It's time once again for the weekly "Idol" recaps. We have 24 contestants at the moment, so each individual critique will be a bit short at the start.
Tonight, it was the guys performing songs from the 60s. Here we go...
David Hernandez
Glendale, Arizona
"In the Midnight Hour"
The gospel intro was a stupendous way to start the show. He turned in a strong vocal, but needs to loosen up a bit on stage; he should work on that whole "play to the camera" thing.
Chikezie
Inglewood, California
I am not sure what song he sang, but isn't it too cute that his parents named him after that little monkey from the old Saturday morning TV show, "Land of the Lost!?"
He turned in a flat, dull vocal early on, and got only marginally better as the song continued. The entire performance reminded me of a bad lounge singer playing in the two-bit bar at the Ramada Inn in...you know...Lincoln, Nebraska.
David Cook
Blue Springs, Missouri
"Happy Together"
I really liked the rock tinge he gave the chorus on this song. It was an above average performance all around. Nothing spectacular.
Jason Yeagar
Grand Prairie, Texas
"Moon River"
I love this song, and I think Jason had some strong moments during his performance of it. But, it seemed like he mumbled from time to time; and vocally he had an uneven moment or two.
Robbie Carrico
Melbourne, Florida
"One Is the Loneliest Number"
This rocker turned in the second strongest vocal of the night. He is a very confident singer, quite professional, and I think he'll go far in the competition.
David Archuleta
Murray, Utah
"Shop Around"
Brilliant! A very strong vocal that was the best performance of the night. David is a natural performer on that stage.
And how can that smile of his not make you melt?
Danny Noriega
I have no idea where he's from.
"Jailhouse Rock"
First off, this is a 50s song, not a 60s song. Secondly, OHHH M' GOD...Is his mother a drag queen or what? Third, Danny needs to find some pants that fit his fat girl ass. And finally, what a f*cked up, messy, all-over-the-place performance. Pure crap. This is the guy who should go home on Thursday.
Luke Menard
Crawfordsville, Indiana
"Everybody's Talkin' At Me"
Average. Nothing special. Played it really safe. He may not make it past Thursday.
Colton Berry
Staunton, Virginia
"Suspicious Minds"
This drama student took one of the bigger Elvis classics and turned in a very good performance. The dancing was a bit karaoke-esque, but that didn't take away from his pretty good singing.
Garrett Haley
Elida, Ohio
"Breaking Up Is Hard to Do"
Question for those in the know: Is this Nick Gilder and Peter Frampton's love child!?! And Dude...get rid of the peach fuzz. Not attractive!
Well done vocal, not the best, but well done. And like a couple of the others, Garrett needs to get a bit more comfortable on the stage.
Jason Castro
Rockwall, Texas
"Daydream"
The only singer to play an instrument, Jason's vocal performance was original - pitchy in a spot or two - but pretty good overall.
PS: His post-performance interview with Seacrest was a bit odd. Did this kid smoke a doobie before hitting the stage or what?
Michael Johns
Buckhead, Georgia
"Light My Fire"
This comes in as a tie (with David) for the best performance of the night. Michael took what could have been a really risky song choice and belted it out of the park. This guy is a natural rocker and will go far in the business, no matter how far he makes it on this show.
19 February 2008
Nine In A Row
And it looks like it will be yet another blow out ! Obama won all demographic groups in Wisconsin except women and seniors, and even those he lost only marginally. The mountain Hillary has to climb just got enormously steeper, and the silver lining at the top is fading fast.
Hillary's Attempted Side-Run to the Nomination
In yet another move reminiscent of TV's Nellie Olson, a high-ranking official in the presidential campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton has told Roger Simon of Politico that they will go after delegates whom Barack Obama has already won in the caucuses and primaries if she needs them to win the nomination.
It reeks of desperation and mark. my. words..., If Obama is leading in the delegate and popular vote counts come convention time, and she wins the nomination by man-handling Obama's delegates, she may very well lose my vote.
And no...I'm not kidding.
Imagine for a minute, my fellow Democrats who are backing Sen. Clinton, if it was Obama trailing Clinton and the Obama team was trying to steal delegates to do a side run to the nomination. You would be so royally pissed off your heads would be ready to explode.
I understand that in past conventions delegates formerly pledged to another candidate have switched their vote on the convention floor. But here's the thing: In the last several cycles, the nominee of the party was apparent before the primary voting was over (meaning they had more than enough delegates to secure the nomination) and thus the convention turned into a coronation. There were very few delegates on the convention floor pledged to other candidates, and it was those delegates who switched their votes to the eventual nominee.
Hillary Clinton's miserably run campaign is beginning to lose their air of inevitability and now they're in full panic mode. It's unbecoming of a former First Lady, it's bad form for a sitting United States Senator, and this sort of threat is exactly what we would expect from the Karl Rove-Fascist wing of the Republican Party.
Update: In response to reader email...yes, if Obama is behind in the popular and delegate counts then Hillary should be the nominee. And yes, if Obama tries anything similar to what the Clinton campaign is threatening, I would have rethink my vote for him as well.
But, that a key figure in the Clinton campaign is making this threat publicly says so much about the sleazy campaign she is running; and, I hate to say it, but it also says a lot about the Nixonian ways she might run a Hillary Clinton White House.
At a time when the Democrats are sitting pretty for an extended run at the top, do we really want to go down THAT route?
It reeks of desperation and mark. my. words..., If Obama is leading in the delegate and popular vote counts come convention time, and she wins the nomination by man-handling Obama's delegates, she may very well lose my vote.
And no...I'm not kidding.
Imagine for a minute, my fellow Democrats who are backing Sen. Clinton, if it was Obama trailing Clinton and the Obama team was trying to steal delegates to do a side run to the nomination. You would be so royally pissed off your heads would be ready to explode.
I understand that in past conventions delegates formerly pledged to another candidate have switched their vote on the convention floor. But here's the thing: In the last several cycles, the nominee of the party was apparent before the primary voting was over (meaning they had more than enough delegates to secure the nomination) and thus the convention turned into a coronation. There were very few delegates on the convention floor pledged to other candidates, and it was those delegates who switched their votes to the eventual nominee.
Hillary Clinton's miserably run campaign is beginning to lose their air of inevitability and now they're in full panic mode. It's unbecoming of a former First Lady, it's bad form for a sitting United States Senator, and this sort of threat is exactly what we would expect from the Karl Rove-Fascist wing of the Republican Party.
Update: In response to reader email...yes, if Obama is behind in the popular and delegate counts then Hillary should be the nominee. And yes, if Obama tries anything similar to what the Clinton campaign is threatening, I would have rethink my vote for him as well.
But, that a key figure in the Clinton campaign is making this threat publicly says so much about the sleazy campaign she is running; and, I hate to say it, but it also says a lot about the Nixonian ways she might run a Hillary Clinton White House.
At a time when the Democrats are sitting pretty for an extended run at the top, do we really want to go down THAT route?
The Alohas and the Badgers
It's Primary Day in Hawaii and Wisconsin. If you are still on the fence, let me try and sway you here.
18 February 2008
Presidents Day Eye Candy
It's the third day of a three-day weekend. No more blogging until tomorrow. In the mean time, enjoy the hotties that make up the Oxford University Swim Club...
The Gayest Phonebook Page
Must be the page Brent and I are listed on! ;-)
Then again, we're all "fab," aren't we?
