Presidential Election 2008

[Tara]

Obama comes to New Jersey to ch*****ge Sen. Clinton's lead
by Mark Mueller/The Star-Ledger Wednesday January 09, 2008, 2:29 AM

Sen. Barack Obama will look to regain momentum for his presidential campaign when he visits New Jersey today.

Sen. Barack Obama, (D-Ill.)The Illinois Democrat, who finished second to Sen. Hillary Clinton in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary, will host a "rally for change" today at St. Peter's College. The campaign appearance, his first is New Jersey, is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. at the Yanitelli Center on John F. Kennedy Boulevard. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

Obama's New Jersey event is scheduled in between big-ticket fund-raisers in Boston earlier today and New York tonight.

Clinton plans a campaign stop in New Jersey later this month, campaign officials said.

New Jersey and New York are among the two dozen states holding nominating contests on Feb. 5.

Tuesday's New Hampshire outcome defied the final poll results, which had showed Obama heading toward a handsome victory. But New Hampshire proved to be the political firewall that the Clinton campaign long had hoped for.

"We always knew our climb would be steep," Obama said to supporters, a day after he had confidently told backers he was "riding a wave" to a win in New Hampshire.

Obama advisers Tuesday night were left struggling to explain why the momentum they sensed on the ground and in polls during the past five days did not translate into more votes. The Clinton campaign wasted no time embracing its success. Even before the outcome was official, Clinton advisers boasted that the Obama "wave has crested."

But in New Jersey, his supporters are looking for Obama to jumpstart the stalled momentum and to cut into Clinton's commanding lead in in the Garden State.

"After his decisive victory in Iowa, the Obama campaign has tremendous momentum, organizational strength, and grassroots support," Mark Alexander, Obama's New Jersey campaign chief, said in a statement. "On Wednesday, Obama will rally his supporters in New Jersey as they kick off a new phase of grassroots organizing in the state."

Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady, is likely to swing through the Garden State later this month, said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-8th Dist.), who's been stumping for her in New Hampshire since Sunday. Pascrell said it was too soon to name a date for Clinton's visit to New Jersey, where voters go to the polls Feb. 5.


Sen. Hillary Clinton, (D-N.Y.) His voice hoarse from giving speeches to police officers, firefighters, nurses and other groups, Pascrell said he believes Clinton's lead in New Jersey will hold up, whatever happens in New Hampshire.

"I think she still has momentum," Pascrell said. "I'm sure the point spread is not what it was, but she's very well-liked in New Jersey."

Clinton campaign spokesman Blake Zeff in Washington confirmed that the candidate plans to visit New Jersey before its primary.

Polls in the final months of 2007 showed Clinton consistently ahead of Obama in New Jersey, with a December survey pegging her advantage at a heady 34 percent among Democratic voters in the state.

But Obama appears to be surging at the right time. In Iowa, he took 38 percent of the vote to Clinton's 29 percent. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards finished second in the caucus with 30 percent.

Pascrell Tuesday said the campaign's latest internal polling in New Hampshire showed Clinton trailing Obama by 4 or 5 percentage points. He called that "good news," given that some media polls were showing Obama's lead in the double digits.

"Like Hillary Clinton, I'm not giving up the ship here," Pascrell said. "We'll have a great turnout crew going. We've just got to pull out all the stops."

Clinton has the backing of key politicians in New Jersey, among them Gov. Jon Corzine, who has twice campaigned for her out of state, and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez. The co-chairmen of Obama's New Jersey campaign are Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9th Dist.).

[Tara]

It looks like the Hispanic community is coming out for Hillary:

Menendez stumps for Hispanic votes with Clinton in Vegas
by The Associated Press
Saturday January 12, 2008,

Associated Press
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-Hoboken, is seen allllll the way in the back, second from right, as fellow Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, campaigns in Las Vegas.

U.S. Sen. Bob Menedez, D-Hoboken, was alongside fellow Sen. Hillary Clinton today as she campaigned in Las Vegas, Nev., and hoped to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Clinton, attempting to earn the "la presidenta" title bestowed by supporters in the West in recent days, appealed to the community to back her potentially history-making candidacy as an affirmation of the American dream they share.

"Help us reach our common purpose," Clinton said at a rally. "The common purpose of America is progress, not just for the wealthy and the well-connected, but everyone. Every single person deserves a shot at the American dream. That is why I'm running for president."

Clinton, reinvigorated after an unexpected win in New Hampshire's primary last week, has spent the last three days courting the crucial Hispanic vote in Nevada, which holds presidential cacuses Jan. 19, and in California, the biggest prize on Feb. 5 when more than 20 states -- including New Jersey -- hold presidential contests.

In Nevada, where one in four residents is of Hispanic or Latino descent, Clinton's push is no surprise. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson spent more time courting Nevada Hispanics than any other candidate. His departure from the race puts much of the Hispanic vote up for grabs.

"Si, se puede," supporters cheered her at a union hall with Menendez and former Cabinet secretary Henry Cisneros in tow. "Yes, we can."

It was the same chant Obama joined in only a day earlier as he picked up the endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union, the largest and most powerful labor organization in the state.

Clinton's caucus record isn't great -- she placed a disappointing third in Iowa's caucuses.

But she's not conceding Nevada's caucuses, or the Hispanic voting bloc. On Thursday, she went door-to-door in a largely Hispanic neighborhood here with Ruben Kihuen, a charismatic member of the state Assembly who is helping her campaign. She went to East Los Angeles a day later to eat at King Taco on Cesar Chavez Boulevard with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. And on Saturday, she came back to Las Vegas and Reno to build support among Hispanics.

Nationally, among Hispanics who are registered Democrats, 59 percent said they want Clinton to be their party's presidential candidate, followed by 15 percent who prefer Obama, according to a survey released last month by the nonpartisan Pew Hispanic Center.

Clinton's advisers and supporters have emphasized that her campaign could make history while working to not alienate minority voters who might be tempted to vote for Obama, who could be the first black president.

"We will make history when she becomes president of the United States," Cisneros said. "For the first time we will have a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister as president of the United States."

Clinton also praised New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson, who tried to become the nation's first Hispanic president, but dropped out of the race after a poor showing in Iowa and New Hampshire. He has yet to endorse one of his former rivals.

"He broke through a barrier by running for president," she said. "I salute his service and thank him for his many kindnesses to me."

It's unclear, whether Clinton can become, as supporters called her, "la presidenta" without deep support in the Hispanic community.

"Vamos a este caucuses," Cisneros said, rallying sheet metal workers in Las Vegas today.

Clinton has been talking about a practical approach to immigration in recent weeks, saying those who favor deportation of illegal immigrants ignore the logistical impossibility. She said it would take $200 billion and a convoy of 200,000 buses stretching 1,700 miles to make the border impenetrable.

She suggested Americans would not put up with that "for a nanosecond."

"Let's get real here," she said. "That will never happen."

She also keyed in on criticism of President Bush during a meeting with voters about the environment and subprime mortgages.

"This is the worst economic policy since the Great Depression," Clinton told voters at a Mexican restaurant, where voters told their personal stories of foreclosure.

After the stop in Reno, Clinton headed for South Carolina, where rival and native son John Edwards has been campaigning since the day after the New Hampshire primary, playing up his Palmetto State roots.

"Nobody has to tell me what's happening in South Carolina. I don't jet in here and hold a political event and go back somewhere else. I'm not from Chicago or New York. I'm from South Carolina, " Edwards told reporters after a town hall meeting Saturday in Barnwell, S.C.

South Carolina has its Democratic primary Jan. 26.

[Tara]

It looks like the Hispanic community is coming out for Hillary:

Menendez stumps for Hispanic votes with Clinton in Vegas
by The Associated Press
Saturday January 12, 2008,

U.S. Sen. Bob Menedez, D-Hoboken, was alongside fellow Sen. Hillary Clinton today as she campaigned in Las Vegas, Nev., and hoped to appeal to Hispanic voters.

Clinton, attempting to earn the "la presidenta" title bestowed by supporters in the West in recent days, appealed to the community to back her potentially history-making candidacy as an affirmation of the American dream they share.

"Help us reach our common purpose," Clinton said at a rally. "The common purpose of America is progress, not just for the wealthy and the well-connected, but everyone. Every single person deserves a shot at the American dream. That is why I'm running for president."

Clinton, reinvigorated after an unexpected win in New Hampshire's primary last week, has spent the last three days courting the crucial Hispanic vote in Nevada, which holds presidential cacuses Jan. 19, and in California, the biggest prize on Feb. 5 when more than 20 states -- including New Jersey -- hold presidential contests.

In Nevada, where one in four residents is of Hispanic or Latino descent, Clinton's push is no surprise. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson spent more time courting Nevada Hispanics than any other candidate. His departure from the race puts much of the Hispanic vote up for grabs.

"Si, se puede," supporters cheered her at a union hall with Menendez and former Cabinet secretary Henry Cisneros in tow. "Yes, we can."

It was the same chant Obama joined in only a day earlier as he picked up the endorsement of the Culinary Workers Union, the largest and most powerful labor organization in the state.

Clinton's caucus record isn't great -- she placed a disappointing third in Iowa's caucuses.

But she's not conceding Nevada's caucuses, or the Hispanic voting bloc. On Thursday, she went door-to-door in a largely Hispanic neighborhood here with Ruben Kihuen, a charismatic member of the state Assembly who is helping her campaign. She went to East Los Angeles a day later to eat at King Taco on Cesar Chavez Boulevard with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. And on Saturday, she came back to Las Vegas and Reno to build support among Hispanics.

Nationally, among Hispanics who are registered Democrats, 59 percent said they want Clinton to be their party's presidential candidate, followed by 15 percent who prefer Obama, according to a survey released last month by the nonpartisan Pew Hispanic Center.

Clinton's advisers and supporters have emphasized that her campaign could make history while working to not alienate minority voters who might be tempted to vote for Obama, who could be the first black president.

"We will make history when she becomes president of the United States," Cisneros said. "For the first time we will have a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister as president of the United States."

Clinton also praised New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson, who tried to become the nation's first Hispanic president, but dropped out of the race after a poor showing in Iowa and New Hampshire. He has yet to endorse one of his former rivals.

"He broke through a barrier by running for president," she said. "I salute his service and thank him for his many kindnesses to me."

It's unclear, whether Clinton can become, as supporters called her, "la presidenta" without deep support in the Hispanic community.

"Vamos a este caucuses," Cisneros said, rallying sheet metal workers in Las Vegas today.

Clinton has been talking about a practical approach to immigration in recent weeks, saying those who favor deportation of illegal immigrants ignore the logistical impossibility. She said it would take $200 billion and a convoy of 200,000 buses stretching 1,700 miles to make the border impenetrable.

She suggested Americans would not put up with that "for a nanosecond."

"Let's get real here," she said. "That will never happen."

She also keyed in on criticism of President Bush during a meeting with voters about the environment and subprime mortgages.

"This is the worst economic policy since the Great Depression," Clinton told voters at a Mexican restaurant, where voters told their personal stories of foreclosure.

After the stop in Reno, Clinton headed for South Carolina, where rival and native son John Edwards has been campaigning since the day after the New Hampshire primary, playing up his Palmetto State roots.

"Nobody has to tell me what's happening in South Carolina. I don't jet in here and hold a political event and go back somewhere else. I'm not from Chicago or New York. I'm from South Carolina, " Edwards told reporters after a town hall meeting Saturday in Barnwell, S.C.

South Carolina has its Democratic primary Jan. 26.

[Tara]

Morning HUBdate: Clear Winner

Clear Winner: The Las Vegas Sun said Hillary was the "clear winner" in last night's debate after a commanding performance. "All in all, this was an engaging and substantive debate, one in which Clinton demonstrated why she is the best-prepared, best-qualified Democratic candidate." Read more here: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jan/16/clinton-clear-winner

Getting Results: Hillary made clear in last night's debate that she not only has a vision for America, but the strength and experience to implement it. Read about it here. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/01/16/2008-01-16_democrats_shift_focus_to_management-2.html?print=1&page=all


7,800 Strong: President Clinton "electrified a raucous audience of young voters" at a campaign rally at the University of California-Davis campus last night, drawing a crowd of 7,800. "'Look at all these people, look at the lines outside," said sophomore Chris Lorenz, who will vote for the first time in California's Feb. 5 primary. 'We're fed up and we're doing something about it.'" Read more here. http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/638042.html


Michigan Backs Hillary: Michigan Democrats overwhelmingly supported Hillary in Tuesday's primary, giving her 55% of the vote despite paid efforts against her. Read more here. http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/NEWS01/801160311


Florida's Voice: Senator Obama's campaign released a memo yesterday insisting that the voices of Florida Democratic voters should not be heard. While Senator Clinton will continue to abide by the DNC rules, the campaign made clear that the voices of Florida voters should be heard. Read more here. http://www.sptimes.com/2008/01/16/State/Obama_stirs_fight_wit.shtml


On The Issues: Hillary outlined her approach to providing quality, affordable health care to every American, ending the war in Iraq and reforming education in a Q&A with the Charleston Post and Courier. More here. http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/jan/16/clinton_offers_her_views_on_issues27665/


Connecting with Latinos: Newsweek finds that Hillary leads among Latinos due to an aggressive outreach effort. "Clinton 'has shown that she listens to us. Today, northern Las Vegas shines with the presence of Hillary Clinton not because she's a woman, not because she has a certain last name--no, because for the first time, the community was seen,' said Esperanza Solorio, 51, a Las Vegas resident who met with Hillary during a recent neighborhood canvass." Read the article here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[B]Hillary's Reviews Are In:
'So Strong,' 'Turned It On,' 'Very Successful'

MSNBC's Chris Matthews -- Hillary was 'so strong tonight... she's playing on the varsity team' "She behaved as if she won the Democratic nomination already. That those two partners with her tonight were her adjutants, her allies already. She has won it. She was so strong tonight in skipping past the intramurals to the varsity. She's playing on the varsity team tonight... [her] attack on the president was so dramatic, so powerful, referring to his pathetic effort to try to jawbone the prices down by the middle east oil potentates, made the president look small tonight. She was running as his stronger successor, I might put it, tonight. It was powerful stuff and I wonder if these guys were ready for it. I don't think they were, to take her on tonight, Keith. I thought it was a strong performance tonight. Something else to watch." [MSNBC, 1/15/08]

Reno Gazette Journal's Anjeanette Damon -- HRC 'seizes on the moment' on Yucca Mountain. "The Inevitable Yucca Mountain question is broached: Hillary Clinton seizes on the moment to go after both Barack Obama, pointing out that he has taken large campaign contributions from the nuclear industry in his state, and John Edwards, pointing out that he voted in favor of the project before turning against it." [Reno Gazette Journal, 1/15/08]

NBC News' Andrea Mitchell -- Hillary 'had passion' gave a 'very successful' performance. "Well the strategy was clearly to run against Bush and by doing that she becomes the presumptive leader among these people. She was very forceful and I think effective and not in a strident way when she talked about the urgency of the mortgage crisis because she had detailed information, she had passion about it, but it wasn't a grading thing, it was really a strong, forceful presentation. I thought that was very successful." [MSNBC, 1/15/08]

NBC News' Chuck Todd -- 'Clinton is ' the candidate who is saying all the right things.' "Clinton is proving to be the candidate who is saying all the right things as far as Nevada is concerned." [MSNBC First Read, 1/15/08]

ABC News' Rick Klein -- When the debate 'turned to substance' Hillary 'turned it on,' show 'depth and range.' "On energy, an overall strong performance by Clinton. As soon as this debate turned to substance, she's turned it on... Clinton is answering the questions on the economy with depth and range" [ABC, Political Radar, 1/15/08]

ABC News' David Wright -- Hillary got 'the better' of Obama. "Seems like the only debate so far is over whether Obama's messy desk is a sign that he's not up to the job. Obama arguing he has vision, but needs staff to handle the . . . Clinton did seem to get the better of him . . . Not surprising he should lose that round." [ABC, Political Radar, 1/15/08]

The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder -- Hillary 'got the better of an exchange on Yucca Mountain.' "Clinton got the better of an exchange on Yucca Mountain, making sure to drive home the point that John Edwards twice voted in favor of the nuclear waste repository." [The Atlantic blog, 1/15/08]

[Tara]

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2008

YESTERDAY IN THE STATES

NEVADA: President Clinton met with supporters and undecided voters in Southern Nevada yesterday, while Chelsea Clinton visited young voters for several caucus information forums. Senior Advisor Ann Lewis, General Paul Eaton and organizing legend Dolores Huerta also fanned out across the state, getting Silver Staters energized and ready to caucus this Saturday.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio spent the morning, Monday, talking to students at Benedict College about her support of Hillary and the importance of electing the right person to be our next President. The South Carolina Hillary campaign spread the news of Hillary’s trip to Columbia yesterday with former DNC Chairman and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce Ray Vickery being interviewed by radio stations across the state. Campaign workers and volunteers continued phone banking and recruiting support for Hillary while the Women for Hillary organization planned its final push towards Primary Day, Saturday, January 26th. The campaign announced a policy forum tomorrow with national campaign advisory Leecia Eve in at Francis Burns Methodist Church in Richland County, SC.

ALABAMA: The Clinton campaign named Marion Steinfels, an aide to former Gov. Don Siegelman, as its Alabama Communications Director.

COLORADO: Coloradans for Hillary named Jessica Santillo as the state’s Communications Director.

CONNECTICUT: On Saturday, over 100 enthusiastic campaign supporters gathered as Stamford Mayor and former Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy endorsed Hillary for President.

MISSOURI: More than 150 supporters joined Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II and Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders to open the campaign’s Kansas City headquarters this weekend. Also, the campaign named Carly Lindauer as Missouri Communications Director yesterday.

NEW JERSEY: Yesterday in New Jersey, 28 elected officials from Hudson County announced their endorsement of Hillary Clinton at a press conference with Governor Corzine, Senator Menendez and Congressman Sires, who have previously endorsed Hillary.

NEW MEXICO: Lt. Governor Diane Denish announced her endorsement of Senator Hillary Clinton Monday.


NEW YORK: Hillary returned to New York where she joined with thousands of security officers, parishioners, community leaders and working men and women at an SEIU 32 BJ event honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

CALIFORNIA: Gaining Momentum: Senator Clinton received yesterday the endorsements of U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson of California’s First Congressional District and Alice Huffman, President of the California State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)… Chelsea Clinton attended church services and met with young people across California this weekend, impressing undecided voters…As a crucial voting bloc, Latino voters will play a major role in the upcoming primary elections in California and the Hillary Clinton Campaign is not taking any votes for granted…With the California primary now less than three weeks away, an exclusive abc7 poll conducted by Survey U.S.A shows Hillary Clinton maintaining a solid lead in the race for the White House… She leads Senator Obama 50-35.

[Sonia]

I thought it a good idea to share this letter with you, so that you may also discuss how the economy is affecting your life with our nation's next President on her website. You can let her know your experience, and expect to hear back from her.

__________________________________________________ _______________

Dear Sonia,

Our economy is facing a very serious ch*****ge and may be heading toward a recession. Tell me how the economy is affecting you. Visit my website now to tell me your story, and I'll tell you how my plan helps you.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/solutions

With a mortgage crisis, gas prices and health care costs skyrocketing, and the job market increasingly uncertain, people are genuinely worried about not just their future, but paying their next month's mortgage and energy bills.

I went door-to-door in Las Vegas just last week and met a construction worker and a casino employee who had been laid off. Our problems are affecting families from all walks of life. That's why I crafted an emergency plan to jumpstart our economy and bring help to the families who need it most in these uncertain times.

The ch*****ges we face require action, and that's why I'm running for president -- to make a real difference in people's lives.

I'm committed to helping all Americans. Visit my website now to tell me your story, and we'll discuss the real solutions that will help you and your family.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/solutions

In the coming days, I'll be talking to voters across the country about my plan to get our economy back on track. I hope you'll be a part of this important discussion.

Thank you,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

[Sonia]

New Jersey Rally For Hillary Clinton

When:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where:
Schuetzen Park
3167 Kennedy Boulevard
North Bergen , NJ 08608
General Area:

Description:
Rally with Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bob Menendez

Host:
New Jersey For Hillary

Car Pool Available, PM or Email Sonia, or call: (201)780-9051


Directions from Newport:

1: Start out going WEST on RIVER CT toward RIVER DR S. <0.1 miles Map

2: Turn RIGHT onto RIVER DR S. 0.1 miles Map

3: Turn LEFT onto NEWPORT PKWY. 0.1 miles Map

4: Turn RIGHT onto WASHINGTON BLVD. 0.1 miles Map

5: Turn LEFT onto 14TH ST. 0.5 miles Map

6: 14TH ST becomes NJ-139 W. 1.1 miles Map

7: Take the exit toward US 1-9 NORTH. <0.1 miles Map

8: Turn RIGHT onto TONNELE AVE / US-1 9 / US-1 & 9 / US-1 / US-9. Continue to follow US-1 9 N / US-1 & 9 N / US-1 N / US-9 N. 2.8 miles Map

9: Take the PATERSON PLANK RD ramp. <0.1 miles Map

10: Turn LEFT onto PATERSON PLANK RD / CR-681. 0.2 miles Map

11: Turn RIGHT onto UNION TURNPIKE / CR-676. 0.3 miles Map

12: Turn RIGHT onto 32ND ST / BERGEN TURNPIKE / CR-691. 0.1 miles Map

13: Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto CR-501 S / JF KENNEDY BLVD W / KENNEDY BLVD W. <0.1 miles Map

14: End at Schuetzen Park:
3167 Kennedy Blvd # 1, North Bergen, NJ 07047, US Map

Total Est. Time: 14 minutes Total Est. Distance: 5.99 miles

[Sonia]

This evening's rally for Hillary Clinton was packed, it seemed mostly with Hudson County politicians, many of whom arrived late, and used their contacts to get inside even after the Secret Service ordered the doors closed. I suppose they all wanted to hear, or hoped to meet the future president of the United States, but I was surprised by the unfairness of how some people got in after the doors were closed to all by the Secret Service.

Among the people precluded from entering was a Newport woman who accompanied us to the rally. She lost her husband this past week to ARC, which is not necessarily terminal, but her husband was unable to afford adequate medical coverage, and so he died. It seems this Newport Lady wrote letters to many of these same politicians, asking for help, and they wrote nice letters back, referring her to the state agencies that never helped, supposedly because of program cutbacks. Despite being in mourning, tonight our Newport Lady came out in support of Hillary Clinton, and more affordable health care, and health programs for middle class people like herself and her husband who fall between the cracks. It's too late for this lady's husband, the system failed him, but she came out because she is determined to see the system change. It's what her husband would have wanted.

[agustos]

A President Like My Father

By CAROLINE KENNEDY
OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.

My reasons are patriotic, political and personal, and the three are intertwined. All my life, people have told me that my father changed their lives, that they got involved in public service or politics because he asked them to. And the generation he inspired has passed that spirit on to its children. I meet young people who were born long after John F. Kennedy was president, yet who ask me how to live out his ideals.

Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.

We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn’t that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960.

Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates’ goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.

Senator Obama has demonstrated these qualities throughout his more than two decades of public service, not just in the United States Senate but in Illinois, where he helped turn around struggling communities, taught constitutional law and was an elected state official for eight years. And Senator Obama is showing the same qualities today. He has built a movement that is changing the face of politics in this country, and he has demonstrated a special gift for inspiring young people — known for a willingness to volunteer, but an aversion to politics — to become engaged in the political process.

I have spent the past five years working in the New York City public schools and have three teenage children of my own. There is a generation coming of age that is hopeful, hard-working, innovative and imaginative. But too many of them are also hopeless, defeated and disengaged. As parents, we have a responsibility to help our children to believe in themselves and in their power to shape their future. Senator Obama is inspiring my children, my parents’ grandchildren, with that sense of possibility.

Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign. He has spoken eloquently about the role of faith in his life, and opened a window into his character in two compelling books. And when it comes to judgment, Barack Obama made the right call on the most important issue of our time by opposing the war in Iraq from the beginning.

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.

Caroline Kennedy is the author of “A Patriot’s Handbook: Songs, Poems, Stories and Speeches Celebrating the Land We Love.”

[This appeared in the January 27, 2008 edition of the NY Times]

[Kate]

Nice essay by Caroline Kennedy, but the New York Times took a more practical approach and endorsed Hillary Clinton. The Times argued that we need an experienced person who can step right in to deal with the difficult issues. Aside from ending the war in Iraq, there are a multitude of problems facing this country such as the economy, healthcare, foreign trade, immigration, diplomacy and regaining our status, and respect, as a world leader in the international community.

Senator Obama may be an inspirational speaker, but he lacks the experience to be an effective President, right now.

[Pacific Blues]

I think political experience is overrated. The fact that Obama is not jaded in the political process in of itself is an asset. With less time on Capitol Hill, the less he's influenced by special interest and lobby groups. Any deficiencies he may have can easily be filled within his cabinet. In terms of policy, the Democratic candidates are practically the same anyways.

Our country needs fresh thinking in Washington that breaks away from old paradigms that are obviously broken and ineffectual. It's the calculating career politicians that's been in the system too long that I'm leery of.

That's why Hillary never booted slick Willy's butt out of the house for all his philandering and was also on the bandwagon to invade Iraq. She did whatever it took to get to where she is right now.

Hillary has too much baggage and too many enemies in Washington. She's a polarizing figure that will continue to divide the country. It's the same old crap over again, although I doubt anyone can do much worse than our current administration. If Hillary is nominated, it will open a window of opportunity for the Republicans in the general elections.

[Sonia]

The last thing I would call Bill Clinton's administration is ineffectual. Quite the contrary, he had a chicken in every pot in all American homes, and a surplus economy that could have been used to pay for better health care for Americans, except for Bush spending it on the war. The fact is Clinton's economic policies worked just fine, and if he had just kept his zipper up, the Democrats might still be in control of the White House today, and history may have taken a different direction.

Hillary should not be judged for her husband's indiscretions, but on her own ability and record. Also, contrary to what Pacific Blues is claiming, my understanding is she didn't support the Iraq war, an issue that will be addressed further in a later post.

The following are some of the reasons why voting for Hillary makes a whole lot of sense (and yes, a lot of it has to do with her qualifications for the job). Let's not kid ourselves, experience does count. This country is facing ch*****ges that require a President who can come to the office ready to lead on day one. Someone with the experience necessary to enable her to implement changing policies and practices immediately.

DELIVERING REAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY
Hillary for President Talking points

* As President, Hillary will deliver real solutions and make sure the American economy works for working families.

* The state of the union is about the state of people’s lives. For many people throughout America, the state of the union is a state of economic anxiety.

* Every day, Hillary listens to people who are hurting. People whose incomes are down while their health care premiums, mortgage payments, energy prices, and tuition costs are up.

* Hillary hopes that tonight, President Bush presents a real plan to jumpstart our economy now and rebuild our economy for the future

* Hillary knows we need not only tax rebates, but also real solutions for people who are at risk of losing their homes, their jobs, or their health care.

* As President, Hillary will take responsibility for delivering real solutions for all our people. Solutions like ending the housing crisis, providing health care for every American, rebuilding the middle class, and ending the war in Iraq.

* Hillary believes leading an economic comeback is a fulltime, hands-on job.

* As President, Hillary will bring America together so that the state of union and our economy is what it can be, should be, and must be – strong.

[B]Who has momentum going into February 5th?

This has been a closely contested race until now.
But as we look ahead to Florida, American Samoa, and the February 5th states, which include California, New York and others – Hillary Clinton is better positioned than Barack Obama. In fact, two new polls give Hillary double digit leads in CA and NY.

The reason? Hillary Clinton is more in tune with the concerns on the ground.
Most of these states are facing economic pressures. All have military ties. All don’t want a patchwork solution to Healthcare – they want universal health care.

And when it comes to the economy, Iraq and ensuring universal access to health care, Hillary Clinton is the best candidate in the race to lead this nation moving forward.

[Beavis]

Give me a presidential candidate with a strong sense of direction, and an achievable plan for economic recovery, and they can win my vote!

[agustos]

The Billary Road to Republican Victory [Appeared in the NY Times on January 27, 2008]

By FRANK RICH
IN the wake of George W. Bush, even a miracle might not be enough for the Republicans to hold on to the White House in 2008. But what about two miracles? The new year’s twin resurrections of Bill Clinton and John McCain, should they not evaporate, at last give the G.O.P. a highly plausible route to victory.

Amazingly, neither party seems to fully recognize the contours of the road map. In the Democrats’ case, the full-throttle emergence of Billary, the joint Clinton candidacy, is measured mainly within the narrow confines of the short-term horse race: Do Bill Clinton’s red-faced eruptions and fact-ch*****ged rants enhance or diminish his wife as a woman and a candidate?

Absent from this debate is any sober recognition that a Hillary Clinton nomination, if it happens, will send the Democrats into the general election with a new and huge peril that may well dwarf the current wars over race, gender and who said what about Ronald Reagan.

What has gone unspoken is this: Up until this moment, Hillary has successfully deflected rough questions about Bill by saying, “I’m running on my own” or, as she snapped at Barack Obama in the last debate, “Well, I’m here; he’s not.” This sleight of hand became officially inoperative once her husband became a co-candidate, even to the point of taking over entirely when she vacated South Carolina last week. With “two for the price of one” back as the unabashed modus operandi, both Clintons are in play.

For the Republicans, that means not just a double dose of the one steroid, Clinton hatred, that might yet restore their party’s unity but also two fat targets. Mrs. Clinton repeatedly talks of how she’s been “vetted” and that “there are no surprises” left to be mined by her opponents. On the “Today” show Friday, she joked that the Republican attacks “are just so old.” So far. Now that Mr. Clinton is ubiquitous, not only is his past back on the table but his post-presidency must be vetted as well. To get a taste of what surprises may be in store, you need merely revisit the Bill Clinton questions that Hillary Clinton has avoided to date.

Asked by Tim Russert at a September debate whether the Clinton presidential library and foundation would disclose the identities of its donors during the campaign, Mrs. Clinton said it wasn’t up to her. “What’s your recommendation?” Mr. Russert countered. Mrs. Clinton replied: “Well, I don’t talk about my private conversations with my husband, but I’m sure he’d be happy to consider that.”

Not so happy, as it turns out. The names still have not been made public.

Just before the holidays, investigative reporters at both The Washington Post and The New York Times tried to find out why, with no help from the Clintons. The Post uncovered a plethora of foreign contributors, led by Saudi Arabia. The Times found an overlap between library benefactors and Hillary Clinton campaign donors, some of whom might have an agenda with a new Clinton administration. (Much as one early library supporter, Marc Rich’s ex-wife, Denise, had an agenda with the last one.) “The vast scale of these secret fund-raising operations presents enormous opportunities for abuse,” said Representative Henry Waxman, the California Democrat whose legislation to force disclosure passed overwhelmingly in the House but remains stalled in the Senate.

The Post and Times reporters couldn’t unlock all the secrets. The unanswered questions could keep them and their competitors busy until Nov. 4. Mr. Clinton’s increased centrality to the campaign will also give The Wall Street Journal a greater news peg to continue its reportorial forays into the unraveling financial partnership between Mr. Clinton and the swashbuckling billionaire Ron Burkle.

At “Little Rock’s Fort Knox,” as the Clinton library has been nicknamed by frustrated researchers, it’s not merely the heavy-hitting contributors who are under wraps. Even by the glacial processing standards of the National Archives, the Clintons’ White House papers have emerged slowly, in part because Bill Clinton exercised his right to insist that all communications between him and his wife be “considered for withholding” until 2012.

When Mrs. Clinton was asked by Mr. Russert at an October debate if she would lift that restriction, she again escaped by passing the buck to her husband: “Well, that’s not my decision to make.” Well, if her candidacy is to be as completely vetted as she guarantees, the time for the other half of Billary to make that decision is here.

The credibility of a major Clinton campaign plank, health care, depends on it. In that same debate, Mrs. Clinton told Mr. Russert that “all of the records, as far as I know, about what we did with health care” are “already available.” As Michael Isikoff of Newsweek reported weeks later, this is a bit off; he found that 3,022,030 health care documents were still held hostage. Whatever the pace of the processing, the gatekeeper charged with approving each document’s release is the longtime Clinton loyalist Bruce Lindsey.

People don’t change. Bill Clinton, having always lived on the edge, is back on the precipice. When he repeatedly complains that the press has given Mr. Obama a free ride and over-investigated the Clintons, he seems to be tempting the fates, given all the reporting still to be done on his post-presidential business. When he says, as he did on Monday, that “whatever I do should be totally transparent,” it’s almost as if he’s setting himself up for a fall. There’s little more transparency at “Little Rock’s Fort Knox” than there is at Giuliani Partners.

“The Republicans are not going to have any compunctions about asking anybody anything,” Mrs. Clinton lectured Mr. Obama. Maybe so, but Republicans are smart enough not to start asking until after she has secured the nomination.

Not all Republicans are smart enough, however, to recognize the value of John McCain should Mrs. Clinton emerge as the nominee. He’s a bazooka aimed at most every rationale she’s offered for her candidacy.

In a McCain vs. Billary race, the Democrats will sacrifice the most highly desired commodity by the entire electorate, change; the party will be mired in déjà 1990s all over again. Mrs. Clinton’s spiel about being “tested” by her “35 years of experience” won’t fly either. The moment she attempts it, Mr. McCain will run an ad about how he was being tested when those 35 years began, in 1973. It was that spring when he emerged from five-plus years of incarceration at the Hanoi Hilton while Billary was still bivouacked at Yale Law School. And can Mrs. Clinton presume to sell herself as best equipped to be commander in chief “on Day One” when opposing an actual commander and war hero? I don’t think so.

Foreign policy issue No. 1, withdrawal from Iraq, should be a slam-dunk for any Democrat. Even the audience at Thursday’s G.O.P. debate in Boca Raton cheered Ron Paul’s antiwar sentiments. But Mrs. Clinton’s case is undermined by her record. She voted for the war, just as Mr. McCain did, in 2002 and was still defending it in February 2005, when she announced from the Green Zone that much of Iraq was “functioning quite well. ” Only in November 2005 did she express the serious misgivings long pervasive in her own party. When Mr. McCain accuses her of now advocating “surrender” out of political expediency, her flip-flopping will back him up.

