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Al Franken wins Senate nod amid 7 state primaries
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Comedian Al Franken grabbed the Democratic nomination Tuesday for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, setting up a showdown with Republican Sen. Norm Coleman.
Franken, who gained fame as a "Saturday Night Live" cast member, easily beat six other candidates chasing the Democratic nod. Coleman trounced his only opponent, an expatriate living in Italy.
Minnesota voters joined those in six other states and the District of Columbia in deciding general election matchups. Nominations for House, Senate and governor were on the line, along with the fate of another TV celebrity: Kevin Powell, a former cast member on MTV's "Real World," who lost his bid for Congress in New York.
Franken's celebrity has both helped and hurt him. His coast-to-coast recognition enabled him to amass an impressive bankroll for a first-time candidate, but archives full of racy material provided ammunition to Republicans and his most visible Democratic rival, attorney Priscilla Lord Faris.
Lord Faris, part of a well-regarded family in state Democratic politics, criticized Franken for "angry and offensive public behavior" and said he'd be too easy a target for Coleman and his allies.
With 33 percent of precincts reporting, Franken had 68 percent of the vote to Lord Faris' 28 percent.
"Norm Coleman has become Washington," Franken said. "He's the Washington guy and I'm going to be fighting for Minnesotans." ST. PAUL, Minn. - Comedian Al Franken grabbed the Democratic nomination Tuesday for U.S. Senate in Minnesota, setting up a showdown wi... more -
Fox News: Powell to Endorse Obama!
According to Fox News:
Sources say former Secretary of State Colin Powell will endorse Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention, Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol told FOX News exclusively on Thursday.
“He may well give a speech at the Democratic convention explaining his endorsement of Obama,” Kristol said, citing inside sources.
“This is not an absolute done deal, but these people are very confident that Powell will endorse Obama,” Kristol said, adding that he thinks Powell still has “a high respect” for John McCain, Obama’s Republican rival... According to Fox News: ... more -
Clinton campaign emails and memos leaked
Hillary Clinton’s campaign was undone by a clash of personalities more toxic than anyone imagined. E-mails and memos—published here for the first time—reveal the backstabbing and conflicting strategies that produced an epic meltdown. Hillary Clinton’s campaign was undone by a clash of personalities more toxic than anyone imagined. E-mails and memos—published here fo... more
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One Good Reason to Vote Obama
It's time for the social current in America to changes its course. We have struggled and maintained the status qua and it is time for Americans to participate in the reformation of the social infrastructures that are suppose to offer us stability.
Do you Obama? It's time for the social current in America to changes its course. We have struggled and maintained the status qua and it is time... more -
Clinton fanatics!
I saw an interesting article from Sam Stein of The Huffington Post.
So funny and sad at the same time
Eating A Reuben Amidst A Crowd Of Protesting Clintonites
May 31, 2008 06:54 PM
When is a Reuben sandwich not just a Reuben sandwich? When one eats it amidst a denizen of rabidly committed, frequently vitriolic, and unapologetically devoted Hillary Clinton supporters.
The scene at Harry's Pub in the Marriott Hotel, downstairs from the site of the Rules and Bylaws Committee hearing, was emblematic of the double-edged sword that has become the Democratic primary. One the one hand was the political passion: the willingness to stand in solidarity over the idea of counting the votes in Michigan and Florida, even if such a protest was scheduled on a Saturday under torrential rain.
On the other hand were the battered emotions: the ardent vows to not support Sen. Barack Obama under any circumstances, the insistence that every insidious rumor concerning the Illinois Democrat was grounded in fact, the belief that the party itself had conspired in an effort to tear down the Clintons.
With half a dozen flat screen televisions turned to CNN, it was not difficult to ascertain just where the political and emotional center of the crowd stood. A table of three women did not deal in discretion. A sampling of their punditry:
"[Obama] is a cult. His campaign is an anti-woman cult."
"I will actively campaign against him."
"You know who is backing him is George Soros. It'll be George Soros, not Obama, who is running the country."
"South Dakota is totally rigged for Obama because of Tom Daschle. Obama's going to win South Dakota because he's buying it and rigging it."
"[Obama] is a socialist! You know what the Nazi Party was before it was the Nazi Party? It was the Socialist Party."