(Photo: Michael Musto)
Then again, we're all "fab," aren't we?
(Photo: Michael Musto)
McCain As Bush
Quote of the Day 2:
No new taxes.-Sen. John McCain (Bush-Bitch-AZ), in a taped interview this past weekend, thereby snaring himself in the same trap President George Herbert Walker Bush talked himself into in 1989.
Bush the First Endorses McCain
Former President George Herbert Walker Bush today endorsed Senator John McCain of Arizona for the Republican presidential nomination. Although I didn't support the elder Bush in either of his elections (unlike some...(wink, wink...careful Lar, don't spit your soda all over your work keyboard), I used to think of him as one of the more respectable members of the Republican Party; an elder statesman who would go down in history as a decent but lackluster president.
But over the last seven years he has done nothing (NOTHING) to reign in his son. The Bush Boy has turned this country on its ear; and although several members of the father's administration called the current president on his shit, the father, as far as we can tell, hasn't.
And therein lays the entire problem. A cursory look at W's college and early adult years shows some parenting skills on the part of George I and Barbara that are seriously lacking; and that unwillingness to have any sort of come to Jesus talk with the boy have resulted in a serious mess for America and the globe.
Perhaps I am being unfair, but the fact that this imbecile was able to squeeze his way into the White House on the back of his father's failed one term is unfair on whole different level.
As such, the endorsement of McCain, who has become the Bush family bitch, isn't worth the paper the former president's notes were written on.
But over the last seven years he has done nothing (NOTHING) to reign in his son. The Bush Boy has turned this country on its ear; and although several members of the father's administration called the current president on his shit, the father, as far as we can tell, hasn't.
And therein lays the entire problem. A cursory look at W's college and early adult years shows some parenting skills on the part of George I and Barbara that are seriously lacking; and that unwillingness to have any sort of come to Jesus talk with the boy have resulted in a serious mess for America and the globe.
Perhaps I am being unfair, but the fact that this imbecile was able to squeeze his way into the White House on the back of his father's failed one term is unfair on whole different level.
As such, the endorsement of McCain, who has become the Bush family bitch, isn't worth the paper the former president's notes were written on.
Debating Science
After eight years of essentially denying the existence of science by the Bush administration, the fact that representatives from the two Democratic camps participated in a science debate is a breath of fresh air.
I would be more impressed had Sens. Clinton and Obama been on that debate stage in person, but still...a good sign going forward.
I would be more impressed had Sens. Clinton and Obama been on that debate stage in person, but still...a good sign going forward.
The Marsh Math
Quote of the Day:
Insert parallel to Republican number fixing here.
Apparently, if you only count votes up to Super Tuesday, discount every state that had a caucus, only go by the exit polling, and eliminate any voters who weren’t registered Democrats, then Hillary Clinton*actually has the popular vote lead. In other news, based on exit polling and early voting from 2004 President Kerry will be running for reelection.-Tom, over at Balloon Juice, commenting on a some really fuzzy math coming from the Clinton camp via Taylor Marsh.
Insert parallel to Republican number fixing here.
17 February 2008
Jane Fonda Drops the "C Bomb"
Well, ok then! Maybe now we can all stop talking about Janet Jackson's boob!
Vino
A whole bunch of us attended the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition at Fort Mason Center's Festival Pavilion yesterday. The annual event features every significant type and style of wine, from each of the major wine-producing regions in the United States, with a large representation from California...
(Pictures courtesy of Brent and Larry.)
(Pictures courtesy of Brent and Larry.)
Mark Penn Is An Idiot
It's Hillary Clinton's key campaign strategist who makes my skin crawl, not the candidate herself. Hillary would be a much more appealing candidate if it wasn't for this guy. When he says something like this, he isn't helping matters:
'nuff said!
Winning Democratic primaries is not a qualification or a sign of who can win the general election. If it were, every nominee would win because every nominee wins Democratic primaries.To which Jeff Fecke responds:
This is, in fact, true. However, losing Democratic primaries is strongly correlated with not being able to win elections.And who is it again who has won more of the nominating contests so far this year?
'nuff said!
15 February 2008
The Debating Democrats
Obama will see's Hillary debate charge...
...and he will hand it right back to her...
...and he will hand it right back to her...
Lewis Takes Back Clinton Endorsement
In what can only be called a major body blow to the Hillary Clinton campaign, Rep. John Lewis (Democrat-GA), a major player in the civil rights movement, has taken back his endorsement of Sen. Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination and said he will back Sen. Barack Obama when he casts his ballot as a super-delegate at the party's convention this summer in Denver.And the House of Inevitability continues to crumble...
Sharp Increase In Gun Violence
If any series of events ever made the case for the argument that the Constitution's second amendment is misinterpreted and as such should be amended in re-worded form or overturned all together, they are these...
Six students were killed when a former student opened fire on a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. The shooter then fatally shot himself.
Five women were murdered by a gunman at a suburban Chicago Lane Bryant store on February 2, 2008. A suspect has just been arrested in the case.
Another gunman killed five people at the Kirkwood City Town Hall on February 7, 2008, including a member of the city council. The town's mayor was critically wounded.
And in a most heartbreaking case, police in Oxnard, California will charge a 14-year-old boy with first degree murder, with a hate-crime enhancement, after he shot a fellow student in the head during class at E.O. Green Junior High School in the Los Angeles suburb.
Oxnard police have not specified a motive but said there appeared to be a personal dispute between the two. Several classmates have said the victim, Lawrence King, would act a bit feminine and had told classmates he might be gay.
King is currently on a respirator while family members decide whether to harvest his organs. But once off the ventilator, the suspect will be officially charged as an adult.
For the record, the Second Amendment of the Constitution states, in its entirety:
The reality of it is in nations where guns are banned, the violence and murder rates are extremely low. But Americans would rather have their semi-automatics because they feel it is their God-given right to shoot innocent students, women, and junior high school kids.
Give me a fuckin' break!
Six students were killed when a former student opened fire on a lecture hall at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. The shooter then fatally shot himself.
Five women were murdered by a gunman at a suburban Chicago Lane Bryant store on February 2, 2008. A suspect has just been arrested in the case.
Another gunman killed five people at the Kirkwood City Town Hall on February 7, 2008, including a member of the city council. The town's mayor was critically wounded.
And in a most heartbreaking case, police in Oxnard, California will charge a 14-year-old boy with first degree murder, with a hate-crime enhancement, after he shot a fellow student in the head during class at E.O. Green Junior High School in the Los Angeles suburb.
Oxnard police have not specified a motive but said there appeared to be a personal dispute between the two. Several classmates have said the victim, Lawrence King, would act a bit feminine and had told classmates he might be gay.
King is currently on a respirator while family members decide whether to harvest his organs. But once off the ventilator, the suspect will be officially charged as an adult.
For the record, the Second Amendment of the Constitution states, in its entirety:
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.Neither the gunman in DeKalb, nor the shooter in Tinley Park, nor the 15-year-old kid in Oxnard were maintaining a regulated militia. With the exception of on-duty police officers and members of the military actively engaged in conflict, the Constitution is pretty clear cut: Guns should be illegal.
The reality of it is in nations where guns are banned, the violence and murder rates are extremely low. But Americans would rather have their semi-automatics because they feel it is their God-given right to shoot innocent students, women, and junior high school kids.
Give me a fuckin' break!