Billary can’t even run against the vast right-wing conspiracy if Mr. McCain is the opponent. Rush Limbaugh and Tom DeLay hate Mr. McCain as much as they hate the Clintons. And they hate him for the same reasons Mr. McCain wins over independents and occasional Democrats: his sporadic (and often mild) departures from conservative orthodoxy on immigration and campaign finance reform, torture, tax cuts, climate change and the godliness of Pat Robertson. Since Mr. McCain doesn’t kick reporters like dogs, as the Clintons do, he will no doubt continue to enjoy an advantage, however unfair, with the press pack on the Straight Talk Express.

Even so, Mr. McCain hasn’t yet won a clear majority of Republican voters in any G.O.P. contest. He’s depended on the kindness of independent voters. Tuesday’s Florida primary, which is open exclusively to Republicans, is his crucial test. If he fails, his party remains in chaos and Mitt Romney could still inherit the earth.

That would be a miracle for the Democrats, but they can hardly count on it. If Mr. Obama has not met an unexpected Waterloo in South Carolina — this column went to press before Saturday’s vote — the party needs him to stop whining about the Clintons’ attacks, regain his wit and return to playing offense. Unlike Mrs. Clinton, he would unambiguously represent change in a race with any Republican. If he vanquishes Billary, he’ll have an even stronger argument to take into battle against a warrior like Mr. McCain.

If Mr. Obama doesn’t fight, no one else will. Few national Democratic leaders have the courage to stand up to the Clintons. Even in defeat, Mr. Obama may at least help wake up a party slipping into denial. Any Democrat who seriously thinks that Bill will fade away if Hillary wins the nomination — let alone that the Clintons will escape being fully vetted — is a Democrat who, as the man said, believes in fairy tales.

[Pacific Blues]

The last thing I would call Bill Clinton's administration is ineffectual. Quite the contrary, he had a chicken in every pot in all American homes, and a surplus economy that could have been used to pay for better health care for Americans, except for Bush spending it on the war. The fact is Clinton's economic policies worked just fine, and if he had just kept his zipper up, the Democrats might still be in control of the White House today, and history may have taken a different direction.

After reading my own post, it does come across as Hillary bashing which wasn't really my intent, however critical I may sound. I personally think Hillary is a good candidate and would be a competent president, certainly better than any Republican candidate. And yes, I fondly remember the Clinton years despite all of the petty scandals. Having said that, I don't think it's fair for Hillary to take credit for her husband's presidency.

As for her attempt at reforming healthcare while she was the first lady, I recall her failing and later taking very large sums of money from the insurance and drug companies she was fighting. I do think her record as a NY senator is a good one, however.


Hillary should not be judged for her husband's indiscretions, but on her own ability and record. Also, contrary to what Pacific Blues is claiming, my understanding is she didn't support the Iraq war, an issue that will be addressed further in a later post.

How many times and how many women would it take for your to divorce a cheating husband?

You can spin Hillary's "vote to authorize war" all you want but the fact remains that she never signed onto Carl Levin's amendment which was a last ditched attempt to get UN inspectors into Iraq and to prevent the use of force until those inspections were completed. If she was so serious about having inspectors finish their job as she now claims, why didn't she sign Levin's amendment? Anyone ever ask her that at one of her fund raising dinners?

For all her experience, she didn't bother to read the NIA and voted with what was politically convenient. A vote to send our military into war is not something to be taken lightly. The chief executive sworn to protect our country can't afford to make such bad decisions.

It's convenient to brush it aside like selective amnesia but the fact remains that Hillary voted for the resolution and had been a hawk for the majority of the occupation until public opinion turned sour. Parsing words and spinning her position doesn't change anything.

Obama is the only candidate remaining that voted against the Iraq War resolution. At least John Edwards had the decency to admit his mistake for his vote.


The following are some of the reasons why voting for Hillary makes a whole lot of sense (and yes, a lot of it has to do with her qualifications for the job). Let's not kid ourselves, experience does count. This country is facing ch*****ges that require a President who can come to the office ready to lead on day one. Someone with the experience necessary to enable her to implement changing policies and practices immediately.

But I think you're missing the bigger point. The fact that you or I think Hillary is a good candidate will not matter. The right wing will do whatever it takes to bring her down, and the status quo will remain. She's been in Washington for far too long with too many enemies to escape that fate.

Obama represents something new as an alternative to the same old Washington political machines that's been in power for decades. Copying and pasting Hillary's talking points from a brochure is nice, but it's time for some real change.

[Kate]

The right wing will do whatever it takes to bring her down, and the status quo will remain.

The right wing will do whatever it can to bring ANY Democrat down, Barack Obama won't be treated any differently.

Both men and women have a lot invested in a marriage, don't know what I'd do if he cheated on me. Maybe, the first time forgive him (if he is sincerely remorseful), but the second time, he's toast.

[Pacific Blues]

The right wing will do whatever it can to bring ANY Democrat down, Barack Obama won't be treated any differently.

True, but Barack will have a much better chance in the general elections since he doesn't have all the baggage and enemies of the past with axes to grind. The Republicans will have far less things to attack him on when compared to Hillary.

I honestly don't know why there are so many people, especially from the red states that despise her. I think much of the vitriol is unjustified and unfair. I do feel sorry for her but that's the reality.

Even if she does make it, she'll be so busy fending off her attackers that she'll be bogged down. Of course she'll fight back with her own dirty political attacks like she did in South Carolina. The question is, will Hillary change any of this tired old divisive and partisan politics of the status quo? I don't think it's possible. She's too much of a polarizing figure.

When it comes to major policies, all of the Democratic candidates are already in accord. I've been following Obama for a while now, listening to his podcasts as he explains why he chose to vote on certain bills and his opinions on particular issues. No doubt he's a progressive liberal, but I think he has the intelligence, integrity, and character to make profound changes to move the country forward.

That's why people like Caroline Kennedy are willing to take a chance with Obama. They see potential for something great.

[Sonia]

Wake-up Pacific,

The first thing the Republicans will hit Senator Obama with is his lack of experience. Although he clearly is a talented speaker, he is also still a Junior Senator. Undoubtedly some day he will make a fine Presidential Candidate, but at this time in history, this country can't afford a President-in-training. We need someone who can step into the office, and turn the economy around; someone who can bring the troops home, and make sure that there are jobs available for them; and someone who can fix the health-care system so it's affordable for all Americas.

Maybe in the future, this country will once again experience the wonderful Camelot years of the Kennedy administration, but the times right now and circumstances are different. Our time calls for immediate expediency, as well as experience. I'm not opposed to someone who can inspire young people, but I want something more tangible, and am voting for a president who can find and implement solutions instantly.

Those of us who work in the corporate world, and are looking to retire soon must realize we will only have twenty-four months of COBRA before health-care becomes exorbitant. Further, our economy is approaching, or is already in, a recession. People are being laid off from their jobs, and worse, jobs are being out-sourced to other countries. The disparity between the rich and the poor is widening, and the middle class vanishing. We're bringing home the troops to this dismal economic reality. How will our government help Americans get back on their feet? Tax credits aren't enough to solve the problem. People need jobs; they need to work. The value of the American dollar keeps decreasing, it's worth about half the Euro. Our purchasing power in the world markets is declining, and with it, our status as world leaders. Do you understand the crisis this country is confronting?

It's going to be a very hard job for the person who steps into the White House. The best we can do is elect the most qualified person for the job. America needs a hands-on president, who will get the job done, and many of us don't care if it's a duo, as long as the job gets done.

[babaloo]

Hillary Clinton won Florida by a 50% margin, but the democrats will have no Florida delegates. Were there any chads?

I heard there was a massive lay-off at Citibank today, anyone have any information about this?

[Tara]

No chads, babaloo, but we've been predicting Hillary will win the nomination since the get go, so Florida is no surprise. I think the race has clearly narrowed down to Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama, with Hillary in the lead.

[Sonia]

A Significant Victory for Hillary

To: Interested Parties

Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Re: A Significant Victory in Florida

Hillary Clinton won a significant victory today in the Florida primary with biggest turnout in Florida Democratic primary history. She will end up with more votes than John McCain, the winner of the Republican primary. And Floridians cast more votes than were cast in Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, and New Hampshire combined.

A large, broad, and diverse group of voters came out and voted for Hillary in Florida. She won women, men, and just about every age category. She won nearly 6 in 10 Latinos and nearly 3 in 10 African American voters.

The vote turned out to be far more than symbolic. Well over 1.5 million Democrats cast their ballots, more than twice the number of voters who came out to vote in the 2004 primary.

Most of the voters in Florida fully expect that their votes will not be wasted again -- they too have a voice at the convention, and Hillary has asked her delegates to support their being seated.

This result comes after Senator Obama ran TV commercials that reached Florida homes and after the enormous publicity he received for South Carolina and for the Ted Kennedy endorsement. The exit polls show widespread recognition of the endorsement -- but even so among those who decided on Election Day, a plurality of those chose Hillary.

But any momentum seemed to run out today -- among those who decided on Election Day, a plurality of those chose Hillary.

[Pepper]

Not surprising, Edwards has decided to drop out of race. Who will get his endorsement?

Edwards Quitting Presidential Campaign
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press

DENVER (Jan. 30) -- Democrat John Edwards is exiting the presidential race Wednesday, ending a scrappy underdog bid in which he steered his rivals toward progressive ideals while grappling with family hardship that roused voters' sympathies, The Associated Press has learned.

The two-time White House candidate notified a close circle of senior advisers that he planned to make the announcement at a 1 p.m. EST event in New Orleans that had been billed as a speech on poverty, according to two aides. The decision came after Edwards lost the four states to hold nominating contests so far to rivals who stole the spotlight from the beginning — Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

The former North Carolina senator will not immediately endorse either candidate in what is now a two-person race for the Democratic nomination, said one adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity in advance of the announcement.

Edwards waged a spirited top-tier campaign against the two better-funded rivals, even as he dealt with the stunning blow of his wife's recurring cancer diagnosis. In a dramatic news conference last March, the couple announced that the breast cancer that she thought she had beaten had returned, but they would continue the campaign.

Their decision sparked a debate about family duty and public service. But Elizabeth Edwards remained a forceful advocate for her husband, and she was often surrounded at campaign events by well-wishers and emotional survivors cheering her on.

Edwards planned to announce his campaign was ending with his wife and three children at his side. Then he planned to work with Habitat for Humanity at the volunteer-fueled rebuilding project Musicians' Village, the adviser said.

With that, Edwards' campaign will end the way it began 13 months ago — with the candidate pitching in to rebuild lives in a city still ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Edwards embraced New Orleans as a glaring symbol of what he described as a Washington that didn't hear the cries of the downtrodden.

Edwards burst out of the starting gate with a flurry of progressive policy ideas — he was the first to offer a plan for universal health care, the first to call on Congress to pull funding for the war, and he led the charge that lobbyists have too much power in Washington and need to be reigned in.

The ideas were all bold and new for Edwards personally as well, making him a different candidate than the moderate Southerner who ran in 2004 while still in his first Senate term. But the themes were eventually adopted by other Democratic presidential candidates — and even a Republican, Mitt Romney, echoed the call for an end to special interest politics in Washington.

Edwards' rise to prominence in politics came amid just one term representing North Carolina in the Senate after a career as a trial attorney that made him millions. He was on Al Gore's short list for vice president in 2000 after serving just two years in office. He ran for president in 2004, and after he lost to John Kerry, the nominee picked him as a running mate.

Elizabeth Edwards first discovered a lump in her breast in the final days of that losing campaign. Her battle against the disease caused her husband to open up about another tragedy in their lives — the death of their teenage son Wade in a 1996 car accident. The candidate barely spoke of Wade during his 2004 campaign, but he offered his son's death to answer questions about how he could persevere when his wife could die.

Edwards made poverty the signature issue of both his presidential campaigns, and he led a four-day tour to highlight the issue in July. The tour, the first to focus on the plight of the poor since Robert F. Kennedy's trip 40 years earlier, also was an effort to remind voters that a rich man can care about the less fortunate. It came as Edwards was dogged by negative coverage of his personal wealth, including his construction of a 28,000-square foot house, his work for a hedge fund that advised the superrich and $400 haircuts.

But even through the dark days of summer and as Obama and Clinton collected astonishing amounts of money that dwarfed his fundraising effort, Edwards maintained a loyal following in the first voting state of Iowa that made him a serious contender. He came in second to Obama in Iowa, an impressive feat of relegating Clinton to third place, before coming in third in the following three contests.

The loss in South Carolina was especially hard because it was where he was born and he had won the state in 2004. But Edwards performed well enough to pick up 58 delegates.

[Pacific Blues]

Wake-up Pacific,

The first thing the Republicans will hit Senator Obama with is his lack of experience. Although he clearly is a talented speaker, he is also still a Junior Senator. Undoubtedly some day he will make a fine Presidential Candidate, but at this time in history, this country can't afford a President-in-training. We need someone who can step into the office, and turn the economy around; someone who can bring the troops home, and make sure that there are jobs available for them; and someone who can fix the health-care system so it's affordable for all Americas.


It's going to be a very hard job for the person who steps into the White House. The best we can do is elect the most qualified person for the job. America needs a hands-on president, who will get the job done, and many of us don't care if it's a duo, as long as the job gets done.

I don't know how many more times I need to say this but what are the policy differences between Obama, Hillary, and Edwards? On every issue like healthcare, equitable taxes for middle and lower class, size and scope of the short term stimulus package, pulling troops out of Iraq, the environment, women's right to choose, etc. the Democrats are all in accord. This is understood.

What I'm concerned about in a candidate are things like integrity, good judgement, and the ability to lead with the highest potential to pass legislation through both houses of congress. The Democrats have the thinnest of majority so they'll need bipartisan support. Who has the better chances of achieving that? Hillary or Obama?

The most significant difference between the two is that Hillary signed the Iraq resolution and supported the invasion up until recently when public sentiments went sour. She was complicit in what will be the biggest military debacle of modern times that will eventually cost upwards of $2 trillion dollars. This to me shows lack of foresight and judgement. Remember, only congress can declare war, not the president.

I asked you how many times and how many women would it take for you to divorce a cheating spouse. This question is revealing about a person's character. Any thoughts on that? You still haven't posted the spin on why Hillary voted for the Iraq Resolution and didn't sign Levin's amendment.

I also think it's premature to start talking about Hillary's day one as president. You should be more worried about how she'll fare in the general election against someone like McCain who has sizable support of moderates and independents. I guarantee you that the Republicans will mobilize and vote en masse against Hillary because they will not stand for her as the president. These are the same people that voted for Bush. Twice. You honestly think they'll put up with her?

Lastly, having both Hillary and Bill in the White House may sound like a good idea, but it's not. As a Constitutional Law professor, Obama would tell you that a pluralistic presidency is unconstitutional, and for good reason.

[Pacific Blues]

Wake-up Pacific,


Those of us who work in the corporate world, and are looking to retire soon must realize we will only have twenty-four months of COBRA before health-care becomes exorbitant. Further, our economy is approaching, or is already in, a recession. People are being laid off from their jobs, and worse, jobs are being out-sourced to other countries. The disparity between the rich and the poor is widening, and the middle class vanishing. We're bringing home the troops to this dismal economic reality. How will our government help Americans get back on their feet? Tax credits aren't enough to solve the problem. People need jobs; they need to work. The value of the American dollar keeps decreasing, it's worth about half the Euro. Our purchasing power in the world markets is declining, and with it, our status as world leaders. Do you understand the crisis this country is confronting?.

Do I understand the crisis our country is confronting? How patronizing.

If you're truly interested in solving the fundamental problems of our economy, you need to start with the root of the problem, which is the system of Fractional Reserve Banking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractional-reserve_banking) controlled by the Feds through the central banks and our currency's break from the gold standard. I don't have time to get into detail, so here's the nitty gritty.

In the last century this system of "creating" and increasing the supply of currency backed by fractional gold has built up the economy, the military, won wars, and eventually established the American hegemony we have today. The difference between the policies of European central banks and the American one is that the American one was designed for pro growth. That's why we're the sole superpower.

This system continued up until the Vietnam war when Nixon broke away from the gold standard completely since we didn't have enough gold to back up the ever increasing supply of printed dollars. When countries who lent money to the US to finance the war wanted their gold back, the US payed them in dollars instead. This marked the end of the Bretton Woods system (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bretton_Woods_system) and the beginning of hyper inflation.

They kept printing dollars backed by nothing, increasing inflation by flooding the market with dollars. That's why people like Dick Cheney says things like deficits don't matter. Because we'll just print more money, aka fiat money (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_money).

This is the root cause of our misery now. Notice how a loaf of bread costs $4 and a gallon of milk is $5? This is the result of inflation when the supply of dollars in circulation increase, the value of the currency get diluted and its value decreases. Who gets hit the most? Middle and lower class.

Since Americans are adverse to saving money, love debt and living beyond their means, countries overseas have been supplying credit by buying up US treasuries. The real estate bubble and cheap mortgages were funded by countries like China and Japan. Collectively, these countries have 4 trillion in US dollars and have been on a shopping spree to buy up stakes in major US financial institutions like Citigroup, Merril Lynch, et al. with our own money at bargain prices.

And people wondering why the middle class is shrinking, the real estate bubble is popping, the market is tanking, the dollar is in a free fall, gold is at historic highs, and inflation is spiking.

Do you honestly think that all of those manufacturing jobs in places like Detroit and the rust belt that were lost to China are going to come back any time soon? Hillary's experience isn't going to help per turn things around within the next few years any quicker than that of Obama. Let's get real.

So I say choose the person that will break away from old paradigms and the gridlock of partisan politics. He's our best hope.

[Sonia]

I remember the gold bullion, the bars were stored in a vault, in the basement of the Federal Reserve Bank years ago. Some of us who worked at the FRB back then, actually got to see them, although briefly. Good to see you know your Wikipedia, I probably took Money and Banking years before you, and you are probably more up to date in the reading. My post points out the facts, with which you apparently agree that our economy is in trouble, and the middle class is shrinking.

Hillary's past experience as first lady is actually an advantage in finding solutions to the pressing issues. Has it occurred to you that Hillary's experience includes working with a cabinet that existed at the time her husband was president? and its members are most surely still at her disposal as friends and advisors.

Further, stop trying to mischaracterize my words. I'm not suggesting that Bill Clinton would act as a co-president. If elected President, Hillary's spouse will be as helpful to her, as Obama's spouse is to him. Both spouses equally seem to give it their all. However, it should be clear that Bill Clinton has far more experience with the Presidency than Obama's spouse, and would make a more informed advisor.

I'm not surprised that you're trying to impugn Hillary's character, or question her integrity or good judgement. What else can you do when you support a candidate that lacks experience? It's dirty politics. Hillary Clinton is a strong woman. A good daughter, wife, and mother, who has juggled her career, and her family obligations, like many of us, to the best of her ability. Like many other women in this country, I identify with her life experiences, and consider her a positive role model for our daughters.

As for your question regarding my position on infidelity, it's none of your business, and irrelevant to this discussion. This very personal issue is relative to the husband and wife involved in a marriage, and what they consider acceptable. How would you like someone to pry into your marital relationship?

The Republicans won't put up with either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, and will certainly mobilize full force against both of them. In case you haven't figured it out, they want to elect a Republican President. Nor would Obama fare better with the Republicans if he's elected. Republicans would probably question his ability to lead because of his limited experience.

Let's get real, among other things, under a Clinton administration, we can expect to see new jobs created, and the economy improve; better, and more affordable healthcare, and our troops brought home to a promising economy. We may dream of Camelot, but in our time, we need real positive change, so we can achieve the American Dream. We need to hope for a President with the know-how to lead us away from the path of economic crisis, and toward a better quality of life. Because of her background and experience, Hillary Clinton is the best candidate to get the job done.

[Tara]

From the Fact Hub, a Hillary for President Electronic Newsletter:

Sen. Obama's Speech In Denver, CO Will Contain Four Misleading Attacks On Hillary In One Sentence
1/30/2008 6:47:59 PM

Just 24 hours after Sen. Obama asserted he has run a consistently positive campaign, he released excerpts of a speech to be delivered this morning in Denver, CO that distorts Hillary’s record and lays down a number of misleading attacks. In fact, Sen. Obama will issue four misleading attacks on Hillary in a single sentence.

“It’s time for new leadership that understands that the way to win a debate with John McCain is not by nominating someone who agreed with him on voting for the war in Iraq; who agreed with him in voting to give George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran; who agrees with him in embracing the Bush-Cheney policy of not talking to leaders we don’t like, and who actually differed with him by arguing for exceptions for torture before changing positions when the politics of the moment changed.”

Let’s address Sen. Obama’s allegations one at a time.

First: Sen. Obama begins by criticizing Hillary on Iraq. Sen. Obama does not mention that -- with the exception of Hillary's opposition to the promotion of Iraq war architect Gen. George Casey -- Sen. Obama and Hillary have identical voting records on the Iraq war. Read more here. (http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=5094)


Second: Sen. Obama then misrepresents Hillary’s position on Iran. In fact, Hillary was one of the earliest and staunchest opponents of Bush’s saber rattling on Iran, and spoke out on the issue back in February:

Hillary made a floor speech declaring that President Bush must get authorization from Congress before taking military action against Iran. [Clinton Release, 2/14/07]
Hillary co-sponsored the Webb bill prohibiting use of funds for military action in Iran without Congressional authorization. [Clinton Release, 10/01/07]
Sen. Obama missed the vote he is now using to attack Hillary. He issued a release 9 hours later and co-sponsored a similar bill in April. The bill was also supported by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), a staunch anti-war Bush critic and prominent Obama supporter. Read more here (http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=4223) and here (http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=4143).

Third: Sen. Obama then misrepresents Hillary’s position on diplomacy. Hillary criticized Sen. Obama for pre-committing to a personal meeting in his first year with "with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea." She never said that a president should only meet with America's friends. She also promised vigorous diplomatic efforts with all countries, friend and foe. Read more here.

Fourth: Sen. Obama accuses Hillary of changing her policy on torture due to ‘the politics of the moment.’ He couldn’t be more wrong. Hillary met with retired generals, talked with experienced military officers, and read reports commissioned by the Defense Intelligence Agency. She concluded that 'torture cannot be part of American policy, period.'

Sen. Obama laments this kind of politics in his book, Audacity of Hope:

For that is how most of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, enter the Senate…their words distorted, and their motives questioned. [Page 133]

[Pacific Blues]

I remember the gold bullion, the bars were stored in a vault, in the basement of the Federal Reserve Bank years ago. Some of us who worked at the FRB back then, actually got to see them, although briefly. Good to see you know your Wikipedia, I probably took Money and Banking years before you, and you are probably more up to date in the reading. My post points out the facts, with which you apparently agree that our economy is in trouble, and the middle class is shrinking.

Hillary's past experience as first lady is actually an advantage in finding solutions to the pressing issues. Has it occurred to you that Hillary's experience includes working with a cabinet that existed at the time her husband was president? and its members are most surely still at her disposal as friends and advisors.

Further, stop trying to mischaracterize my words. I'm not suggesting that Bill Clinton would act as a co-president. If elected President, Hillary's spouse will be as helpful to her, as Obama's spouse is to him. Both spouses equally seem to give it their all. However, it should be clear that Bill Clinton has far more experience with the Presidency than Obama's spouse, and would make a more informed advisor.

I'm not surprised that you're trying to impugn Hillary's character, or question her integrity or good judgement. What else can you do when you support a candidate that lacks experience? It's dirty politics. Hillary Clinton is a strong woman. A good daughter, wife, and mother, who has juggled her career, and her family obligations, like many of us, to the best of her ability. Like many other women in this country, I identify with her life experiences, and consider her a positive role model for our daughters.

As for your question regarding my position on infidelity, it's none of your business, and irrelevant to this discussion. This very personal issue is relative to the husband and wife involved in a marriage, and what they consider acceptable. How would you like someone to pry into your marital relationship?

The Republicans won't put up with either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, and will certainly mobilize full force against both of them. In case you haven't figured it out, they want to elect a Republican President. Nor would Obama fare better with the Republicans if he's elected. Republicans would probably question his ability to lead because of his limited experience.

Let's get real, among other things, under a Clinton administration, we can expect to see new jobs created, and the economy improve; better, and more affordable healthcare, and our troops brought home to a promising economy. We may dream of Camelot, but in our time, we need real positive change, so we can achieve the American Dream. We need to hope for a President with the know-how to lead us away from the path of economic crisis, and toward a better quality of life. Because of her background and experience, Hillary Clinton is the best candidate to get the job done.

I don't understand why you keep posting the blatantly obvious. Of course our economy is in a fundamentally precarious state. I took the trouble to emphasize the root of problem because a short term stimulus will be like a band-aide on a bullet hole. It's only going to get worse and there are no quick fixes, only painful but inevitable corrections that will take place even after we stop printing, borrowing, and spending money we don't have. Stop sugar coating it with empty political rhetoric.

And please stop equating Hillary's marriage of convenience as first lady to Bill Clinton's successful presidency. Would you have your husband take over your job as whatever it is you do just because you're married to him and resides in the same house?

As for Hillary's marriage, I'm making a personal acessment of her character based on choices she has made. Bill cheated on her time and time again with many women while he was governor as well as president. I would respect her a lot more if she had left him. Is it my business? Yes, since she's a public official and I want to make an informed decision.

Kate understood my question and wrote her thoughts on it, which I thought was informative and I would agree with her. Why is it that you immediately think it's some kind of a smear job? The reason I'm posting is that I felt this thread needed a little balance from the cut and paste circle jerk of Hillary idolizing. Don't believe the hype.

I see you completely skirted her Iraq resolution vote yet again.

BTW, Tara, didn't you vote for George Bush in 2004 elections?

[Sonia]

As for Hillary's marriage, I'm making a personal acessment of her character based on choices she has made. Bill cheated on her time and time again with many women while he was governor as well as president. I would respect her a lot more if she had left him. Is it my business? Yes, since she's a public official and I want to make an informed decision.

Jack Kennedy cheated on his wife, Jackie, in the White House many more times than Bill even thought about it. Did you know he earned the nickname Jack the Zipper among some democrats?, and Eisenhower had a long-time mistress throughout his term, with repeated trysts in the White House, but their wives never left these mens. Whatever their understanding was or wasn't, it remained private. Back then, even the newspapers were more discrete. Personally, I don't think mutual marital decisions of elected officials concern us. People enter into marriage for different reasons, and it's not for us to second guess them. However, My guess would be that Hillary was very much in love with Bill when they married. In any case, marriage is a very personal union, replete with ups and downs, perhaps that's why the marriage vows say,

"I take this man who holds me by the right hand to be my lawful and wedded husband, and promise to love and cherish him, to honor and sustain him, in sickness and in health, in poverty as in wealth, in the bad that may darken our days, in the good that may lighten our ways, and to be true to him in all things until death alone shall part us. I do so promise."

Pastor -- "Again from God's Word. A new commandment I give unto you, that you also love one another. Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. Love never fails, for love is of God. And now abides faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love."

Pacific, you are stepping into an area, which is truly none of your concern. Not every aspect of a public official's life is open to your scrutiny. If you need to question anyone's reasons for getting or staying married, question your own. As far as some of us are concerned, Hillary has honored her marriage vows.

As for the economic issues, no one is suggesting Hillary will wave a magic wand, and fix all the problems instantly, just that she is better qualified to find and implement solutions faster; and besides, what's wrong with a band-aid in the interim, until they can implement a strong, workable plan?

Tara posted something on Iraq earlier, quoted from Hillary Headquarter's e-newsletter. It appears that Senators Obama, and Clinton have the same voting history with regard to the Iraq issue.

Finally, as long as they respect our rules, everyone is welcomed to post messages and comments on this bulletin board, and specifically, in regard to the election. Democrat, Republican, Independent, it doesn't matter, you can respectfully post your views and information here.

[Kate]

Tonight's debate answered several questions for me. It was obvious Hillary won the debate. She was in good form, personable, humorous, and knowledgeable.

Pacific Blues,

She also addressed the question you raised about Iraq, which was her one weak area, but with regard to everything else, she came across as stronger than Obama, and the better qualified candidate. It will be interesting to see if she asks Obama to be her running mate for Vice President.

[agustos]

First, the analogies btwn Hillary/Bill and JFK and Eisenhower's marital relations are flawed. Neither one of their wives ran for public office - Hillary is running for public office and therefore her actions are subject to scrutiny. Remember that she not only chose to remain with Bill (maybe that can be excused) but she helped engineer the spin machine that responded to the situation (she came up with "Right Wing Conspiracy" theme). Hillary was not simply an innocent bystander in the Bill/Monica situation but an active participant in the "damage control". Frankly, it points to her character and her motives.

Regardless, I was willing to overlook the Clinton sagas of the 1990s. As someone indicated earlier - Obama and Clinton are virtually identical on the issues. It almost didn't matter who was President. After all, I voted for Bill Clinton.

However, seeing the Clinton campaign (including a former President!) attack Obama in South Carolina sealed it for me. The fact that the Clintons were willing to essentially canabilize a constituency (African-Americans) that had supported and adored them for their own political gain was nothing short of disgusting. Furthermore, it brought back memories of the scandals and partisanship of the Clinton administration (Whitewater, the Lincoln Bedroom, Lewinsky/Flowers, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman", the dubious presidential pardons). I don't understand how people are comfortable going back to that. As numerous people have said, the Clintons are naturally divisive - not just with Republicans but within the Democratic party as well. It doesn't feel as though we would be moving forward. [And before you say she should be judged on her own merits - she is the one that touts her 8 years in the White House as First Lady as part of her 'experience']. [And if you think these scandals are behind us - read the Jan 31 NY Times article about contributions to the Clinton presidential library].

On the other hand, in Obama I see someone who has a fresh approach to the political system and its problems - one that doesn't necessarily view every decision as us vs. them, red vs blue or "this is a battle we need to win at all cost". Or "what do the polls say?" (which is why Hillary was for the war and then against the war - right?). Obama is someone who is open to good ideas and practical solutions regardless of where they come from. With Obama you truly get the feeling that the country comes first, with Hillary - well she comes first. She may say otherwise, but the South Carolina primary (as well as 1992 - 2000) should show everyone that actions speak louder than words. We don't need another 4 (or 8) years of partisanship and political attacks and spin.

Regarding experience, three points that helped me analyze that issue: first of all Presidents don't exist in vacuums making decisions in isolation. They have advisors and a cabinet which is supported by departments and agencies; there are think tanks and universities and other experts providing insight into every issue. You need someone that is able to synthesize and analyze the information when presented - that points to intelligence and one's approach to problems. As I said above, Obama's approach is more inclusive and open-minded than Hillary's; I am fully confident that he is more than capable of understand the issues and making the right decision. Second, if experience were a predictor of a successful presidency then George HW Bush should have had a second term. He was one of the most experienced Presidents we have had in the last half century and what did we get: higher taxes AND a recession! If all you want to do is add up years in service then you should probably vote for McCain... The final point that gave me comfort on the experience issue is the various endorsements Obama has garnered. When someone like Ted Kennedy who has worked with numerous Presidents and who has seen Obama 'up close' says that Obama is ready from day one, it is significant. [For those concerned about the economy, today former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, who has served under five Presidents, also endorsed Obama].

This is not America looking to find "Camelot". It is a real need in this country for a fresh approach and a President that is able to transcend the "politics" of the last 20 years. With Hillary Clinton we will have a manager, with Barack Obama we will have a leader capable of doing exactly that. For me the choice is easy.

[Pacific Blues]

Pacific, you are stepping into an area, which is truly none of your concern. Not every aspect of a public official's life is open to your scrutiny. If you need to question anyone's reasons for getting or staying married, question your own. As far as some of us are concerned, Hillary has honored her marriage vows.

Tara posted something on Iraq earlier, quoted from Hillary Headquarter's e-newsletter. It appears that Senators Obama, and Clinton have the same voting history with regard to the Iraq issue.

Now you're dictating to me what I can and can't use for the basis of assessing a presidential candidate's character and integrity? Because you say so? I think it's you who's stepping into the slippery slope of censorship.

:Tara.badi

And since you asked, I've already clearly stated that my views are the same as that of Kate's. I really have no problems with you knowing this whatsoever. Of course, I'm not running for public office but I would practice what I preach. I'm not climbing into bed with a wife that's been cheating over and over, year after year that's for sure. Unfathomable. The river of denial must run long and deep for some people I suppose.

And what the hell does Jack Kennedy have to do with anything? Jack the Zipper is not currently running for president. You are truly grasping at straws here.

I couldn't believe it took this long but in the final CNN Democratic Debate last night, the participants on Politico.com voted to ask Hillary about her vote on the Iraq Resolution and why she didn't sign Carl Levin's amendment. That's the first time in any of the debates that I've seen where she was forced to answer for her vote, and the results are striking:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/01/31/sot.people.meter.clinton.iraq.cnn

Fact: Obama voted against the Iraq War Resolution and Hillary voted for it. She also did not sign Carl Levin's Amendment that would have required UN inspectors to finish their jobs before any military force was used. No amount of spin will change this fact.

We would not be in this fiscal mess with a looming recession, terrible state of our over stretched military, our pathetic standing in the world, and our dangerously diminished security if we had not invaded Iraq. This war of choice is costing us hundreds of billions of dollars, thousands of lives of our troops and countless more of the Iraqi people.

I can't stress this enough - That was THE judgement that needed to be right.

Imagine what John McCain will do when they swiftboat Hillary's waffling position on the Iraq war. They'll say she first voted for the war, then against it, and ultimately threw up the white flag of surrender. Votes in the bank right there for McCain. That's a liability the Democrats cannot afford.

If a voter is looking for sound judgement, integrity, character, and relevant experience from day one in the White House, Barack Obama is clearly the better candidate.

[Sonia]

The Reviews are in on last night's debate:

In last night's debate in Los Angeles, Hillary showed her command of the issues facing Americans, and demonstrated her commitment to rolling up her sleeves to make a difference in people's lives.