It was not all that different from the mood outside, where signs read, "At least slaves were counted as 3/5ths a Citizen," and some pamphlets detailed Obama's supposed dealings in drugs and gay sex. The latter being handed out by Larry Sinclair, the youtube opportunist who has claimed to have had an affair with the Senator.
"Would you rather have a president who had an affair [Bill Clinton] or one who was a murderer [Obama]?" Eve Fairbanks, a reporter with The New Republic, was asked by one protester.
Back in Harry's, passions did not ebb. Amidst the chatter came raucous cheers for any Clinton surrogate whose face popped up on the television screen. They were countered by derisive boos when CNN cut to a clip of DNC Chairman Howard Dean. It didn't matter what he said. You couldn't hear it over the crowd's hissing.
I approached a group of Clinton supporters sitting at the bar to pinpoint, exactly, the foundation of their emotions. Almost unanimously they agreed that if Florida and Michigan weren't seated in their entirety, they would never vote for Obama.
As women, were they comfortable with a candidate like John McCain who could potentially overturn Roe v. Wade?
"Oh don't pull that argument," said Valerie Duhaime of Florida. "Obama did not support a filibuster of [Supreme Court Justice Samuel] Alito and he was for [Chief Justice] John Roberts before he was against him."
Within the pub's confines, Obama was not the only persona non grata. The media, too, occupied a dark place in the crowd's heart. The group at the bar went through a litany of websites that they no longer read -- including the Huffington Post. "I only watch the BBC," said Duhaime. "We are outsourcing the fourth estate."
Shortly after revealing my publication, I was turned away. No worries, my lunch, a Reuben sandwich, had arrived. I pulled up my chair to the table and sat down to eat. Minutes later a chant began around me.
"HuffPost sucks! HuffPost sucks!" and later, "Fox News, fair and balanced! Fox News, fair and balanced!" I saw an interesting article from Sam Stein of The Huffington Post. So funny and sad at the same time ... more -
How tasteless is this?
I NOW understand what Hillary was trying to say, but what a strange way to arrive at that point. She should be more mindful of her words and have more class, but wait...that would go against her campaign strategy.
Even though her comments were not referring to Obama, he was the first thing that came to my mind when she made that comment. Secondly, aren't the Kennedy's dealing with enough right now?
Obama could have used this opportunity to attack Hillary's character, but he didn't. I bet Hillary would not have been so gracious. I NOW understand what Hillary was trying to say, but what a strange way to arrive at that point. She should be more mindful of her w... more -
Popular Vote Poison
"Clinton has continued with one claim that could have a pernicious effect on the Democrats' chances. While she knows that the nomination is determined by delegates, Hillary insists on falsely claiming at every opportunity that she is winning the popular vote. And she has now taken to touting the new HBO movie "Recount," aka Florida 2000...." "Clinton has continued with one claim that could have a pernicious effect on the Democrats' chances. While she knows that th... more
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Clinton DNC operatives strip FL of all 210 delegates
"....On Aug. 25, when the DNC's rules panel declared Florida's primary date out of order, it agreed by a near-unanimous majority to exceed the 50 percent penalty called for under party rules. Instead, the group stripped Florida of all 210 delegates to underscore its displeasure with Florida's defiance and to discourage other states from following suit. In doing so, the DNC essentially committed itself, for fairness' sake, to strip the similarly defiant Michigan of all 156 of its delegates three months later. Clinton held tremendous potential leverage over this decision, and not only because she was then widely judged the likely nominee. Of the committee's 30 members, a near-majority of 12 were Clinton supporters. All of them—most notably strategist Harold Ickes—voted for Florida's full disenfranchisement. (The only dissenting vote was cast by a Tallahassee, Fla., city commissioner who supported Obama...." "....On Aug. 25, when the DNC's rules panel declared Florida's primary date out of order, it agreed by a near-unanimous... more
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The Bad Dream Ticket
When I first heard about a Obama/Clinton ticket, I thought it was a great idea. I felt like we would get the best of both worlds. BUT...after further thought and research, an Obama/Clinton ticket would be a nightmare. This feature, written by Joel McNally, will make you think twice. When I first heard about a Obama/Clinton ticket, I thought it was a great idea. I felt like we would get the best of both worlds. BU... more
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Appalachia is Hillary Country
From Josh Marshall at talkingpointsmemo.com:
"There's been a lot of talk in this campaign about Barack Obama's problem with working class white voters or rural voters. But these claims are both inaccurate because they are incomplete. You can look at states like Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states and see the different numbers and they are all explained by one basic fact. Obama's problem isn't with white working class voters or rural voters. It's Appalachia. That explains why Obama had a difficult time in Ohio and Pennsylvania and why he's getting crushed in West Virginia and Kentucky."
read the full article for more analysis from the always-worth-reading Josh Marshall... From Josh Marshall at talkingpointsmemo.com: ... more -
Clinton, Obama Pledge to Support the Eventual Democratic Nominee
Hopefully this means that all the ridiculousness of Obama supporters pledging not to vote for Clinton and vice-versa will die out.