14 February 2008
Defeating the Republicans
As we plow our way through the Democratic presidential nominating contests it is sometimes easy to forget who the real enemy is. Yes, I have my problems with Hillary Clinton. But know this: If she is the party's nominee, she will have my vote. No questions asked.
Because the man the Republicans have chosen as their nominee to replace the incompetent fool currently in the White House is nothing short of Bush's lap bitch:
Because the man the Republicans have chosen as their nominee to replace the incompetent fool currently in the White House is nothing short of Bush's lap bitch:
McCain Votes Against Anti-Torture Bill
This from a man who was a prisoner of war? Obama is right: McCain is not the man America (or the world) needs going into the new decade.
Hillary's Strategy: Insult 40 States
From Kos:
Mark Penn:I really want to keep quiet. I really want to be excited about her candidacy. But GAWD...her campaign really gives me a headache.Could we possibly have a nominee who hasn't won any of the significant states -- outside of Illinois? That raises some serious questions about Sen. Obama.Funny how the states that "matter" are the ones that Hillary Clinton happen to win. Who knew? Poor New Mexico is in limbo, still unsure about whether it matters or not since all the votes still haven't been counted.
Really, has there ever been a more idiotic line of spin in the history of politics, the suggestion that because Obama didn't win a Democratic primary in California or New York, that those two solid Democratic states are suddenly out of reach for him in November? With that logic, it's obvious Clinton has no chance in Illinois, since she got crushed there!
But worse than that, how is Clinton expected to win some of those important states that "don't matter", like Colorado, Missouri, Washington, Minnesota, Virginia, Maryland, Maine, Delaware, Iowa, and Connecticut?
Well, not insulting them as meaningless, for one.
The Dem Popular Vote
A total of all the votes cast thus far in the Democratic primaries:
I am not counting Michigan at all because all of the candidates except Clinton took their names off the ballot for the same rules infarction. But, for the record, Obama leads even then!
ObamaThese totals don't include Florida, whose primary isn't being included on the delegate count due to their bucking party rules and scheduling an early primary. But even if you add those totals into the mix, Obama still leads Clinton by over 400,000 votes.
9,332,762
48.84%
Clinton
8,648,617
45.26%
Edwards
801,715
4.20%
Others
323,700
1.70%
I am not counting Michigan at all because all of the candidates except Clinton took their names off the ballot for the same rules infarction. But, for the record, Obama leads even then!
13 February 2008
Mid-Week Brain Break
This has been all over the television during the last two weeks, but I just had to post it. The choreography is so spot on, it's both amazing and disturbing at the same time...
Positive On Hillary; But Don't Nominate Her
Ok...Ok, ok, ok...I had a flood of emails waiting for me when I got up this morning raking me over the coals for my rather strong anti-Hillary stance last night. So first, my thoughts on the possibility of a Clinton presidency...
She would be fine. She is extremely capable and would do a much better job than the current guy. As my mom has said, it will take a woman to clean up his mess. As Bill Maher has said, the hatred and venom spewed at Sen. Clinton is baseless; she did nothing wrong during Bill's presidency. All true. I loved her as First Lady and think she has been a superb Senator from New York.
However, my criticisms come from two basic areas. First, I believe - sincerely - that if the Democrats nominate her, then the party is broken. While I think she would be a half way decent president, the main point of the nominating process is to pick someone who can win against the Republicans in the fall. With her ice-princess personality and her nails-on-chalkboard speech delivery, the Democrats would once again take us down the path of John Kerry and Michael Dukakis should they nominate Sen. Clinton. We would prove to the country that we can't seem to break ourselves out of this losing loop.
Fair? No. Reality? You bet. And the Party should start dealing a lot more with the reality of the political climate than in the Clintons' political paybacks. For some dumb reason Americans will not vote for someone whose personality makes them want to change the channel or leave the room.
Second, the primary campaign she has run thus far has been appalling. Negative, vial, and, yes, even racist. (Even as recently as yesterday the Senator was saying that Louisiana's recent contest didn't really count because the primary electorate was overwhelmingly African-American. What the fuck, Hil?)
In a superb NY Times column this past Sunday, Frank Rich makes my point on the absolutely horrible Karl Rove-like campaign the Clinton camp has been running. Key point:
She would be fine. She is extremely capable and would do a much better job than the current guy. As my mom has said, it will take a woman to clean up his mess. As Bill Maher has said, the hatred and venom spewed at Sen. Clinton is baseless; she did nothing wrong during Bill's presidency. All true. I loved her as First Lady and think she has been a superb Senator from New York.
However, my criticisms come from two basic areas. First, I believe - sincerely - that if the Democrats nominate her, then the party is broken. While I think she would be a half way decent president, the main point of the nominating process is to pick someone who can win against the Republicans in the fall. With her ice-princess personality and her nails-on-chalkboard speech delivery, the Democrats would once again take us down the path of John Kerry and Michael Dukakis should they nominate Sen. Clinton. We would prove to the country that we can't seem to break ourselves out of this losing loop.
Fair? No. Reality? You bet. And the Party should start dealing a lot more with the reality of the political climate than in the Clintons' political paybacks. For some dumb reason Americans will not vote for someone whose personality makes them want to change the channel or leave the room.
Second, the primary campaign she has run thus far has been appalling. Negative, vial, and, yes, even racist. (Even as recently as yesterday the Senator was saying that Louisiana's recent contest didn't really count because the primary electorate was overwhelmingly African-American. What the fuck, Hil?)
In a superb NY Times column this past Sunday, Frank Rich makes my point on the absolutely horrible Karl Rove-like campaign the Clinton camp has been running. Key point:
Clinton [is] so ruthless that [she risks] shredding three decades of mutual affection with black America to win a primary.For some, health care trumps all other issues. For others it's the economy. Still others, the war in Iraq. All important, yes. But when you go so far as to divide your party during the primary campaign, then you're heading into the general election with no chance of winning. And at that point the nomination is about as worthless as the nominations of John Kerry or Michael Dukakis.
Trouble For Hil
Reader email:
If her base is crumbling, then she will have a hard time launching any sort of comeback a month from now.
I'm not saying she can't do it, but the degree of difficulty climbs significantly with each Obama blowout.
Don't underestimate Hillary. She has come back before and she will again.I don't doubt that. But the base of her comebacks has always been working-class voters, hispanics, and women. In Virginia yesterday, Barack Obama beat her in all three demographics; and closed his margin in with them in the other two contests (Maryland and DC).
If her base is crumbling, then she will have a hard time launching any sort of comeback a month from now.
I'm not saying she can't do it, but the degree of difficulty climbs significantly with each Obama blowout.
12 February 2008
The Delegate Count
Post-Potomac, preliminarily, from NBC News:
Pledged (elected) delgates:
Obama 1,078
Clinton 969
Pledged and super-delegates:
Obama 1,128
Clinton 1,009
Behold the Wonder...
...at about the 1:20 mark you'll understand what I mean when I say Hillary reminds me of Nellie:
McCain's Potomac Primary Night Speech
The Old School Bush-Bitch vs. the Young Voice of Hope?
Two words:
No. Contest.
Two words:
No. Contest.
Whiny Brat
From CNN:For the second election night in a row, Hillary Clinton failed to acknowledge or congratulate Barack Obama.I would say this if I were supporting her, so lay off with the "stop bashing Hillary" remarks...
I know this primary season has been going on for over a month now, but that shouldn't stop you from congratulating your opponent on their victories (and accepting their concessions when you win). It's basic common courtesy (even if you feel that the states you lost don't really matter).