She offered substantive solutions to our toughest problems, and outlined her history of making positive change happen.

On health care, Hillary made clear that her plan will provide quality, affordable coverage to every American. No exceptions. By capping premiums and lowering costs, she would make sure that 47 million Americans no longer fall through the cracks of our health care system.

On the economy, Hillary detailed her plan to address the housing crisis and help people stay in their homes. By imposing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and a freeze of at least 5 years on adjustable rate subprime mortgages, hundreds of thousands of Americans would have a chance to take on manageable loans and keep their homes.

On Iraq, Hillary talked about her plan to begin bringing our troops home within 60 days of taking office, and do it as quickly and safely as we possibly can.

If you want to know what kind of change Hillary would make in the White House look at what she's already accomplished.

From helping create the Children's Health Insurance Program that now covers 6 million kids, to working across the aisle to extend health care benefits to our National Guardsmen and Reservists, Hillary has a record of delivering real results.

Last night, Hillary showed her grasp of the ch*****ges facing our nation at home and abroad and demonstrated why she is ready to lead this nation from her first day in office.


Reviews Are In: Hillary 'Eminently Likeable,'
'Really Impressive,' 'Presidential'

ABC News' Jake Tapper -- 'Clinton has a really steady tone tonight, solid and presidential. Eminently likeable.' [ABC News Political Radar, 1/31/08]

CNN's Bill Schneider -- 'Clinton comes across as more polished and knowledgeable.' [CNN Political Ticker, 1/31/08]

New Republic's Michael Crowley -- 'Hillary has a really impressive fluency and confidence in the details.' [New Republic's The Stump, 1/31/08]

NBC News' Domenico Montaro -- Hillary 'knocked it out of the park.' "Hillary's been asked that question before and it is central to Obama's argument -- why should the country vote for a Clinton when there's been either a Bush or a Clinton on the ballot for a generation. She knocked it out of the park with a line she's used before, saying, it took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it might take another Clinton to clean up after this Bush. It's about as good as she could answer it and it got a standing ovation."

Washington Post's Chris Cillizza -- Hillary 'turned a tough question into a terrific moment.' "Whether or not Clinton had that line in her hip pocket for tonight, she delivered it well and turned a tough question into a terrific moment." [Washington Post's The Fix, 1/31/08]

TPM's Josh Marshall -- 'Hillary's on a tear here.' [Talking Points Memo, 1/31/08]

MyDD's Todd Beeton -- 'Hillary gave a strong answer on her Iraq vote.' [MyDD, 1/31/08]

Los Angeles Times' Don Frederick -- 'Clinton got the biggest response of the night' "Clinton got the biggest response of the night when she reprised a line she's used before about the prospective Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton White House tenures. It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, she said -- clearly knowing it was a surefire line -- and it might take a Clinton to clean up after the second." [Los Angeles Times blog, 1/31/08]

The Hill's A.B. Stoddard: 'I think she handled herself wonderfully tonight.' [MSNBC, 1/31/08]

ABC News' Rick Klein -- '[Hillary] generally excels when the talk is substantive, and she handled the focus on health care rather masterfully.' [ABC News Political Radar, 1/31/08]

[Pacific Blues]

Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama

"It is only Barack Obama, in his person, in his ideas, in his ability to understand and to articulate both our needs and our hopes that provide the potential for strong and fresh leadership,'' - Paul Volcker

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aXl43P8d8T1s&refer=home

If Paul Volcker's endorsement of Barack Obama doesn't convince you that he is the best candidate for reviving our economy on a fundamental level, then nothing will.

As I posted earlier on the root of our economic problem, namely Fractional Reserve Banking and our departure from gold backed dollars into fiat money, Volcker was the former Chairman of the Federal Reserve for both Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan's presidencies. He is credited with putting an end to the stagflation crisis of the post Vietnam War era by limiting the amount of dollars that was being printed, which of course was backed by nothing. Inflation went from 13.5 percent down to about 3 percent during his tenure.

Fixing the underlying problems of inflation and our broken monetary system is the only way we will revive the economy that will help the middle and lower class in a fundamental way.

Volcker is as conservative as they come yet he is willing to cross party lines to endorse Barak Obama. That speaks volumes.

As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5755/obamavg3.jpg

[Sonia]

List of Potential Running Mates

washingtonpost.com's Politics Blog

The Line on Running Mates

As Super Tuesday draws ever closer, the fields for the Democratic and Republican presidential nominations have narrowed significantly.

Always fond of basketball metaphors, The Fix has taken to referring to those still standing as the Final Four -- Sens. Barack Obama (Ill.) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) on the Democrats' side, and Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on the GOP side.

With such a narrow field, it seems pointless to continue the presidential Line. All four of these candidates have made the finals and have a shot at winning their party's nomination. For the Democrats, it is a genuine jump ball between Obama and Clinton; McCain holds a clear edge for Republicans, but Romney -- and his wallet -- should not be counted out.

The prospect of stopping the presidential Line was too much for us to bear, however. So, after a bit of thinking, we came up with the next best thing -- the VICE presidential line. Although neither party has settled on a nominee just yet, the speculation about who will be No. 2 on the ticket has already begun in earnest.

Until we have nominees, the vice presidential Line will focus on the likeliest veep picks (in alphabetical order) for the candidates still in the running. Once a nominee for each party is picked, we'll start ranking the VP "candidates" from most likely to least likely to be selected.

Since there is no greater guessing game in Washington than who will wind up as each party's running-mate, consider this Line the start of a conversation. Have a favorite of your own? Or a list of your own? Offer it in the comments section below.

To the Line!

THE REPUBLICANS

>> McCAIN

* Mike Huckabee: McCain and the former Arkansas governor clearly like each other, and Huckabee has served as McCain's wing man in a number of debates. Huckabee is liked and trusted in the social conservative wing of the party -- a continued weakness for McCain.

* Tim Pawlenty: The governor of Minnesota, Pawlenty doesn't get much attention nationally but he could be a nice fit for McCain. Pawlenty has been elected and reelected in a key swing state, was among the earliest supporters of McCain, and stuck by the Arizona senator in the dark days of the campaign.

* Mark Sanford: Sanford is the ultimate maverick -- unafraid to step on toes even within his own party both during his time in Washington and as the Palmetto State's governor. As a member of the House, Sanford endorsed McCain in 2000, but he stayed on the sidelines this year. Still, the two men have similar approaches to government, and Sanford has demonstrated an electoral appeal that any politician would envy.

* John Thune: Young, handsome and socially conservative, Thune, the freshman senator from South Dakota, has the complete package. Two potential problems: He is a senator in a time when people are fed up with Washington, and he hails from a tiny state that won't be in play this year.

>> ROMNEY

* Don Carcieri: The Rhode Island governor doesn't get much publicity, but he has been elected and reelected in a VERY blue state and, before getting involved in politics, was a successful businessman. Sound like someone else you know?

* Mark Sanford: By staying neutral in the South Carolina primary, Sanford preserved his chances of being picked by either Romney or McCain. Kudos to an underrated pol.

* Jim Talent: The former Missouri senator has been the chief surrogate for Romney from the start of the campaign. His decision to pass on the open governor's race in 2008 raised some eyebrows. Could he be hoping for something a little bit higher? Remember: Missouri is a key swing state and bellwether in the general election. It couldn't hurt to have a native son on the ticket.

THE DEMOCRATS

>> CLINTON

* Evan Bayh: If you look up "vice president" in the dictionary, a picture of Bayh is staring back at you. Bayh has been elected five times to statewide offices (once as secretary of state, twice as governor, twice as senator) in a reddish state in the midwest. He's also handsome and the son of a senator (and one-time presidential hopeful). Is he too milquetoast?

* Wes Clark: Clark was widely seen as a stalking horse for the Clintons in the 2004 presidential race and has remained close to the couple. With Clark, a decorated military veteran on the ticket, it would be difficult for Republicans to paint Democrats as soft of national security and foreign policy.

* John Edwards: The Edwards primary is officially on. Edwards has said he will meet with Obama and Clinton before making an endorsement. His "shake-up the status quo" message would seem to fit better with Obama, but Edwards's strongest constituencies (whites, low-income voters) may be more prone to back Clinton than Obama. Edwards has been the vice presidential nominee once already, but don't rule him out again.

* Bill Richardson: Richardson spent years as part of the Clinton administration and will be looking for his next job as he is term-limited out as New Mexico governor in 2010. Richardson is also Hispanic -- perhaps the key voting bloc in the 2008 general election.

* Ted Strickland: The case for Strickland is simple -- he's the popular governor of Ohio. Done.

* Tom Vilsack: Vilsack, the former governor of Iowa, would have been in a stronger place if Clinton had won the Iowa caucuses. She finished third. Still, Vilsack has an amazing personal story and spent eight years as the governor of a swing state in the Midwest.

>> OBAMA

* Tom Daschle: Daschle, bounced from office in 2004 by Thune, has been intimately involved in selling Obama both inside the Beltway and in the early primary states. Daschle also deserves credit for providing Obama with experienced senior staff, from chief of staff Pete Rouse to senior campaign adviser Steve Hildebrand to communications director Dan Pfeiffer.

* John Edwards: See the write-up above.

* Tim Kaine: One of the first major elected officials to go with Obama, the governor of Virginia is out of a job at the end of 2009 due to term limits. He hails from an emerging purple state, and his missionary work and comfort with talking about faith would be an intriguing addition to the ticket.

* Claire McCaskill: The freshman senator from Missouri has been one of Obama's key surrogates around the country and is trying to deliver the Show Me State to him on Tuesday. Like Talent, geography is the strongest argument in McCaskill's favor.

* Kathleen Sebelius: Perhaps the early leader for Obama's veep pick is Sebelius, now midway through her second term as governor of Kansas. Sebelius's ability to win in strongly Republican Kansas and Obama's personal ties to the Sunflower State make her a fascinating choice.

[Ladyluck]

Everyone likes a Happy Ending!

From the Los Angeles Times:

The debate's finale: A producer's dream

In the heart of Hollywood, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama gave their crowd what it obviously wanted: A Hollywood ending.

Rather than grow testier as it went along, their one-on-one debate this evening at L.A.'s Kodak Theatre grew friendlier. And it culminated in a lovefest, with both keeping alive -- to the obvious delight of their listeners -- the possibility that they will end up on the national ticket together.

Close attention to their answers about an Obama/Clinton or Clinton/Obama pairing will show that neither came anywhere close to committing to such a team. Despite that little detail, they hit high notes as they wrapped up their conversation (which is what the proceedings evolved into).

"I'm sure Hillary would be on anybody's short list," Obama said, finishing his answer to the question of running with Clinton, which he had used mainly to stress the importance of bringing dedicated, civic-minded folks into government (hard to disagree with that).

Indeed, Clinton chimed in: "I have to agree with everything that Barack just said." She added: "There is no doubt we will have a united Democratic Party."

With that, the audience was on its feet, cheering wildly.

A happy ending, as noted. Now we'll see what happens as life -- and the campaign -- goes on.

-- Don Frederick

[Sonia]

Hillary is the Democrat to Beat McCain

If John McCain becomes the Republican nominee, Hillary is the Democrat who can beat him -- because she has the strength and experience a president needs to get America on the right course and to defend it against future threats. She is the hands-on leader that America needs as we slip into a worsening economic crisis. Her ability to be both a strong commander-in-chief and steward of the economy are what make her the favorite against Sen. McCain.

Sen. Obama has been telling voters that he is the one to beat Sen. McCain because he gave a speech against the war in 2002 and because he is currently attracting independent voters. But those arguments don't hold up to current polling, to history or to what is likely to happen in a general election.

First, there is no support to Sen. Obama's assertion that his 2002 speech makes him a stronger choice in a general election. Recent history shows that voters look to who they believe can end a war and protect us against future wars. No one believes that if Hillary had been president she would have started the war. In fact, Hillary is backed by prominent anti-war leaders because they believe she is uniquely able to end the war responsibly.

Based on recent polls, there is nothing to support Sen. Obama's arguments about his prospective performance against Sen. McCain -- both Sen. Obama and Hillary start off within the margin of error against Sen. McCain. Yesterday's Fox poll showed both ahead of Sen. McCain by 1 point. And Hillary's negatives are fully factored in, whereas the same cannot be said of Sen. Obama because he is -- by his own admission -- not as well known.

Sen. Obama's support among independents comes from Democratic-leaning independents, voters who are likely to back the eventual Democratic nominee. He has no overall advantage in the polls against Sen. McCain. But such voters have very little information about Sen. Obama. And once the Republican machine begins to methodically attack him, he will lose independent support.
So in a head to head against Sen. McCain, Sen. Obama has no advantage with swing voters.
The 2004 election was determined by two key groups -- women concerned about security and Latinos -- and against Sen. McCain those groups could again prove decisive. President Bush won 40 percent of the Latino vote in 2004 and Sen. McCain, unlike other Republicans, has been supportive of immigration reform. These are two groups that enthusiastically support Hillary.

As voters look to the future, they will be looking at who can put the country on the right path and who can defend it against future threats. While Hillary is seen as strong on defense and has served on the Armed Services Committee, Sen. Obama has no record on these national security issues that would again be front and center.

So if Sen. McCain is the nominee, Hillary is the one well-positioned to beat him. Already well vetted, she is ready to stand up to Sen. McCain on national security and put together a winning coalition of voters that will take back the White House.

Report by: Hillary For President Campaign
February 2, 2008

[Sonia]

February 2, 2008
Clinton unveils 'sharpened' closing argument

Posted: 08:00 PM ET CNN Politics.com

Hillary Clinton is taking on her primary and potential general election rivals.
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) – Sen. Hillary Clinton entered the final weekend before Tuesday’s mega primaries offering up what her campaign called a “sharpened” closing argument — one that takes on both primary rival Barack Obama and potential general election opponent John McCain.

“My opponent will not commit to universal health care,” she told a packed rally at Cal State in East Los Angeles. “I do not believe we should nominate any Democrat who will not proudly stand here today, tomorrow and the next day and say universal health care is the goal.”

Clinton argues Barack Obama’s health care proposal will leave out 15 million Americans because he does not mandate coverage – a point that has become one of the most discussed policy differences of the primary season.

“I want you to know when you vote for me that I will get up everyday and try to do exactly what I told you I would do,” she said, urging voters to get out and work the phones and knock on doors this weekend across California, a delegate-rich state where she and surrogates have invested heavy amounts of time. “There will be no guesswork. I’m not asking you to take a leap of faith, I’m asking you to hire me to do the hardest job in the entire world.”

The New York senator also looked past Tuesday to November’s general election, and how the ongoing war in Iraq may play out between the two parties’ nominees.

“Unlike Sen. McCain, who said he’d be perfectly happy to be there for 100 years, I just want you to think about this: I believe that we can have an election this time where all of the issues including national security are ones that Democrats can stand and proudly promote. I take a back seat to no one to my commitment to protect and defend this country, but let’s do it a smart way for a change,” she said.

At a media availability earlier this week, Clinton had declined to comment on why she is better suited than Obama to run against John McCain.

But on Saturday, Clinton campaign strategist Mark Penn released a memo in which he argued that, despite Obama's history of opposition to the Iraq war, Clinton was the candidate best-equipped to take on McCain over the issue.

Before her final Los Angeles rally, Clinton visited with a group of voters at a home in Inglewood, CA for a more informal chat about issues. In a lengthy response about the war in Iraq, Clinton addressed why it has receded somewhat from daily campaign headlines.

“The only reason you don’t hear us talking about it right now is we can’t do anything about it right now. We have to win, we have to take back the White House and that’s the only way we’re going to be able to get ourselves out of Iraq and repair the damage that’s been done,” she said.

Clinton is headed to Arizona and New Mexico later today and is scheduled to make campaign stops in Missouri and Minnesota on Sunday.

–CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson

[agustos]

EDITORIAL [Los Angeles Times]
Barack Obama for Democratic nominee
Endorsements for president 2008

February 3, 2008

Democrats preparing to vote in Tuesday's California primary can mark their ballots with confidence, knowing that either candidate would make a strong nominee and, if elected, a groundbreaking leader and capable president. But just because the ballot features two strong candidates does not mean that it is difficult to choose between them. We urge voters to make the most of this historic moment by choosing the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change: We strongly endorse Barack Obama.

The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge of foreign relations and of this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He's a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.

On policy, Obama and his rival Democratic candidate, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, are a hairsbreadth apart. Both vow to pull troops from Iraq. Both are committed to healthcare reform. Both offer candid critiques of the failed George W. Bush presidency, its blustering adventurism, its alienating stance toward other countries and its cavalier disregard for sacred American values such as individual liberty and due process of law.

With two candidates so closely aligned on the issues, we look to their abilities and potential as leaders, and their record of action in service of their stated ideals. Clinton is an accomplished public servant whose election would provide familiarity and, most important, competence in the White House, when for seven years it has been lacking. But experience has value only if it is accompanied by courage and leads to judgment.

Nowhere was that judgment more needed than in 2003, when Congress was called upon to accept or reject the disastrous Iraq invasion. Clinton faced a test and failed, joining the stampede as Congress voted to authorize war. At last week's debate and in previous such sessions, Clinton blamed Bush for abusing the authority she helped to give him, and she has made much of the fact that Obama was not yet in the Senate and didn't face the same test. But Obama was in public life, saw the danger of the invasion and the consequences of occupation, and he said so. He was right.

Obama demonstrates as well that he is open-eyed about the terrorist threat posed to the nation, and would not shrink from military action where it is warranted. He does not oppose all wars, he has famously stated, but rather "dumb wars." He also has the edge in economic policy, less because of particular planks in his platform than because of his understanding that some liberal orthodoxies developed during the last 40 years have been overtaken by history. He offers leadership on education, technology policy and environmental protection unfettered by the positions of previous administrations.

By contrast, Clinton's return to the White House that she occupied for eight years as first lady would resurrect some of the triumph and argument of that era. Yes, Bill Clinton's presidency was a period of growth and opportunity, and Democrats are justly nostalgic for it. But it also was a time of withering political fire, as the former president's recent comments on the campaign trail reminded the nation. Hillary Clinton's election also would drag into a third decade the post-Reagan political duel between two families, the Bushes and the Clintons. Obama is correct: It is time to turn the page.

An Obama presidency would present, as a distinctly American face, a man of African descent, born in the nation's youngest state, with a childhood spent partly in Asia, among Muslims. No public relations campaign could do more than Obama's mere presence in the White House to defuse anti-American passion around the world, nor could any political experience surpass Obama's life story in preparing a president to understand the American character. His candidacy offers Democrats the best hope of leading America into the future, and gives Californians the opportunity to cast their most exciting and consequential ballot in a generation.

In the language of metaphor, Clinton is an essay, solid and reasoned; Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility. Clinton would be a valuable and competent executive, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing far too long -- a sense of aspiration.

[agustos]

Obama, McCain Win Endorsement of Spanish-Language Newspaper

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- The largest Spanish-language newspaper in the U.S. endorsed Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, who are seeking their parties' 2008 presidential nominations.

La Opinion, which is the second most-read newspaper in Los Angeles behind the Los Angeles Times, made the endorsement, posted on the newspaper's Web site today, as the candidates campaign toward Feb. 5, when more than 20 states will hold nominating contests.

``Obama's approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country needs to break through the current feeling of political malaise,'' the newspaper wrote.

La Opinion also backed Republican candidate McCain, 71, as ``the voice of reason and common sense'' on immigration. The Arizona senator has drawn the wrath of many fellow Republicans for pushing a plan to give illegal immigrants a way to obtain citizenship after paying fines and other penalties.

McCain's leadership on immigration has made him ``the ideal candidate to change the bitter tone that prevails in Washington,'' La Opinion wrote.

While the newspaper complimented Obama's Democratic rival Senator Hillary Clinton, 60, the Obama endorsement said it was ``disappointed with her calculated opposition'' to allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses. The New York senator rejected the idea in November after her state's governor said he wanted to issue licenses.

Obama in California

Obama strategists increasingly believe they can win a strong showing for California's 441 Democratic delegates on Tuesday. Television celebrity Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former Democratic President John F. Kennedy, will hold a get-out-the-vote rally for the Illinois senator in the Los Angeles Feb. 3.

Obama, 46, has won endorsements from 34 California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times.

Latinos might help determine candidates' fortunes on Feb. 5 because of their large numbers in several Super Tuesday states. California's Latino population is the largest of any state, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, a Washington-based think tank. California's more than 5 million eligible Latino voters represent 28% of the group's total in the U.S.

[Sonia]

I received an email today from a republican, requesting I post the following statement from Ann Coulter, with her special slant toward politics. Here it is, and feel free to comment:


A Conservatists View

ANN COULTER
Jonathan Livingston Obama

I’ve caught Obama fever! Obamamania, Obamarama,
Obama, Obama, Obama. (I just pray to God this is
clean, renewable electricity I’m feeling.)
Only white guilt could explain the insanely
hyperbolic descriptions of Obama’s “eloquence.”
His speeches are a run-on string of embarrassing,
sophomoric Hallmark bromides.
In announcing his candidacy, Obama confirmed
that he believes in “the basic decency of the American
people.” And let the chips fall where they may!
Obama forthrightly decried “a smallness of our
politics” — deftly slipping a sword into the sides of
the smallness-in-politics advocates. (To his credit, he
somehow avoided saying, “My fellow Americans,
size does matter.”)
He took a strong stand against the anti-hope
crowd, saying: “There are those who don’t believe in
talking about hope.” Take that, Hillary!
Most weirdly, he said: “I recognize there is a certain
presumptuousness in this — a certain audacity
— to this announcement.”
What is so audacious about announcing that
you’re running for president? Any idiot can run for
president. Dennis Kucinich is running for president.
Until he was imprisoned, Lyndon LaRouche used to
run for president constantly. John Kerry ran for president.
Today, all you have to do is suggest a date by
which U.S. forces in Iraq should surrender, and you’re
officially a Democratic candidate for president.
Obama made his announcement surrounded by
hundreds of adoring Democratic voters. And those
were just the reporters. There were about 400 more
reporters at Obama’s announcement than Mitt
Romney’s, who, by the way, is more likely to be sworn
in as our next president than B. Hussein Obama.
Obama has locked up the Hollywood money.
Even Miss America has endorsed Obama. (John
“Two Americas” Edwards is still hoping for the
other Miss America to endorse him.)
But Obama tells us he’s brave for announcing
that he’s running for president. And if life gives you
lemons, make lemonade!
I don’t want to say that Obama didn’t say anything
in his announcement, but afterward, even Jesse
Jackson was asking, “What did he say?” There was
one refreshing aspect to Obama’s announcement: It
was nice to see a man call a press conference to
announce something other than he was the father of
Anna Nicole Smith’s baby.
B. Hussein Obama’s announcement also included
this gem: “I know that I haven’t spent a lot of time
learning the ways of Washington. But I’ve been there
long enough to know that the ways of Washington
must change.” As long as Obama insists on using
Hallmark card greetings in his speeches, he could at
least get Jesse Jackson to help him with the rhyming.
If Obama’s biggest asset is his inexperience, then
if by the slightest chance he were elected and were to
run for a second term, he will have to claim he didn’t
learn anything the first four years.
There was also this inspirational nugget: “Each
and every time, a new generation has risen up and
done what’s needed to be done. Today we are called
once more, and it is time for our generation to
answer that call.” Is this guy running for president
or trying to get people to switch to a new long-distance
provider?
He said that “we learned to disagree without
being disagreeable.” (There goes Howard Dean’s
endorsement.) This was an improvement on the first
draft, which read, “It’s nice to be important, but it’s
more important to be nice.”
This guy’s like the ANWR of trite political aphorisms.
There’s no telling exactly how many he’s sitting
on, but it could be in the billions.
Obama’s famed eloquence reminds me of a book
of platitudes I read about once called “Life
Lessons.” The book contained such inspiring
thoughts as:
“When was the last time you really looked at the
sea? Or smelled the morning? Touched a baby’s
hair? Really tasted and enjoyed food? Walked bare
foot in the grass? Looked in the blue sky?” (When
was the last time you fantasized about dismembering
the authors of a book of platitudes?)
I can’t wait for Obama’s inaugural address when
he reveals that he loves long walks in the rain, sunsets,
and fresh-baked cookies shaped like puppies.
The guy I feel sorry for is Harold Ford. The former
representative from Tennessee is also black, a
Democrat, about the same age as Obama, and is
every bit as attractive. The difference is, when he
talks, you don’t fantasize about plunging knitting
needles into your ears to stop the gusher of meaningless
platitudes.
Ford ran as a Democrat in Republican Tennessee
and almost won — and the press didn’t knock out
his opponent for him by unsealing sealed divorce
records, as it did for B. Hussein Obama. Yet no one
ever talks about Ford as the second coming of Cary
Grant and Albert Einstein.
Maybe liberals aren’t secret racists expunging
vast stores of white guilt by hyperventilating over B.
Hussein Obama. Maybe they’re just running out of
greeting card inscriptions.

[Sonia]

While the newspaper complimented Obama's Democratic rival Senator Hillary Clinton, 60, the Obama endorsement said it was ``disappointed with her calculated opposition'' to allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.

As a Latina, I am shocked that a Spanish newspaper would advocate issuing drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants. Apparently, its editor has not thought through the potential consequences, and the harm it could easily cause people legally in this country, including Hispanic-Americans, who may be subject to hit and runs, and other torts with impunity.

We need a prudent leader who will consider all the aspects of such issues, and calculate risk prior to allowing illegals to legally get into the drivers seat. Hillary Clinton's position on this matter absolutely makes sense.

[Pacific Blues]

Breaking News: Maria Shriver endorses Barack Obama

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3015/shriverlq3.jpg

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/02/breaking-news-m.html

"If Barack Obama was a state he'd be California," Shriver said, drawing roars from the crowd. "I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, oppose tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader."

"He's not about himself. He's about the power of us and what we can do if we come together," Shriver said. "He is about empowering women, African Americans, Latinos, old people, young people. He's about empowering all of us."


L.A. Times Endorses Barack Obama for Democratic Nominee

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-dem3feb02,0,3530861.story

With two candidates so closely aligned on the issues, we look to their abilities and potential as leaders, and their record of action in service of their stated ideals. Clinton is an accomplished public servant whose election would provide familiarity and, most important, competence in the White House, when for seven years it has been lacking. But experience has value only if it is accompanied by courage and leads to judgment.

Nowhere was that judgment more needed than in 2003, when Congress was called upon to accept or reject the disastrous Iraq invasion. Clinton faced a test and failed, joining the stampede as Congress voted to authorize war. At last week's debate and in previous such sessions, Clinton blamed Bush for abusing the authority she helped to give him, and she has made much of the fact that Obama was not yet in the Senate and didn't face the same test. But Obama was in public life, saw the danger of the invasion and the consequences of occupation, and he said so. He was right.

[Pacific Blues]

Barack Obama is the Strongest Candidate in General Election

Barack Obama is the strongest candidate in the general election against John McCain since he opposed the invasion of Iraq from the beginning. Obama voted against the Iraq War Resolution and Hillary voted for it.

She also did not sign Carl Levin's Amendment that would have required UN inspectors to finish their jobs before any military force was used. Hillary faced the ultimate test on national security and failed.

Here are the results of the national poll taken by the Washington Post:

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3118/poll1fe0.jpg

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/6977/poll2ew9.jpg

McCain and the Republican attack machine will say that Hillary first voted for the war, then against it, and ultimately threw up the white flag of surrender. The swiftboat tactics worked to prevent John Kerry from unseating George Bush in the last election.

Obama is clearly the stronger candidate since he had the good judgement and foresight to vote against the disastrous war from the beginning.

[Pacific Blues]

Barack Obama Surging in Polls

Just like the underdog Superbowl Champion NY Giants, Obama is set for a huge upset! The two candidates are practically tied in a dead heat ahead of Super Tuesday with Obama having the biggest momentum as Hillary loses ground.

Obama is already leading in California with New Jersey up for grabs. Get out and vote!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080203/pl_nm/usa_politics_poll_dc

ST. LOUIS (Reuters) - Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were locked in a near dead heat two days before the biggest presidential voting so far while John McCain tried to nail down the Republican nomination for the White House.

Obama held a slight lead in California, the biggest prize of all where Clinton once led handily, and was virtually tied with Clinton in New Jersey and Missouri -- three of the states voting on "Super Tuesday" -- in a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Sunday.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5755/obamavg3.jpg

[Kate]

A recent article written by Tom Fitton raises questions of a lack of integrity and ethical misconduct regarding Senator Obama's involvement with Antoin Resko, who was recently indicted in a corruption scandal. It occurs to me that we don't know much about Senator Obama, and need to look further into his background before considering him for President. The following suggests flaws in Sen. Barack's character, which many of us are unaware:


Washington pundits are excited for a potential battle for the Democratic nomination for president between the “fresh-faced” freshman senator
from Illinois, Barack Obama, and the consummate political insider, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. However, new revelations about a corruption scandal
involving Obama suggest he may have more in common with Hillary than he would like to admit. As you may recall, in November, press reports surfaced
regarding a questionable land deal between Obama and Antoin “Tony” Rezko, an indicted political fundraiser. The long and the short of it is that
Obama approached Rezko with the idea to simultaneously purchase adjoining lots in Southside Chicago.Rezko obliged. Obama obtained his lot for a reduced
price. Rezko later sold a portion of his property to Obama. All of this took place while Rezko was the subject of a federal corruption investigation.
Political handicappers have begun to assess what these revelations might mean to Obama’s presidential aspirations, but personally, I’m not interested in
the political fallout. The salient question ought to be what do Obama’s dealings with Rezko tell us, if anything, about Obama’s ethics.

First, Obama’s dealings with Rezko reveal a politician oblivious to the expectations of at least the appearance of integrity for those in public office.
At the time Obama entered into his dubious land deal, it was widely known that Rezko was the subject of a federal investigation for allegedly trying to
collect nearly $6 million in kickbacks from government deals. Obama and Rezko have been “friends” since 1990. Obama knew about Rezko’s shady reputation and ought to have avoided the appearance
of impropriety. Second, Obama’s dealings with Rezko suggest, at
least, that Obama might be the kind of politician willing to peddle his influence. The Chicago Tribune reported that Obama purchased his land for
$300,000 less than the asking price, while Rezko’s wife paid full price for the adjoining lot from the same owner. Did Mrs. Rezko partially subsidize the
purchase of Obama’s new home? And what of the subsequent sale of a section of the Rezko property to Obama shortly thereafter?

Press reports suggest Rezko has raised as much as $60,000 in campaign contributions for Obama.What has he received in return for his generosity?
(Such relationships are never one-sided.) New revelations surfaced recently indicating that Rezko was successful in persuading Obama to award a coveted
internship with his Senate office to a Rezko business associate. (Incidentally, the business associate, John Armanda, has donated $11,500 to Obama’s campaigns.) Is there more to this story? Third, Obama’s dealings with Rezko suggest that Obama may be willing to cast aside his professed sense of ethics for personal financial gain. Obama, through his dealings with an indicted political fundraiser, was able to purchase his luxurious home
at a cut-rate price and expand his property. Obama acknowledged the deal was a mistake, but only after the media made hay of it.

[babaloo]

I'll tell you what bugs me about this election:

"Si se Puede!" is a statement Senator Robert Menendez came up with years ago. In English it translates to "Yes, we can!" Now don't you think Barack Obama could come up with his own battle cry, instead of copying Senator Menendez?

[Pacific Blues]

I'll tell you what bugs me about this election:

"Si se Puede!" is a statement Senator Robert Menendez came up with years ago. In English it translates to "Yes, we can!" Now don't you think Barack Obama could come up with his own battle cry, instead of copying Senator Menendez?

Umm, Menendez is using the rally cry that was used by Caezar Chavez. If you don't know who he is, I suggest you go to the library.

[Pacific Blues]

A recent article written by Tom Fitton raises questions of a lack of integrity and ethical misconduct regarding Senator Obama's involvement with Antoin Resko, who was recently indicted in a corruption scandal. It occurs to me that we don't know much about Senator Obama, and need to look further into his background before considering him for President. The following suggests flaws in Sen. Barack's character, which many of us are unaware:

The Chicago Tribune has already covered this issue extensively. Do you want to know the reason why Hillary hasn't used it in one of her usual smear tactics?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-kass_bd03feb03,0,6574086.column

The New York Times reported last week that Bill Clinton jetted off to Kazakhstan, and undercut American foreign policy by supporting the dictator, while helping his Canadian pal Frank Giustra win a huge uranium deal. In return, Clinton enjoyed a $31 million donation to his foundation.



It sure makes that Tony Rezko deal for Obama's dream house seem rather small. And the Obama people can be thankful that the story appeared on the morning of the Clinton-Obama debate, effectively prohibiting Hillary from playing the Rezko card.

BTW, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is the national co-chair of Hillary's campaign has received at least $7500 in donations from Rezko. There are also photos of Hillary and Rezko together as well.

I should also mention that Obama has given $150,000 of contributions that was linked to Rezko to charity. It's a non issue that has received extensive local coverage, namely by the Chicago Tribune.

[Sonia]

Pacific Blues,

Even if what you are claiming is true, and I don't know that it is, two wrongs don't make a right. Obama's unethical conduct is not mitigated by anything Bill or Hillary Clinton may have done. I'm in agreement with Kate, further investigation into Obama's background is needed before considering him for the presidency. Unlike Clinton, his entire platform is based on a claim of Integrity, Character & Ethics, and not on the experience, which he lacks. The Rezko disclosure, if true, weakens his platform, and turns it into a f arce. It demonstrates he's unprincipled, and suggests a willingness to sell out for a price.

There's no such thing as Saint Hillary, but at least we know what we're getting, which is a tremendous amount of experience. She's not promoting herself falsely to the American Public.

One last thing, the polls actually show Hillary ahead. By the Numbers: Nationally, Rasmussen has Hillary up by 6 points over Sen. Obama (46-40) and Pew has Hillary up by 8 points over Sen. Obama (46-38)... In Tennessee, InsiderAdvantage has Hillary up by 20 points over Sen. Obama (55-35)... In New York, Quinnipiac University has Hillary up by 14 points over Sen. Obama (53-39)... In California, ARG has Hillary up by 8 points over Sen. Obama (47-39).

