness".

Obama also blasts Bush on proliferation but ignores the difficult and successful job Bush did securing the nuclear materilas in Kaz. Yes or No? And the Republican administrations of Reagan and Bush 1 continued by Clinton did a decent job as well spending a great deal of money.

Funny that Obama says nothing about the Syrian/NK/ Iranian project that Assad was/is working on. He says nothing about Bhutto's Party now reneging on their promise to let the CIA interview AQ Khan while lawyers beat protestors. Barak talks to Newsweek about how our failure to bring prosperity to poor Pakistanis is to blame for their rejecting helping us against getting OBL which he first realized when visiting Pakistan at 19...LOL

So you keep spinning it Rez. Defend not sanctioning Quds as they arm Sadr and meet with FARC. Defend a "no comment" about Zbig's trip to Assad where he used the photo op to hail "shared interests". Ignore Chavez who helps FARC ( a group recently caught with uranium and planning to use dirty bombs) while trashing Columbia trade agreement because of anti-union violence (not why Pelosi is mad at China). Yes, let's secure those nuclear stock piles and ignore regimes creating new ones. And who can lead us with his experiance? Obama can. He visited Pakistan when he was 19 and lived abroad between 6 and 10. That is certainly the Wright Stuff.

Forgive my sarcasm, but it is rather painful watching Democrats find excuses after years of blasting Bush's. The idea was for reason to return and for the US to reform US policy, not to send us in a new faith-led direction. Obama has struck so many diffrent lines of reasoning, it has diluted his whole policy picture. Added to that is the continual problems that shake the very foundation of what he wants us to BELEIVE is his better judgment.

Perhaps 2008 is really Obama's formative years and we should disregard the rest. Unfortunately, 2009 will put us all to the test and frankly, I wouldn't bet on Obama's great judgment or the inclinations he has formed through a whole slew of impressions. Smug, never really apologizing, arrogant and clumsy. Haven't we had enough of that for eight years Rez?

*breaks into a sweat and wrings my hands after reading Max's latest post*

Its so long, I just give up....falling asleep

Cup of coffee dear?

Just let Senator O keep talking and talking and talking..

A gorgeous day in Oregon..sunny mid-70's..Hillary's people are moving into their Salem office today..It is in the same block as Senator O's office..should be fun I think.

Max, despite what the loyal opposition has to say, I thought your post was pretty good. And, I would add pompous to your list of adjectives.

OD,
Have an exciting protest and campaign. its always fun when you believe in your cause!

OD, if you go by there often, let us know where the two campaigns go for their meals.

Word to the wise:

If you visit NYC - do it in the Spring. When this city wakes up after the long Winter - it is at its most alive.

(Plus, if you come at Christmas - it is crowded and cold. And NYC covers up some of its best assets - e.g., the ladies wear pants and big coats and of course no baseball.)

Thanks for the tip Heather. (I was out walking Lucy with my cap on : )

Let's go Yankees!!

Sounds like good weather for hunting OD, you should bag quite a few possum. Why don't you invite the kin folk over for dinner.

"Haven't we had enough of that for eight years Rez?"

Max, surely you're not suggesting Obama will be another Bush! And please don't suggest that I would support another eight years like the last. In fact, like others, I'm lost on what you are suggesting.

Truly, I don't get into you foreign affairs "debate/rants" anyway, so leave me out of it. About all i've commented on is to strongly disagree with your notion of how much of Obama's or anyone's 6-10 years has to do formulating one's mature political stance, despite what Obama may or not have said about it.

Politicians—They're Just Like Us!
Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton campaign for their spouses in US Weekly.

By Morgan Smith
Posted Friday, April 11, 2008, at 2:48 PM ET

In separate pieces, Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton argue for their spouses. Obama says she initially opposed her husband's candidacy. "But when I took off my selfish hat, and I put on my mom hat and my professional hat and my woman hat and my citizen hat, I realized that if I weren't married to him I'd want a Barack Obama presidency right now—not in four or eight years." …

Clinton details his wife's public service and devotion to their family, noting, "Even in the White House, being mom always came first, until Chelsea went off to college. Then she had to worry about me! I was so lonesome for our daughter, she got me a dog named Buddy. She always seems to know the answer to every problem!" …

In case you were wondering the latest on celebrity endorsements, Obama counts Ben Affleck, Amy Smart, Kate Walsh, and Pete Wentz (who thinks the Illinois senator is "awesome") on his side. Portia de Rossi, Kelly Rutherford, Cheryl Hines, and Rose McGowan all support Hillary.

Sheila..There is so much excitement and interest out here.

People are pleased that our primary will have some meaning.

I took bottled water, Tillamook Cheese, and other things to the Portland headquarters last night. I then did some telephoning..That is someting I don't enjoy but people were very nice..lots of volunteers..lots of young people..I like seeing young people get involved whatever the campaign.

Oh BTW was anyone able to find any info on that march at Rockefeller Center yesterday (or was it Thursday). You know the one protesting Hillary's treatment by the press. I can't find any info on it.

Just saw the Hill on CNN claiming she is the ONLY candidate that will re-negotiate NAFTA.

Jeez - this woman just can't help herself.

(I realize there is a difference between lying and hyperbole....but still.)

And if you Clintonites think you have a "gotcha moment" because Obama said the "bitter" truth....you got another thing coming.

(Don't overplay your hand Wolf-boy. I have already heard that Clinton was "taken aback" by these "demeaning" comments. Sheesh. Give me a break. And of course "Mrs. $109 M" is calling someone an elitist. Talk about the pot calling the black man a kettle! Hah!)

"Even in the White House, being mom always came first, until Chelsea went off to college. Then she had to worry about me! I was so lonesome for our daughter, she got me a dog named Buddy. She always seems to know the answer to every problem!" …

Amazing, even while ducking sniper fire she always manages to strike just the right cord. That Bill he's a lucky man!

Chelsea appears @ Oregon State University in Corvallis today at the Memorial Union Building..Beautiful building..perfect place for a gathering..

What is Rose McGowan thinking?!

(Someone get me her number ; )

The sun is shining and the tide is turning. No degree of denial will change that..

Keep talking Senator O. You are turning into a very positive feature of the Clinton campaign.

I

OD do you have some special outfit you wear to all these Clinton events, a red, white and blue theme, lots of campaign buttons? Just trying to get a picture of you holding up a sign and cheering.

Brian. I'll pretend you are really interested and will answer your question and more..

Basic Rules of Hillary sign-holding..

1. Always have an umbrella handy..this is Oregon..there is a reason it is so green here

2. Find a place where you won't interfere with driver sightlines, etc.

3. Don't dress too warmly, moving around keeps you comfortable..

4. Wear a Hilary button and t-shirt if weather is good..
Beware..You wll end up giving your button to people who ask where to get them.

Brian..I know that Warren has done some campaign work. I admire that. I'm interested in what time and effort you put into the campaign.

Senator Obama is an elitist. Americans do not need or deserve a president that will look down on them. While it is true that many americans are frustrated due to the economy, it is not true that they turn to their faith, guns, anti-illegal sentiment, anti-trade sentiment because of bitterness. These folks turn to religion because of strong faith and the comfort