As each day passes, Sen. Clinton reminds me more and more of a whiny little brat from television of yester-year:
Nellie Olson from "Little House on the Prairie."
Obama, Obama, Obama
He essentially handed Hillary Clinton her ass tonight. He has now won eight contests in a row. (And I'm sorry Sen. Clinton...each election counts whether you like the results or not.) It's not over by any stretch, but if she is to have a prayer of being nominated she is going to have to do extremely well in Ohio and Texas next month. She has leads in both states according to current polling, but then again she was leading in Virginia polling right before the holidays. Results like tonight's (landslides across the board), plus possible wins in Hawaii and Wisconsin next week, could well swing momentum so far toward Obama going into the big state contests in March that he can't be stopped.Live results for Virginia here, Maryland here, and D.C. here.
Obama Wins Big In Virginia
It's six in a row for the Senator from Illinois! And it's a massive blowout across the board. He won women, latinos, blacks, whites, and just about every other demographic group.
Matt Yglesias:
On the GOP side, Republican voters are once again having trouble stomaching the thought of John McCain as their annointed one. As of 5:05pm he was leading Mike Huckabee by less than 200 votes out of over 100,000 counted thus far.
Matt Yglesias:
...a huge win for Obama. Fifty-six percent of voters were women, and fifty-eight percent of them went for Obama. College graduates went for Obama. Non-graduates went for Obama. New voters went for Obama. People who'd voted previously voted for Obama. Basically, everyone voted for Obama.Up to the minute results for Virginia here. Maryland and DC as they become available.
Obama even won Latinos, 55-45.
"There's no solace anywhere in these numbers" says [Keith] Olberman.
On the GOP side, Republican voters are once again having trouble stomaching the thought of John McCain as their annointed one. As of 5:05pm he was leading Mike Huckabee by less than 200 votes out of over 100,000 counted thus far.
Obama's Coalition
New poll from USA Today/Gallup:
There have been stories from states where it is allowed, on each of the election nights this primary season, of independents and disenchanted Republicans showing up at their polling place and casting ballots in the Democratic contests for Sen. Obama. His appeal is so broad that I see him having the much better chance of winning a comfortable victory in November and bringing with him enough Republicans and independents that he would turn a few red states blue.
Obama 50%That Obama number is significant. No Democrat has won 50% or more of the popular vote since 1976. (Remember...while Bill Clinton won the national vote comfortably, his two elections included 19% and 8% of the vote respectively for Ross Perot, thus keeping everyone's vote percentages down.)
McCain 46%
Clinton 48%
McCain 49%
There have been stories from states where it is allowed, on each of the election nights this primary season, of independents and disenchanted Republicans showing up at their polling place and casting ballots in the Democratic contests for Sen. Obama. His appeal is so broad that I see him having the much better chance of winning a comfortable victory in November and bringing with him enough Republicans and independents that he would turn a few red states blue.
11 February 2008
Tom Lantos, 1928 - 2008
Rep. Tom Lantos (Democrat-CA), the only holocaust survivor to serve in the U.S. Congress, died today following a battle with esophageal cancer. His district was just south of San Francisco, and he represented the area for over 30 years. He was a true class act.
Obama Beats Bill (and Jimmy, too!)
The Senator from Illinois beat former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter last night at the Grammy Awards. Obama won the spoken-word Grammy for the audio recording of his book, "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream."
A Weekend Visit
Brent's sister Janet and her two boys, Sean and Aidan, drove in from suburban Sacramento for a couple of days of fun in the city. The weather was picture perfect: sunny, between 68 and 70; and Saturday was full of firsts for everyone...our first walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, lunch at the infamous Bill's Place, and our first foray into the San Francisco Zoo. We look forward to their next visit. In the mean time, some pictures...
"Quadfecta!"
Hillary Clinton was expected to do well in the Maine caucuses. The Democratic voters in that state are largely white ethnic and working class...a demographic tailor made, so they say, for a Clinton candidacy.
Much to Larry's chagrin, I'm sure, the voters of his native state said otherwise:
Much to Larry's chagrin, I'm sure, the voters of his native state said otherwise:
Obama 59%And so, Barack Obama is 4 for 4 this past weekend and heads into tomorrow's "Potomac primaries" (Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.) in tremendous shape.
Clinton 40%
McCain Rejected
He is only 300 or 400 delegates away from wrapping up the Republican presidential nomination, but the results in yesterday's Maine caucuses indicate the Republican base is none to pleased with the state of the race:
Romney 52%Considering the fact that Romney dropped out of the race last week, this vote is a pretty big "fuck you" to the Senator from Arizona.
McCain 21%
Paul 19%
Huckabee 6%
10 February 2008
They Eat Their Own
Button seen at last week's uber-Fascist Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) hate-fest:
Romney dropped out of the race on Thursday.
"I'd rather be waterboarded than vote for McCain"The conference then went on to vote for Mitt Romney over John McCain in a non-binding Friday straw poll
Romney dropped out of the race on Thursday.
Wipe Out
Obama wiped the floor with Clinton yesterday:Louisiana:And check out the contest in the Virgin Islands (a U.S. territory, allowed to participate in nominating elections but not in general elections):
Obama 57%
Clinton 36%
Nebraska:
Obama 68%
Clinton 32%
Washington State:
Obama 68%
Clinton 31%
Obama 90%So much for inevitabililty. Following the virtual tie of Super Tuesday, Sen. Clinton should have at least made a play in these states. That she chose to sit them out in order to focus on bigger states later in the season, handing Obama four huge wins, allows the illusion that her campaign is flailing and that the Senator from Illinois is on a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
Clinton 10%
Sen. Clinton's team would do well to look at another recent nominee who chose to put all their eggs in one basket, sitting out several contests in hopes of big wins in later ones. That plan backfired for Rudy Giuliani...didn't it?
Insisting that Obama debate her on Fox News; getting her gander up with MSNBC and threatening not to participate in debates on that network; these huge losses on Saturday. It seems to me that if Sen. Clinton loses the nomination, this will be the week that lost it for her. The Obama camp has knocked her off stride, and as a result her once iron grip on things seems to be slipping away. And the inevitability of a Democratic coronation for the former First Lady? Well, that bubble has been burst, wouldn't ya say?
Photo evidence of her deteriorating support in the photos below. From the Washington State caucuses yesterday, the first is of the Obama camp at one precinct; the other of the Clinton camp at the same precinct:
Republicans Hate McCain
From Kevin Drum, regarding yesterday's Republican contests, where Mitt Romney actually had a respectable showing in Washington despite dropping out of the race:
Did you get that? 26%! For a presumptive nominee!
Bottom line: this has been a disastrous night for McCain. Sure, he'll win the nomination eventually, but he looks like a goner in the general election. He's either going to be forced to spend so much time pandering to pissed-off conservatives that he loses the independent vote, or else he's going to beg for independents and wake up on November 5th to find out that half his base decided to stay home rather than vote for him. He's screwed either way.
09 February 2008
Trifecta!
Barack Obama wins all three of today's Democratic contests in Louisiana, Nebraska, and Washington State.
And he won all three by huge margins.
And he won all three by huge margins.