You can follow Rasmussen here: http://rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/daily_presidential_tracking_polling_history

[Sonia]

Pacific Blues,

BTW, The Chicago Tribune column sounds like a lot of second/third hand information, combined with speculation. Maybe the columnist interviewed Oprah Winfrey first.

On another note, You may have pictures with Hillary and zillions of people, including Rezko. But, apparently they didn't share the same kind of close, personal relationship Rezko had with Barack Obama.

[Sonia]

TOWN HALLS ACROSS AMERICA - TONIGHT!!

Tonight (Monday), Hillary will answer Americans' questions in an unprecedented national town hall giving voters in Super Tuesday states the chance to make their voices heard.

The town hall will air on Hallmark Channel and be streamed online at HillaryClinton.com. Hillary will anchor the town hall in New York, while President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and national and local surrogates will serve as hosts at events in the other states. Veteran journalist Carole Simpson will serve as moderator for the national town hall. The three-time Emmy award winner will join Hillary at the anchor event in New York.

Click here for a list of satellite locations around the country! To find your local Hallmark Channel, click here:

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/publish/consumer/home/channel_locator.html



Join the town hall!

WOMEN LEADERS SPEAK UP FOR HILLARY

Pro-Choice Leaders:

A powerful group of pro-choice leaders, including Martha Burk, Gloria Feldt, Cecelia Fire Thunder, Lulu Flores, Kim Gandy, Ellen Malcolm, Irene Natividad, Ellie Smeal, Gloria Steinem, and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones have come out with a powerful piece on why they stand with Hillary:
"Hillary has been an uncompromising leader and loyal ally for each of us in our battles to ensure and protect a woman's right to choose in America and around the world. We know she will lead the fight for women's health because we have worked with her on these issues for so many years.

"Let us be clear -- the stakes are high in this election. We firmly believe that no one is better situated to confront the ch*****ges awaiting the next president. As a pro-choice president, Hillary Clinton will make Supreme Court appointments and decisions ensuring women's reproductive rights in this country.

"We believe that Hillary Clinton is the best choice for President of the United States."
To read the full article, click here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martha-burk/why-hillary-is-the-right-_b_84718.html




Wilma Mankiller:

Wilma Mankiller, the first woman Chief of the Cherokee Nation and the first female in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe, announced her endorsement of Hillary today. Chief Mankiller will serve as a National Campaign Co-Chair for the Clinton campaign.

Chief Mankiller said:
"This 2008 election is about choosing a leader who can articulate a clear and common vision for our collective future. I believe Senator Clinton is the best person to do that for a variety of reasons, including her early and consistent support for tribal governments. Since I first met President Bill and Hillary Clinton when they were in Arkansas, they have understood and supported tribal treaty rights and sovereignty.

The Senator Clinton I know is a focused, strategic thinker who has the drive and ability to get things done. She is a person of faith who lives her faith by working for the common good."
Patty Murray:

Washington's senior Senator Patty Murray announced her endorsement of Hillary:
"Hillary and I both came to Washington together in 1993, and since that time she hasn't stopped working on the priorities that matter most to America's families. Together we have partnered to pass strong port security legislation, stand up to an Administration that put ideology above science, and provide the care that our nation's veterans have earned. ? Hillary is ready to lead this nation from her first day in office and deliver the change we need."
Senator Murray serves in the Democratic leadership as Democratic Conference Secretary, and is the highest ranking woman in the Senate.

Senator Murray is the 12th U.S. Senator to endorse Hillary Clinton.

Gloria Molina:

Hillary announced last week the endorsement of Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and named her National Campaign Co-Chair.

"I admire Hillary Clinton's lifetime of work on behalf of children and families, and I trust that she will deliver results when she is President. Her experience in helping to create economic opportunities for working people, ensure access to affordable healthcare, and provide universal pre-kindergarten make her the best Presidential candidate for the unbelievably ch*****ging times that we are living. I respect Hillary deeply, and I know that as President, she will fight for working families like the one I came from?and which have been invisible, if not neglected, under the Bush Administration," Molina said.
Molina is the first Latina ever elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the Los Angeles City Council, and the California State Assembly. She has made it a priority to support public healthcare, create new public parks, and protect county public library services so that the children of Los Angeles County have safe spaces in which to spend time after school.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is Black History Month and a time when we honor the significant contributions that African-Americans have made to the American culture and way of life. We reflect and pay special tribute to the courageous men and women who through their action and steadfastness opened doors paving the way for future generations.

Hillary worked with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee to win passage of legislature to place a statue of Sojourner Truth in the Capitol - the first African-American woman to be so honored.

[Pacific Blues]

Pacific Blues,

BTW, The Chicago Tribune column sounds like a lot of second/third hand information, combined with speculation. Maybe the columnist interviewed Oprah Winfrey first.

On another note, You may have pictures with Hillary and zillions of people, including Rezko. But, apparently they didn't share the same kind of close, personal relationship Rezko had with Barack Obama.

LOL, you go right on ahead and investigate Rezko. I'm sure you'll do a better job than the Chicago Tribune. Let us know what you find out once the trial starts. And I'll trust Reuters, C-Span, and Zogby over Rasmussen thank you. But polls are just polls. We'll see what happens tomorrow and beyond.

Make fun of Oprah all you want, I'll take her judgment over yours any day.

As for who has more honesty and integrity between Obama and Clinton, I don't need to post a poll to convince anybody. They already know.

Do you really want me to go into Hillary's past? Norman Hsu ring a bell?

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8354/hsuhi8.jpg

[Sonia]

Pacific Blues,

Why would you suggest I investigate Resko? It appears you are very argumentative and hostile toward this matter. Someone has pointed out Obama pasts should be investigated because there is evidence that he is not all he is claiming, and you go on the attack. FYI, I'm not supporting Clinton because of honesty and integrity, I measure both Clinton and Obama on about the same level, neither one is a criminal nor a saint. My criteria is based on the candidates ability to get the job at hand done, and includes past performance, aka experience.

Also FYI, I happened to love Maria Shrivers speech, very much a Kennedy kind of speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." I love emotional, inspiring speeches that move us to applause, exciting us, and making us feel empowered. Nobody does it better than a Kennedy! Put together two Kennedys, and a great actress-entertainer, like Oprah, together, and you have a pizazz of a show.

Call me a cynic, but over the years I've learned it's not enough to motivate, excite, and make people feel empowered. Professing high ideals is great, but the real question is whether the next President will help them put bread on their tables. It's easy to argue that experience is less important than Obama's dream to unite a country, but wait until the reality of our nation's economic crisis sets in. In any event, this country is just too big to believe everyone will get beyond the realities that divide us. Hillary represents a practical, prudent approach to problem solving. She also has a dream for America for a better tomorrow, but one that is based on solutions for problems that are confronting us today, and not hyperbole.

The only specific the Obama camp can offer is that back in 2002, Hillary voted for a resolution that eventually lead to the Iraq war. At the time, the country was recoiling from 9/11, and people were demanding the capture and trial of the responsible parties. If I remember correctly, back then, Bush was promising that any aggression would last 2 or three months, and our troops would be home with no fatality. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but many of us expected it wouldn't last long. Truth is we don't know what would have happened if we hadn't gone to war. Would there have been another attack against America financed by a defiant Iraq, for instance? Given the circumstances that existed at the time, how can you argue it was poor judgment to vote in favor of aggression against our enemy? At the time, most Americans were urging our representatives to take this position.

The Iraq war will inevitably come to an end no matter which Democrat gets elected. Am I missing something? I haven't heard of any specific plan from Obama, other than his claim to achieve this in 16 months. What exactly is he going to do in 16 months?

What matters most to me, and what I believe should matter most to other Americans is our economy, jobs, and domestic well being, such as in improving health care. Hillary Clinton is the best qualified candidate to bring back an improved, thriving economy, which right now is what America needs most.

[Sandy]

Sonia,

Please post a nice picture of Hillary, and ditch the picture of the asian guy in the orange suit (it's insulting to our asian community.)

[Kate]

* Obama on CNN, claiming his 16 months deadline to end war is not fixed, he reserves right to adjust date, and says he's flexible.

* Also on CNN, Hillary showed best judgement about issuing Drivers License to illegal aliens, as well as better understanding of the law.

* Who has the better health care plan? MIT report released today says Clinton has a far superior plan.


* The race is unpredictable. Obama has momentum because people want change, but Clinton is rated better for her positions on the economy.

BIG QUESTION: How do you define Victory? What if one candidate wins popular votes, and the other greatest number of delegates?

[Ladyluck]

On CNNPolitics:

February 4, 2008
Blitzer: I love the uncertainty
Posted: 05:30 PM ET

CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer.
NEW YORK (CNN) — The excitement is building, especially for the candidates. I could see that when I taped an interview today with Sen. Barack Obama for The Situation Room. We went through several substantive issues. He was certainly cool and collected when we spoke. But I could also see he was pumped.
I could see the same thing Sunday when I interviewed Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. They have been working for so long to reach this pivotal point, and the pressure on them is clearly enormous. When the process began more than a year ago, there were certainly other prominent candidates out there, including Rudy Giuliani, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd, Fred Thompson, among others. But they fell aside, and we are now in the final stages of selecting the two parties’ nominees. The whittling-down process is almost complete.

The process could be completed on Super Tuesday – or not. That is now up to the millions and millions of voters out there who are getting ready to cast their ballots and in the process make history.

We have learned a great deal about the various candidates. We have also learned a lot about the primary and caucus process in recent weeks. And if the nomination process is still up in the air after tomorrow, we are about to learn a whole lot more. We will be learning about very complicated party rules, so-called superdelegates, and more.

If the polls are right – and that remains a big 'if' given some of our recent experiences – we are more likely to get finality on the Republican than the Democratic side. What I love about all of this is the uncertainty and unpredictability. Let’s get on to Super Tuesday.

–CNN Anchor Wolf Blitzer


Filed under: Wolf Blitzer

[agustos]

The only specific the Obama camp can offer is that back in 2002, Hillary voted for a resolution that eventually lead to the Iraq war. At the time, the country was recoiling from 9/11, and people were demanding the capture and trial of the responsible parties. If I remember correctly, back then, Bush was promising that any aggression would last 2 or three months, and our troops would be home with no fatality. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but many of us expected it wouldn't last long. Truth is we don't know what would have happened if we hadn't gone to war. Would there have been another attack against America financed by a defiant Iraq, for instance? Given the circumstances that existed at the time, how can you argue it was poor judgment to vote in favor of aggression against our enemy? At the time, most Americans were urging our representatives to take this position.


That is exactly the time when you need true leadership and courage. I'm sure that the families of the soldiers that have died take solace in the fact that our leaders showed no courage in questioning the war, its plans and its motives. Imagine if JFK had taken the same approach and invaded Cuba in 1962... I shudder to think.

[agustos]

Endorsement for Obama from The Star-Ledger:

The inspired choice
Sunday, February 03, 2008
After eight years of a flat-footed administration that booted just about every foreign and domestic issue, the nation needs a sure-footed president who can repair the considerable damage wreaked at home and abroad. America -- and the world -- are thirsting for someone who can be a true leader.

We firmly believe this is a moment in the nation's history unlike any other, one that re quires a president who is not just competent but who can in spire. That is why we endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president.

We say that while acknowledging the exemplary qualities of Hillary Clinton, who has clearly demonstrated her mas tery of policy details during her seven years in the U.S. Senate. Nor do we quibble with her stands on the issues, which to a great extent mirror Obama's.

Both favor a withdrawal of American forces from Iraq. Clinton, who has had a tough time explaining her initial vote in favor of the war, promises to begin bringing troops home within 60 days and hopes to have all troops out within a year.

Obama, who opposed the war from the beginning, says he wants just about all American servicemen and women out of Iraq within 16 months. Both say they'd make sure such a withdrawal did not endanger our embassy people or the thousands of Iraqis who have helped us during the war.

Both talk tough about Iran, not ruling out military action but allowing for direct diplomacy. On the economy, both would repeal the Bush tax cuts and both would extend help to those caught in the mortgage crisis. Clinton leans toward more government meddling with financial markets, while Obama favors a lighter government touch on the markets.

On health care, their differences are more pronounced. Clinton would require coverage, while Obama would do so for children but concentrate more on attacking what's wrong with the health care delivery system so coverage becomes more affordable.

To parse their policy differences is to smack into the mountain while stumbling over molehills. Democratic voters face a decision between a more known commodity, a careful pragmatist, and a less seasoned politician who has sounded a call to change unlike any heard in decades, one that has the ability to echo among young and old, black and white.

A Clinton presidency would not be a disaster. Far from it. But it would be a lot more of what we've had in the past.

An Obama presidency has the potential of restoring the world's faith in America. Some say faith is the problem, that voting for Obama requires a leap of faith that he indeed can deliver. We believe a vote for Obama is an affirmation of one's faith in an America that brings out the best in all of its people.


© 2008 The Star Ledger

[Sonia]

Agustos,

Whether you are a liberal or a conservative, Republican or democrat you may post your views on this bulletin board, as long as you follow the rules, which includes not ridiculing someone with views different than your own. I have deleted your previous post for disparaging Ann Coulter perspective, admittedly a viewpoint very different from the ones shared by many of us.

As for the Cuban invasion, seems like you forgot about the Bay of Pigs.

[Harley]

HUDSON COUNTY NOW
From the Jersey Journal

NJCU poll: Clinton over Obama by 10 points in Hudson
by The Jersey Journal
Monday February 04, 2008, 2:15 PM
AP photo

Sen. Hillary Clinton leads Sen. Barack Obama by a 10-point margin in Hudson County, according to a new Jersey Journal/New Jersey City University poll.

Clinton garnered 40.7 percent of residents' support, the poll found, compared to Obama's 30.2 percent.

The margin is a "solid, but not insurmountable" edge, poll administrator and Assistant Political Science Professor Fran Moran of NJCU said in his analysis of the results.

After Clinton and Obama, the other candidates -- some of whom have announced they are dropping out -- were far behind. In fact, the next greatest percentages were "Don't Know," with 17.6 percent, and "Other," with 5.5 percent. Two and a half percent of those polled had no response.

John Edwards had 2 percent, while Dennis Kucinich had 1.5 percent. Both have dropped out of the race but will still be on the ballot.

Broken down by demographics, the poll found Clinton drawing heavily on women for support (42.7 percent vs. 29.8 percent for Obama), while Obama did best among African-Americans (55.9 percent vs. 23.5 percent for Clinton).

Clinton showed "surprising" strength among Hispanics, Moran noted.

The former first lady drew the thumbs-up from 65.3 percent of Hispanics polled versus 8.2 percent for Obama.

White respondents split their support, 35.9 percent for Clinton and 30.8 percent for Obama.

Similarly, the two ran neck-and-neck among residents ages 18 to 34 and 50 to 64, while Clinton had the edge with those 30 to 49 years old and Obama had the edge among seniors.

In income, Clinton ran strongest among those earning $30,000 to $49,000 a year, while Obama did best among those saying they earn more than $75,000.

Sen. John McCain did best, with 24.6 percent, followed by "Don't Know," 32.2 percent; "Other," 22.6 percent; former Arkansas Gov. Michael Huckabee, 4 percent, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 3.5 percent.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who has dropped out of the race but will still be on the ballot, was supported by 9 percent of respondents.

Six and a half percent of those polled gave no response.

[agustos]

February 5, 2008 [New York Times]
OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR
The Cooper Concerns

By DAVID BROOKS
I’m not a Hillary-hater. She’s been an outstanding senator. She hung tough on Iraq through the dark days of 2005. In this campaign, she has soldiered on bravely even though she has most of the elected Democrats, news media and the educated class rooting against her.

But there are certain moments when her dark side emerges and threatens to undo the good she is trying to achieve. Her campaign tactics before the South Carolina primary were one such moment. Another, deeper in her past, involved Jim Cooper, a Democratic congressman from Tennessee.

Cooper is one of the most thoughtful, cordial and well-prepared members of the House. In 1992, he came up with a health care reform plan that would go on to attract wide, bipartisan support. A later version had 58 co-sponsors in the House — 26 Republicans and 32 Democrats. It was sponsored in the Senate by Democrat John Breaux and embraced by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, among others.

But unlike the plan Hillary Clinton came up with then, the Cooper plan did not include employer mandates to force universal coverage.

On June 15, 1993, Cooper met with Clinton to discuss their differences. Clinton was “ice cold” at the meeting, Cooper recalls. “It was the coldest reception of my life. I was excoriated.”

Cooper told her that she was getting pulled too far to the left. He warned that her plan would never get through Congress. Clinton’s response, Cooper now says, was: “We’ll crush you. You’ll wish you never mentioned this to me.”

In the weeks and months following that meeting, the Clinton administration reached out to Cooper. As David Broder and Haynes Johnson wrote in “The System,” their history of the health care reform effort, President Bill Clinton invited Cooper to go jogging and play golf. Others in the Clinton White House thought Cooper was right on the merits, and privately let him know.

But Hillary Clinton set up a war room to oppose Cooper, who was planning to run for the Senate in 1994. As the Broder and Johnson book makes clear, Clinton and her aides believed Cooper was pursuing his own political agenda. They accused him of crafting his plan in order to raise money from the insurance and hospital industries. They said he was in league with the for-profit hospitals to crush competitors and monopolize the industry. They did this despite the fact that Cooper’s centrist health care approach was entirely consistent with his overall philosophy.

At one meeting in the West Wing, a source told Broder and Johnson, Clinton “kind of got this evil look and said, ‘We’ve got to do something about this Cooper bill. We’ve got to kill it before it goes any further.’ ”

Clinton denounced the Cooper plan as “dangerous and threatening.” Deputies were dispatched to Tennessee to attack his plan. Senator Jay Rockefeller said that Cooper is “a real fraud. I hope he doesn’t make it to this place.” According to Newsweek, Clinton brought an aide with a video camera to a meeting with senators and asked the senators to denounce Cooper on the spot.

The Clinton effort backfired. It temporarily raised his profile back home. Her health care reform failed, too. She says she’s learned the lessons from that failure, but she remains icy toward Cooper. Her health care memos, including a three-page memo drafted in preparation for her meeting with Cooper, have not been made public by the National Archives.

Moreover, the debate Clinton is having with Barack Obama echoes the debate she had with Cooper 15 years ago. The issue, once again, is over whether to use government to coerce people into getting coverage. The Clintonites argue that without coercion, there will be free-riders on the system.

They’ve got a point. But there are serious health care economists on both sides of the issue. And in the heat of battle, Clinton has turned the debate between universal coverage and universal access into a sort of philosophical holy grail, with a party of righteousness and a party of error. She’s imposed Manichaean categories on a technical issue, just as she did a decade and half ago. And she’s done it even though she hasn’t answered legitimate questions about how she would enforce her universal coverage mandate.

Cooper, who, not surprisingly, supports Barack Obama, believes that Clinton hasn’t changed. “Hillary’s approach is so absolutist, draconian and intolerant, it means a replay of 1993.”

He argues that her more coercive approach would once again be a political death knell. No Republican will support it. Red state Democrats will face impossible pressures at home. It’s smarter to begin by offering people affordable access to coverage and evolve from there.

Cooper is, of course, a man who has been burned in the past. But it is legitimate to wonder if adults can really change all that much. A defter politician would have reached out to Cooper and made an attempt to address the concerns he represents.

[Pacific Blues]

Sonia,

I didn't mention anything earlier when you removed a post of mine which I was intending to elaborate on why Barack Obama is the better candidate with the endorsement of former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker and his monetary policies.

That post was on topic within Government & Politics section of the forum while you and Tara post away everything pro Hillary with impunity. I see you've posted about a premature victory party for Clinton already.

Now I see you pulled a legitimate photo from my post regarding Norman Hsu as well as augusto's response to your Ann Colter post.

Since you've already been a part of the Clinton political machine from the start, you seem to have no regard for objectivity. This is a gross abuse of moderation power and completely unfair.

[Sonia]

Pacific Blues,

I have removed none of your posts, except for a picture that one of our Asian members found offensive. The picture that was taken down is of an elderly Asian man in shackles. However, your message was not deleted.

Augusto's response to the Ann Coulter post was insulting, which is the only reason it was removed. Ann Coulter is a conservative, controversial figure, but she is entitled to her viewpoint, which is shared by some of our members. Augusto's doesn't have to agree with her, but it's also unacceptable to mock her.

Looks to me like you are a part of the Obama machine, coming on this board to attack me or Tara because we don't agree with you, and haven't joined your camp. FYI, I don't dislike Obama. I think his professed vision is nice, but may just fade away after the election when Americans are confronted with the stark reality of our economy. People quickly forget how eight years ago everyone flocked to the Republicans, and George Bush, because they represented change. The country wanted higher ideals and stronger moral family values. What we got was a $3.1 trillion budget, which, if he has his way, we will inherit from George Bush.

So as a consequence, I'm a skeptic, and don't believe the intangibles offered by Barack will necessarily happen. My decision will be based on hard facts. I'm voting for the candidate who is offering the more superior health care plan, and the best stimulus package, and from what I can see, that is Hillary Clinton. I presume everyone who has read this thread has also visited the candidates websites to see what they are offering.

The party announced yesterday for this evening is a watch party, which of course Hillary supporters hope will turn into a victory party. You can be sure Obama's camp is doing the same thing. Didn't you get the invitation?

In conclusion, If I were abusing my moderation power, you wouldn't be posting on this board at all. You would be relegated to posting on the other boards, where Hillary's name isn't even mentioned, except occasionally in a derogatory manner. I guess that's what you consider fair. The fact is the other board deletes messages regularly, but it supports Obama, so you don't care. You're over here because you want to sway people's vote, which is something that happens in political campaign, and we've allowed you the forum to voice your opinions. However, if you can't abide by our basic rules of decency and fair-play, off you'll go.

[Sonia]

Daily Talking Points -- Super Tuesday -- February 5, 2008

CLOSING ARGUMENT:

READY ON DAY 1 TO SOLVE OUR URGENT PROBLEMS

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama would change history by becoming President.

The real question for voters today is this: Who can actually deliver the solutions our country needs?

Hillary Clinton:
has been tested,
is ready to turn our economy around,
has proven she can beat the Republicans, and
is ready to be commander-in-chief on day one.
Hillary will bring 35 years of experience and Americans' voices and values to the White House.

READY TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS:

Hillary has the strength and experience necessary to deliver real change.
Hillary is ready to fix our economy and end the war.
Hillary is the only candidate proposing truly universal health care -- no one left out.
Hillary is the only candidate with a plan to end the housing crisis and help people keep their homes.

READY TO BEAT THE REPUBLICANS:

Hillary is ready to beat John McCain and the Republicans.
Hillary is tested, vetted and is the only candidate to have defeated a serious Republican opponent.
It will take someone with Hillary's economic and national security strengths to beat John McCain.

A STRONG ORGANIZATION:

Hillary has a strong organization and dedicated and talented supporters.
The campaign is working hard to help Hillary's voters get to the polls.

ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO VOTE:

All Americans should have their voices heard. Hillary encourages all voters to cast their ballots.
Voters who are having trouble voting are asked to report problems online at hillaryclinton.com.
Polls/Caucus sites in [State] are open from [Time] to [Time]. Be sure to get to your poll/caucus site before it closes at [Time]! (SEE ATTACHED CHART FOR HOURS).

THE STATE OF THE RACE:

Polls show Hillary with strong leads and momentum across America.
This is a race for thousands of delegates nationwide. After tonight, the race continues through Texas, Ohio and likely Pennsylvania.


New Jersey
Primary

Polls open from 6:00am to 8:00pm EST

Newport votes at George Washington Building, 55 River Drive South

[agustos]

The Wrong Experience
Clinton has immense experience and is an attractive candidate. But she is terrified to act on her beliefs.

By Fareed Zakaria
NEWSWEEK
Updated: 1:00 PM ET Feb 2, 2008
The Democratic Party's two remaining candidates have become so cordial toward one another that you could easily believe there are few substantive differences between them. At last Thursday's debate, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton heartily agreed on most issues and added that they were having a wonderful time chatting with one another. The Republican race, by contrast, is bubbling over with tensions and personal animosities. Watch any encounter between John McCain and Mitt Romney and you can almost see the smoke steaming out of each one's ears.

This Democratic amity is not just about making up. The party is far more united than in the past. And yet there are important distinctions between Obama and Clinton—and not simply in the broad, almost gassy talk of inspiration versus experience. They come to today's ch*****ges from very different places.

Consider Cuba policy. Almost anyone who is being honest will acknowledge that America's approach toward Cuba is brain dead. No one even remembers why we've imposed a total embargo on the country. A policy that was put into place at the height of the cold war, when fears of Soviet missiles and communist penetration were at their peak, has been maintained even though the threat that prompted it has collapsed. What exactly are we afraid this moth-eaten island will do to America today?

Our policy has the additional burden of having failed, by any measure. We've been trying to force regime change in Cuba for 45 years. Instead Fidel Castro is now the longest-lived head of government in the world. Every tightening of the Cuban embargo has resulted in further repression and isolation. And yet the only changes George W. Bush has made to our Cuba policy have been to impose more restrictions on travel and trade, a cruel and futile doubling down on a bad bet.

Obama has advocated easing the Bush-imposed ban on Cuban-Americans visiting the island and sending money to their relatives. He makes a broader case for a new Cuba policy, arguing that capitalism, trade and travel will help break the regime's stranglehold on the country and help open things up.

Clinton immediately disagreed, firmly supporting the current policy. This places her in the strange position of arguing, in effect, that her husband's Cuba policy was not hard-line enough. But this is really not the best way to understand Clinton's position. In all probability, she actually agrees with Obama's stand. She is just calculating that it would anger Cuban-Americans in Florida and New Jersey.

This is the problem with Hillary Clinton. She is highly intelligent, has real experience and is an attractive candidate. But she is terrified to act on her beliefs. In fact, she seems so conditioned by what she sees as political constraints that one can barely tell where her beliefs begin and where those constraints end.

Partly, this is a generational difference. Bill and Hillary Clinton grew up in an era of Republican dominance. For much of the last 30 years, the Republican Party has been the party of ideas (a point made repeatedly by Daniel Patrick Moynihan), and Ronald Reagan was seen by much of the country to have rescued America from malaise and retreat. The Clintons' careers have been shaped by the belief that for a Democrat to succeed, he or she had to work within this conservative ideological framework. Otherwise one would be pilloried for being weak on national security, partial to taxes and big government and out of touch with Middle America's social values.

For 30 years this has been the right bet. It's why Bill Clinton was the only successful national Democratic politician in that period. But is it still the right wager? Obama has grown up in a different landscape—with vastly different geopolitics, economics and culture. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have been the defining political figures of the recent past. Conservatism has lost its monopoly role. As a result, the new generation is not defensive about its beliefs, nor does it feel trapped into the old categories like hawks versus doves and markets versus taxes.

This is not naiveté. Obama's position on Cuba is not all hope. Most of the older generation of Cuban-Americans are hard-line Republicans anyway, so it's probably pointless courting them. And the younger ones—under 45 or so—are far less wedded to the punitive approach and symbolic battles of the past. So Obama is taking a calculated risk that the time is right.

Cuba policy is a microcosm for this difference in attitudes. Obama has spoken in favor of a proposal—made by Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, William Perry and Sam Nunn—that in order to get the world more serious about nuclear nonproliferation, the United States should begin to fulfill its end of the treaty and reduce its own nuclear arsenal. Again, for all I know, Hillary Clinton agrees with this approach. But she won't say so. Her long years of experience—in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s—warn her against such audacity. But the world has changed so much—the cold war is a distant memory, capitalism has spread across the world, new threats come not from states but small bands of people, unilateralism is discredited—that perhaps it is time for America to change as well.

[agustos]

Sonia,
I dont understand why you deleted my response to the Ann Coulter post again. You posted opinions that Ann Coulter has expressed - I did the exact same thing. She has said every single one of those remarks. How is your post any different than mine?

It is really a shame. The value of any comment is as important as the standing of the commentator. If Mike Bloomberg was running and I quoted Mein Kampf in opposition to his candidacy would you delete posts that criticized Hitler?

[Sonia]

Agustos,

Ann Coulter is a conservative Republican, and you obviously dislike the position she's taken on several issues. However, her viewpoint concerning the candidates is what it is, and you need to stop trying to prejudice people against her based upon things she may have said in the past that are unrelated to this election. the dialogue on this thread is primarily about this particular election, the candidates, and the reasons why people favor one candidate over another.

Earlier today, I saw a video on CNN where one of the correspondents had Barack Obama on the hot seat. Seems Obama's camp misrepresented the projected cost of his health care plan, which was determined by Economists to cost twice as much, and cover a lot less people than Hillary's far superior plan. This is the kind of information we should be posting on the bulletin board because it helps voters make informed decisions. Instead of the negative nonsense about Ann Coulter, don't you have something constructive to say about your candidate?

[agustos]

Sonia,
As I said before the value of any commentary is dependent on the standing of the commentator. When I have posted any third-party commentary I have gone out of my way to make sure that it has come from mainstream journals/newspapers (NY Times, Newsweek) written by highly respected columnists (Fareed Zakaria, David Brooks etc.). If anyone thinks that the source of those commentaries is tainted or comes from a source that is extremist then of course they should point it out so that readers who may be unfamiliar with that person can take that into consideration when reading the document. This is the basis of any critical analysis. Do you disagree with that?

This board is about exchanging views as you said, if one cannot point out the deficiencies of certain commentators then it will just denegrate into name-calling and a vicious circle of extremist views. I am sure there are as many anti-Clinton extremist views out there as Obama ones - should we start posting those?

[Sonia]

Enough already. Ann Coulter's statement was sent to me by a Newport resident who wanted the opinion posted without having to engage in an argument with someone like you. I have no interest or intention of engaging in further discussion with you on this matter. Believe it or not Coulter is the author of several books, and has standing as a commentator with the Conservative, Republican party. Moreover, they have a right to express their voice, especially if it's different from yours.

Tonight New Jersey celebrates a wonderful victory for Hillary Clinton, who has won the New Jersey primary. This was not the result of any one individual, but of everyone in this state who believes in her ability to run this country effectively. Not to say the other candidate isn't good, but we each have to look into our own hearts, and decide which candidate is best qualified to represent our interest. Since the beginning, I assessed her strengths, as especially significant in the areas of health care and the economy, and still believe she is the best candidate to lead us on the difficult journey ahead.

[Sonia]

From: Hillary Hub -- Talking points

Dear Sonia,

Here is today's HUBdate from our press shop.

Thanks,
Jonathan


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning HUBdate: Tremendous Victories

Tremendous Victories: Hillary yesterday won the largest states and the most coveted prizes, California and New York. Hillary won red states, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee, blue states, Massachusetts and New Jersey, and a purple state, Arizona. Hillary won both with and without institutional support, overcoming high-profile endorsements in Massachusetts to pull the upset of the day.

The Bottom Line: "With California cementing a series of wins across the country, Ms. Clinton can claim a slight advantage," writes the Washington Post's editorial board. Hillary continues to lead Sen. Obama in the race for thousands of delegates and superdelegates nationwide.

Youth for Hillary: According to exit polls, Hillary yesterday won 18-29 year olds in California, home to more young adults than any other state. Hillary also won 18-29 year olds in Massachusetts, home to more than 250 college and universities.

One-on-One: Hillary called for weekly debates through March 4th and accepted invitations from CNN, MSNBC, ABC and Fox News to debate Sen. Obama in Ohio, Texas and Washington, DC.

If You Read One Thing Today: "Clinton will try to focus on policy to win voters" from the Gannett News Service. Read more.

Strong in the States: In Texas, former House Speaker Jim Wright and Reps. Gene Green and Solomon Ortiz this week endorsed Hillary. Reps. Green and Ortiz had earlier backed Gov. Bill Richardson's campaign for President... In Ohio, Hillary supporter Gov. Ted Strickland joined President Bill Clinton at a "Solutions for America" rally in Cleveland... In Pennsylvania, Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski endorsed Hillary, joining Gov. Ed Rendell as a campaign supporter.

In Case You Missed It: "Two civil rights leaders -- one a prominent Obama supporter -- have written DNC Chairman Howard Dean to press him to resolve the looming conflict over Florida's and Michigan's role at the Democratic National Convention." Read more.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Talking Points -- Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Key Point: Hillary won Super Tuesday because she is ready to deliver solutions to the toughest ch*****ges facing the nation -- She is tested, focused on both fixing our economy and ending the war. She is best positioned to beat the Republican nominee in November.

* A Super Night: Hillary continues to lead the race for delegates nationwide and is leading the popular vote. She pulled off huge upsets in Arizona and Massachusetts despite Sen. Obama's high-profile endorsements and she won red states throughout America -- Arizona, Oklahoma, Tennessee, for example.

* Key Factoids: Hillary won 18-29 year olds in California, home to more students than any other state AND in Massachusetts -- home to more than 250 college and universities... Despite losing Missouri by a hair, Hillary won 110 of Missouri's 115 jurisdictions, including rural areas, demonstrating strong support throughout the state.

* Large States: No Democratic nominee since 1984 has lost both New York and California. Hillary has already won three of the six large states that will play a key role in determining the eventual nominee -- California, Florida and New York. Sen. Obama has won Illinois. Up soon are Ohio and Texas.

* Florida & Michigan: The results in states like California and New York reinforced Hillary's victories in Michigan and Florida. The voices of Democrats in Michigan should be heard and their delegates should be seated at the convention.

* Breaking Sen. Obama's Momentum: Sen. Obama couldn't capitalize on his momentum going into the February 5th contests. Despite early exit polls that suggested a last second surge for Sen. Obama in some large states, Hillary won California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York by significant margins. Exit polls also showed that Hillary won election-day deciders in key states thanks to a strong debate performance and a nationally televised town hall.

* Debate: Senator Clinton has accepted debate offers in key states around the nation between today and March 4 and hope that Senator Obama will join.