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Pennsylvania and Beyond: Let Voters Decide
As democrats in Pennsylvania set to vote on Tuesday, April 22, many believe the prolonged nomination will undermine both candidates' electability. Obama's association with controversial Rev. Wright and his "bitter" comments have been an unwelcome distraction, and underscored his vulnerabilities; while Clinton’s "Bosnia" gaffes and revelation of new wealth ($109 income tax statements) increased her negative ratings (from 38% to 52% according to latest polls). Democrats worried John McCain, the Republican nominee, will be unchallenged for the next several months, and this may diminish the party’s chances of reclaiming the White House. As a result, various democratic politicians, the media and some political pundits forcefully pressured Clinton to withdraw from the race. Notwithstanding these strong challenges and being outspent by Obama (3 to 1), Clinton is poised to win Pennsylvania’s primary by 5-10% (according to recent polls).
These calls for Clinton’s withdraw proved premature for several reasons as both campaigns move forward to Indiana and North Carolina after Tuesday.
1) The Democratic Party has a history of contentious primary contests and not all proved fatal. In some cases, strong primary competitions became invaluable experiences, especially for new politicians because they helped strengthen the candidates' policy positions, debating skills, and addressed potential land mines early in the process. For example, in 1960, John Kennedy faced formidable opponents such as Herbert Humphrey, Lyndon Johnson and Adlai Stevenson. Strong competition forced Kennedy to address the Catholic question beforehand and as a result, it did not become Kennedy's Achilles' heel in the general election. Even Kennedy was short of delegates needed to secure the nomination when the party convention commenced in Los Angeles. Despite the tough nominating process, party faithfuls gravitated back to Kennedy and he went on to win the presidency.
2) Clinton and Obama's history making candidacies to date generated enormous enthusiasm and money, expanding the democratic party’s political base such as Hispanics, "soccer moms", and independents, key constituencies in the general election. The nail-biting contest between both candidates will continue to galvanize and attract new voters in the remaining primaries, and these voters may be crucial to winning key contests in November such senate races in Oregon and Kentucky.
3) Make every vote count. This year, many states moved their primaries early to jockey for influence and attention, and this resulted in a messy primary schedule with delegates from Michigan and Florida discounted for violating party rules. It is clear after the 2000 election, democrats want to make certain their votes count in every and all elections. Ending the contest prematurely by pressing a candidate to withdraw will not only disenfranchise voters, but also create the perception that only early voting states matter. It will only drive more states to move their primaries ahead, further exacerbating the already insane primary schedule.
After Pennsylvania, there are still nine remaining primaries with over 500 delegates at stake and millions of voters waiting to be heard. Their voices, concerns, aspirations, and votes are equally important. The calls should not be for a particular candidate to withdraw, but should be for a reformed primary process, one that allows all voters to decide, not the first 15, 30 or 40 states, and surely not the superdelegates. As democrats in Pennsylvania set to vote on Tuesday, April 22, many believe the prolonged nomination will undermine both candidates�... more -
"Stand" - Obama in 30 Seconds
A great supporter-created Obama ad floating around Youtube:
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Which Democrat Has the Administrative Experience to Be An Effective President?
Barack Obama has won the most states, the popular vote and the most pledged delegates. He's also won the contest of who is the better leader and manager, according to this article... Barack Obama has won the most states, the popular vote and the most pledged delegates. He's also won the contest of who is the be... more
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How Hillary Lost My Vote
"I DIDN'T HOLD YOUR vote on the Iraq war against you.
If you'd had all the information then that we have now, perhaps you wouldn't have.
If you had voted against it, would you have been able to have a seat at the table with the big boys or been derided as a weak sister who didn't have enough patriotism to put country ahead of politics?
