“OBAMA SUPPORTERS” DAILY NEWS Saturday May 10 2008

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WELCOME TO “OBAMA SUPPORTERS” DAILY NEWS

Saturday May 10 2008


Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., center, and
Abel Valladares, right, share a laugh while having lunch at Luis's Taqueria
in Woodburn, Ore., Friday, May 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Esteemed DUer's, please consider taking a moment (or more) to graciously participate
by posting news and announcements about the Obama campaign on this thread. You can:

1. Post stories and announcements you find on the web. :think:

2. Re-post stories and announcements you find on DU,
providing a link to the original thread :applause:

3. Please "Recommend" for the Greatest Page :thumbsup:

4. Clinton supporters or “anti Obama posters please start your own “Clinton Daily News Thread”.

Get your DU-o-matic codificator (to format your posts) here
Read the Daily News Archives here

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1. Unity Ticket Brings More Minuses Than Pluses - Michael Tomasky, TNR

Michael Tomasky on the Unity Ticket

09.05.2008

The idea of a Barack Obama-Hillary Clinton "unity ticket" has been floated quite a bit the last few days. But, seriously, is the idea any good? We asked a few friends of the magazine to weigh in. Here's Michael Tomasky, editor of Guardian America.

...Actually there are several and yets. Number one: Substantively, something tells me that Vice President Clinton couldn't work very well with President Obama. She'd always be thinking, "Well, I'd have done it this way." She would demand, because of her stature, some kind of major portfolio. Her track record with major portfolios is other than encouraging.

And if Mr. Clinton as First Husband seemed problematic, what of him padding around the Naval Observatory? A former president married to a current president would at least mean that the two were working more or less as a team. A former president married to a current vice president who really thinks she should be president creates the potential for way too much mischief that could undermine the president.

...Obama does have solemn work to do in courting and persuading not the Clintons themselves but her voters. He will need to be creative and aggressive in reaching out to them and being genuine to them, and his campaign needs to take this very seriously. But I think it can be done via avenues other than offering her the vice-presidency. I have a preferred choice, which I'll reveal with home-field advantage over at the Guardian when the time is right. I wouldn't be hostile to his selecting Clinton, but I think it brings more minuses than pluses.

--Michael Tomasky

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2. Desperate Clinton is Danger to Dems - Eugene Robinson, Wa Po

Desperate Clinton is Danger to the Party

By Eugene Robinson May 09, 2008

WASHINGTON -- From the beginning, Hillary Clinton has campaigned as if the Democratic nomination were hers by divine right. That's why she is falling short -- and that's why she should be persuaded to quit now, rather than later, before her majestic sense of entitlement splits the party along racial lines.

If that sounds harsh, look at the argument she made Wednesday, in an interview with USA Today, as to why she should be the nominee instead of Barack Obama. She cited an Associated Press article "that found how Senator Obama's support ... among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again. I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on."

As a statement of fact, that's debatable at best. As a rationale for why Democratic Party superdelegates should pick her over Obama, it's a slap in the face to the party's most loyal constituency -- African-Americans -- and a repudiation of principles the party claims to stand for. Here's what she's really saying to party leaders: There's no way that white people are going to vote for the black guy. Come November, you'll be sorry.

How silly of me. I thought the Democratic Party believed in a colorblind America.

...Clinton's sin isn't racism, it's arrogance. From the beginning, the Clinton campaign has refused to consider the possibility that Obama's success was more than a fad. This was supposed to be Clinton's year, and if Obama was winning primaries, there had to be some reason that had nothing to do with merit. It was because he was black, or because he had better slogans, or because he was a better public speaker, or because he was the media's darling. This new business about white voters is just the latest story the Clinton campaign is telling itself about the usurper named Obama.

"It's still early," Clinton said Wednesday, vowing to fight on. At some level, she seems to believe the nomination is hers. Somebody had better tell her the truth before she burns the house down.