* Looking Forward Into February: The contests in February favor Sen. Obama, but Hillary has the message, organization and resources to keep marching toward the nomination. If Sen. Obama's speech last night is any indication, we can expect him to continue making misleading statements and inaccurate negative attacks about Hillary.

[Sonia]

Will the Michigan and Florida Delegates be seated at the convention?

Michigan Democrats allocate delegates to Clinton, Uncommitted
2/8/2008, By KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN
The Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton will get the lion's share of Michigan's Democratic national convention delegates after winning the state's Jan. 15 presidential primary.

Clinton will get 73 pledged delegates after winning 55 percent of the statewide vote, the Michigan Democratic Party said Friday in a release.

Another 55 delegates will be officially uncommitted to any candidate since 40 percent of the Democratic voters chose uncommitted on the ballot. Because Barack Obama and John Edwards had taken their names off the ballot, many of their supporters voted for uncommitted in the hopes of winning some delegates to the national convention.

The state also has 28 superdelegates, many of whom have not endorsed a favorite candidate, for a total of 156.

Michigan has been stripped of its delegates for moving up its primary, but party leaders expect the delegates to be seated at the national convention.

However, that outlook contradicts a statement released Friday evening by the Democratic National Committee.

"Contrary to published reports, there were no delegates at stake during the Michigan primary on January 15 and, accordingly, the state party has no delegates to allocate," the statement said.

Eighty-three of the pledged delegates will be elected at district conventions on March 29. The remaining 45 pledged delegates will be elected at a Democratic State Central Committee meeting on May 17 in Grand Rapids.

The state also has 21 pledged alternates and 18 committee members, who hope to attend the Aug. 25-28 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colo.

The Democratic National Committee is asking Michigan and Florida — which was stripped of its delegates after moving its primary to Jan. 29 — to consider holding another primary contest such as a caucus that meets DNC rules so their delegates can be seated at the convention.

That looks unlikely. Florida Democratic Party officials said earlier this week they don't intend to hold another election, and one of Michigan's U.S. senators said Friday that he doesn't expect his state to hold another contest, either.

"I don't see a practical way to hold a caucus in Michigan," Sen. Carl Levin of Detroit said in a statement. "Given that 600,000 Michigan voters participated in a primary that was held in accordance with Michigan law, it seems to me that it would not be practical or fair to throw out the results of that election."

The stakes are increasingly high as Obama and Clinton compete for the delegates they need to win the party's presidential nomination, a contest that could stretch to the spring.

The eventual winner could be decided at the Democratic National Convention, which makes the question of whether the Michigan and Florida delegates are seated an important strategic point.

Clinton also won Florida, where she got 50 percent of the 1.75 million votes cast compared to 33 percent for Obama and 14 percent for Edwards, who has since dropped out. Obama said the results were meaningless.

Clinton recently said she would ask her delegates to support seating the Michigan and Florida delegations at the Denver convention. So far Obama has not heeded her call to do the same, and it's unlikely he would if it means Clinton would get the larger share of delegates from both states.

[Sonia]

From CNNPolitics.com:

Clinton replaces campaign manager

Ex-campaign chief Patti Solis Doyle has been reassigned to a senior adviser's job. Sen. Hillary Clinton's new campaign manager is longtime adviser Maggie Williams. Williams served as Clinton's chief of staff when the New York senator was first lady

From Sasha Johnson
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton has replaced her campaign manager with a longtime adviser, Maggie Williams, the campaign announced Sunday.


Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton greets supporters Sunday at a school in Manassas, Virginia.

Patti Solis Doyle has been reassigned to a senior adviser's job, the Clinton campaign announced in a memo to its staff.

The move came a day after Sen. Barack Obama swept three Democratic contests, giving him considerable momentum heading into Sunday's Maine caucuses and three primaries Tuesday.

Obama took an early lead Sunday in Maine. With 59 percent of the precincts reporting, Obama was leading Clinton 57 percent to 42 percent. At stake are 24 delegates.

With Obama's wins Saturday in Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington and the Virgin Islands, the Illinois senator took the pledged-delegate lead over Clinton -- 971-915, according to CNN calculations.

But Clinton has a 224-135 edge among superdelegates, which leaves her leading the Democratic race 1,139-1,106, according to CNN's calculations.

Tuesday, Clinton and Obama will compete for 15 pledged delegates in the District of Columbia, 70 in Maryland and 83 in Virginia.

Clinton's new campaign manager, Maggie Williams, served as her chief of staff when the New York senator was first lady.

Williams joined Clinton's campaign after her third-place showing in the Iowa caucuses Jan. 3. At the time, Solis Doyle was urged to remain on board as campaign manager.

Clinton loaned her presidential campaign $5 million in January, she said Wednesday.

"I loaned it because I believe in this campaign and I think the results last night proved the wisdom of my investment," she said on February 6.

[Sonia]

Dear Sonia,

Here is today's HUBdate from our press shop.

Thanks,
Jonathan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning HUBdate: Live on TV

If You Watch One Thing Today: Tonight from 7-7:30 p.m. EST, Hillary will appear live on TV on ABC7 and News Channel 8 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Voters nationwide can see Hillary live on Politico.com. The appearance was initially intended to be a debate sponsored by The Politico and ABC7, but Sen. Obama refused to debate Hillary.

In Case You Missed It: "The next president will face a mountain of ch*****ges...The 44th president should have a strong resume of government experience... The major-party candidates should be those who require the least on-the-job training. Of the contenders remaining in Democratic race, the most experienced [is] Hillary," wrote the Columbus Dispatch editorial board. Read more.

Today on the Trail: Hillary attends a "Coffee and Conversation" with supporters in Washington, D.C., tours the GM Allison Transmission Plant in White Marsh, Maryland and delivers a guest lecture at Dr. Larry Sabato's class at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville... President Bill Clinton holds "Solutions for America" events in Fredericksburg, Roanoke and Fairfax, Virginia... Chelsea attends "Our Voice, Our Future" events at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, near Marquette University and at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

Today in the States: In Wisconsin, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and Rep. Tammy Baldwin conduct a conference call to discuss Sen. Obama's refusal to debate in Wisconsin... In Ohio, the campaign holds early voting events at county boards of election across the State. Gov. Ted Strickland headlines the Columbus event and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones headlines the Cleveland event.

Yesterday on the Trail: "Fans packed the overflowing gymnasium and gave Clinton a rousing welcome," in Manassas, Virginia... "Thousands of enthusiastic supporters" greeted Hillary in Bowie, Maryland, "a larger crowd than was expected. Those who didn't make it into the gym crowded hallways and the school lobby, craning their necks for a glimpse of the candidate." ... President Bill Clinton attended church services in Washington, D.C. and Bowie, Maryland and held "Solutions for America" events in Catonsville, Dundalk and Silver Spring, Maryland... Chelsea attended church services in Washington, D.C., met with students at the University of Maryland in College Park and toured Belvedere Square Market in Baltimore, Maryland. "The crowd erupted in cheers and applause when [Chelsea] mentioned affordable higher education" in College Park.

Yesterday in the States: In Texas, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and other local supporters held a rally for Hillary in Houston... In Maryland, Dr. Susan Wood, former Assistant Commissioner for Women's Health at the Food and Drug Administration, held a "Women for Hillary" gathering and kicked off a canvass in Silver Spring... In Virginia, Democratic National Committee Member and automatic delegate Barbara Easterling pledged to support Hillary.


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Daily Talking Points - Monday, February 11, 2008

READY TO DEBATE AND READY TO WIN

* Tonight, Hillary appears live on TV at a candidate forum in Washington, D.C. Voters in the Washington, DC metropolitan area can watch Hillary live on ABC7 and News Channel 8. Voters nationwide can watch Hillary at Politico.com.

* Hillary is ready to debate Sen. Obama at tonight's forum, but Sen. Obama refuses to debate Hillary.

* Candidates that aren't ready to debate Hillary aren't ready to provide real solutions to the urgent ch*****ges we face.

* With the stakes higher than ever, it is critical that Democrats nominate a candidate who is ready to defeat the Republicans, deliver solutions to the ch*****ges facing our country, fix our economy and end the war. Hillary is that candidate.

* Hillary has the strength and experience to win in November. Hillary has been tested and vetted and is ready to defeat Sen. McCain.

* When Hillary goes toe-to-toe with Senator McCain in debates, it will be very clear that there's just one candidate who will listen to the American people. Who will be their advocate. Who will be in their corner, delivering solutions to their problems.

* The President needs to be both a commander in chief and an advocate in chief. He - or she - needs to both protect and defend this country and be a voice for people who don't have one. That's where the differences between Senator McCain and Hillary couldn't be more stark.

* Hillary has a tremendous amount of respect for Senator McCain. But at a time when we could be heading into a recession, Senator McCain has admitted he doesn't understand the economy.

* Hillary has a strategy to end the housing crisis, create five million new clean energy jobs, and rebuild our middle class.

* When we have 47 million uninsured Americans, Senator McCain won't deliver universal health care. Hillary is the only candidate in this race - Democrat or Republican - with a plan to cover every single American.

* After five years at war, Senator McCain wants to keep troops in Iraq for 50 to 100 years more. Hillary will start bringing them home within 60 days. So the choice won't be about "strong and wrong" versus "weak and right" - when it comes to Iraq and national security, we'll have a candidate and a President who's strong and right.

* This morning, we just heard Defense Secretary Gates say he supports a pause in the withdrawal of American troops. That will mean that the number of troops in Iraq in the summer of 2008 will be just as high as it was in the beginning of 2007.

* The purpose of the surge was to create space for political reconciliation - and that has not happened, and there is no indication that it is going to happen. We need to stop refereeing this civil war and start bringing our troops home. And that's what Hillary will do as President.

* It is abundantly clear President Bush intends to leave this mess to the next administration. In the Senate, Hillary has introduced legislation to prevent the President from tying the hands of his successor by unilaterally negotiating a long-term security agreement with the Iraqis.

*As President, Hillary will end this war the right way, withdrawing our troops responsibly and swiftly, and beginning within 60 days of taking office.

* The Democratic nomination is a race for thousands of delegates nationwide - a race Hillary has the support and resources to win. Just two days ago, we announced that we raised an amazing $10 million from 100,000 donors online since Super Tuesday.

* This weekend's results were expected. Senator Clinton had a great night on Super Tuesday, winning states along both coasts and everywhere in between -- red and blue, north, south, east and west. This past weekend and over the next few weeks, the contests favor Sen. Obama. After that, there are a series of bigger states like Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania that favor Hillary.

* Tomorrow night and all day Wednesday, Hillary campaigns in Texas, where she has broad, strong and diverse support.

* So far one set of wins or losses has not had any effect on the next set as we have seen the race see-saw back and forth. At the end of the primaries, we expect to be ahead in delegates. Many states have yet to be heard and we have to resolve the seating of Michigan and Florida delegates.

* Hillary will bring the voices and values of all Americans to the White House.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule of Upcoming Events

RSVPs are required for all events. Please call the campaign at (703) 469-2008 for more details.

Please provide the names below of contacts that you have in any of the following cities that you think would be interested in attending an event.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Washington, DC - Lawyers Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Jay Dunn, (703) 875-3433, jdunn@hillaryclinton.com

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Washington, DC - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Natalie Jones, (703) 875-3432, njones@hillaryclinton.com

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Milwaukee, WI - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Adam Goers, (202) 297-7560, agoers@hillaryclinton.com

Monday, February 18, 2008

Seattle, WA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Shilpa Pesaru, (703) 875-3434, spesaru@hillaryclinton.com

San Jose, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Saratoga, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Portola Valley, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

San Francisco, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

San Diego, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Diane Hamwi, (310) 785-9029, dhamwi@hillaryclinton.com

Los Angeles, CA - Fundraising Events with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Diane Hamwi, (310) 785-9029, dhamwi@hillaryclinton.com

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Palm Beach, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Boca Raton, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Parkland, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Thursday, February 21, 2008

New York, NY - Fundraising Events with Senator Hillary Clinton
Dennis Cheng, (212) 213-3717, dcheng@hillaryclinton.com

Friday, February 22, 2008

Rhode Island - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Jon Patsavos, (617) 367-5785, jpatsavos@hillaryclinton.com

Boston, MA - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Jon Patsavos, (617) 367-5785, jpatsavos@hillaryclinton.com

Monday, February 25, 2008

Washington, DC - Low Dollar Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Contact: Natalie Jones, (703) 875-3432, njones@hillaryclinton.com

Washington, DC - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Contact: Natalie Jones, (703) 875-3432, njones@hillaryclinton.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

New York, NY - Fundraising Events with President Bill Clinton
Dennis Cheng, (212) 213-3717, dcheng@hillaryclinton.com

Friday, February 28, 2008

Philadelphia, PA - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Scott Freda, (267) 322-7200, sfreda@hillaryclinton.com

Saturday, February 29, 2008

Fort Worth, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

Dallas, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

Sunday, March 1, 2008

San Antonio, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

[Sonia]

At the end of the day, Democrats need to consider what's in the best interest of America, a democrat president or a republican one:


by Mark Penn, Chief Strategist

Date: Monday, February 11, 2008

RE: Why Hillary, Not Sen. Obama, Is the Democrat to Beat McCain


During this campaign, one of the key arguments for Hillary's candidacy is that she's tested, vetted and ready to lead on day one. How does this factor into voters' decisions now that it appears John McCain will be the Republican nominee? Let's envision how a general election between the Democratic nominee and John McCain will unfold, based on recent elections:



The GOP Attack Machine Will Redefine the Democratic Candidate; Hillary Has Withstood That Process. As soon as the Democratic nominee is selected, the entire force of the GOP attack machine will bear down on that nominee. This attack machine has been built and honed over decades; it is formidable, and employs all forms of media, from talk radio to major newspaper columns to television, email, blogs, websites, direct mail, and extensive ground networks. It was able to skew public perceptions of two well-respected Democrats, Al Gore and John Kerry, creating impressions about them that were wildly out of step with reality. Hillary Clinton has withstood the full brunt of that machine and actually emerged stronger.



Sen. McCain Will Run on National Security; Hillary Wins That Argument. When it came to national security, "strong and wrong" won out over "right and weak" in the 2002 and 2004 elections. With Hillary, that is not and will not be an issue: Based on what they know of her and her experience, voters believe Hillary is fully ready to be commander in chief. She will be strong and right. Voters know she has the right policies - ending the war in Iraq, re-establishing our relations with our allies - and they know she has the strength of leadership that America's next president will need in a world that can turn dangerous in an instant. As such, the Republicans will not be able to play the national security card against Hillary Clinton, like they are now doing against Senator Obama, and that makes her a fundamentally stronger candidate against John McCain. Case in point is what George Bush said on Sunday morning about Sen. Obama, "I certainly don't know what he believes in. The only foreign policy thing I remember he said was he's going to attack Pakistan and embrace Ahmadinejad." With Hillary, the Republicans' national security argument blunted and the election debate will shift to healthcare and the economy - areas of decisive strength for Hillary.



Sen. Obama's Negatives Will Rise; Hillary's Are Already Factored In. Sen. Obama himself has been saying that even after a year, voters in places like Texas and Florida don't really know him that well. So how much do independent voters know about Barack Obama, his voting record and his past positions? Even less than Democrats know. For example, he recently told voters in Idaho that he favors the Second Amendment - but he didn't mention that, in the past, he supported a complete ban on all handguns. If he were the nominee, the Republican attack machine would have immediately rolled out his full record - and his independent Idaho support would have evaporated. So far, the Republicans have been laying low. Sen. Obama has never faced a credible Republican opponent or the Republican attack machine, so voters are taking a chance that his current poll numbers will hold up after the Republicans get going. With Hillary, the GOP has already tried just about every attack and has failed. Those attacks are already factored in her ratings, where she remains competitive against Sen. McCain. But when it comes to Sen. Obama this is a big unknown, and the likelihood is that his negatives will rise.



The Resiliency of Sen. Obama's Coalition Will Be Tested; Hillary's Coalition Is Stronger. The grind of a general election will erase the freshness and excitement of the primary season and the success that Sen. Obama has earned in states he has little chance of winning in November will erode. It may even crumble. Sen. Obama will have to fall back on core Democratic voters to stay competitive with McCain. But this is where Hillary has already built a powerful base, with overwhelming support among women, Latino voters, and other stalwarts of the Democratic Party. Hillary's coalition, which has carried her to victory across the country, is a winning coalition against Sen. McCain since it draws from the voters Sen. McCain will need to win. Look no further than Super Tuesday for proof: Hillary won by double digits in the big states that any Democrat must win to defeat John McCain. And in Missouri, Hillary won all the swing areas, getting 110 of 115 counties.



Current Poll Numbers Don't Tell the Story of What Will Happen: Sen. Obama Routinely Underperforms While Hillary Overperforms. After winning the Democratic nomination in 2004, John Kerry vaulted to a 17 point lead over George Bush. Even on Election Day, virtually every pollster said John Kerry would win. It did not happen. Today, commentators are touting a Time poll that shows Sen. Obama faring slightly better than Hillary Clinton against John McCain. Last week, the pundits were using a handful of polls to argue that Hillary Clinton would lose NJ, CA and MA. None of that happened. Instead, Hillary Clinton has repeatedly confounded pollsters and the chattering class by doing better on Election Day than the polls suggested she would -- in NH, MA, NY, NJ, CA, and AZ. Her 2000 election was no different - exit polls suggested she might lose a close race but she ended up winning a landslide victory when the actual votes were counted.



Hillary is the best candidate to take on Sen. McCain and defeat him. She has outperformed at the ballot box throughout her career. She will neutralize the argument on national security so the election will turn on her ability to manage our economy and reform healthcare. The GOP will not be able to increase her negatives in a way they can with an untested candidate. And Hillary's core voters - working class, women, Latinos, Catholics - are exactly the voters that comprise the key swing voters the party has needed in the past to win. This is an observation I made in the Washington Post after the 2004 election, "Middle-aged women and Hispanic voters were key voting blocs that made the difference, swinging the vote from Kerry to Bush. In fact, in 2004 women made up 54 percent of the U.S. electorate, the highest percentage in history. Their interest in and impact on politics has been increasing." (Washington Post, 3/21/2006)."

[Sonia]

Here's the latest from Hillary's Campaign Headquarters:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2008

Clinton Holds Strong Lead Over Obama In Ohio, Pennsylvania Polls

Holds a 21-point lead in Ohio, 16-point lead in Pennsylvania

In a new Quinnipiac Poll released today, Senator Hillary Clinton holds a substantial lead over Senator Barack Obama in the key primary states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In Ohio, Clinton leads Obama by a margin of 55-34. According to the poll, Clinton holds a 26 point advantage among women and a 10 point advantage among men.

In Pennsylvania, Clinton leads 52-36. She holds a 20 point lead among women and a 10 point lead with women.

Also in Pennsylvania, Hillary Clinton beats John McCain by six points in a head-to-head matchup. McCain is tied, however, with Barack Obama in the state. Clinton also attracts more support than Obama against McCain in both Ohio and Florida.

For more information on the poll, click http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x2882.xml?ReleaseID=1142

###

Daily Talking Points – Thursday, February 14, 2008

SOLUTIONS FOR THE AMERICAN ECONOMY

* Today, Hillary is announcing a plan to rein in the special interests and put $55 billion in corporate special interest money back in the pockets of the American people.

* Hillary is taking on the special interests and delivering real solutions – not empty promises – to rebuild our middle class and our economy.

* Hillary hears the voices of Americans who are hit hard by manufacturing job losses. The voices of people struggling to put food on the table, gas in the tank and fill their family’s prescriptions.

* As President, Hillary will stand up for American manufacturing and unions, raise the minimum wage and rebuild our middle class.

* Some people may think that words are change. Hillary knows it takes work. You can’t just give speeches about the special interests – you have to take them on.

* Hillary will take on the oil, credit card, insurance, and student loan companies. Hillary will create clean energy jobs, help families get out of debt, provide health care to every American and make college affordable.

* Hillary will take tax breaks away from companies that ship jobs overseas and make the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.

* As President, Hillary will fight for and deliver help to people who aren’t getting a fair shake, people aspiring for a better future and people who need government on their side.



###

[Sonia]

Dear Sonia,

Here is today's HUBdate from our press shop.

Thanks,
Jonathan

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUBdate: Debate in Wisconsin

New Ad: The campaign launched a new ad in Wisconsin. "Debate" asks Sen. Obama why he has not agreed to debate Hillary in Wisconsin. Watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzGbj_ERlJ0

Economic Focus: Today in Ohio, Hillary tours a GM Assembly Plant and holds a "Solutions for America" economic town hall in Warren, attends a roundtable discussion on the foreclosure crisis in Dayton and holds a "Solutions for America" rally with Gov. Ted Strickland and former Sen. John Glenn in Columbus.

If You Read One Thing Today: "Listen to the Crowd Noise" by CBS' Dean Reynolds. "The crowd loves [Hillary]. There is real affection in the air. It may be sisterhood, but it feels like more. In her way, Clinton's rallies are as distinctive as Obama's." Read more.

The Way to Win: This close election will come down to delegates. Hillary has the support and resources to win the three largest, delegate rich states remaining. Polls have Hillary ahead in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania. All things considered, for example, "Ohio tilts toward Hillary" according to Sen. Sherrod Brown. Read more.

Follow the Leader: Sen. Obama yesterday delivered what was billed as a "major economic address." But the only "new" ideas Sen. Obama discussed were ones that Hillary proposed months ago. Read more. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=5961

Yesterday on the Trail: "They started arriving just after 6 a.m... [and] endured the morning cold" in Robstown, Texas, where Hillary "received an enthusiastic reception... with a crowd that exceeded the 6,000 seating and standing capacity." ... "After wrapping up a speech to several thousand cheering supporters" in San Antonio, Hillary "was greeted outside by another few thousand students, many of them taking the ubiquitous cell-phone camera pictures, after they had been denied access to the rally due to lack of room."

Yesterday in the States: In Wisconsin, the campaign opened new offices in Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison and Milwaukee and named Wisconsin native Teresa Vilmain State Director ... In Ohio, the campaign announced its Leadership Council, made up of more than 100 elected officials and community leaders from across the state... In Texas, the campaign unveiled a new web page.

In Case You Missed It: "Obama's (economic) plan... is the most shameless piece of potential plagiarism that I have ever seen. He basically took Clinton's words and Clinton's policies and called them his own. If I were a professor I'd give him an F and try to get him kicked out of school," said Kevin Hassett, Sen. John McCain's economic advisor and the Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

FactCheck: Sen. Obama continues to misrepresent Hillary's record on trade, using a claim that the Politico's Ben Smith has determined to be "fairly bogus." Read more.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Schedule of Upcoming Events

RSVPs are required for all events. Please call the campaign at (703) 469-2008 for more details.

Please provide the names below of contacts that you have in any of the following cities that you think would be interested in attending an event.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Milwaukee, WI - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Adam Goers, (202) 297-7560, agoers@hillaryclinton.com

Monday, February 18, 2008

San Jose, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Saratoga, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Portola Valley, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Stefanie Roumeliotes, (415) 402-0303, sroumeliotes@hillaryclinton.com

Los Angeles, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Diane Hamwi, (310) 785-9029, dhamwi@hillaryclinton.com

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Los Angeles, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Diane Hamwi, (310) 785-9029, dhamwi@hillaryclinton.com

San Diego, CA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Contact: Diane Hamwi, (310) 785-9029, dhamwi@hillaryclinton.com

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Texas - Fundraising Events with President Bill Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

New York, NY - Fundraising Events with Senator Hillary Clinton
Dennis Cheng, (212) 213-3717, dcheng@hillaryclinton.com

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Texas - Fundraising Events with President Bill Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

Friday, February 22, 2008

Boca Raton, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Parkland, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Miami, FL - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Ben Pollara, (305) 989-4901, bpollara@hillaryclinton.com

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Rhode Island - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Jon Patsavos, (617) 367-5785, jpatsavos@hillaryclinton.com

Boston, MA - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Jon Patsavos, (617) 367-5785, jpatsavos@hillaryclinton.com

Monday, February 25, 2008
Washington, DC - Low Dollar Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Contact: Natalie Jones, (703) 875-3432, njones@hillaryclinton.com

Washington, DC - Fundraising Events with Senator Hillary Clinton
Contact: Natalie Jones, (703) 875-3432, njones@hillaryclinton.com

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

New York, NY - Fundraising Events with President Bill Clinton
Dennis Cheng, (212) 213-3717, dcheng@hillaryclinton.com

Thursday, February 28, 2008
Philadelphia, PA - Fundraising Event with President Bill Clinton
Scott Freda, (267) 322-7200, sfreda@hillaryclinton.com

Friday, February 29, 2008
Fort Worth, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

Dallas, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

Saturday, March 1, 2008

San Antonio, TX - Fundraising Event with Senator Hillary Clinton
Yael Ouzillou, (512) 440-8791, youzillou@hillaryclinton.com

[msion1]

Obama '08! Change we can believe in.

[Sonia]

Dear Sonia,

Here is today's HUBdate from our press shop.

Thanks,
Jonathan
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HUBdate: Yes, We Will!

New Ads: The campaign launched new ads. On television, "Deserves" asks why Sen. Obama won't debate in Wisconsin, where "Rebuild" and Rep. "Tammy Baldwin" also began airing on television and radio, respectively. In Rhode Island, the campaign began running "Warned" and "Lifetime." Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuwUNRSQrEY



Previewing Today: Hillary attends a campaign event at the Brat Stop in Kenosha followed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin Founder's Day Dinner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin... President Bill Clinton holds "Solutions for America's Economy" events in Amarillo, Lubbock and Austin, Texas... Chelsea campaigns for her mom in Hawaii.

If You Listen to One Thing Today: At 11:30 a.m. EST, Hillary advisor Harold Ickes holds a conference call with press to discuss the delegate process.

Fair Credit: In Ohio, Hillary detailed her plan to take on the credit card companies and provide fair credit to America's families. Hillary will end hidden credit card fees and provide real consumer protections against abusive interest rates and sudden rate hikes. Read more: http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=5998 .

By the Numbers: In Texas, a new Rasmussen poll has Hillary up by 16 points over Sen. Obama (54-38)... In Ohio, a new Rasmussen poll has Hillary up by 14 points over Sen. Obama (51-37).

Real Solutions: Congress this week passed and sent President George Bush the Kids and Cars Safety Act, legislation Hillary co-authored with campaign supporter Rep. John Dingell to protect children from injury in and around motor vehicles. Read more http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=6001 .

Recapping Yesterday: In Cincinnati, Ohio, Hillary held an economic roundtable before a "jam-packed, standing-room-only crowd at Skyline Chili," where she ordered two cheese coneys... In Akron at a Lockheed-Martin plant, "many of the workers were eager to meet" Hillary. "As she walked through the work floor, Hillary stopped to autograph a teddy bear in the arms of an employee who wanted to surprise his wife." ... In Cuyahoga Falls, Hillary "was greeted by a boisterous crowd." When Hillary spoke about universal health care, "one of her supporters yelled out, 'Yes, we can!' Sensing an opportunity, Clinton quickly retorted: 'Yes, we will!'" ... In Lyndhurst, "Clinton brought that slogan to a packed rally of about 3,000." Hillary "led the mostly young and boisterous crowd into chanting: "Yes, we will! Yes, we will! Yes, we will!'"

Strong in the States: In Wisconsin, the campaign announced the names of 23 new endorsers including State Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass, State Senators Tim Carpenter, Jeff Plale and Jim Sullivan and the first woman mayor of Wausau, Linda Lawrence... In Texas, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte and a long list of Rio Grande Valley elected officials endorsed Hillary.

In Case You Missed It: "House Majority Leader Jim Clyburn... disagrees with (superdelegates) who base their support on election and caucus results." Read more http://www.thestate.com/scpolitics-wire/story/318417.html.

If You Watch One Thing Today: NBC explores Sen. Obama's ties to nuclear giant Exelon. Watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqhISssMxnY .

FactCheck: The newspaper Sen. Obama cites in continuing to misrepresent Hillary's record on trade wrote that "Obama's use of the citation does strike us as misleading....It's an example of the kind of slim reeds campaigns use to try to win an office." Read more: http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/politics/blog/2008/02/_the_democratic_campaign_has.html.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daily Talking Points -- Saturday, February 16, 2008

TAKING ON THE SPECIAL INTERESTS TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE AND FIX THE ECONOMY
* Today in Wisconsin, Hillary will detail real solutions -- not empty promises -- to provide health care to every American and rebuild our economy.

* Hillary is the only candidate with a plan for truly universal health care.

* As President, Hillary will take on the special interests and put $55 billion in corporate special interest money back in the pockets of the American people.

* Some people think that words are change. Hillary knows it takes work. You can't just give speeches about the special interests -- you have to take them on.

* As President, Hillary will take on the insurance, oil, credit card and student loan companies. Hillary will provide quality health care, create clean energy jobs, help families get out of debt and make college affordable.

* Hillary will take tax breaks away from companies that ship jobs overseas and make the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.

* As House Majority Leader Jim Clyburn has said, superdelegates should not base their decision on election and caucus results.

* Superdelegates should support the candidate they believe would make the best President.

* In the White House, Hillary will fight for and deliver help to people who aren't getting a fair shake, people aspiring for a better future and people who need government on their side.

###

[Sonia]

A message from Hillary to ALL her supporters:

Dear Sonia,

I hope you know how much all your recent support means to Hillary. She wanted me to share her personal message of thanks with you. You can see her video message on our website here:

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

Thank you so much for everything you're doing for our campaign!

Sincerely,


Terry McAuliffe
Chairman

[msion1]

Odds are stacked against Hillary Clinton, say experts
BY KENNETH R. BAZINET in San Antonio, Texas MICHAEL MCAULIFF in Cincinnati and CELESTE KATZ in New York
DAILY NEWS POLITICAL WRITERS

Saturday, February 16th 2008, 7:07 PM
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/02/16/2008-02-16_odds_are_stacked_against_hillary_clinton.html

Hillary Clinton on the trail in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Saturday. 'Clinton's negatives are so high and Obama's positives are so high,' said one insider who was asked to rate her chances.

Hillary Clinton has come a long way from inevitability - and now experts see her as a presidential long shot.

A Daily News survey of party insiders, seasoned political consultants and academic experts give Clinton slim chances of defeating Barack Obama.

"Clinton's negatives are so high and Obama's positives are so high, especially on the question '[Who] will unite or divide the country?'" said Steffen Schmidt of Iowa State University, who gives Clinton a 29.9% chance of pulling it off.

Clinton's saving grace may well be the inroads she's made with superdelegates, the party insiders and politicians who can steer the direction of the nominating convention.

However, "in the early trial heats against McCain, Obama does better. The superdelegates are very concerned about these negatives," Schmidt said.

Political strategist Joe Trippi, John Edwards' former top aide, gives Clinton less than a 50% chance of winning. "The likeliest scenario is for Obama to continue to rack up more delegates than she does," he said.

Don Kettl of the University of Pennsylvania said an edgy electorate, tired of war and partisanship, wants a leader who elevates the tone - and Clinton hasn't been able to make the sale.

"[Her] message of experience hasn't resonated with that yearning and her argument about experience, at least so far, hasn't rung true, because voters instinctively understand that there is a difference between the White House East Wing and the West Wing," Kettl said.

He argued that the wheels started coming off in South Carolina - and the former President's involvement is to blame.

"He reminded everyone of that part of the Clinton presidency no one wants to relive and it resurfaced the tangled Bill and Hillary issues," Kettl said.

Privately, party insiders told The News they see Team Clinton tanking.

"They need a game-changer. This is starting to feel like when [John] Kerry started winning primaries last time," said a Democratic operative who gives Clinton a scant 20% chance of winning.

A senior party official pegged her chance of winning at 25% - "Unless she wins Ohio and Texas, I don't see how this goes to the convention."

Paul Beck of Ohio State University believes Clinton has a 45% chance of being the nominee and thinks she may fare well in Ohio.

"Ohio is a state that has a lot of blue-collar and middle-class Democrats that are worried about their futures. She has been speaking to them for a long time," he said. "I think there's a real attachment to her. On the other hand, she faces the Obama momentum - and it's pretty powerful."

Camp Clinton was undeterred.

"Are these the same experts who said she'd lose New Hampshire by double-digits? People have counted Hillary Clinton out time and again this campaign and she's still standing strong," said Clinton spokesman Blake Zeff.

ckatz@nydailynews.com

[LindaKaye]

Msion1,

There's a debate coming up between Clinton and Obama. Perhaps then Obama will explain why the only economic ideas he's proposed were plagarized from Clinton:


In Case You Missed It: "Obama's (economic) plan... is the most shameless piece of potential plagiarism that I have ever seen. He basically took Clinton's words and Clinton's policies and called them his own. If I were a professor I'd give him an F and try to get him kicked out of school," said Kevin Hassett, Sen. John McCain's economic advisor and the Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

Obama is more of a cult leader who makes great speeches. This country needs a leader who can find and implement solutions, workable solutions to the very real and frightening economic problems that are just beginning to surface.

[Sonia]

Here's an editorial from today's Washington Post. At the end of the day, it's not so much about change as it is about dollars. Mr. Obama is turning out to be a prophet for dollars, read below:

washingtonpost.com > Print Edition > Editorial Pages

Mr. Obama's Waffle

His commitment to pursue public financing for the fall campaign suddenly looks soft.

AS RECENTLY as November, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) was unequivocal about whether he would agree to take public financing for the general election if his Republican opponent pledged to do the same. "If you are nominated for president in 2008 and your major opponents agree to forgo private funding in the general election campaign, will you participate in the presidential public financing system?" the Midwest Democracy Network asked in a questionnaire. Mr. Obama's answer was clear. "Yes," he wrote. "If I am the Democratic nominee, I will aggressively pursue an agreement with the Republican nominee to preserve a publicly financed general election."

Or maybe not. Mr. Obama deserves credit for obtaining a ruling from the Federal Election Commission that allowed him to raise money for the general election campaign but reserve the right to return the funds if he were to win the nomination and manage to arrange a cease-fire with the other side. That outcome, once improbable, is now within reach. The presumptive Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, agreed long ago to Mr. Obama's deal, back when his prospects for securing the nomination seemed slim. Mr. McCain's campaign manager, Rick Davis, reaffirmed that pledge this week at a lunch with reporters sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.