The Schuster Flap
It's your typical case of a TV reporter's mouth getting ahead of his brain. At the same time, David Schuster's comment accusing the Clinton's "pimping out" Chelsea at Hillary's campaign events was, if anything, unfair. Chelsea has joined her parents on the campaign trail at least as far back as Bill's 1992 presidential run; and the children of candidates for political office have joined the parents on the road as far back as I can remember.
MSNBC and NBC News did the proper thing with Schuster's suspension. Beyond that, he should return to work and this whole stupid thing forgotten.
MSNBC and NBC News did the proper thing with Schuster's suspension. Beyond that, he should return to work and this whole stupid thing forgotten.
08 February 2008
End of the Week Levity
From Sean "Just Jack" Hayes (who, by the way, will be on the next series of "Dancing With the Stars")...
Howdy, Hola, and How you doon?
A big, hearty shout out to new readers in:
Bozeman, MTSFJ is quite small amongst the big-whigs of the blogosphere. Thank you for taking the time to read the random musings of yours truly! I appreciate it.
Oviedo, Spain
and, Newark Heights, NJ
Faux News
This conservative backlash against the nomination of John McCain is something to behold. The Fascist-Republican mouthpiece known as Fox News is labeling the Arizona Senator as a Democrat (and, no, believe me, it was not a mistake):
(Courtesy: Andy Towle)
(Courtesy: Andy Towle)
Against McCain
Quote of the Day:
I always say take results of polls done this early with a grain of salt. Chances are the results in November will be a bit different. But this does help solidify the argument that Sen. Clinton is going to have quite the uphill battle against Sen. McCain, and that if she does win, the country will remain as divided as ever.
Many people are passionate about Clinton's candidacy. They say she deserves it because she's a trooper; she has survived the GOP slime machine time and again. They point to Bill Maher's comments from last week...that she's done nothing wrong, that the anti-Hillary sentiment is maniacal.
The thing is, this election is about the importance of replacing George W. Bush with a Democrat who can win big, who can then use that win as a mandate to reverse harmful Bush policies and clean up the huge mess he'll leave behind. This election is about returning America to her former glory, and relighting freedom's light for those around the world who used to look up to us as the globe's shining role model.
It's not about the Clintons. It's not about how they've been unfairly treated. If things in America weren't headed toward the proverbial cliff, then perhaps Clinton would be a bit more ideal in my eyes. But this election is way too important. One wrong move, and Americans will vote to keep the Fascist-Republicans in the White House. And the chances of that happening with a Clinton candidacy are way too great for my comfort.
Update: Then again, the Facist-wing of the Republican Party is so bat-shit crazy over the probable nomination of Sen. John McCain, they could well vote third party or stay home, thus canceling out any advantage he would have with independents in a general election.
...independents tilt toward McCain when he is matched up against Clinton, but they tilt toward Obama when he is matched up against the Illinois Senator.-Mark Schulman, CEO of Abt SRBI, on the results of a poll his firm just did for Time Magazine, which showed the following:
Clinton 46%The Obama numbers are very similar to the final result of Bill Clinton's margin over Bob Dole in 1996...a result that would be considered a big win following the last two whisker-thin contests.
McCain 46%
Obama 48%
McCain 41%
I always say take results of polls done this early with a grain of salt. Chances are the results in November will be a bit different. But this does help solidify the argument that Sen. Clinton is going to have quite the uphill battle against Sen. McCain, and that if she does win, the country will remain as divided as ever.
Many people are passionate about Clinton's candidacy. They say she deserves it because she's a trooper; she has survived the GOP slime machine time and again. They point to Bill Maher's comments from last week...that she's done nothing wrong, that the anti-Hillary sentiment is maniacal.
The thing is, this election is about the importance of replacing George W. Bush with a Democrat who can win big, who can then use that win as a mandate to reverse harmful Bush policies and clean up the huge mess he'll leave behind. This election is about returning America to her former glory, and relighting freedom's light for those around the world who used to look up to us as the globe's shining role model.
It's not about the Clintons. It's not about how they've been unfairly treated. If things in America weren't headed toward the proverbial cliff, then perhaps Clinton would be a bit more ideal in my eyes. But this election is way too important. One wrong move, and Americans will vote to keep the Fascist-Republicans in the White House. And the chances of that happening with a Clinton candidacy are way too great for my comfort.
Update: Then again, the Facist-wing of the Republican Party is so bat-shit crazy over the probable nomination of Sen. John McCain, they could well vote third party or stay home, thus canceling out any advantage he would have with independents in a general election.
The Moron Exits
Mitt Romney, giving one last "fuck you" to the Democrats as he exits stage right:
Tell me again Mitt...who is surrendering to the terrorists?
If I fight on in my campaign...I would...make it more likely that Sens. Clinton or [Barack] Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.Under Fascist-Republican leadership the mastermind behind the attacks of 9/11 is still at-large, the Taliban is regrouping in Afghanistan, young terrorists are flocking to Iraq to fight against Americans who should have never been there in the first place, and the Constitution is being shredded a little more with each passing day.
Tell me again Mitt...who is surrendering to the terrorists?
07 February 2008
Tom Jones' Chest Hair
From the U.K. Mirror: "It's Not Unusual" for stars to insure their bodies.Ok...umm...
So it should come as no surprise to learn that Sir Tom Jones, 67, whose mop of luxurious curly brown hair has made him a hit with the ladies, has had his chest hair insured - for the princely sum of £3.5million! (That's just over $7 million in U.S. currency!) Top insurance house Lloyd's of London was approached about the deal and, after initial concerns that it might prove too much of a risk, went ahead. "Like a vintage wine, Tom just gets better with age," says our body hair mole.
...Ewww!
Mitt Is Out
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has suspended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, increasing the chances that Sen. John McCain (BushBitch-AZ) will become the party's nominee.
The sounds you hear are the heads of Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, and Ann Coulter exploding.
The sounds you hear are the heads of Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, and Ann Coulter exploding.
5 Reasons For Clinton to Worry
From Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen at Politico:
...[Clinton's] staff nevertheless recognizes that Super Tuesday was no triumph. Here’s why:
1. She lost the delegate derby...when the smoke cleared [Wednesday] morning, it appeared that Barack Obama had ended up with slightly more delegates in the 22 states. Clinton may still hold the edge overall, but Obama is closing in rapidly.
2. She essentially tied Obama in the popular vote. Each won just over 7.3 million votes, a level of parity that was unthinkable as recently as a few weeks ago [when] national polls showed Clinton with a commanding lead — in some cases, by 10 points or more. That dominance is now gone.
One reason is that polls and primary results reveal that the more voters get to know Obama, the more they seem to like him. This is especially troubling for Clinton since the schedule slows dramatically now and a full month will pass before the next big-state showdown. All of this allows candidates ample time to introduce themselves to voters in each state — which plays to Obama’s core strengths.
3. She lost more states. Obama carried 13 states, five more than Clinton, and showed appeal in every geographical region. His win in bellwether Missouri was impressive by nearly every measure, marked by victories among men and women, secular and churchgoing voters, and urban and suburban voters.
4. She lost the January cash war. Money chases momentum, so Obama crushing’s 2-to-1 fundraising victory last month is revealing.
He raised more than $31 million; Clinton raised less than $14 million. The implication is hard to ignore: Democratic activists and donors are flocking to Obama at a pace that could have a profound effect on the race going forward.
5. The calendar is her enemy. Now that more than half the states have weighed in, there is a fairly predictable formula for determining who is most likely to win the upcoming contests.