[Tatiana]

24. Scathing but excellent article from Gene. n/t

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3. Idaho Dems miffed at Bill Clinton's comments

Idaho Dems miffed at Bill Clinton's comments

By Jared S. Hopkins Staff writer May 8

Idaho Democrats sounded off Wednesday against former President Bill Clinton and his campaign comments about Gem State politics.

Clinton, while campaigning in Indiana for his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, was quoted in national media as saying she would "bag" No Child Left Behind laws.

"Every time I say this, it's a guaranteed applause line," he said. "You can drop me in the middle of Idaho where there's not a Democrat in 200 miles and an elk would applaud me on that."

Idaho Democrats called Clinton's comments an insult. They said the state party is making a comeback - after suffering setbacks during Clinton's two terms in office.

"If Bill Clinton had done for elk in Idaho everything he did for Democrats, we'd have far fewer elk," said Idaho Democratic Party Chairman Keith Roark - an uncommitted superdelegate - Wednesday morning.

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4. self delete

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5. Five Stages of Grief for the Winning Side, Too

Five Stages of Grief for the Winning Side, Too

1. Denial: “But Senator Clinton hasn’t conceded yet! She doesn’t admit that she’s lost! She keeps moving the goal posts, continues playing the race card, it therefore must not really be over for her. We need her permission to move on!“

2. Anger: “If the rest of you don’t lash out at what’s upsetting me in exactly the way I am, you’re as bad as she is!”

3. Bargaining: “This means that Obama has to put Clinton on the ticket (like Andrew Sullivan says, ‘hello again to all that!’). Oh, wait, scratch that: he has to put a Clinton supporter on the ticket. Or maybe he has to put a different woman on the ticket… or how about…”

4. Depression: “Where’d everybody go? God, I miss the adrenaline of when this was a real contest!”

5. Acceptance: “Oh, goodie: More adrenaline to come! A general election campaign! Of course Obama will choose his running mate according to his standards. I bet it’ll be as smart a move as those that got him here!”

Posted on May 9th, 2008 by Al Giordano at the field

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6. Rassmussen: It has become clear that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

Rasmussen Reports Friday, May 09, 2008

...while Senator Clinton has remained close and competitive in every meaningful measure, she is a close second and the race is over. It has become clear that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee.

At the moment, Senator Clinton’s team is busily trying to convince Superdelegates and pundits that she is more electable than Barack Obama. For reasons discussed in a separate article, it doesn’t matter. Even if every single Superdelegate was convinced that the former First Lady is somewhat more electable than Obama, that is not enough of a reason to deny him the nomination.

With this in mind, Rasmussen Reports will soon end our daily tracking of the Democratic race and focus exclusively on the general election competition between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Barring something totally unforeseen, that is the choice American voters will have before them in November. While we have not firmly decided upon a final day for tracking the Democratic race, it is coming soon.

...As we look to November, the Obama-McCain match-up will feature a clear generational component. Obama leads by twenty-three percentage points among voters under 40 while McCain leads by eleven among those over 50.
....

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7. Official results from Ohio JUST released, Clinton lead cut even further

Hillary's Lead In Ohio Cut To Single Digits

Friday, May 9, 2008 The Personal IS Political

The official results from Ohio were just released, and as is usually the case Obama got more votes that originally reported by the media (and as is always the case the media will never mention the change). Originally it was thought that Hillary won by 10.4%, but after they counted provisional ballots her lead dropped to only 8.8%, the difference? Her proclaimed double-digit lead versus a single digit lead, in a state that was made for her. Just like Texas which she actually lost, yet it was reported that she won. Just like Pennsylvania which it was reported that she won by 10%, when she actually won by single digits. The numbers aren't all that different, but the perceptions are important, especially for the media spin.