But Mr. Obama's campaign, which has been raking in money at an astonishing clip of more than $30 million a month, is starting to hedge. Speaking to the Associated Press, Mr. Obama's spokesman, Bill Burton, downgraded the Obama plan to "something that we pursued with the FEC and it was an option that we wanted on the table and is on the table." Asked about the campaign's earlier position, Mr. Burton said, "No, there is no pledge."

It must be tempting for a campaign that has reached dizzying new financial heights to give up the guarantee of $85 million in federal funds for the prospect of being able to rake in even more -- and to get a financial edge over an opponent whose fundraising has been lackluster and whose party seems dispirited. It must be chastening to think about the financial advantage that Mr. McCain will have in the months leading up to the convention, when Mr. Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), his remaining Democratic opponent, may still be battling for the nomination while Mr. McCain is spending "primary" money to build the necessary architecture for the general election.

But this kind of backtracking and parsing isn't what the millions of voters who have been inspired by Mr. Obama are looking for. It's not befitting Mr. Obama's well-earned image as a champion of reform. Instead of waffling, Mr. Obama should be pushing Ms. Clinton to go beyond her spokesman's statements that she would "definitely consider" forgoing public financing.

Why not let the candidates raise as much cash as they can and save the taxpayers' money? Because it's better for voters if candidates spend more time talking to them and less time cozying up to donors. It's better for democracy if candidates are less indebted to big bundlers who have raked in six- or seven-figure amounts for their campaigns. Mr. McCain seems to understand this. What about the Democrats?

[Sonia]

Hillary HUBdate:

Automatic Delegates

Making News: Automatic delegates' "role is to exercise their best judgment in the interests of the nation and of the Democratic Party," according to Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean.

By the Numbers: "Ohio's makeup favors Clinton" reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Read more. http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/12032406718720.xml&coll=2

Previewing Today: Hillary holds "Solutions for America" town halls in De Pere, Wausau and Madison, Wisconsin... President Bill Clinton attends church services in Columbus and holds "Solutions for America" rallies with Gov. Ted Strickland in Toledo, Canton, Steubenville, and Marietta, Ohio... Chelsea campaigns for her mom in Hawaii.

If You Read One Thing Today: "Hillary Clinton clearly is best to lead nation," a column in the Madison Capital Times. Read more. http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/272859

In Case You Missed It: "Mr. Obama's Waffle," a Washington Post editorial. "His commitment to pursue public financing for the fall campaign suddenly looks soft." Read more.

Strong in the States: In Ohio, the campaign today opens a new office in Columbus, Hillary supporters canvass in Springfield and Mansfield and volunteers phone bank in Mentor... In Texas, actress and "Ugly Betty" star America Ferrera today campaigns for Hillary in San Antonio, Austin and Houston... In Wisconsin, Ret. General Wesley Clark yesterday stumped for Hillary in Madison, Waukesha and Milwaukee.

Recapping Yesterday: In Wisconsin, Hillary addressed "a packed house" at the Brat Stop in Kenosha. "Before Clinton arrived, chants of 'Hill-a-ry, Hill-a-ry,' could be heard from the crowd, and people put signs on railings that said things like 'HRC #1,' 'This is Hillary country' and 'Welcome Madame President!'" ... In Milwaukee at the State Democratic Party's Founder's Day Dinner, Hillary asked Sen. Obama why he refused to debate one-on-one in Wisconsin... In Texas, President Bill Clinton spoke to "at least 3,000" in Amarillo, "about 2,200" in Lubbock and an estimated "4,700 people" in Austin... In Hawaii, Chelsea "spent her second day in the Islands shaking hundreds of hands, posing for photos and signing autographs."

Facts are Facts: In a new television ad, Sen. Obama distorts Hillary's plans for health care and Social Security. Get the facts

[Sonia]

PacificBlues,

I didn't lift your ban. You were temporarily banned for violations. You should have received an automatic email, explaning the specifics. At the end of the designated period for your infraction, the ban is automatically lifted.

This bulletin board allows people to voice their political opinion, but they must do it within the guidelines of the rules, which have been posted for years at the top menu bar under FAQs. I personally support Hillary Clinton, but Obama supporters and McCain supporters have also expressed their voices on this thread. The bulletin board welcomes posts from the different parties and candidates in the true American spirit, from the far left to the far right, liberal to conservative, all are welcomed to speak. However, if you become abusive or insulting to the moderator or anyone else, or engage in trolling, you risk getting banned.

Tara can post anytime she likes, and who she votes for is her business not yours, or mine. You will probably be hearing more from Tara, as I'll be out of town often over the next few weeks.

Behave yourself; and enjoy the debate!

[Sandy]

While everyone is fighting over who would make the better President, I think it's bvious who would make the better first lady. Let's hear it for Cindy sammlung05 :

Cindy McCain, Michelle Obama in patriotism flap


Cindy McCain said she was proud of the United States during a campaign event Tuesday.

(CNN) — Tuesday morning seemed to bring the debut of yet another McCain-Obama flap – this time, Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama.

As she introduced her husband John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, at a campaign event, Cindy McCain told the crowd I “am proud of my country. I don’t know about you, if you heard those words earlier — I am very proud of my country.”

The comment seemed to be a response to a remark from Michelle Obama the day before. On Monday, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told a Wisconsin audience that “For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country, because it feels like hope is making a comeback… not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change."

After Tuesday’s event, the McCains were asked if the Arizona senator’s wife had been responding to that comment. Cindy McCain did not directly answer the question, responding: “I just wanted to make the statement that I have and always will be proud of my country.”

On Monday, Obama spokesman Bill Burton released a statement in response to the controversy: “Of course Michelle is proud of her country, which is why she and Barack talk constantly about how their story wouldn't be possible in any other nation on Earth.

“What she meant is that she's really proud at this moment because for the first time in a long time, thousands of Americans who've never participated in politics before are coming out in record numbers to build a grassroots movement for change.”

[Pacific Blues]

Why is Hillary Clinton refusing to disclose her tax returns to the public?

The New York Times reported last week that Bill Clinton jetted off to Kazakhstan, and undercut American foreign policy by supporting the dictator, while helping his Canadian pal Frank Giustra win a huge uranium deal. In return, Clinton enjoyed a $31 million donation to his foundation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1203438409-IgwxgT+lNKhK+lbKYdioeAA

Hillary Clinton is coming under growing pressure to be more open about the sources of her family’s wealth after she revealed that she had been forced to loan her cash-strapped campaign $5 million.
Critics are claiming that her husband Bill Clinton’s lucrative financial dealings since leaving the White House may expose her campaign to conflicts of interest, and are calling for her to publish the full details of her earnings and assets.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080208/ap_on_el_pr/obama_taxes

Democrat Barack Obama suggested Thursday that Hillary Rodham Clinton follow his lead and release her and her husband's income tax returns so the public can see where the $5 million she loaned her presidential campaign came from.

"I've disclosed my income tax returns," he said. "I think we set the bar in terms of transparency and disclosure that has been a consistent theme of my campaign and my career in politics."

There was no immediate comment from Clinton's campaign.

[Pacific Blues]

Hillary Clinton gets most special interest and lobbying money than any candidates, both Democrat and Republican.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20080204/pl_bloomberg/apnpwl7xnjik

Feb. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Democrat Hillary Clinton has raised more money from lobbyists than any other presidential candidate while Republican John McCain has more of them assisting his campaign.

Clinton took in $823,087 from registered lobbyists and members of their firms in 2007 and the second-biggest recipient was McCain, who took in $416,321, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based group which tracks political giving.


And while Obama doesn't accept lobbyists' money, he raised the $86,282 in cash from employees of firms whose business centers on lobbying. He takes in even more money from employees of law firms which also engage in lobbying, including $226,491 from those working for Sidley Austin LLP, his old law firm, which was paid $3.1 million to lobby by clients such as Caterpillar Inc. and United Parcel Service Inc.

For the lobbyists, the return comes if their candidate wins, said Mary Boyle, a spokeswoman for Washington-based Common Cause, which supports stronger lobbying laws.

``They certainly would get access and influence if and when he or she become the next president,'' Boyle said.

[Pacific Blues]

I think Maureen Dowd for the NY Times pretty much sums up Hillary. No wonder George Bush calls her the black widow.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/13/opinion/13dowd.html

A Flawed Feminist Test

A Flawed Feminist Test
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By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: February 13, 2008
WASHINGTON

Skip to next paragraph

Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times
Maureen Dowd

Go to Columnist Page »
Blogrunner: Reactions From Around the Web » Russell Berman, a young reporter for The New York Sun, trailed Bill Clinton around Maryland all day Sunday. The former president was on his best behavior, irritating the smattering of press.

After Bill’s last speech at Leisure World retirement community in Silver Spring, Berman interviewed two women in the audience.

Elaine Sirkis, 77, an Obama supporter, confided that she just isn’t sure she’s ready for a woman president. Betty Conway, 83, a Hillary supporter, confided that she just isn’t sure she’s ready for a black president.

As Conway walked away, Sirkis smiled sheepishly. “I’m sorry,” she told Berman sweetly about her friend. “She’s a bigot.”

We’re not just in the most vertiginous election of our lives. We’re in another national seminar on gender and race that is teaching us about who we are as we figure out what we want America to be.

It’s not yet clear which prejudice will infect the presidential contest more — misogyny or racism.

Many women I talk to, even those who aren’t particularly fond of Hillary, feel empathy for her, knowing that any woman in a world dominated by men has to walk a tightrope between femininity and masculinity, strength and vulnerability.

They see double standards they hate — when male reporters described Hillary’s laugh as “a cackle” or her voice as “grating,” when Rush Limbaugh goes off on her wrinkles or when male pundits seem gleeful to write her political obituary. Several women I know, who argue with their husbands about Hillary, refer with a shudder to the “Kill the Witch” syndrome.

In a webcast, prestidigitator Penn Jillette talks about a joke he has begun telling in his show. He thinks the thunderous reaction it gets from audiences shows that Hillary no longer has a shot.

The joke goes: “Obama is just creaming Hillary. You know, all these primaries, you know. And Hillary says it’s not fair, because they’re being held in February, and February is Black History Month. And unfortunately for Hillary, there’s no White ***** Month.”

Of course, jokes like that — even Jillette admits it’s offensive — are exactly what may give Hillary a shot. When the usually invulnerable Hillary seems vulnerable, many women, even ones who don’t want her to win, cringe at the idea of seeing her publicly humiliated — again.

And since women — and some men — tend to be more protective when she is down, it is impossible to rule out a rally, especially if voters start to see Obama, after his eight-contest rout, as that maddening archetypal figure: the glib golden boy who slides through on charm and a smile.

Those close to Hillary say she’s feeling blue. It’s an unbearable twist of fate to spend all those years in the shadow of one Secretariat, only to have another gallop past while you’re plodding toward the finish line.

I know that the attacks against powerful women can be harsh and personal and unfair, enough to make anyone cry.

But Hillary is not the best test case for women. We’ll never know how much of the backlash is because she’s a woman or because she’s this woman or because of the ick factor of returning to the old Clinton dysfunction.

While Obama aims to transcend race, Hillary often aims to use gender to her advantage, or to excuse mistakes. In 1994, after her intransigence and secrecy-doomed health care plan, she told The Wall Street Journal that she was “a gender Rorschach test.”

“If somebody has a female boss for the first time, and they’ve never experienced that,” she said, “well, maybe they can’t take out their hostility against her so they turn it on me.”

As a possible first Madame President, Hillary is a flawed science experiment because you can’t take Bill out of the equation. Her story is wrapped up in her marriage, and her marriage is wrapped up in a series of unappetizing compromises, arrangements and dependencies.

Instead of carving out a separate identity for herself, she has become more entwined with Bill. She is running bolstered by his record and his muscle. She touts her experience as first lady, even though her judgment during those years on issue after issue was poor. She says she’s learned from her mistakes, but that’s not a compelling pitch.

As a senator, she was not a leading voice on important issues, and her Iraq vote was about her political viability.

She told New York magazine’s John Heilemann that before Iowa taught her that she had to show her soft side, “I really believed I had to prove in this race from the very beginning that a woman could be president and a woman could be commander in chief. I thought that was my primary mission.”

If Hillary fails, it will be her failure, not ours.

[Sonia]

Morning HUBdate: Just Words

If You Watch One Thing Today: "Obama lifts quotes from Deval Patrick" ... "Loan crisis hits Obama" ... "Free speech: For the taking" ... "Obama: Borrowing lines not a big deal." Watch.

If You Read One Thing Today: "Party superdelegates deserve vote of confidence," Al Hunt's Bloomberg column. Read more.

Previewing Today: Hillary holds a "Solutions for America" economic roundtable in Parma and a "Solutions for America" rally in Youngstown, Ohio... Chelsea campaigns with Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk in Madison and tours the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Endorsement Watch: In Texas, former Attorney General and Rep. Jim Mattox, former Rep. Jim Chapman and former State Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos endorsed Hillary.

Active in Rhode Island: Today, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Jim Langevin and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts open the campaign's headquarters in Providence... Yesterday, the campaign named state staff... On Sunday, more than sixty Latino leaders and community members joined Providence Mayor David Cicilline, State Sen. Juan Pichardo and Providence Councilman Leon Tejada to organize a statewide barnstorm.

Real Solutions: Following the largest beef recall in our nation's history, Hillary detailed a series of food safety proposals she would pursue as President. Read more.

Get Out the Vote: Hillary supporters hold visibility rallies in Madison and Wausau, Wisconsin... Volunteers phone bank in Green Bay, Waukesha, Oshkosh, Milwaukee and La Crosse.

Get Out the Caucus: Hillary supporters hold a visibility rally in Honolulu, Hawaii... Hillary interviews with local television stations and reminds people to caucus... Sen. Daniel Inouye returned to Hawaii to caucus. Yesterday, Sen. Inouye participated in a phone bank and convinced several people to support Hillary.

Recapping Yesterday: In De Pere, Wisconsin, "an enthusiastic crowd of students and residents chanted 'Hill-ary' before she took the stage." ... In Wausau, "audience members applauded, cheered and whistled during Clinton's speech." According to attendee Rebecca Young of Rib Mountain, Hillary is "even more powerful and inspiring in person


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Talking Points -- Tuesday, February 19, 2008

TAKING ON THE SPECIAL INTERESTS TO FIX THE ECONOMY

* Today, Wisconsin votes, Hawaii caucuses and Hillary campaigns in Ohio, where she has broad, strong and diverse support.

* The Obama campaign predicted big victories in Wisconsin and Hawaii. We will continue to work hard for every vote there. Next up Ohio and Texas where we feel very good.

* The race is tied -- 40 delegates separate the two candidates -- about 1% of the total.

* Hillary expects to pick up delegates today but knows that to date, one set of wins or losses has not had any effect on the next set as we have seen the race see-saw back and forth.

* Tomorrow, the focus remains on Ohio and Texas, two large states whose demographics favor Hillary.

* With an economy in real trouble and a government of, by, and for the corporate special interests, America needs a President who will deliver real solutions, not borrowed speeches.

* Hillary will take on the special interests and put $55 billion in corporate special interest money back in the pockets of the American people.

* Sen. Obama is running on rhetoric. Recently, we learned that Sen. Obama lifted his rhetoric from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Yesterday, Sen. Obama said he doesn't think lifting rhetoric is a "big deal."

* Hillary knows we don't need more lifted speeches -- we need real solutions.

* Hillary will take on the oil, credit card and insurance companies. Hillary will create clean energy jobs, help people get out of debt and provide health care to every American.

* Hillary will take on student and mortgage lenders. Hillary will make college affordable and help families keep their homes.

* Hillary will take tax breaks away from companies that ship jobs overseas and make the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.

* As President, Hillary will deliver solutions to our urgent economic problems

[Lisa]

Hillary lost tonight in Wisconsin. Most of the voters went with Obama, and Hillary was defeated in almost every category. You could hear the difference in their speeches. Hillary's speech was flat and uninspiring; Obama's speech had much more content, but the best speech this evening came from the Republicans. McCain went after Obama rather effectively. Does this mean the Republicans expect Obama to be the candidate they will be opposing?

[Kate]

I agree with Lisa, Obama had the strongest speech last night, and he delivered it in front of 20,000 people in Houston. It looked to me like he has a strong chance of winning in Texas, despite Hillary's popularity in the state. If he does win, Hillary should bow out gracefully, and not stay in the race, as it will hurt the democratic party.

This does not mean I think Obama would make the better president. I am of the opinion he is typically far left, and would be too much of a spender. Exactly, the kind of leader this country does not need during a recession. One of the reasons I voted for Hillary is my believe that she is more of a moderate. I think her agenda is much more realistic, and would be implemented. With Obama, he's promising everything everyone wants to hear, and I question his ability, and available resources, to deliver. It's apparent to me, taxes will go up with this guy in the White House.

[Tara]

The debate is tonight, we'll see how the two candidates measure-up against each other. The problem with Obama continues to be his lack of experience. Many people think he's all talk and no action. Some democrats believe he will bring the country economically down further because of his lack of experience, and left wing liberal views. However, although some democrat voters have voiced this concern repeatedly, we can expect they will vote for the party's nominee, but there is a probability some will defect, and vote Republican or not vote at all.

CNN reported what seems to a be a spat between two potential first ladies. Michelle Obama didn't help her husband's candidacy, when she inappropriately said, "For the first time in my adult lifetime I am really proud of my country." On Tuesday, Mrs. McCain appeared to take a shot at her rival, saying "I'm proud of my country. I don't know about you -- if you heard those words earlier -- I'm very proud of my country." Care to guess who came out on top in a CNN Poll, asking who would be the best first lady? If you guessed Cindy McCain, you got it right.

[msion1]

That whole "lack of experience" argument just irritates me. Neither candidate has the "experience" of being president. Let's not get it wrong - Hillary lived in the white house before, but she wasn't president. And anyone who says a wife has experience at her huban's job just because she's married to him is naive.

[Tara]

Hillary speech at Hunter College yesterday says it best. Hillary's experience is far superior to Obama's. Where Obama has done better is in campaigning, not in ability to run the country.

Here is Hillary's speech with highlighted areas of her accomplishments:

February 20, 2008
Remarks at Hunter College
New York, NY
February 20th, 2008

HRC: It’s great to be home! [Schumer intro]

HRC: Wow. Thank you so much. It is great to be here with all of you and it is wonderful to be here with my friend and colleague, our great Senator Chuck Schumer who knows a few things about wining elections.

I want to thank all of the hosts who have made this event possible and so successful. I want to thank Maya Days. I want to thank Hunter College and particularly President Raab. And I want to thank my friends, all the elected officials who Senator Schumer has recognized; our labor leaders, our civic leaders, and mostly all of you for being here with me this morning. This is a great opportunity for me to say thank you. Thank you to the people of New York. Thank you so much for everything you have done.

I want to congratulate Senator Obama on his victories yesterday. He’s had a good couple of weeks and he’s run a good race. We will be squaring off in primaries in two weeks. We’re going to draw the contrasts and make the comparisons and give the people of Ohio and Texas and other states a real choice.

Campaigns are not supposed to be easy. They’re supposed to be hard. They’re supposed to be ch*****ging. There isn’t any more important campaign than the campaign for the presidency of the United States because it is the toughest job in the world. I’m asking the people of America to hire me for a job that requires an enormous amount of effort and determination and resolve.

It is about the future of our country so I am looking forward to traveling throughout the states that are upcoming to make my case because, obviously, I believe that this is the most important election in a very long time. We’ve got to be focused on what kind of choice we actually have before us.

I don’t need to tell this audience or anyone in New York for that matter that we’ve had seven years of drift and detour from America’s destiny. We have had failed policies, wrongheaded approaches to every issue you can imagine here at home and around the world, and we are paying a terrible price from Iraq to Afghanistan, from New York City to L.A. The people of this country deserve so much better than George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Our economy is waning, not gaining. Hardworking Americans are losing their jobs, they’re losing their health care, they’re losing their homes. So much of the pain and insecurity is directly related to the failure of leadership directly from the White House. We have seen, time and time again, how President Bush and the Republicans have undermined the greatness of America, have disregarded our values, put our Constitution in cold storage, come back and ruled with fear and fatalism – that is not America at our best. We’re going to once again demonstrate who we are, what we stand for and take back our future.

But it is time to get real – to get real about how we actually win this election and get real about the ch*****ges facing America. It’s time that we moved from good words to good work, from sound bites to sound solutions.

Americans have a choice to make in this election and that choice matters. It’s about picking a president who relies not just on words but on work, on hard work, to get America back to work, to get America working again for all of our people. We need to make a choice between speeches and solutions, because while words matter greatly, the best words aren’t enough unless you match them with action.

This is becoming more apparent every day. My good friend Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones from Ohio represented me on one of the TV programs in the last day or two— some of you may have seen her. And she was on against someone representing my opponent and for the first time, actually, the host, asked the representative of my opponent to name one accomplishment.

That is all we’re asking. We’re asking to compare our records. We’re asking to compare our years of service. We’re asking to compare our ideas, our solutions.

Because it’s not just about my opponent and myself, this election is about you. It’s about what you can expect, what your dreams will be, what your futures hold. Right now too many people are struggling, working the day shift and the night shift, trying to get by without health insurance, just one paycheck away from actually losing their homes. They cannot afford four more years of a president who just doesn’t see or hear them. They need a president ready on Day One to be the Commander in Chief of the United States military.

I will be that candidate and I will be that president.

This is the choice we make. One of us is ready to be Commander in Chief in a dangerous world. Everyday around the world, situations arise that present new threats and new opportunities –situations like the change of leadership in Cuba and the elections in Pakistan. I’ve served on Senate Armed Services Committee; I’ve represented you and our country in more than 80 countries around the world. I’ve worked with leaders. I’ve stood up to the Chinese government on women’s rights and human rights.

I am ready to end this war, end the era of cowboy diplomacy and restore our leadership and moral authority in the world without delays and without on the job training.

One of us has a plan to provide health care for every single American with no one left out, no excuses, no exceptions. I believe health care is a moral right, not a privilege and I will not rest until every American has access to quality, affordable health care, and I cannot wait until I can work with the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, our own Charlie Rangel.

My opponent leaves out at least 15 million Americans. The question is who would you leave out? Would you leave out he man who called me from Northern New York who had an insurance policy that wouldn’t pay for the operation his son needs. Or the woman who called me from Long Island who couldn’t get bone marrow transplant for her daughter? Or the mom who said, what am I going to do with my son who has congenital heart problems and we don’t have insurance? I don’t want to leave anyone out. I am not running for president to put band-aids on our problems, I’m looking to solve them once and for all.

[Crowd Chants: Hillary, Hillary, Hillary!]

On issue after issue there are real differences. One of us has a plan to address the growing foreclosure crisis, the other doesn’t. One has a plan to revive our economy right now with millions of new clean energy jobs. And one of us has actually taken on the special interests for years and years, standing against them, fighting against them, making progress against them. Finally, one of us has faced serious Republican opposition in the past and one of us is really to do it again. Of course, the contrast with our likely Republican opponent couldn’t be more stark. Senator McCain is willing to, as Chuck said; continue the war in Iraq for a hundred years. I will start bringing our troops home within sixty days.

Senator McCain admits he doesn’t understand much about the economy. I have a plan to turn our economy around and create five million new jobs. Senator McCain wants more of the same. I will deliver 21st century solutions so that we can get off this track towards nowhere that George Bush and the Republicans have placed us on.

Both Senator Obama and I would make history and I am thrilled by that. I have spent my entire adult life working on behalf of civil rights and women’s rights and here we are at this moment in American history.

But maybe because I understand how difficult this job will be and how lonely it is in the Oval Office because when all the cameras are gone and the lights are out, when the advisors have all had their say, the president has to decide. We need a president who is ready to do that. Only one of us is ready on Day One.
This campaign is not about a campaign, this campaign is not about a personality, this campaign is about hundreds of millions of Americans who are yearning for leadership again. People who across this country do the hard work that makes America work. I’ve spent most of my life helping people who are trying to make it. I know who you are. You pour coffee in the corner restaurant, you fix people’s hair, you ring up the cash register, you deliver the mail, you put out fires and patrol our streets grade papers after your kids have gone to sleep.

You stand on the wall late at night defending our nation so the rest of us can sleep, you’re the nurses who tend to the sick, the caregivers who care and give. You’re the parents on the front lines of daily life, determined to achieve the American dream for your family. You’re the foundation, the families, the communities and the country we love. You truly are the miracle that makes America what it is.

Others might be joining a movement. I’m joining you on the night shift, on the day shift and I’m asking you to join me to shift America into high gear again. To ensure that we build a strong and prosperous middle class, , that we do all in our poor into prosperity and opportunity, that we recognize that the divisions among us are nothing compared to the unity that America can have.

The results that I’ve been part of producing for the last 35 years are rooted in my dreams for a better future. We all carry dreams in our hearts and we need to keep dreaming. Dreaming keeps us hopeful, it lifts our spirits, it sets our sights high. Without dreams you can’t aspire to be great but without action, we cannot turn those dreams into reality. I want you to fulfill your dreams and I want America to fulfill ours. It will take hard work and resolve and determination but there isn’t anything we can’t do once we set our minds to it. I intend, as your president, to make sure that America does fulfill all of our dreams.

I judge the results of my public service on whether people are better off when I stop than when I started; whether our children will be able to live up to their God-given potential, whether America is making progress in moving toward that more perfect union that our founders promised. I’m ready to do this work and I’m ready to bring our country together. I know that if we once again start acting like Americans, we will see results. We will believe in ourselves. We will feel that pride that comes at the end of hard work that produces positive change.

There are big differences in this election between me and Senator Obama and between me and Senator McCain; whether we favor speeches or solutions to move our country forward, or more of the same old Republican policies. This is a debate that the voters deserve to have. We cannot achieve unity that lasts, unity that is real, unless we accept that sometimes people disagree, not just to be disagreeable or to play political games but because they have honest and principled differences. People are entitled to defend those strong opinions, but then we’ve got to come together to reach consensus, to honor our differences and to work through them. We won’t achieve unity or fulfill our dreams by running away from honest discussion and debate.

We cannot achieve the kind of changes we want by voting present on controversial issues or by meeting behind closed doors with corporate interests to water down legislation or by caving in when the pressure mounts. The American people deserve better than that.

So yes, let’s get real. Let’s get real about this election. Let’s get real about our future. Let’s get real about what it is we can do together. Let’s get real about whether or not our young people learn because teachers can teach and not just test. Let’s get real about whether our brave veterans are given the care and the respect they deserve. Let’s get real about not just talking family values but valuing families by strengthening the middle class, creating good jobs, proving universal health care, making college affordable, taking care of our senior citizens.

My campaign is about an America of shared opportunity, shared prosperity and shared responsibility. I do believe we are all in this together and we are going to demonstrate loudly and clearly that our country is worth fighting for; our country is worth standing up for. And this campaign goes on and this campaign moves forward. And this campaign, with your help, will take our country back. Thank you all and God bless you.

[Sonia]

Interesting article from Politico.com on Barack Obama's political past. Is Barack Obama truly for Universal Health Care? His past suggests otherwise:

Obama once visited '60s radicals
By: Ben Smith
Feb 22, 2008 01:09 AM EST

In 1995, State Senator Alice Palmer introduced her chosen successor, Barack Obama, to a few of the district’s influential liberals at the home of two well known figures on the local left: William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn.

While Ayers and Dohrn may be thought of in Hyde Park as local activists, they’re better known nationally as two of the most notorious – and unrepentant — figures from the violent fringe of the 1960s anti-war movement.

Now, as Obama runs for president, what two guests recall as an unremarkable gathering on the road to a minor elected office stands as a symbol of how swiftly he has risen from the Hyde Park left to a man closing in fast on the Democratic nomination for president.

“I can remember being one of a small group of people who came to Bill Ayers’ house to learn that Alice Palmer was stepping down from the senate and running for Congress,” said Dr. Quentin Young, a prominent Chicago physician and advocate for single-payer health care, of the informal gathering at the home of Ayers and his wife, Bernardine Dohrn. “[Palmer] identified him as her successor.”

Obama and Palmer “were both there,” he said.

Obama’s connections to Ayers and Dorhn have been noted in some fleeting news coverage in the past. But the visit by Obama to their home—part of a campaign courtship—reflects more extensive interaction than has previously reported.

Neither Ayers nor the Obama campaign would describe the relationship between the two men. Dr. Young described Obama and Ayers as “friends,” but there’s no evidence their relationship is more than the casual friendship of two men who occupy overlapping Chicago political circles, and served together on the board of a Chicago foundation.

But Obama’s relationship with Ayers is an especially vivid milepost on his rise, in record time, from a local official who unabashedly reflected a very liberal district to the leader of national movement based largely on the claim that he can transcend ideological divides.

In one sense, Obama’s journey toward the cultural and political center is not unusual among national politicians. But its velocity is.

Politicians of an earlier generation had their own relationships with figures now far to their left. Hillary Rodham Clinton, for instance, interned at a radical San Francisco law firm while in law school.

On the other side of the political spectrum, many in the generation before hers shifted dramatically on civil rights. John McCain voted against creating a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., and later called that a mistake.

The relationship with Ayers gives context to his recent past in Hyde Park politics. It’s milieu in which a former violent radical was a stalwart of the local scene, not especially controversial.

It’s also a scene whose liberal ideological features – while taken for granted by the Chicago press corps that knows Obama best – provides a jarring contrast with Obama’s current, anti-ideological stance. This contrast between past and present—not least the Ayers connection—is virtually certain to be a subject Republican operatives will warm to if Obama is the Democratic nominee.

The tension between the present and recent Chicago past is also evident in some of his positions on major national issues. Many national politicians, including Clinton, have moved toward the center over time. But Obama’s transitions are still quite fresh.

A questionnaire from his 1996 campaign indicated more blanket opposition to the death penalty, and support of abortion rights, than he currently espouses. He spoke in support of single-payer health care as recently as 2003.

Like many of the most extreme figures from the 1960s Ayers and Dohrn are ambiguous figures in American life.

They disappeared in 1970, after a bomb – designed to kill army officers in New Jersey — accidentally destroyed a Greenwich Village townhouse, and turned themselves into authorities in 1980. They were never prosecuted for their involvement with the 25 bombings the Weather Underground claimed; charges were dropped because of improper FBI surveillance.

Both have written and spoken at length about their pasts, and today he is an advocate for progressive education and a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago; she’s an associate professor of law at Northwestern University.

But – unlike some other fringe figures of the era — they’re also flatly unrepentant about the bombings they committed in the name of ending the war, defending them on the grounds that they killed no one, except, accidentally, their own members.

Dohrn, however, was jailed for less than a year for refusing to testify before a grand jury investigating other Weather Underground members’ robbery of a Brinks truck, in which a guard and two New York State Troopers were killed.

“I don't regret setting bombs; I feel we didn't do enough,” Ayers told the New York Times in 2001.

And their rehabilitation in establishment circles, even in Hyde Park, has its limits.

Though he is a respected figure in liberal educational circles, Ayers wrote recently about how in 2006 he was informed he was persona non grata at a progressive educators’ conference in the summer of 2006.
“We cannot risk a simplistic and dubious association between progressive education and the violent aspects of your past,” he quoted the conference organizers, whom he described as friends, as writing to him.

But the couple has been embraced, by and large, in the liberal circles dominating Hyde Park politics.

“Bill Ayers is one of my heroes in life,” said Sam Ackerman, a longtime local activist. “I knew Tony Rezko, and he ain’t no Rezko.”

But others in Hyde Park, whose intellectual and political life revolves around the University of Chicago, view the couple with ambivalence.

“I feel very uncomfortable with their past, but neither of them is thought of as horrible types now – so far as most of us know, they are legitimate members of the community,” said Cass Sunstein, a University of Chicago law professor who has known Obama since the early 1990s and supports his campaign.

“Not only is Obama the opposite pole from radicals like Ayers and Dohrn at least as one point were, he’s not a conventional left liberal by any means,” he said.

Others are less inclined to even consider forgiveness.

“Ayers was a terrorist. Bernardine Dohrn was a terrorist. Ayers has never offered one word of apology – he glories in it, thinks it’s terrific. And that to me is not what I would call acceptable or mainstream behavior,” said Dan Polsby, a former law professor at Northwestern who is now dean of George Mason University Law School. “If Obama takes a different view on that--well, ok, that’s data about Obama.”

On Thursday, Ayers spoke at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where he refused to answer questions from Politico about his relationship with Obama.

Dohrn did not respond to a message left at her office.

Obama’s campaign dismisses the notion that his relationship with Ayers should be seen through the lens of the latter’s violent past, or his present lack of regret for the bombings.

“Senator Obama strongly condemns the violent actions of the Weathermen group, as he does all acts of violence,” said Obama’s press secretary, Bill Burton. “But he was an eight-year old child when Ayers and the Weathermen were active, and any attempt to connect Obama with events of almost forty years ago is ridiculous.”

He described Ayers as “a professor of education at the University of Illinois-Chicago and a former aide to Mayor Richard J. Daley,” referring to printed reports that he had “advised” Daley on school reform.

As Bloomberg News reported recently, Obama and Ayers have crossed paths repeatedly in the last decade. In 1997, Obama cited Ayers’ critique of the juvenile justice system in a Chicago Tribune article on what prominent Chicagoans were reading. He and Ayers served together on the board of the Woods Fund of Chicago for three years starting in 1999. In 2001, Ayers also gave $200 to Obama’s state senate reelection campaign.

Many details of the 1995 meeting are shrouded by time and by Obama’s and Ayers’ refusals to discuss it.

The exact date is not known, but it was in the second half of 1995, before Palmer’s decision – late in her losing congressional primary against Jesse Jackson Jr. – to jump back into the special election for her State Senate seat. (Her decision produced a rift between her and Obama, who was able to get her thrown off the ballot on technical grounds.)

“That’s too long ago – that’s ancient history,” Palmer said, when asked of the meeting.

Dr. Young and another guest, Maria Warren described it similarly: As an introduction to Hyde Park liberals of the handpicked successor to Palmer, a well-regarded figure on the left.