In caucus states, Obama’s organizational strength shines: He has won seven of eight. Up next are three more caucus states, Washington, Nebraska and Maine. Obama also runs tremendously well in states with large African-American populations, another promising sign since next Tuesday’s three primaries are in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia — all of which have significant percentages of black voters. Then comes another caucus state, Hawaii, where Obama is viewed as a native son.
The bottom line is that it figures to be another month before Clinton hits a stretch of states where she is slightly favored — places like Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Clinton Money Trouble, Part 2
Not only did she need to loan her campaign $5 million, it seems some senior staffers are working without paychecks.
Of course, we'd be fools to count Clinton out because of this. After all, she has uber-fundraiser Terry McAuliffe on her side. But Sen. Obama raised over $5 million dollars yesterday alone, and is on target for another $30 million month. Combine that with a primary and caucus calendar that isn't all that kind to Sen. Clinton in the coming weeks, and...well...the Clinton camp has to be reeling.
Of course, we'd be fools to count Clinton out because of this. After all, she has uber-fundraiser Terry McAuliffe on her side. But Sen. Obama raised over $5 million dollars yesterday alone, and is on target for another $30 million month. Combine that with a primary and caucus calendar that isn't all that kind to Sen. Clinton in the coming weeks, and...well...the Clinton camp has to be reeling.
06 February 2008
National Vote Numbers
Talk about a close election! As of this afternoon, with most votes counted, these are the national Super Tuesday totals:
Clinton 7,350,238That's a difference of a mere 54,838 votes. New Mexico and California are still counting and those votes will more than likely keep Clinton in the lead, but still...it is essentially a tie at this point.
Obama 7,295,400
Obama's Edge
From Politico:
NBC News, which is projecting delegates based on the Democratic Party's complex formula, figures Obama will wind up with 840 to 849 delegates, versus 829 to 838 for Clinton.
Thinking Out Loud: Post Super Tuesday
They are still counting votes so a preliminary look at national vote numbers can't be done yet. But in so far as the delegate count is concerned, the evening was essentially a tie. That said, Obama's momentum really came into play. Two weeks ago he was trailing Hillary Clinton by double digits in nationwide surveys, yet we wake up this morning to find he kept pace with her all night long.
Sure, she won key states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts; but he won 13 states overall, many by wide margins. He managed to wrestle 40% of the vote in Senator Clinton's home state of New York, whereas she could barely muster 33% in Obama's Illinois.
Obama proved to have a geographic reach the Clinton camp could only dream of having. He won substantial victories in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Kansas, Georgia, and Alabama; and, importantly, he won the key bellweather of Missouri. While I would never expect all of those states to go Democratic in a general election, Obama's vote totals in each of them is an excellent barometer of how he might perform nationally in November.
Turn out was tremendous yesterday, and it is obvious that Democratic voters are passionate about their candidates. On "Super-duper Tuesday" it really boiled down to casting a ballot for a candidate they felt was super-duper vs. one they felt was super. Compared to the Republicans (old and not-so-popular within the GOP vs. the side show baptist minister vs. the Mormon Ken Doll), the Democrats are charged!
No...I haven't changed my mind about Clinton's chances in November (this is the America that gave Bush a second term, after all), but it's hard to deny that, on paper, she is a great candidate.
And so, much to Hillary's chagrin, Super-duper Tuesday resulted in a tie. Attention know focuses on Louisiana, Washington State, and Maine this weekend; and Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC next week.
Sure, she won key states like California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts; but he won 13 states overall, many by wide margins. He managed to wrestle 40% of the vote in Senator Clinton's home state of New York, whereas she could barely muster 33% in Obama's Illinois.
Obama proved to have a geographic reach the Clinton camp could only dream of having. He won substantial victories in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Kansas, Georgia, and Alabama; and, importantly, he won the key bellweather of Missouri. While I would never expect all of those states to go Democratic in a general election, Obama's vote totals in each of them is an excellent barometer of how he might perform nationally in November.
Turn out was tremendous yesterday, and it is obvious that Democratic voters are passionate about their candidates. On "Super-duper Tuesday" it really boiled down to casting a ballot for a candidate they felt was super-duper vs. one they felt was super. Compared to the Republicans (old and not-so-popular within the GOP vs. the side show baptist minister vs. the Mormon Ken Doll), the Democrats are charged!
No...I haven't changed my mind about Clinton's chances in November (this is the America that gave Bush a second term, after all), but it's hard to deny that, on paper, she is a great candidate.
And so, much to Hillary's chagrin, Super-duper Tuesday resulted in a tie. Attention know focuses on Louisiana, Washington State, and Maine this weekend; and Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC next week.
05 February 2008
Where Things Stand
As we approach 10pm here on the West Coast, here is the state-by-state rundown:
Obama:
Alabama
Alaska
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Kansas
Idaho
Illinois
Minnesota
Missouri
North Dakota
Utah
Clinton:
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Still outstanding: New Mexico
That's 13 states for Sen. Obama, 8 for Sen. Clinton.
Tomorrow, a look at how the delegates are assigned, as well as the final vote numbers.
Update: Chuck Todd of NBC News is estimating the following delegate breakdown:
Obama 841
Clinton 837
The final numbers will depend on how large Clinton's margin is in California. But considering that Clinton had a double digit lead just two or three weeks ago, Obama's performance tonight would make him the evening's winner.
Obama:
Alabama
Alaska
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Kansas
Idaho
Illinois
Minnesota
Missouri
North Dakota
Utah
Clinton:
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Still outstanding: New Mexico
That's 13 states for Sen. Obama, 8 for Sen. Clinton.
Tomorrow, a look at how the delegates are assigned, as well as the final vote numbers.
Update: Chuck Todd of NBC News is estimating the following delegate breakdown:
Obama 841
Clinton 837
The final numbers will depend on how large Clinton's margin is in California. But considering that Clinton had a double digit lead just two or three weeks ago, Obama's performance tonight would make him the evening's winner.
"We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For"
I tell ya, put Barack Obama out there on that campaign trail this year opposite the hapless Bush-Bitch (John "My Friends" McCain), and it'll be a Reagan style landslide in November...only with the Democrats as the victors.
Obama's speech tonight was stellar. His best since Iowa. He is presidential, he is a natural leader, and he is the truest of patriots. An America led by a "President Obama" is the perfect antidote to 8 years in the darkness under George W. Bush.
To be fair, Hillary Clinton's speech was the best I've heard from her since the start of the campaign. She has obviously been coached by her husband, the master of public speaking, Bill. Sen. Clinton was upbeat and positive, and she left me quite impressed. I will be happy to cast a vote for her in November should she be the nominee.
But, for what little it's worth, my strong opinion is that Obama should be the nominee.
Obama's speech tonight was stellar. His best since Iowa. He is presidential, he is a natural leader, and he is the truest of patriots. An America led by a "President Obama" is the perfect antidote to 8 years in the darkness under George W. Bush.
To be fair, Hillary Clinton's speech was the best I've heard from her since the start of the campaign. She has obviously been coached by her husband, the master of public speaking, Bill. Sen. Clinton was upbeat and positive, and she left me quite impressed. I will be happy to cast a vote for her in November should she be the nominee.
But, for what little it's worth, my strong opinion is that Obama should be the nominee.
Hillary and the Gays
She won our demographic by thirty points in California: 62% to 32%.
Ahhh...I'm a minority within a minority.
Of course, I blame the lesbians.