Going forward what does this mean? It means that in the total popular vote Obama has gained 26,022. Will these get included in the "official" numbers? Doubtful. Will these be included in Hillary's measures of the popular vote? Hell no. It raises a question though, in so many races Obama has gained after ALL the voters were finally counted, and this was a significant amount in many places, like New York and California. But were the updated numbers added to the "official" popular vote totals used by the mainstream media? Who knows, but I really doubt it, that is a little too "nuanced" for the media.

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Gee, now they're pulling the woman card

Gee, now they're pulling the woman card

by John Aravosis (DC) · 5/10/2008

This opinion piece by Ellen Malcolm, the head of EMILY's list is, well, kind of offensive. The gist of it is that Hillary should be permitted to remain in the race because she's a woman. Hmmm. That's an interesting argument. And a borderline sexist argument to boot.
So you mean it would be okay to tell Hillary that the math isn't going to work out if she were a man? But because she's a woman, the math is different somehow? Because she's a woman, she's not wasting a million dollars a day that could be spent fighting McCain? Because she's a woman, she's not damaging our nominee needlessly? Because she's a woman, her racist attacks against Obama haven't split the Democratic party in two? Because she's a woman, she shouldn't be expected to do what every presidential candidate in history has been asked and expected to do - put their party before their ego and get the hell out after they lose? And because she's a woman, we're supposed to lie to her, and women who support her, and tell them that she really does have a chance, when she doesn't? That is seriously f'd up.

Give me a break. She lost. She's hurting our candidate. And EMILY's list (and the AFT and others) are now wasting money on Hillary that could be spent on actual female candidates that have a chance at winning. This is the big leagues. We don't have time for Hillary's electoral therapy. She lost, she needs to move on, and folks like EMILY's list need to stop making excuses for Hillary based on her gender. It's insulting.

PS Oh, and by the way, what about the dreams of Obama's black followers, a dream that Hillary is now trying to destroy for no reason? Doesn't that count too, Emily? Or are some dreams more equal than others?

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8. Gee, now they're pulling the woman card

Gee, now they're pulling the woman card

by John Aravosis (DC) · 5/10/2008

This opinion piece by Ellen Malcolm, the head of EMILY's list is, well, kind of offensive. The gist of it is that Hillary should be permitted to remain in the race because she's a woman. Hmmm. That's an interesting argument. And a borderline sexist argument to boot.
So you mean it would be okay to tell Hillary that the math isn't going to work out if she were a man? But because she's a woman, the math is different somehow? Because she's a woman, she's not wasting a million dollars a day that could be spent fighting McCain? Because she's a woman, she's not damaging our nominee needlessly? Because she's a woman, her racist attacks against Obama haven't split the Democratic party in two? Because she's a woman, she shouldn't be expected to do what every presidential candidate in history has been asked and expected to do - put their party before their ego and get the hell out after they lose? And because she's a woman, we're supposed to lie to her, and women who support her, and tell them that she really does have a chance, when she doesn't? That is seriously f'd up.

Give me a break. She lost. She's hurting our candidate. And EMILY's list (and the AFT and others) are now wasting money on Hillary that could be spent on actual female candidates that have a chance at winning. This is the big leagues. We don't have time for Hillary's electoral therapy. She lost, she needs to move on, and folks like EMILY's list need to stop making excuses for Hillary based on her gender. It's insulting.

PS Oh, and by the way, what about the dreams of Obama's black followers, a dream that Hillary is now trying to destroy for no reason? Doesn't that count too, Emily? Or are some dreams more equal than others?

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9. oops sorry, case of the DU hiccups

yikes, that happens every so often

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10. Thanks for the memories

Thanks for the memories

by John Aravosis (DC) · 5/09/2008

In a nostalgic mood, DailyKos looks back on some of the highlights of Hillary's now-defunct for the presidency:

Who could forget:

* Geraldine Ferraro's claim that Obama has an unfair advantage because he was black.

* Bob Kerrey's happiness that Barack Hussein Obama attended a madrassa and had all that experience with Muslims.