“When I first met Barack Obama, he was giving a standard, innocuous little talk in the living room of those two legends-in-their-own-minds, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn,” Warren, wrote on her blog in 2005. “They were launching him--introducing him to the Hyde Park community as the best thing since sliced bread.”

Contacted by e-mail, Warren declined to describe the meeting further and later blogged of her concern that Republicans would use accounts of the event for “left-baiting.”.

Young described the gathering as a matter of “due diligence” for Palmer to introduce her chosen successor to constituents. “Many of us knew him already,” he said.

They, like others in his old Chicago world, now consider him a bit too “conservative” for their liking, as Warren wrote recently.

Ackerman, the Hyde Park activist, complained of his votes for continued funding for the Iraq war.

“A lot of people were very angry when he voted to fund the war,” he said. “But any candidate running for president is going to strive for broader appeal and move more to the center – I don’t believe that barrack has departed from his basic principles.”
Dr. Young said, however, that he isn’t supporting either of the leading presidential candidates because he is a single-issue voter, and the issue is single-payer healthcare.

He said he was disappointed that Obama is “equivocating” on his support for single-payer, after saying in the past that he supported it. But he said Obama’s style – “cautious, deliberate, defensive” – was also familiar from the Senator’s Hyde Park days.

“In fairness, there’s no double dealing,” he said. “It’s part of his stated strategy – he wants to get maximum unity.”

[Ladyluck]

Sonia,

It's been in the media that Latinos prefer to vote for Hillary Clinton because she's white, and they favor white politicians over blacks. Is there any reason in particular why there is so much racism in the Hispanic community?

[Sonia]

Ladyluck,

Why would you think there is any rascism in the Hispanic community? In any event, I doubt there is more than in any other community. I think Latinos support Hillary because she is the better known candidate, and has an established history of supporting Latino issues and leaders. I'm not the expert here, but one other thing, is that she's just so much more knowledgeable than Obama. For instance, her comment concerning how she would deal with the recent switch of dictators in Cuba, as compared to Obama's, makes it apparent that she has the better postion. Certainly, many Cuban-Americans noticed how Obama dealt with the question, and probably cringed at his ignorance. Even Fidel ridiculed Obama's concept of change, which according to Fidel, should happen in America, but not in Cuba.

It's too bad our society still has some deep rooted issues with sexism, more so than they have with race. Sometimes, it seems even the media is applying a double standard to these two candidates.

[agustos]

I believe Ladyluck was referring to this quote by Sergio Bendixen, one of Hillary Clinton's pollsters who focuses on the Hispanic vote:

“The Hispanic voter—and I want to say this very carefully—has not shown a lot of willingness or affinity to support black candidates.”
[New Yorker, January 11, 2008]

I don't know if it is the media or the Clinton campaign that came up with that line of reasoning, but its certainly made the rounds.

[Sandy]

Agustos,

I don't get it. Why would the Clinton campaign come up with that line, if they are the ones receiving the majority of Latino support and votes? It appears more like the Obama campaign would assert that line of reasoning.

[agustos]

Sandy, I was just responding to an earlier post asking where someone can come up with such a conclusion. The quote has been referenced numerous times in the media and I believe it is what Ladyluck was getting at. Rather than speculate on why someone in the Clinton campaign (who happens to be Hispanic) would say something like that, I think its just best to let the comment stand as is.

Frankly, I think it does a disservice to the Hispanic community to just assume they are racist and therefore they will automatically not vote for an African-American candidate. Just as its a disservice to males to assume they are sexist and therefore automatically not vote for a woman.

[Ladyluck]

I think some in the media are beginning to have second thoughts about Obama. He mispronounced Massachusetts four times during the recent debate. Obviously, we'll have to wait until next week to see how Texas and Ohio vote before discounting Hillary, but in my opinion, she would make a more knowledgeable president.

[Tara]

It's so exciting! Hillary wins Ohio and Rhode Island, and she's slightly ahead in Texas, demonstrating what we've known all along --- she's a fighter.

[Kate]

Good to see voters are starting to think with their heads. Hillary swept the Latino vote in Texas, and the white vote, because people are becoming less mesmerized by Obama, and more concerned about the reality of our economy. The man is inspiring, but doesn't seem to have real or original solutions for the problems confronting the country. People lack confidence in his ability to deliver. In addition, it's obvious, John McCain will crush him on the national security issue.

[Sonia]

Hello everyone,

Many of us expected yesterday to be a win - win for Hillary. She's a woman of great determination and drive; and, we believe she will be the Democratic nominee.

I'll be back to work on NWA issues tomorrow, but in the meantime, I'd like to share an email received from Hillary. This is a great time to show your support at http://www.HillaryClinton.com

Here's the email:


It's a pretty incredible feeling, isn't it? After our victories tonight we have the momentum, thanks to your will, determination, and hard work.

Some people were ready to count us out. But you and I proved them wrong, just as we have every time they tried to declare this race over prematurely. And we're going to keep showing them exactly what we can do.

We're going to do it for everyone across America who's been counted out -- but refused to be knocked out. For everyone who's stumbled -- but stood right back up. And for everyone who works hard -- but never gives up.

I hope you enjoy our victories tonight as much as I am. We won this one together, and that makes it that much better. Thank you so very much for all you have done for our campaign. Let's build on this remarkable momentum.

Thank you for everything you did to make this night possible.

All the best,
Hillary


See you later,
Sonia

[Sonia]

Clinton Campaign Raised $4 Million Online Since Tuesday Night’s Victories

Hillary Clinton’s campaign has taken in $4 million online so far since the polls closed on Tuesday night en route to victories in Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island.

“The excitement from Senator Clinton’s victories Tuesday night has resulted in an historic outpouring of grassroots support,” said Internet Director Peter Daou. “Hillary’s supporters have come through every time we’ve needed them, and they are setting a record pace now as we move ahead to the upcoming contests.”

In addition to raising $4 million online since the polls closed on Tuesday, the campaign has received support from over 40,000 donors through noon today, of whom 30,000 are new.

The campaign has raised approximately $6 million online since March 1.

[Sonia]

March 5, 2008

For: Interested Parties

From: Harold Ickes

Mark Penn

Re: The Path to the Presidency

With last night’s victories in Ohio and Texas, one thing is clear: the momentum has swung back to Hillary Clinton. Voters in both states agreed that Hillary Clinton would be the best Commander-in-Chief and the strongest steward of our economy. In fact, according to last night’s polls, those who decided who to vote for in the last three days overwhelmingly favored Hillary [CNN exit polls, 3/4/08]. It’s time for a second look.

Ohio is the barometer: Hillary was successful in Ohio, the state that for the last quarter century has picked our president. As everyone knows: As Ohio goes, so goes our country. Historically, it’s one of the bellwether states and it decided the last election. And the demographics of the upcoming contests in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky closely mirror those in Ohio. Hillary looks strong in all four states.

In recent years, every President has won two of the three following states: Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. Hillary has already won two of those and, according to all polls, is leading in the third – Pennsylvania.

This race is extremely close and more than 5 million Democrats are likely to vote. After 28 million votes have been counted, the popular vote contest in the Democratic primary is within one-tenth of one percent. Applying the same level of turnout to the remaining contests, there are still more than 5 million Democratic voters – 17 percent of the total – who are likely to participate in this contested primary race. After 41 primaries and caucuses, the delegate count is within roughly 2 percent.

In the primaries, Hillary has demonstrated that she is the best positioned candidate to carry the core battleground states essential to a general election victory -- particularly the large industrial states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and the critical swing contests in Florida, New Mexico, Nevada, and New Jersey.

The vetting of Obama has just begun. The press has only begun to scrutinize Senator Obama and his record. The corruption trial of Tony Rezko is getting underway this week, yet many questions about Obama’s relationship with him remain unanswered. Hillary, on the other hand, has withstood fifteen years of substantial media and Republican scrutiny, including many months of sharper scrutiny as the front-runner. If the primary contest ends prematurely and Obama is the nominee, Democrats may have a nominee who will be a lightening rod of controversy.

Several of Hillary's base constituencies (women, Hispanic, labor, elderly and under $75,000) are key to a Democratic victory in November. Senator Obama has not brought these voters out in the same numbers.

The two groups that fueled President Bush’s victory in ‘04 were women and Hispanics, and they are among Hillary Clinton’s strongest supporters. From 2000 to 2004, Bush’s support among Hispanics rose from 35% to 44%. And Bush’s support among women rose from 43% to 48%. That five point gain among women and nine point gain among Latinos gave Bush his victory in 2004.

Women reached an all-time presidential election high of 54% of voters in ’04. As a factual matter, an outpouring of women for the first woman president alone can win the election. Hillary leads all candidates among women.
These political and demographic trends project positively into the general election and strongly favor Hillary.

The Red States: The central strategic argument of the Obama campaign is flawed. Senator Obama argues that his success in Democratic primary contests held in long-time Red States means he will carry those states in a general election. In reality, there are no “Red States” in a Democratic primary – there are only Democratic voters who live in Republican states and represent a small percentage of the general election population.
Of the eleven core Republican states that have gone to the polls, Sen. Obama has won ten: Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. John Kerry lost each of these states by fifteen points or more.

The last time a Democratic nominee won Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas, and Alaska in the general election was 1964.

Even if Obama is “transcendent,” as his campaign has argued, the historic electoral trends and the current political environment suggest that translating those primary wins into November success will be close to impossible.

In short: Hillary is better positioned to carry the battle ground states that Democrats need to win in November and Obama’s victories in deep red states do not .

Hillary is the only Democrat with the strength, leadership, and experience to defeat John McCain. Senator Clinton is seen as the best prepared to be Commander-in-Chief.

Nationally, 57% say Hillary Clinton is best prepared to be president, 39% Obama [CBS/ NYT, February 24]

Hillary Clinton is seen as best able to take on the Republicans on their own turf – national security and terrorism. She is seen as a strong and decisive leader (a seven point advantage over Obama nationally).

Hillary is seen as the one who can get the job done – leading Obama nationally by 13 points [USA Today/ Gallup, 2/24].

Hillary is seen as the candidate to solve the country’s problems, leading Obama by 10 points [USA Today/ Gallup, 2/24].

John McCain will diminish any perceived advantage Obama has with independents. As has been widely discussed, one of John McCain’s key constituents is independents. And against McCain, Obama will be framed by the Republicans as too liberal (he was ranked by the National Journal as the most liberal Senator); untested on national security; and vulnerable on issues that would make him unelectable in November. These issues may be surmountable in a Democratic primary but will be an Achilles heel with independents in a general election.

The McCain Roadmap: McCain has already foreshadowed his campaign’s construct against Obama: His vulnerability is experience and judgment on national security.

McCain: Obama’s ‘meet, talk and hope approach’ is ‘dangerously naïve in international diplomacy.’ “Meet, talk, and hope may be a sound approach in a state legislature, but it is dangerously naive in international diplomacy where the oppressed look to America for hope and adversaries wish us ill.” [McCain, NYT’s The Caucus, 2/22/08]

McCain: Obama is an ‘inexperienced candidate who once suggested bombing our ally, Pakistan, and suggested sitting down without preconditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists.’ “Each event poses a ch*****ge and an opportunity. Will the next president have the experience -- the judgment, experience informs and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals? Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested bombing our ally, Pakistan, and suggested sitting down without preconditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons? I think you know the answer to that question.” [Post-Wisconsin Primary Victory Speech, 2/19/08]

Steward of the economy. Hillary Clinton leads both John McCain and Barack Obama on the economy and health care. In the latest LA Times/Bloomberg poll (1/22), Hillary leads McCain 52/28 on health care and 43/34 on the economy.

Hillary leads Barack Obama on health care by 21 points nationally [USA Today/Gallup, 2/24].

Florida. There is an additional reality that must be considered – the 1.75 million voters in Florida whose votes will not be represented at the Democratic convention. How we handle this swing state will affect our Party’s potential of carrying it in November (Democrats lost Florida in 2004). This is a state where the playing field was level – all of the candidates had their names on the ballot and none campaigned in the state.
Michigan. Nearly 600,000 Democrats voted in Michigan, but right now their votes are not being counted. Democrats barely carried Michigan in 2004 (by only 3% -- 51 to 48). If our party refuses to let them participate in the convention, we will provide a political opportunity for the Republicans to win both Florida and Michigan. Recognizing their importance to Democratic success in November, Hillary has called for the delegates of both states to be seated at the convention.

Hillary has the money to compete. In February, the Clinton campaign raised approximately $35 million – averaging more than a million dollars a day. This deep level of support gives Hillary the resources she needs to compete between now and the Convention.

###

A re-vote in Michigan would seems like the most like scenario before sitting this state's delegates at the convention.

[Sonia]

March 11, 2008
Exit polls: Mississippi Democrats divide on racial lines
Posted: 08:55 PM ET

(CNN) – Mississippi Democratic voters were sharply divided among racial lines in Tuesday's primary, exit polls indicate.

As has been the case in many primary states, Obama won overwhelming support from African-American voters. They went for him over Clinton 91-9 percent.

But Mississippi white voters overwhelmingly backed the New York senator, supporting her over Obama 72 percent to 21 percent.

According to the Associated Press, only two other primary states were as racially polarized — neighboring Alabama, and Clinton's former home state of Arkansas.

The exit polls also indicated roughly 40 percent of Mississippi Democratic voters said race was an important factor in their vote, and 90 percent of those voters supported Obama.

In Ohio, roughly 1 in 5 voters said race factored into their decision. Roughly 60 percent of those voters picked Clinton over Obama.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

It looks like Mississippi was divided along racial lines, and Obama won. So race is a divisive factor in this election.

In the meantime, there's still no solution to the Michigan and Florida re-vote. The people I spoke to in Florida want their votes counted. The democrats must include these voters, or risk loosing them to the Republicans in the general election.

Wow, what a mess!

Here's some news from Hillary:


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Sonia,

Here is today's HUBdate from our press shop.

Thanks,
Jonathan


Morning HUBdate: Homecoming


Today's Front Page: “Homecoming for Hillary.” Senator Clinton graces the front page of the Scranton Times-Tribune. “She sure is loved here.” Yesterday, thousands of “wildly enthusiastic supporters frequently interrupted” Hillary's speech with “loud cheers” in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Read more.
http://emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/FrontPagePDFs/tabid/434/Default.aspx?AlbumID=52


Family Ties: Hillary has deep family roots in Pennsylvania. Hillary's great-grandparents came to Scranton in the 1880's, her grandfather worked for 50 years at the Scranton Lace Company, and her father was born and raised in Scranton and played football for Penn State. Hillary was christened in Scranton and spent her summers at the family cabin on Lake Winola.

Help Hillary: From the comfort of their own homes, volunteers throughout America will encourage people voting today in Mississippi to support Hillary. Though the campaign's easy to use online calling tool, volunteers will call targeted voters. To help Hillary by making calls, click here.

Previewing Today: Democrats vote in Mississippi… Hillary holds rallies in Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania… President Bill Clinton hosts events in Washington and Center Township and meets with voters in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania… Chelsea gets out the vote in Jackson, Mississippi and opens a campaign office in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

In Case You Missed It: Sen. Obama gave at least his fifth different explanation for a meeting he finally acknowledged took place between his senior economic advisor and Canadian officials regarding NAFTA. At the meeting, the advisor downplayed Obama's anti-NAFTA speeches as just campaign rhetoric. Get the facts. http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=6452

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Daily Talking Points - Tuesday, March 11, 2008


SPEECHES VS. SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY POLICY AND THE ECONOMY

* Hillary will deliver solutions, not speeches, for our energy policy and economy.

* After seven years of an energy policy written by and for the oil companies, oil has reached $107 a barrel, gas prices in some areas are approaching $4 a gallon, and the economy is sliding into a recession.

* As President, Hillary will invest in clean energy and create 5 million “green collar” jobs. Hillary will invest $5 billion in clean energy jobs right now and create a $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund to jumpstart research and development in clean energy technologies.

* Hillary will end tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas, offer tax credits to small businesses that provide health care, and give tax cuts to the middle class instead of corporate special interests.

* Hillary will create manufacturing jobs, make trade work for working families, and extend unemployment insurance.

* Sen. Obama gives speeches about energy policy, NAFTA, and Iraq. But talking about problems is easy. Solving problems is hard.

* In the Senate, Sen. Obama voted for Dick Cheney's energy bill loaded with new tax breaks for oil companies.

* During his campaign, Sen. Obama's top economic and foreign policy advisers said Sen. Obama won't follow through on NAFTA or rely on his plan for Iraq.

* We need a president whose rhetoric matches their results. But Sen. Obama's promises are often just words.

* Hillary will solve problems, fight for our families, and is ready to be Commander-in-Chief for our economy, starting on day one.

DEEP FAMILY ROOTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

* In Pennsylvania, Hillary has deep family roots and has been a regular visitor through the years.

* Hillary's great-grandparents came to Scranton in the 1880's, her grandfather worked his entire life at the Scranton Lace Company, and her father was born and raised in Scranton and played football for Penn State.

* Hillary was christened in Scranton and spent her summers just north of the city, at a cabin on Lake Winola that her grandfather built and that her family still owns.

THE PATH TO THE PRESIDENCY

* In Mississippi, Hillary is asking for voters' support and will pick up delegates.

* The race is extremely close. Both campaigns agree that automatic delegates will determine the nominee.

* Hillary has demonstrated that she is best positioned to carry the core battleground states essential to a general election victory.

* Hillary's base constituencies – women, Latinos, labor, and senior citizens – are key to a Democratic victory in November.

* Hillary has the strength and experience to defeat Sen. McCain and be Commander-in-Chief.

[Sonia]

A message from Hillary

READY TO END THE WAR

Today, as we prepare to mark the five year anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, Hillary spoke of her commitment to end the war and bring our troops home:

“Bringing our troops home safely will take a president who is ready to be Commander-in-Chief on day one, a president who knows our military and has earned their respect. Bringing lasting stability to the region will take a president with the strength and determination, the knowledge and confidence to bring our troops home; to rebuild our military readiness, to care for our veterans, and to redouble our efforts against al-Qaeda. If you give me the chance, I will be that president…

“Senator McCain and President Bush claim withdrawal is defeat. Well, let’s be clear, withdrawal is not defeat. Defeat is keeping troops in Iraq for 100 years… Defeat is draining our resources and diverting attention from our key interests …

“So it is time to end this war as quickly and responsibly as possible. That has been my mission in the Senate, and it will be my mission starting on day one as president of the United States.

“When I look at the road ahead, I think about the men and women in uniform whom I’ve had the profound honor of meeting and serving. Our troops serving not only in Iraq and Afghanistan, but across the globe. Our veterans recovering in V.A. hospitals and rehabilitation centers here at home, many with series and life-altering injuries. The countless veterans who are not given the support and services they need to reenter civilian life.

These men and women have made extraordinary sacrifices serving the country they love, and I’m always struck by how no matter the extent and severity of their suffering, no matter how grave their own injuries, they always say the same thing to me: ‘Promise that you’ll take care of my buddies. They’re still over there. Promise you’ll keep them safe.’ I have looked these men and women in the eye, and I have made that promise, and I intend to honor it by ending this war as responsibly and quickly as possible.”

To read Hillary’s full speech, click here. To read her full plan to end the war in Iraq, click here http://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/iraq/?73146090.

AS THE ECONOMY WORSENS

“This is a moment of great unique uncertainty in our financial markets.” Hillary said today in response to worsening economic news. “I am also reminded every day as I meet with families and listen to their stories that the effective function of our market isn’t just about Wall Street, it is about Main Street.

“It’s about the families I meet that are struggling to fend off foreclosures and stay in their homes. It’s about construction workers who used to build houses and are now out of work. It’s about the college student who has good credit but is struggling to get a loan. What is happening on Wall Street may well affect the lives and fortunes of tens of millions of Americans who work hard every day.”

Hillary has been urging action to prevent the weakening of the financial markets for months. She will be speaking out further about the problems with the economy.

REPORT FROM PENNSYLVANIA
Hillary kicked off her campaign in Pennsylvania last week. She began in Scranton, where her family has longtime ties and was greeted last week by an overflow crowd at Scranton High School, and marched in St. Patrick's Day parades in Pittsburgh and Scranton.

The Pittsburgh Times-Tribune reported:

"A crowd that organizers said was the largest in the parade’s 47-year history jammed downtown streets to greet Democratic presidential candidate and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, who returned to the city Saturday for the second time in five days, again to adoration.

“ 'Hillary, Hillary, Hillary,' the people who filled downtown sidewalks frequently chanted.

"As Mrs. Clinton walked, dozens of people constantly rushed ahead on adjacent sidewalks to get as close to her as possible. It was less orderly than her visit Monday to Scranton High School, but the feel was the same. They cheered, they clapped, they waved at her, they shook her campaign signs, they snapped pictures with digital cameras and cell phones."


The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also reported on the "warm Pittsburgh reception" she received.

Click here to watch more video from Hillary's trip to Pennsylvania!

CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
To celebrate Women's History Month, we've added a new feature to our website: a new post every day by Hillary's supporters speaking out about what her candidacy means to them. Here are some examples:

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, writes:

“Hillary's great success has been her ability to work upward from those small places, to work upward from a foundation of basic rights to allow families the chance to seize a better life. Over and over, with programs from the State Children's Health Insurance Program to her advocacy for affordable and accessible education, she has proved her leadership to be invaluable. That's the sort of leadership I want in the White House.”


Rep. Doris Matsui writes:

"Throughout history, we have worked to celebrate our differences and encourage equality, but we are still far behind much of the world. In the House and Senate, women are by far a minority of legislators and we have yet to see a woman in the oval office.

One of the reasons I'm supporting Hillary is that I want to see that barrier broken. But more importantly, I want our president to help break down the barriers for all those Americans whose voices have been ignored for the past eight years and whose needs have only grown."


Click here to see the posts - and tune in every day for more!

WHAT'S NEXT

Celebrate Women's History all month long Forward this HillGram to every woman on your list, and ask her to join us. If you haven’t read it lately, check out Hillary’s Beijing speech. Send it to your friends, and ask them to imagine what it would be like to have a President who spoke out for us like this!
Sign Up to Help Hillary on the Ground in Pennsylvania: Or sign up to travel to any of the states to come, or commit to making calls from home. Hundreds of women traveled to Texas and Ohio, and they made a big difference. Let us know if you can travel in the next five weeks, or if you can give us just a few hours a week to make calls: contact us at pahillstars@hillaryclinton.com or 703-875-1232

QUOTE OF THE WEEK


"I want to end by sharing “I'm not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does, I'm excited to support Hillary by performing at what will be a truly memorable night.”

- Sir Elton John announcing he will perform at fundraiser for Hillary in New York on April 9.

[Tara]

Ten more months --- should we start a countdown? Just a thought. Here's an interesting article from the Tribune-Democrat:

Murtha backing Hillary Clinton
BY MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat

U.S. Rep. John Murtha on Tuesday announced his endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, saying she is “best qualified to lead our nation.”

The Johnstown Democrat’s announcement comes as both Clinton and Democratic front-runner Barack Obama set up shop in Pennsylvania in preparation for the state’s important April 22 primary.

“I’ve known Sen. Clinton for 15 years,” Murtha said in a statement released by his campaign committee.

“I know that she continually reaches out for opinions and ideas, not just from our nation’s leaders, but from all Americans.”

Murtha is one of the most powerful Democrats in the House, and his endorsement could carry weight in the 12th Congressional District, where he has served for 34 years.

His backing carries added importance this year because he is a “superdelegate” – a party official who is free to support any candidate at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Because the race between Clinton and Obama is so close, some speculate that superdelegates may play an important role in deciding the party’s nominee.

Clinton said in a release Tuesday night that she is pleased with Murtha’s endorsement.

“I am honored to have the support of a leader as strong, well-respected and experienced as Congressman John Murtha,” Clinton said. “I have known John for years, and he is a fighter and a man of principle who has unmatched credibility on matters vital to our national security.”

Last month, Murtha said he would not choose sides in the race and pledged to be “very careful in my evaluation of both candidates.”

In Tuesday’s statement, Murtha offered a glowing endorsement of Clinton.

“In 10 months, President Bush will leave office. Our country is worse off today than when he took office over seven years ago,” Murtha said. “Senator Clinton is the candidate that will forge a consensus on health care, education, the economy and the war in Iraq.”

[Sonia]

From the Hillary campaign trail:

TIME FOR ACTION ON THE ECONOMY

Today, Hillary called for bold action to strengthen the American economy, including steps to stem the tide of home foreclosures, which has been a key driver in weakening financial markets; and an additional $30 billion in stimulus spending to help states and localities fight foreclosures in their communities.
"We are now lending billions of dollars a day to help Wall Street banks that aren't regulated, that are not held accountable." Hillary said. "How can you tell a family about to lose their home that there's nothing we can do to help them? How can you tell them that if they had failed spectacularly we would've helped them but because they are failing quietly, desperately, we are turning our backs? How can you tell them that there is nothing we can do to rebuild the American Dream?"
Hillary has been calling for action on the foreclosure crisis for more than a year. Unfortunately, the Bush administration is only now willing to consider aggressive action. But the time for mere consideration has passed. Hillary believes that immediate, bold action is required to unfreeze our mortgage markets, help keep millions of families in their homes, and move to reverse weakening economic conditions which impact every family.

For more information about Hillary's economic plan, click here.

ANOTHER ATTACK ON HILLARY -- AND THE FACTS YOU NEED TO DISPROVE IT!
Last week the Obama campaign issued another personal, negative attack on Hillary, this time claiming that she was not responsible for passage of the Family and Medical Leave Act, the first bill signed by President Bill Clinton in 1992.

Here are the facts you need to know:

Hillary has been a champion and advocate for Family and Medical Leave legislation for 20 years, first hosting a conference promoting it in 1988 and working for it ever since. She regularly advocated for FMLA on the trail in the 1992 campaign, helping to ensure that it would be seen as priority legislation, and lobbied lawmakers on behalf of the bill after the election. As a senator, Hillary led passage of an FMLA for families of wounded soldiers, and cosponsored the Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act and the Healthy Families Act.

Debra Ness, President of the National Partnership for Women and Families, says of Hillary's work for FMLA:
"Hillary was instrumental in getting the Family and Medical Leave Act signed into law. We at the National Partnership for Women & Families as well as other family and labor groups had been pushing for the law for nearly 10 years. Hillary brought her work and experience on behalf of children and working families to the campaign trail in 1991 and 1992 and knew the importance of getting this legislation passed immediately. Two weeks after President Clinton was inaugurated, it was done."
As president, Hillary will expand FMLA to cover employees working in businesses with 25 employees or more; and expand access to paid leave through a State Family Leave Innovation Fund.

Fight back! Read more about Hillary's long record on behalf of Family and Medical Leave on FactHub and tell your friends.

REP. JOHN MURTHA ENDORSES HILLARY
U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), a leading congressional opponent of the war in Iraq, last week endorsed Hillary, saying her position on the war made her the best candidate to become president:
"Senator Clinton is the candidate that will forge a consensus on health care, education, the economy and the war in Iraq.

"Her experience and careful consideration of these issues convinced me that she is best qualified to lead our nation and to bring credibility back to the White House."
Murtha, a retired Marine Corps colonel, was the first combat veteran of Vietnam elected to serve in Congress.

ON THE TRAIL

Hillary is taking her campaign across the country as she makes her case to the voters in upcoming primary states.

INDIANA:

The Terre Haute Tribune Star reported on Hillary's recent stop:
With a vigor and enthusiasm that made it all sound brand-new for new sets of ears, Clinton repeated many of the things she had talked about inside the restaurant. When she asked the crowd, "Who would you hire … to do the toughest job in the world?" the people shouted back, "YOU!!!"

After pledging major changes, from dumping No Child Left Behind to restoring America's "moral leadership in the world," Clinton told the cheering crowd, "With your help, we will try to turn our country around!" Then she and the Secret Service agents began to work their way along a periphery of outstretched hands and smiling faces that lined a long strip of yellow police tape.
Antiques dealer Marianne Ridgeway was typical of the adoring fans behind the tape. Eliciting a huge grin from Clinton, Ridgeway told her, "'Madam President' sounds really good!

PENNSYLVANIA:

"Breaking Barriers: Women in Politics" Panel at Bryn Mawr College

On Saturday at Bryn Mawr, one of the historic Seven Sisters women's colleges, actress America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty") led a discussion about her support for Hillary and women in politics with an overflow crowd of over 200 students. She was joined by voting advocate Jehmu Greene (former head of Rock the Vote), women's health advocate Dr. Susan Wood, and students Marisa Franz and Brian Tashman.

The panelists discussed the role of gender in this election, and their own personal ch*****ges as women on their respective fields. America spoke about the similarities she faces as a young female actress in a largely dominated business and the ch*****ges Hillary faces on the campaign trail as a barrier breaker.

WHAT'S NEXT
Share a Women's History Month blog: All month we have been featuring stories and testimonials from women leaders across America on Women's History Month and what their support of Hillary means to them. Check out our blog at www.hillaryclinton.com/women and share your favorite entries with your networks as a powerful reminder of what's at stake in this election.
On the phone or in the states, you make the difference: Whether you have an hour a day or an hour a week, you can call undecided voters in upcoming primary states and help make the difference in this election. To get started, click here. To learn more about volunteering in Pennsylvania, contact us at 703-875-1232 or pahillstars@hillaryclinton.com
QUOTE OF THE WEEK


"Regardless of one's political leanings, all women will serve themselves well by admiring this latest trail to be explored, the uneven, untraveled road to the White House for a woman. If Hillary Clinton makes that journey and becomes the long-awaited first woman to do so, it will be a clear case of women's history happening right here in front of us. This year, the real Women's History month may not be in March, but in November."
- Pennsylvania Lt Governor Catherine Baker Knoll

[Sonia]

From the Hillary campaign hub:

Morning HUBdate: “March to Victory”

Previewing Today: Hillary and her daughter Chelsea co-host a “March to Victory” rally in Washington, DC. RSVP here

Strong on the Economy: Yesterday, Hillary unveiled her retirement security plan to help Pennsylvania families save for the future. Read more about Hillary's plan and her long record of leadership on the economy. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=6747

By the Numbers: A new Rasmussen poll shows more Democrats supporting Hillary in the general election (71-64)…and viewing Hillary more favorably than Senator Obama (74-67) See results here. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

If You Watch One Thing Today: Hillary goes on the air in Pennsylvania with “Level.” Watch here http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20080325_CLINTONS_KEY_TO_THE_CITY.html

The Hillary I Know: Philadelphia Mayor Nutter lays out his case for Hillary. “I believe that Senator Clinton shares my commitment to healing lives and broken families while, at the same time, healing a nation…It's a new day in Philadelphia and Hillary Clinton is bringing new leadership…that I believe will make life better - for all of us.” Read more.

Endorsement Watch: Yesterday, the Liberty City Democratic Club, a leading LGBT political group in PA, overwhelmingly endorsed Hillary. “[Hillary's] record of accomplishment is proof positive that she'll be a fighter for the LGBT community …We need her experience working for us." Read more

In the States: This week, the campaign has opened new offices in Raleigh, North Carolina and in Bristol, Easton, and Norristown, Pennsylvania, as well as in Indianapolis and New Albany, Indiana.

On Tap: Tomorrow, Hillary delivers an economic policy address in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In Case You Missed It: Senator Obama's campaign continues engaging in negative, slanderous attacks on Senator Clinton. Read more: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/clinton-camp-obama-owes-explanation-for-negative-politics-2008-03-24.html

Just words? Senator Obama “has been found misspeaking and embellishing facts about himself more than ten times in recent months.” Read more

[Sonia]

Press Release:


3/27/2008

The Obama Record: Just Words

To: Interested Parties
From: The Clinton Campaign
Date: March 26, 2008
RE: The Obama Record: Just Words

Yesterday, a Pennsylvania editorial board asked Sen. Clinton how she would have "responded if [her] pastor had said some of the things that Rev. Wright said?" In response, she said Rev. Wright would not have been her pastor, an honest view shared by many Americans.

The Obama campaign's response? Attack Sen. Clinton and accuse her of trying to divert attention from the Bosnia trip story and her record of foreign policy experience.

Sen. Clinton's response was sincere. The Obama attack was disingenuous.

We are happy to discuss Sen. Clinton's foreign policy experience and her record overall. Unfortunately, the Obama campaign doesn't want to discuss its candidate's record and prefers personal attacks instead.

Sen. Obama knows that if he focused on his experience, he'd get questions about the shortcomings in his record and the efforts he has made to embellish it.

He'd have to deal with the fallout from this week's Washington Post report on his gross exaggeration of his role on immigration reform and housing policy.

Sen. Obama would have to explain why the New York Times reported that he claims credit for passing nuclear leak legislation that never got out of committee.

He'd have to confront reports from FactCheck.org and other independent organizations that say his claims of providing a universal health care plan are based on selective, embellished and out-of-context quotes from newspapers.

He'd have to discuss the LA Times story that reported on how his fellow organizers say he took too much credit for his community organizing efforts.

He'd have to explain why he regularly claims he was a law professor when in fact he held no such title.

Sen. Obama seems to think disingenuous attacks on Sen. Clinton will address the concerns voters have about his record and readiness to be the Commander-in-Chief and the steward of our economy. They won't.

In the end, Sen. Obama's words cannot erase Hillary's 35-year record of action because when all is said and done, words aren't action. They are just words.

[Kate]

Will Sen. McCain pick Condoleeza Rice as his running mate? She fits the bill.

Condi for Veep
By Dave
Mar 27th 2008 11:34PM
Filed Under:eJohn McCain, 2008 President, Veepstakes

The double down on Iraq ticket. Condoleeza Rice goes to talk to Grover Norquist:

At the semi-secret gatherings which Republican political hopefuls migrate to to get the blessing of not only Norquist but the diverse parts of the nation's conservative money and political machinery, Norquist gives everyone in the room 3 minutes to pitch their cause or issue. I have attended before, but if one wants to attend again -- no one may write or speak about the internal discussion or who attended.