And Larry.
But in all seriousness, congratulations to Sen. Clinton on her victory in California, as well as in other states. The contest for the Democratic nomination is clearly one of the best and most hard fought we've had in a long time. And now it's on to next week's contests on the East Coast.
Ahhh...I'm a minority within a minority.
Of course, I blame the lesbians.
And Larry.
But in all seriousness, congratulations to Sen. Clinton on her victory in California, as well as in other states. The contest for the Democratic nomination is clearly one of the best and most hard fought we've had in a long time. And now it's on to next week's contests on the East Coast.
Clinton Wins California
As expected, MSNBC is calling the state for Hillary Clinton, and it very well could be a double-digit win. Early voting clearly helped, however exit polling showed her winning the votes of those who cast ballots today by about 6 or 7 points.
It will be interesting to see the what the final numbers look like.
It will be interesting to see the what the final numbers look like.
Holding His Own
As we wait to see what happens in California, here is where things stand so far:
Obama:
Alabama
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Kansas
Idaho
Illinois
Minnesota
North Dakota
Utah
Clinton:
Arkansas
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Obama:
Alabama
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Georgia
Kansas
Idaho
Illinois
Minnesota
North Dakota
Utah
Clinton:
Arkansas
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Thoughts on the GOP
It seems John McCain is taking a hit tonight. While he has won just about all of the states holding contests in New England (save Romney's own Massachusetts), he is having a hell of a time in the solid Republican South. With calls in West Virginia, Georgia, Arkansas, and Alabama, the war hero is having his hat handed to him by the baptist minister. And that "my friends" says all you need to know about the Republican Party of the 21st century. Abraham Lincoln is rolling over in his grave.
When the night is over, it is obvious that the Republican race isn't going to be as close to over as a lot of people thought. On MSNBC tonight, Tom Brokaw was talking about the state of the Republican Party in this election year...comparing it to the Democrats of 1968, when they fought all year amongst themselves, splintered, and handed that year's general election to the Republicans.
Looking at things tonight, I'd say that's pretty spot on.
When the night is over, it is obvious that the Republican race isn't going to be as close to over as a lot of people thought. On MSNBC tonight, Tom Brokaw was talking about the state of the Republican Party in this election year...comparing it to the Democrats of 1968, when they fought all year amongst themselves, splintered, and handed that year's general election to the Republicans.
Looking at things tonight, I'd say that's pretty spot on.
Super Tuesday Blogging
It will be long night as results come in. I'll post my thoughts on things later in the evening, with much more to follow tomorrow.
Obama looks to be holding his own, though. And that's good news.
Up-to-the-minute results can be viewed here.
Obama looks to be holding his own, though. And that's good news.
Up-to-the-minute results can be viewed here.
Up 12, Down 10
Did I say polling is all over the freekin' place? Two overnight polls out of California show two opposite results:
Reuters/C-Span/Zogby:
Reuters/C-Span/Zogby:
Obama 49%SurveyUSA:
Clinton 36%
Clinton 52%It's enough to make your head spin.
Obama 42%
Super-Duper Tuesday
If your state is holding its presidential primary today, make sure you get to your polling place and cast your ballot. In either party...for the candidate of your choice...I urge you to exercise your most precious right as an American...
VOTE!
VOTE!
The Crying Game
So, she broke down again yesterday. Interesting, isn't it, that after no history of public tears to speak of, she does it again, like last time, the day before an important primary election.
Give me a break.
Give me a break.
Irresponsible and Reckless
This is what happens when you put a C-student, failed businessman in the White House:
Perhaps [the Bush budget's] most lasting legacy, however, would be the re-emergence of deficits above $400 billion, nearly matching the $412 billion record set in 2004. The deficit would rise from $162 billion in 2007 to $410 billion this year and $407 billion next year.Incompetence beyond measure.
Remember New Hampshire
As we settle in tonight to see how things shake out in the Super Tuesday contests, we should all remember something. Polling is really off in this election cycle; and while too many polls show a swift up-swing for Barack Obama to discount the increase in his support, those surveys don't take into account ballots already cast in early voting.
While I think Obama will do well tonight, I am under no illusions that he'll roll over Hillary Clinton. That said, if he comes in a strong second overall, then he will be in prime condition to move through the rest of the February contests.
While I think Obama will do well tonight, I am under no illusions that he'll roll over Hillary Clinton. That said, if he comes in a strong second overall, then he will be in prime condition to move through the rest of the February contests.
04 February 2008
Republicans For Obama
Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower, is a lifelong Republican. And she is supporting Barack Obama:
The biggest barrier to rolling up our sleeves and preparing for a better future is our own apathy, fear or immobility.
We have been living in a zero-sum political environment where all heads have been lowered to avert being lopped off by angry, noisy extremists. I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential candidate today who can encourage ordinary Americans to stand straight again; he is a man who can salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue genuine bipartisan cooperation. Just as important, Obama can assure the world and Americans that this great nation's impulses are still free, open, fair and broad-minded.
No measures to avert the serious, looming consequences can be taken without this sense of renewal. Uncommon political courage will be required. Yet this courage can be summoned only if something profoundly different transpires. Putting America first -- ahead of our own selfish interests -- must be our national priority if we are to retain our capacity to lead.
The last time the United States had an open election was 1952. My grandfather was pursued by both political parties and eventually became the Republican nominee. Despite being a charismatic war hero, he did not have an easy ride to the nomination. He went on to win the presidency -- with the indispensable help of a "Democrats for Eisenhower" movement. These crossover voters were attracted by his pledge to bring change to Washington and by the prospect that he would unify the nation.
It is in this great tradition of crossover voters that I support Barack Obama's candidacy for president. If the Democratic Party chooses Obama as its candidate, this lifelong Republican will work to get him elected
Obama Leads
Two new national polls show Barack Obama leading Hillary Clinton.
CNN/Opinion Research:
CNN/Opinion Research:
Obama 49%Cook Political Report/RT Strategies:
Clinton 46%
Obama 43%Zogby has Obama leading in three key states:
Clinton 37%
Georgia:A lot will depend on how people cast ballots in early voting, but these numbers are superb news for Obama, none the less.
Obama 48%
Clinton 31%
Missouri:
Obama 47%
Clinton 42%
California:
Obama 46%
Clinton 40%
03 February 2008
Dan Savage on "Real Time"
Before that state's primary on 26 January, Bill Maher let Savage lose in South Carolina. The result is brilliant...
One More Time: Barack Obama For President
Originally posted on 13 January 2008, after my first choice - Joe Biden- dropped out, I am reposting my endorsement of Barack Obama today, two days before the big Super Tuesday contests. The essay is retooled slightly since its original posting, but my support for the Senator from Illinois is still as strong, if not stronger...As we head into Super Tuesday's primary contests there is really only one logical choice for the Democratic Party: Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois should be the party's nominee for president in November. I have tried to look at Sen. Hillary Clinton with an open mind, but on each evaluation Obama comes out on top...time and again far above the former First Lady.
After seven years of fascist-Republican rule under George Bush and Dick Cheney, the United States (indeed the WORLD) is in need of a tremendous reset moment; a sort of knocking down of the old evil empire, and a new, younger, progressive model put in place. And a simple change of party will not do the trick.