I think it was a no-win situation at the time, and seems only clearer in hindsight.
I believe you felt you could outrun all the boys in this race - if the others were Joe Biden, Bill Richardson and Chris Dodd.
You were blindsided by Barack Obama - and felt he needed more seasoning, that it wasn't "his turn." And I stayed with you, rooted for you (even though I've admired Obama for four years).
Perhaps I could have continued to hold on, if only you'd stayed on the moral high ground and told the truth.
I don't expect politicians to deliver on all their initiatives. You are a policy wonk, in a way that - even with all my education - I'm not. I don't expect to ever read or understand every detail in your health-care plan. But I'm almost as old as you, and I know that initiatives don't necessarily translate into law, that politicians have to cut deals or they will get nothing done.
I thought it was unfair that likability was considered so much more important in a president than brains. Perhaps I'd enjoy a barbecue at the ranch with President Bush, but what would we talk about? I need someone who can, at least occasionally, use three-syllable words accurately.
To a great extent, I have to vote for the person of greater integrity, who will try to do the right thing most of the time - and I've lost faith in you. You finally lost me at Bosnia. Your claim to have been there during active hostilities has been roundly disproved, and your explanation that you misspoke or were too tired is, at best, lame.
And I'm sad. I wanted you to be what I think is the best part of you.
But, perhaps even more than that, I don't want John McCain. Don't get me wrong, I wish he (or anyone) had beaten Bush in 2000.
But after eight years of ineptitude, lack of moral rectitude and incompetence, I can't think of any reason that a Republican who has cuddled often enough with the Bush administration should be allowed to continue its missteps.
I will cast my vote in the primary for Obama, and hope that, while not perfect, he can unite the red and the blue into a purple nation.
I tried, Hillary. I just wish
you had fulfilled your incredible potential. *
Ann Rosen Spector is a Center City psychologist and an adjunct member of the Psychology Department at Rutgers-Camden."
Click to read full article:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20080409_How_Hi... "I DIDN'T HOLD YOUR vote on the Iraq war against you. ... more -
Obama Didn't Want My Money
Man is denied donating to the Obama campaign because he is a lobbyist, " it left me more committeed to the candidate and conviced that he is the person that must be the next president." Man is denied donating to the Obama campaign because he is a lobbyist, " it left me more committeed to the candidate and conviced... more
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Hillary will make Obama more electable by staying in the race?
Mathmatically speaking Obama holds an insurmountable lead over Hillary. Even so, she continues to stay in the race for the democratic nomination. Many have argued her actions are tearing apart the party and will make Obama unelectable. This article begs to differ, arguing that Hillary's desicion to stay in the race will lead to better voter turn out, make Obama a better candidate in the long run ("there's no denying that the extra pressure has made Obama a better candidate. After living a charmed political life, with nary a serious general-election battle against a Republican on his résumé, he needed to prove his mettle in hand-to-hand political combat."), and unite the party.
What's your position? Mathmatically speaking Obama holds an insurmountable lead over Hillary. Even so, she continues to stay in the race for the democratic ... more -
Ohio Democratic Primary Results
A short look into why I think the Democratic Primary went to Hillary Clinton in Ohio.
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Give a WOMAN a Chance for REAL CHANGE
Studying Senator Obama's record and statements make it clear that he isn't much different from other men who've said they should be president. He talks scarcity thinking about limited resources. Hillary talks expansively about American ingenuity and how there's nothing we can't do together.
I've waited all my life to be able to vote for a woman or a person of color for President.
It is disturbing that we have to choose one or the other.
A Hillary/Obama ticket would be great.
Eight years of prosperity and peace with Hillary as Prez,
followed by another eight years with Obama as Prez.
We need fundamental change. It's going to take at least 16 years to clean up after Bush.
Hillary's committment to women, families and children is deep and proven.
GIVE A WOMAN A CHANCE FOR REAL CHANGE
Vote and Support HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT 2008
Peace, Pax, Shalom, Salaam, Skenon,
Charleen
Charleen Touchette
www.Touchart.net
TouchArt@aol.com Studying Senator Obama's record and statements make it clear that he isn't much different from other men who've said th... more -
Hillary's own brand of campaign finance reform.
Pizza's 11,000 dollars. Vegas Hotel rooms 25,000. Top advisers 5,000,000. Losing ten states in a row priceless.
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Democratic Primary
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Democratic Primary