As one major Republican operative told me yesterday:

Someone like Condi Rice doesn't go to Grover Norquist's den to talk about the Annapolis Middle East peace process. She's going to secure her future in Republican politics and to position herself as a 'potential' VP candidate on the McCain ticket.

Since Condoleeza's signature issue as Secretary of State is prosecuting the war on terror, this pick would mean that McCain is so not afraid of Iraq, he'll pick one of Bush's top advisers to run with him. I can see it, McCain is that stubborn and determined.

And obviously since Ms. Rice is both black and a woman, she can help neutralize both the Hillary "first woman" and the Barack "first minority" advantages. Which is kind of fun, but I sincerely hope that top decisions that affect our futures aren't made that way. But they probably are.

[Sonia]

She's in it to the end. From the Associated Press:

Clinton: In the Race for the Long Run
By BETH FOUHY

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) — If Hillary Rodham Clinton is feeling heat from pundits and party elders to quit the race and back Barack Obama, you'd never know it from her crowds, energy level and upbeat demeanor on the campaign trail.

"There are millions of reasons to continue this race: people in Pennsylvania, Indiana and North Carolina, and all of the contests yet to come," Clinton told reporters Friday. "This is a very close race and clearly I believe strongly that everyone should have their voices heard and their votes counted."

The former first lady weathered a two-pronged blow Friday, with influential Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey Jr. endorsing Obama and another Senate colleague, Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy, urging her to step aside. But to hear Clinton tell it, it was just another day in an epic primary battle whose result is still not known.

"I believe a spirited contest is good for the Democratic Party and will strengthen the eventual nominee," she said. "We will have a united party behind whomever that nominee is. ... I look forward to campaigning over the next several months."

Traveling across Indiana, the former first lady was greeted by large, enthusiastic audiences who roared their approval at her proposals to help fix the state's economic ch*****ges.

At events here and in North Carolina on Thursday, Clinton raised the issue of whether she should quit the race, only to have it firmly batted down by her supporters.

"There are some people who are saying, you know, we really ought to end this primary, we just ought to shut it down," she said in Mishawaka, Ind., drawing cries of "No, no!" inside a packed gymnasium.

In Hammond, she compared the state's struggling steel industry to her own efforts to fight the odds.

"I know a little bit about comebacks," she said to cheers. "I know what it's like to be counted down and counted out. But I also know there is nothing that will keep us down if we are determined to keep on."

Yet despite the optimistic talk, there is no doubt that Clinton faces an uphill battle to secure securing her party's nod.

She trails Obama among pledged delegates and is not expected to close that gap even with a strong showing in the 10 remaining primaries. She also trails in the popular vote and probably cannot make up the deficit without revotes in Michigan and Florida, whose January primary results were nullified because they broke party rules. Neither state is expected to go through with new contests.

As a result, the so-called "superdelegates" — some 800 elected officials and party insiders who can choose to support any candidate — would risk intraparty rebellion if they backed Clinton.

The New York senator reaffirmed her belief that superdelegates will base their choice on which candidate would make the best president and would have the best chance to beat Republican John McCain in November.

All the more reason to look forward to Pennsylvania's primary April 22, Indiana and North Carolina's May 6 and the handful of others that follow, Clinton insisted.

"There will be additional information that will inform those decisions that will come from these upcoming contests," she said.

Dismissing concerns raised by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean that a prolonged contest would demoralize the party base, Clinton pointed to a recent surge in voter registration and projected turnout in Pennsylvania. Democratic registration went up by 4 percent in the state this year, while it declined 1 percent among Republicans.

"Both Senator Obama and I have brought millions of new people into the process," she said. "People are registering to vote for him and to vote for me. They're part now of the Democratic Party."

Asked what she thought of Obama's comment Friday that the Democratic primary race resembled "a good movie that lasted about a half-hour too long," Clinton smiled broadly and said, "I like long movies."

Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[Sonia]

Those of us who watched the Compassion Forum on TV saw a different aspect of Hillary that strengthens our awareness of her ability to run this country, and her elect-ability. It was apparent she will win Pennsylvania, and eventually, the primary.

Received today from the Hillary campaign:

Morning HUBdate: Stepped Up Enforcement of Trade Laws

Trade Laws: This morning, Hillary renews calls for stepped up enforcement of trade laws at the Alliance for American Manufacturing Forum in Pittsburgh, PA.

Compassion Forum: At last night's Compassion Forum at Messiah College, Hillary said, “I don't think that I could have made my life's journey without being anchored in God's grace and without having that…sense of forgiveness and unconditional love.” Read more and more

Bringing People Together in Scranton, PA: “Hundreds of people” lined the street in Scranton yesterday to see Hillary. At a press availability, Hillary responded to questions about Sen. Obama's recent comments about small town America: “Democrats have reached out to me to say that we can't afford for people to believe that the Democratic Party is elitist and out of touch. Because honestly, how do we expect people to listen to us if we don't hear them and we don't respect their values and their way of life?…We're at a point in America where we need to be bringing people together to help solve our problems…People don't need a president who looks down on them; they need a president who stands up for them.” Listen here. Read more.

Pennsylvanians for Hillary: Hillary went door-to-door in the Philadelphia suburb of Drexel Hill yesterday. Said one supporter: “I never thought this time would come. It was amazing.” Read more

A Chat in Pittsburgh: Sitting down for a breakfast interview, Hillary told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “I work hard to be the kind of person that is a good friend, a good family member, a good public servant.” Read more

Spots in the Tar Heel State: The campaign is releasing its second “NC Ask Me” ad…out of nearly 10,000 questions submitted, Tammie Bright of Cherryville submitted the first question selected: “What are your plans on reducing the rising cost of gas?” Watch Hillary's answer here. Yesterday, “Jewel” was released in NC where 91-year-old Jewel Hodges says she supports Hillary because “she had to climb up the rough side of the mountain in life. I saw her take her faith, courage, dignity, and climb that mountain with determination.” Watch here

Hoosiers Canvass in Terre Haute: Yesterday, just two days after the Terre Haute office was destroyed by a fire, volunteers met at the sight to canvass. State Director Robby Mook said, “Our volunteers are resilient in their support for Hillary,” calling their continued work “a testament to [their] dedication.”

Previewing Today: After the Alliance for American Manufacturing Forum, Hillary attends the Philadelphia County Democratic Dinner in Philadelphia, PA. followed by a “Solutions for the Pennsylvania Economy” rally in Bristol, PA.

In Case You Missed It: Politico explores how “Obama can reveal moments of aloofness or tone deaf reactions that belie his image as the epitome of polished.” Read more.

Click here to see the email, and follow the links: http://click.hillaryclinton.com/DC/ViewEmailInBrowser.aspx?646C76=313333&736272=7006&66=30

[Sonia]

Dear Sonia,

Wow. I am amazed and gratified that so many of Hillary's supporters -- literally tens of thousands of them -- took the time to share their thoughts, suggestions, and words of encouragement in response to my email the other day. I think that speaks volumes about the quality of the people who are supporting Hillary's campaign and the extent of their commitment to her.

I want to show you some of the great submissions I've received:


Don't give up! I have been pulling a grass roots movement in NC for Hillary and there are many of us whose voice will be heard the day of the election, May 6th. Don't believe the polls -- I have faith that the middle-class American from the small town USA will pull her through.


Hillary, I'm proud of you and I believe in you. You've overcome hostile press coverage, and you're by far the best candidate in the race, and you'll make a fine president. Please hang in there and give all of us who are rooting for you a chance to vote for you again. You are the one I trust. You are the one who knows how politics work, and how to beat the odds. Don't let me down.


I think we should stress and publicize that any outcome without Florida and Michigan is incomplete, unfair, and unacceptable.

By the way, I've also shared some of the email responses with Hillary. She is extremely appreciative of the good suggestions people offered, and she was touched by the many kind words of support so many people sent in.

Please keep the advice and questions coming. If I haven't heard from you yet, please tell me what you think.

Click here to send your comments:

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/action/ideas/?sc=1799&utm_source=1799&utm_medium=e

Thank you again for everything you do to drive our campaign to victory. You know as well as I do that we are at a crucial point in the campaign, so all of your help is very much welcomed, and always appreciated.

Sincerely,
Geoff Garin
Hillary Clinton for President

[Sonia]

Re: Equal Pay for Women

Dear Sonia,

Today, we are launching the “Make Change Count” campaign to highlight the wage gap that persists for women across the country. This year, Equal Pay Day -- the day on which women's wages catch up to men's wages for the prior year -- falls on April 22.

Check out YOUR wage gap by using our calculator at: www.hillaryclinton.com/women!

Although it has been more than 40 years since the Equal Pay Act became law, full-time working women make just 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. And it's even worse for women of color.

Tell your friends about the Wage Gap calculator and Hillary's work by sending them an email – sample text here!

Hillary has long been a champion for equal pay for women. Her legislation, the Paycheck Fairness Act, would help close the wage gap for women across the country, ultimately putting more money in the pockets of America's families. Hillary has also worked in the Senate not only to ensure women earn the same amount as men for equal work but also to expand the earned income tax credit, provide health care for children, raise the minimum wage, and stand up for female-owned small businesses.

Write a letter to the editor about Hillary's commitment to closing the wage gap – sample text here! http://www.hillaryclinton.com/coalitions/womenforhillary/calculator/letter.doc

As president, Hillary would bring to the White House a long record of fighting for women and children -- and she will lead a government dedicated to improving the lives for all our families.

Please share this important tool with the women you know and let them know what is at stake in this election.

Sincerely,

Ann

[Sonia]

Hillary's triumph yesterday in Pennsylvania was not at all surprising. We expected she would do well, although her 10 point lead is certainly impressive! Never doubted, she's the best person for the job, and hope the rest of the country agrees. Here are some excerpts from her speech:

Clinton: 'If you're ready, I'm ready'


For me, the victory we share tonight is deeply personal. It was here in Pennsylvania where my grandfather started work as a boy in the lace mills and ended up as a supervisor five decades later. It was here where my father attended college and played football for Penn State. And I am back here tonight because of their hard work and sacrifice. And I only wish they could have lived to see this moment, because in this election I carry with me not just their dreams, but the dreams of people like them and like you all across our country. . . .

You know, the pundits question whether Pennsylvanians would trust me with this charge and tonight you showed you do. You know you can count on me to stand up strong for you every single day in the White House. . . .

Tonight, more than ever, I need your help to continue this journey. This is your campaign and this is your victory tonight. Your support has meant the difference between winning and losing. We can only keep winning if we can keep competing with an opponent who outspends us so massively. So, I hope you'll go to HillaryClinton.com and show your support tonight because the future of this campaign is in your hands. . . .

Some people counted me out and said to drop out, but the American people don't quit and they deserve a president who doesn't quit either. . . .

We were up against a formidable opponent who outspent us 3-1. He broke every spending record in this state trying to knock us out of the race. Well, the people of Pennsylvania had other ideas tonight. . . .

We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but if you're ready, I'm ready. I might stumble and I might get knocked down, but as long as you'll stand with me I will always get right back up. Because for me, in the end, the question isn't whether we can keep America's promise, it's whether we will keep America's promise.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

[Lenin]

It looks like Mississippi was divided along racial lines, and Obama won. So race is a divisive factor in this election.
I would say so. In Pennsylvania, black men voted 97% for Obama.
If that isn't racist voting, I don't know what would be.

[Tara]

Great endorsement for Hillary in Indiana newspaper:

Experience makes Clinton better choice in primary

In this extraordinary election year, Indiana's Democratic voters have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity: Choose for their party's presidential nominee between a gifted senator from Illinois who has enthused millions of new voters and an equally talented senator from New York with years of high-level experience.

It's been difficult for voters in other states to decide a clear favorite between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. It's also a difficult choice for The Star's Editorial Board, which recently questioned each candidate in person about key issues facing the nation.

Obama offers an attractive vision for the way things could be. He speaks eloquently of hope and change. He connects with voters, many who formerly felt disenfranchised, on a level few political leaders have attained.

Clinton offers a clear-eyed view of the way things are. She offers nuanced positions on how to address the war in Iraq, trade with China and economic expansion. Her depth of knowledge is remarkable.

As impressive as Obama appears, he is still in his first term in the U.S. Senate, and only four years ago was serving as an Illinois state senator. His inexperience in high office is a liability.

Clinton, in contrast, is well prepared for the rigors of the White House. She is tough, experienced and realistic about what can and cannot be accomplished on the world stage.

Clinton regrettably has pandered more to voters, particularly on gas prices, than Obama. Both have taken stands on free trade that give in to protectionism.

Clinton also was an integral part of her husband's political machine, which earned a reputation for flattening opponents. That factor understandably gives many voters pause about whether another Clinton should serve as president.

Yet, one thing is clear: The next commander in chief will take office at a time of extraordinary risk for this nation, both at home and abroad. The ch*****ges -- including those posed by a sagging economy, rising energy and food costs, the gap in health care, wars in two countries and threats from Iran -- are complex.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton is the better choice, based on her experience and grasp of major issues, to confront those ch*****ges. She earns The Star's endorsement in Tuesday's primary.

[Sonia]

A poignant message for Mother's Day, supporting the Hillary Clinton campaign:

This Mother’s Day, join us in asking for the best present of all: a better future for every mother and every child! Hillary has spent her entire career as a champion for women and families – she is focused on helping parents and families address our struggles to balance work and family responsibilities. Hillary has been a steadfast supporter of working families and knows the ch*****ges we face as women. She knows that families need a fighter in the White House. They need someone who has a plan to help parents.

As the leading advocate for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), I know firsthand that Hillary helped to make FMLA the law of the land. Her efforts continue as a leader in the Senate to expand it to include more people for more reasons. I don’t go anywhere in this country where someone doesn’t thank me for the work I did for FMLA and Hillary and Bill Clinton were pivotal in its success. In fact, FLMA was the first act Bill Clinton signed into law as President.

Hillary has proposed an extensive work-family agenda that provides for paid family leave, sick leave, child care tax credits, long term and respite care, as well as equal pay for equal work:
She is a leader for paid family leave, to ensure that America’s working women and men are given the chance to be able to take time off without fear of losing pay.

Her child care policy would increase funding to help the 14.3 million children under the age of six who need child care.

Hillary will ensure that every full-time worker has access to 7 sick days.

She has already helped to pass bipartisan legislation to provide respite care to caregivers and she has a plan to give a $3,000 tax credit for long term care to provide the critical resources when families need it the most.

To read a PDF of the entire plan, click here: http://hillaryclinton.com/files/pdf/mothers_press.pdf

In Washington, DC yesterday, thousands of women attended the Generations of Women event with Dorothy Rodham, Chelsea and Hillary. Hillary reiterated her unflinching determination to help the families that need it most. She said “as we look at what we have to do, we have to be committed to making sure that everyone of our children is treated as though we know that child personally.”

This campaign is about all of us, our families and the future of this country. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s also celebrate the work that Hillary has done for families and the work she will do as President. Click here to watch a video in celebration of Hillary and this historic campaign.

Warmest regards,

Judith Lichtman

P.S. – Stay up to date about everything happening on the campaign by going to www.hillaryclinton.com/women

[Sonia]

Hillary Wins Big in West Virginia

By DAVID ESPO and MATT APUZZO,AP
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (May 13) - Hillary Rodham Clinton coasted to a large but largely symbolic victory in working-class West Virginia on Tuesday, handing Barack Obama one of his worst defeats of the campaign yet scarcely slowing his march toward the Democratic presidential nomination.

"I am more determined than ever to carry on this campaign until everyone has had a chance to make their voices heard," Clinton told supporters as the scope of her triumph became clear. "This race isn't over yet. Neither of us has the total delegates it takes to win."

With votes from 12 percent of West Virginia's precincts counted, she was winning 61 percent of the vote, to 33 percent for Obama.

Earlier in the day, Obama looked ahead to the Oregon primary later in the month and the general election campaign against Republican John McCain, but the defeat underscored his weakness among blue collar voters who will be pivotal in the fall.

"This is our chance to build a new majority of Democrats and independents and Republicans who know that four more years of George Bush just won't do," Obama said in Missouri, which looms as a battleground state in November.

"This is our moment to turn the page on the divisions and distractions that pass for politics in Washington," added the man seeking to become the fist black presidential nominee of a major party.

Interviews with West Virginians leaving their polling places suggested Clinton's victory could be as overwhelming as any she has gained to date, delivered by an overwhelmingly white electorate comprised of the kinds of voters who favored her in past primaries. Nearly a quarter were 60 or older, and a similar number had no education beyond high school. More than half were in families with incomes of $50,000 or less.

Clinton's aides contended that her strength with blue-collar voters — already demonstrated in primaries in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana — makes her the more electable candidate in the fall.

"After tonight, we will have one more proof point, if you will, that Hillary Clinton is the strongest candidate Democrats can nominate," said Ann Lewis, an aide to the former first lady. "We're going to go back starting tomorrow and talk to those superdelegates who are still uncommitted and say, 'You know what? She is the candidate who expands the electoral map.' You look at West Virginia, you look at Kentucky, you look at Arkansas, you look at Tennessee. You look at what's at stake and that's a very powerful argument."

Clinton arranged a meeting with superdelegates for Wednesday.

She won at least 15 of the 28 delegates at stake in West Virginia, with 13 more to be allocated.

That left Obama with 1,875.5 delegates, to 1,712 for Clinton, out of 2,025 needed to clinch the nomination at the party convention in Denver this summer.

The delegate tally aside, the former first lady struggled to overcome an emerging Democratic consensus that Obama effectively wrapped up the nomination last week with a victory in the North Carolina primary and a narrow loss in Indiana.

He picked up four superdelegates during the day, including Roy Romer, former Democratic Party chairman.

"This race, I believe, is over," Romer told reporters on a conference call. He said only Clinton can decide when to withdraw, but he added: "There is a time we need to end it and direct ourselves to the general election. I think that time is now."

Clinton and Obama briefly shook hands on the Senate floor Tuesday after interrupting their campaigns for a few hours to vote on energy-related bills.

In the days since, close to 30 superdelegates have swung behind Obama, evidence that party officials are beginning to coalesce around the first-term Illinois senator who is seeking to become the first black to win a major party presidential nomination. Three of his new supporters formerly backed Clinton, who surrendered her lead in superdelegates late last week for the first time since the campaign began.

In his appearance in Cape Girardeau, Mo., Obama sketched the case against McCain. "For two decades, he has supported policies that have shifted the burden onto working people. And his only answer to the problems created by George Bush's policies is to give them another four years to fail," he said.

Tucker Bounds, a spokesman for McCain, said in response that Obama's rhetoric showed "more of the same negative, partisan politics that have paralyzed Washington for too long. Barack Obama talks about change and bipartisanship, but he has never showed the leadership needed to bridge party divides."

Clinton had spent parts of several days campaigning in West Virginia in search of victory.

She refrained from criticizing Obama directly, but had a cautionary word nonetheless for party leaders who seemed eager to pivot to the fall campaign. "I keep telling people, no Democrat has won the White House since 1916 without winning West Virginia," she said at Tudor's Biscuit World in the state's capital city.

Obama was in the state on Monday, but it was clear he was looking beyond the primary.

He said several days ago he expected Clinton to win by significant margins in West Virginia and then in Kentucky, which holds its primary next week. He devoted more time to Oregon, which also holds a primary next week, and announced plans to campaign in several other states that loom as battlegrounds in the fall against McCain.

Among them are Florida and Michigan, two states that held early primaries in defiance of national Democratic Party rules. The two combined have 44 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House, and Obama has not yet campaigned in either.

Obama also broke from his usual practice by wearing a flag pin on his suit jacket. He told several thousand people at the Charleston Civic Center that patriotism means more than saluting flags and holding parades.

[lbattorney]

For a little prespective, let us look at some other primary races:

Idaho
Obama 79%
Clinton 17%
Obama +62%

Hawaii
Obama 76%
Clinton 24%
Obama +52%

Alaska
Obama 75%
Clinton 25%
Obama +50%

Washington
Obama 68%
Clinton 31%
Obama +37%

Georgia
Obama 67%
Clinton 31%
Obama +36%

Colorado
Obama 67%
Clinton 32%
Obama +35%

Nebraska was also an overwhelming victory for Obama. I think there were 2 more states that Obama won overwhelmingly. I just hope that Clinton will not damage the democratic party in November, up and down the ticket.

[Tara]

You forgot a few states, lbattorney, such as:

New York

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

Texas

Ohio

Indiana

California

New Mexico

West Virginia

Florida &

Michigan

(just to mention a few states where Hillary beat Obama)

Obviously, she's not going to pull out now when she's doing so well, and is expected to win Kentucky, Oregon and Puerto Rico. She still has a chance at the White House, and many of us think, she can win.

[lbattorney]

Tara: The point was that Obama overwhelmingly beat her in the states I listed, in a bigger margin than Hillary won in WV., and in all the states, he won 31 to her 15 or 16. Hillary is not going to win the nomination (and she is not going to win Oregon or Montana or S.D.)--she must stop trying to destroy the democratic party. She has deliberately attacked Obama on many fronts and praised John McCain (McBush or Grampa for short). I used to be a big fan of Hillary and I adore Bill, and voted for her in the NJ primary. But I see the writing on the wall and switched to ensure that the Iraqi war ends in less than 100 years, and perhaps the Bush tax cuts which have gone to the upper 1% earners will not be permanent. If you like McBush, continue on....

[Tara]

lbattorney,

The democratic party is very strong, it can withstand this primary. I doubt Hillary will destroy the democratic party, and know it's not her intention to do that. She just wants to win the nomination, and maybe she will. I admire her tenacity, and determination. I also think she would make a great president, and is the best choice to improve our economy. However, my vote will go to the democratic nominee, whomever that may be because I believe we can no longer afford the war in Iraq, for both economic and moral reasons. It's abundantly clear McCain will continue the Bush policies. I'm not going to get into name-calling, but it's obvious we need a President who will bring peace and prosperity back again to America, like the P & P we experienced during the former Clinton administration.

In any event, New Jersey has already had its primary. The next time any of us will vote will be in the general election. So, I don't see any problem in my supporting Hillary, or for that matter, that it will have any impact on the democratic party. I will vote Democrat no matter who wins.

[Lenin]

I think Hillary would make the better president and I KNOW she would beat McCain handily.
Alas, I think Barack Obama will win the nomination and be beaten by John McCain who will usher in the BUSH THIRD TERM...time to polish the swastikas.

Running Barack Obama was the only conceivable way that the Democrats could shoot themselves in the foot again...but shoot they seem determined to do. I, of course, WILL vote for Obama in the November as will NJ, but I fear NJ will vote with the minority again.

But, as Tara said, NJ has already had its primary and voted the better way. There is nothing left for us except to sit back and watch this train wreck occur in slow motion...VERY slow motion.

[Tara]

You have to admire Hillary's drive and determination. Obviously, the DNC must seat Florida and Michigan, or they risk losing a lot of their voters to the Republicans in November. We should expect this to increase Hillary's numbers substantially, and maybe set her more on track to the nomination.

Here's an article on the topic:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Democratic Party is likely to meet rule-breaking Florida and Michigan halfway when it comes to seating their delegates at the national convention, two members of the rules committee said Wednesday.

Sen. Barack Obama and some other Democrats had their names taken off the Michigan ballot.

Such a move may help Sen. Hillary Clinton close the delegate gap with front-runner Sen. Barack Obama but not overtake him, said sources familiar with party deliberations.

The sources did not want to be identified because the full committee has not discussed the problem or ruled on it.

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee meets Saturday in Washington to consider what to do with Florida and Michigan, which broke ranks to hold primaries earlier than party rules allowed.

As punishment, both state parties were told that they would not be represented at all when the party officially nominates a presidential candidate at the August convention in Denver, Colorado, and they are ch*****ging those sanctions.

Clinton and her supporters have been pressing for a compromise that seats as many delegates from the two states as possible. Clinton's Web site encourages people to write to the Rules and Bylaws Committee. Watch Clinton supporter James Carville offers his solution »

"There is one number that we are going to be satisfied with, and that is 2.3 million people having their votes counted," Clinton supporter Tina Flournoy said. About 600,000 people voted in Michigan and about 1.7 million in Florida.

The party needs "to recognize the January primary votes in both of those states," Clinton campaign co-chairman Harold Ickes said Wednesday.

"Pledged delegates fairly reflect the will of the voters," Ickes said, referring to delegates chosen in primaries and caucuses.

Ickes and Flournoy are both members of the Rules and Bylaws Committee. Watch more on the Democrats' dilemma »

Clinton, the New York senator and former first lady, won decisively in both states. But all candidates initially agreed not to campaign in either state after they broke party rules.

Obama and some other candidates had their names taken off the Michigan ballot, but he was on Florida's ballot.

In addition to deciding how many, if any, Florida and Michigan delegates to seat at the convention, the rules committee must determine how the delegates would be allocated between Clinton and Obama.

Various formulas have been suggested, most of which would give Clinton more delegates than Obama, but not enough to overtake his lead, which CNN currently estimates at about 200.

Ickes said Wednesday that he expected Obama's lead over Clinton to be "over 100" pledged delegates when primary season ends June 3.

Counting the two states' votes could bring Clinton close enough to Obama's total among pledged delegates which in turn could help persuade the party's "superdelegates" that she is the more electable general election candidate.

Superdelegates are party officials who can cast their ballots for the candidate of their choice. They hold the balance of power in the party at the moment.

The Obama campaign says it is willing to compromise on how Michigan and Florida delegates are seated, portraying its position as a gesture to party unity.

"Any compromise is going to benefit Sen. Clinton," Obama strategist David Plouffe said Wednesday. "We're hoping there can be some reasonable resolution on Saturday that can allow us to move to the general election."

The Obama campaign was dismissive of efforts by the Clinton campaign to have supporters demonstrate outside the rules meeting.

"We're not going to turn this thing into a circus," former Democratic Party Chairman David Wilhelm said.

A memo prepared for Rule and Bylaws Committee members says the party was within its rights to strip both states of all their delegates. CNN obtained a copy of the confidential memo, which committee members received Tuesday.

Party rules require that states lose at least 50 percent of all their delegates for the violations Michigan and Florida committed.

The documents are intentionally neutral, according to a senior Democratic Party official with knowledge of the rules and bylaws discussions and who is not aligned with either Clinton or Obama.

They do not make specific recommendations. The analysis seeks to provide a rules framework for each argument and the issues raised within each ch*****ge.

Separately, a federal judge in Tampa on Wednesday threw out a lawsuit ch*****ging the party's decision not to seat delegates from Florida.

Political consultant Victor DiMaio and his attorney, Michael Steinberg, had compared the decision to prohibitions against allowing African-Americans to vote. And they invoked the trauma of the Florida recount in the 2000 contest between Al Gore and George W. Bush.

"This is nuts. This is not right. How can they remove Florida after all the things that Florida has suffered through? Hanging chads, through Bush v. Gore, and they're sticking it to us again," DiMaio said before the hearing.

But DNC Chairman Howard Dean said the situations are not comparable.

"You cannot violate the rules of the process and then expect to get forgiven for it," Dean said.

Judge Richard Lazzara sided with the DNC, saying political parties have the right to make their own rules. It is the second Florida lawsuit protesting the party's decision to be thrown out of court, following one filed by Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Alcee Hastings, both Florida Democrats.

DiMaio may appeal to the Supreme Court.

[Sonia]

Today, a Democratic panel approved seating full Florida and Michigan delegations, giving each delegate half a vote.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Members of a Democratic rules committee voted on Saturday to seat all of Florida's and Michigan's delegation to the party's national convention and give their delegates a half vote each.

Members of the Democrats' rules committee discuss the delegate issue Saturday.

1 of 4 A first vote, which would have seated all of Florida's delegation with full voting privileges, failed.

After the results were announced, spectators started to boo and his and some started chanting, "Denver! Denver!" the site of the party's convention in August.

Democrats fear that a protracted battle over the issue all the way to the convention could split the party and weaken it's chances of winning the White House in November.

The panel must now vote on how to address Michigan's disputed delegates.

The Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee is hearing the two states' appeals on its decision to strip all of their delegates because they moved their primary contests earlier on the calendar.

Lawyers for the committee advised in a memo CNN obtained this week that the committee's rules call for 50 percent of the delegations to be seated.

Seating all of the states' delegates is not on the table, the committee Co-chairwoman Alexis Herman said in her opening remarks.

"We had many states that wanted to violate the timing. We needed to send a very strong signal in order to prevent additional states from moving forward," Herman said.

After meeting for about five hours, the hearing broke for lunch. The audience of 500 people and those out in hallways appeared to grow more boisterous as the hearing went on, cheering and booing speakers.

Supporters of Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had disagreed over how best to handle the situation.

Both Democratic presidential hopefuls have said they want the Florida and Michigan delegates to attend the convention. CNN.com/Live is carrying the meeting in its entirety.

Clinton's campaign is calling for the results of the states' primaries to be honored and the delegates awarded based on the results. That approach would help her chip away at Obama's lead in pledged delegates because she handily won both states and would be awarded a greater share of the delegates.

Obama's campaign disagrees, saying he followed the rules, took his name off of the Michigan ballot and did not campaign in either state. See what the fuss is all about »

The chairman of Michigan's Democratic Party called on the committee to seat Michigan's delegation in full, with full voting rights, and divide the pledged delegates between Clinton and Obama, 69-59.

In Michigan, Clinton got 55 percent of the vote, and 40 percent of Democrats voted for an uncommitted slate.

Mark Brewer admitted under questioning from the panel that the party had not followed any set guidelines in determining the split but had reached this compromise because "we have to do something in this situation; we can't do nothing. I wish there were more, I wish it were better, but it's all we have."


Levin argued that Michigan had accepted the ruling that it would not be one of the four states allowed to hold its primary in January -- objecting only when New Hampshire, which was not included in that group, was granted a waiver.

The dispute over the seating of Michigan's delegates is a thornier dispute than the dilemma over Florida's delegation. Clinton was the only major candidate who did not remove her name from Michigan's primary ballot after the committee's decision last summer.

Florida Democrats conceded in their opening remarks that a party penalty for holding their primary was unavoidable but pleaded with Democratic leaders to seat half their state's delegates at the summer convention.

"We recognize, in fact, that Florida has violated that timing rule," said Florida Democratic National Committee member Jon Ausman, who had ch*****ged the original penalty, and he said a punishment of some kind was "appropriate."

But he said Florida's superdelegates did not need to face a similar reduction under party rules.

Dozens of sign-toting, chanting protesters gathered outside the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, the site of Saturday's events, to have their say on what the decision should be.

Some of the signs read "Count our Florida votes" and "Rules, what rules?"

With no Michigan or Florida delegates included, Obama leads Clinton by 202 delegates. He needs 42 more to clinch the nomination.

"Right now, what we have to do is to figure our way through all of this, and I believe we will," said Allan Katz, a rules member from Florida who supports Obama. "And I believe we will come up with something [Saturday]. There will probably be a little sort of tussling, but we are Democrats." Follow a timeline of the dispute »

The rules committee will address two main issues at the hearing: how many delegates each state is allowed and how those delegates will be allocated between the two candidates. Watch who will really decide the nomination »

"How do you recognize the people who didn't vote, and how do you recognize the people that did vote, and how do we at the same time maintain the integrity of the process?" asked Martha Fuller Clark, a Rules Committee member from New Hampshire and an Obama supporter. "And there are no easy answers."

In a letter to the co-chairs of the rules committee, Clinton lawyer Lyn Utrecht said Friday that the panel is compelled to seat both delegations from Florida and Michigan fully and not award Obama any delegates from Michigan.

"It is a bedrock principle of our party that every vote must be counted, and thereby every elected delegate should be seated," Utrecht wrote.


The letter said party rules do not allow "arbitrary reallocation of uncommitted delegates to a candidate or arbitrary reallocation of delegates from one candidate to another." Read the full letter (pdf)

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe told The Associated Press that receiving no pledged delegates from Michigan is not acceptable and said, "I don't think is a position that people find terribly

[Sonia]

The Decision to Seat Florida and Michigan
by Maggie Williams, Campaign Manager
5/31/2008 9:33:30 PM

Hillary has consistently stood up for the voters of Michigan and Florida. She, like you, has insisted that the voice of all Americans be heard. Today, the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee announced their decision on seating Florida and Michigan's delegations. In recent days, almost 350,000 of Hillary's supporters wrote in to the committee to make clear what an important principle it is for our party to count every vote.

Our campaign has released an official statement about the results of the Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting and I'd like to share it with blogHillary readers. I know how passionate Hillary's supporters are about the importance of counting every vote cast in Florida and Michigan and I hope that they continue to express their feelings with the respect and thoughtfulness they've shown during the course of this campaign.

Harold Ickes and Tina Flournoy made the following statement:


Today’s results are a victory for the people of Florida who will have a voice in selecting our Party’s nominee and will see its delegates seated at our party’s convention. The decision by the Rules and Bylaws Committee honors the votes that were cast by the people of Florida and allocates the delegates accordingly.

We strongly object to the Committee’s decision to undercut its own rules in seating Michigan’s delegates without reflecting the votes of the people of Michigan.

The Committee awarded to Senator Obama not only the delegates won by Uncommitted, but four of the delegates won by Senator Clinton. This decision violates the bedrock principles of our democracy and our Party.
We reserve the right to ch*****ge this decision before the Credentials Committee and appeal for a fair allocation of Michigan’s delegates that actually reflect the votes as they were cast.

[Sonia]

Pleased to announce across the board enormous victory in Puerto Rico for Hillary Clinton. It appears the island has not put her over the top in the popular vote, as her campaign had hoped, but she has won with a clean sweep in every demographic group. This election clearly demonstrates her popularity in the latino community.

[Sonia]

I thought this letter from Hillary is especially nice, and would like to share it with you. As you can see, she truly is a great lady, and an extraordinary leader:


Dear Sonia,

I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.

On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.

I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.

When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.

I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.

I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.

In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

[247.5]

I think the ****** will lose.

I know I have been wrong in the past.

Its just my guess.

Nobody wants Obama

Hillary wouldve been better

If Mccain wins Hillary will run in 4 years If you vote for monkey boy

Hillary wont run for another 8 years