Thus, Hillary Clinton is the wrong person for this cycle. She is extremely qualified and would make a superb president...in a different era. But in 2008 her candidacy is not the new blood so desperately needed around the globe. The fact that between 48% and 51% of the country will not vote for her is not the proverbial step forward that America needs. The partisan wars of the 1990s do not need to be replayed as we try to head off the coming domestic fiscal crisis and regain our international stature at the same time.
She is extremely capable and a master of the political process, however it is with a heavy heart that I say, I am sorry Sen. Clinton...this is not your moment.
Barack Obama, on the other hand, has the potential to provide the Democratic Party with the 21st Century version of Ronald Reagan: An intelligent, natural leader with the ability to bring independent voters - and some moderate Republicans - to his side and form a coalition government that will move America forward on a progressive agenda after several years of taking too many steps in reverse.
Many on my side of the political spectrum say that the unity argument is bullshit; that if we are lucky enough to win the White House this year we should govern as the Republicans have...no holds barred...screw the other side...don't give in to the Republican agenda one iota. And after 16 years of Republican games that argument makes sense to me...on the surface. Deeper down, it's not that black and white.
What Obama offers is a progressive agenda combined with a courtesy and conviction that would take the sting out of it should disenchanted Republicans decide to cast ballots for the Democratic ticket - just as Ronald Reagan was able to bring a slew of angry Democrats to vote Republican in 1980 and 1984. Reagan didn't alter his conservative agenda, but rather took the fangs out of it, thus making many Democratic voters comfortable enough to vote Republican.
Obama is this cycle's Reagan, only on the other end of the political spectrum.
After the debacles of Iraq and Abu Ghraib and Katrina, Obama is the candidate who can make us proud to be Americans again. More importantly, he is the candidate who can regain America's stature around the globe. As Andrew Sullivan said in his recent Atlantic piece on the allure of an Obama presidency:
Consider this hypothetical. It’s November 2008. A young Pakistani Muslim is watching television and sees that this man—Barack Hussein Obama—is the new face of America. In one simple image, America’s soft power has been ratcheted up not a notch, but a logarithm. A brown-skinned man whose father was an African, who grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii, who attended a majority-Muslim school as a boy, is now the alleged enemy. If you wanted the crudest but most effective weapon against the demonization of America that fuels Islamist ideology, Obama’s face gets close. It proves them wrong about what America is in ways no words can.Outside of policy, looking forward to the general election in November and actually governing after the election, Obama comes out on top again.
In order for anything to happen in Washington over the next few years (namely, reversing much of the damage the Bush team will leave behind), the next president will need a large coalition in the Congress working in lock-step with the White House. The junior senator from Illinois is our nation's best bet to win a large majority of the popular vote and provide coattails down ballot in congressional races.
Hillary Clinton would be a nightmare. Not her, specifically...not her politics...not her governing style...but rather, the result of the election. On the slim chance that she were able to eke out a presidential victory, I bet American voters will move down the ballot and put Congress back in the hands of the Fascist-leaning Republicans. Gridlock once more. Nothing gets done. America's stature diminishes further.
Before you start piling on...It's unfair to Hillary by any measure. HUGELY unfair . But it's time for Democratic primary voters to look at the political realities. Too many Americans think negatively of Sen. Clinton, and those opinions are deeply rooted in 16 years of some of the worst partisan politics and Republican attacks in recent memory - and those opinions are not going to change. If the Clinton team really sat back and thought about it - if they really loved their country - they would realize that her candidacy at the top of the presidential ticket this year could very well keep America in the hands of an oppressive Fascist-Republican government until, at most, 2019.
A third (and possibly fourth) straight presidential loss could be devastating to the Democratic Party and, more importantly, to America.
And so, for the sake of the Democratic Party...for the sake of the United States of America...for the sake of the globe...I will cast my California primary ballot for Senator Barack Obama of Illinois to be the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.
Close In California
What was a 12-point lead for Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama in California two weeks ago, is now a 3-point lead two days before the state's Democratic presidential primary.
It is clear the Senator from Illinois has tremendous momentum heading into Super-duper Tuesday, but two things should give election watchers pause:
1. California voters have been able to vote early by mail since January 7th. That means it's too late for those voters who thought they were decided when they marked those ballots for Sen. Clinton and have since changed their minds. It's also too late for those unfortunate voters who cast early ballots for John Edwards before he dropped out. Sen. Obama will have to do extremely well on Tuesday with the old-fashioned voters who actually walk down the street to their polling place.
2. Polling this past month has been notoriously off, so who knows how things will actually turn out. Obama may surprise everybody and hold his own, or Clinton may win a huge landslide.
Finally, for anyone out there who is still on the fence, how about a little "California Dreamin'"...
It is clear the Senator from Illinois has tremendous momentum heading into Super-duper Tuesday, but two things should give election watchers pause:
1. California voters have been able to vote early by mail since January 7th. That means it's too late for those voters who thought they were decided when they marked those ballots for Sen. Clinton and have since changed their minds. It's also too late for those unfortunate voters who cast early ballots for John Edwards before he dropped out. Sen. Obama will have to do extremely well on Tuesday with the old-fashioned voters who actually walk down the street to their polling place.
2. Polling this past month has been notoriously off, so who knows how things will actually turn out. Obama may surprise everybody and hold his own, or Clinton may win a huge landslide.
Finally, for anyone out there who is still on the fence, how about a little "California Dreamin'"...
02 February 2008
"Yes, We Can"
Featuring Jesse Dylan, John Legend, Scarlett Johansson, and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, among others...
Hispanics For Obama
La Opinion, the largest hispanic paper in Los Angeles has just issued its endorsement...
...for Barack Obama.
...for Barack Obama.
The Clinton Conundrum
Quote of the Day:
It really is quite simple. Nominate someone who has the best chance of winning, or someone who has the best chance at losing.
Against McCain, Hillary could very well lose in a landslide. It is absolutely possible that we'll see a blood red electoral map on Election Day in November.
I would predict it to look something like this:
McCain 366
Clinton 172
Food for thought heading into Super Tuesday.
There are moments in time when you see a slow-motion disaster unfolding before you, and you can only yell out and hope those around you notice in time. Now is such a moment for Democrats, and "in time" means before the Super Duper primaries this Tuesday across the nation.-John Pearce and Kathy Cramer, of the Huffington Post, on the cliff Democrats will drive themselves over if they nominate Hillary Clinton.
...If Clinton is our candidate, the Republican base will come out in numbers that have nothing to do with John McCain and everything to do with Hillary and Bill Clinton...
Here, then, is the Clinton disaster scenario. Even in a year when Democrats are in great position to win in November, if Hillary unifies the Republicans, loses independents, and loses the progressive left, her chances of winning the general election are slim indeed.
Let look at the alternative. Barack Obama inspires Americans across the political spectrum, with his greatest strengths supplanting Hillary's greatest weaknesses. He unites independents, the young, minorities, and progressives alike. He will not unify the GOP, and indeed will take Republican votes. That same Time magazine poll shows that among those who have an opinion, he has astounding 70% positives. Yet 51% of voters don't yet know him enough to even have formed an opinion. With his power of ideas and remarkable personal charisma yet to be fully seen, his upside is enormous.
It really is quite simple. Nominate someone who has the best chance of winning, or someone who has the best chance at losing.
Against McCain, Hillary could very well lose in a landslide. It is absolutely possible that we'll see a blood red electoral map on Election Day in November.
I would predict it to look something like this:
McCain 366Clinton 172
Food for thought heading into Super Tuesday.
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