* Billy Shaheen's concern over Obama's use of drugs and possible questions on whether he was ever a drug dealer.

* Andrew Cuomo saying that "You can't shuck and jive," in reference to Obama.

* And of course the First Surrogate, Bill Clinton, comparing Obama's win in South Carolina to Jesse Jackson's wins in the 1980's, and then being shocked at the suggestion that he was trying to paint Obama as "the black candidate."

Sniff. We're gonna miss you guys! Now go away. Seriously

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11. Clinton continues attacks on Democratic nominee Obama

Clinton continues attacks on Democratic nominee Obama

by Joe Sudbay (DC) · 5/09/2008 America Blog

It's still happening.

She can't help herself. Before any Clinton supporter tells anyone to back off, they should tell their candidate to stop the negative attacks on our presumptive nominee. And, all those people who thought she needed to take some time to "process" the situation (which is a very bizarre concept, by the way)....well, she's using that time to attack Obama.

By letting Hillary continue her assault on Obama, her supporters and her campaign are all aiding and abetting McCain and his quest for a third Bush term. We'd much rather be fighting the battle against McCain. But, it's the "deluded also-ran" (the AP's words, not mine) who keeps the intra-party fight going.

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12. The Iraq-berg That Sunk The Unsinkable Clinton-tanic

The Iraq-berg That Sunk The Unsinkable Clinton-tanic

By: Tim F. at Balloon Juice May 9, 2008

Publius muses on why Hillary’s genuinely inevitable campaign machine seemed to keep losing its traction, and comes up with a word that rhymes with frak.

Publius’s analysis exactly agrees how I felt back when I was still on the fence. In the beginning I expected Clinton to make some public statement about how her Iraq vote was a stupid move and how at some level she regretted making it. I have no doubt that a good fraction of the Democratic party’s liberal base was waiting for the same thing.

For me anyway it wasn’t about exacting a pound of flesh or anything like that. What’s the point? If I was out for revenge I would have to write off most of the party. For me it was a of a judgment test. Congress got railroaded by jingoism, panicked political fear and better salesmanship into something that most independent observers now recognize as a bad idea. John Edwards genuinely seems to regret the box of chaos that he helped open.

Recognizing a mistake isn’t just a petty bit of retribution, It’s a first step towards naming the weakness and watching out for it it in the future. More than anything else I needed confidence that she wouldn’t do it again. I don’t want to sit around wondering when will be the next time that our President, terrified of being outmessaged and politically outmaneuvered, tacks to cover her ass and leaves good policy bleeding by the side of the road.

...more at the link

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13. "The era of gimmick goverment may finally be coming to an end."

I guess the "bitter" American electorate has figured it out after years of lies and gimmicks.

A Positive Sign

By: John Cole at Balloon Juice. May 9

This is good news:

Eight in 10 Americans believe that the government’s $110 billion effort to help consumers will not boost the economy, according to a poll released Friday.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll conducted April 28-30 found that 82% of Americans believe the stimulus package will fall short – compared to 70% in February.

The program, passed with bipartisan support earlier this year, will give tax rebate checks to about 130 million Americans. Most single Americans earning $75,000 or less who filed a tax form will receive up to $600, and married couples earning $150,000 or less could get up to $1200.

Maybe after the rejection of the gas tax gimmick and the clear signal from voters that they know this “stimulus package” will do nothing but blow more money, the era of gimmick government may finally be coming to an end. I am not sure what is bringing about this change, maybe it is the fact that gas prices are hitting so hard and that people are in such dire straits that they know the usual bullshit will not work, but this is a positive thing. We can;t solve all these problems if all we do are play games with them. It looks like the American public isfinally seeing through the BS and is tired of it...

...more at the link

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14. NY Times Challenges Hillary (Rise, Hillary Rise)

Rise Hillary Rise!

Kevin K. at Rumproast on 05/09/08

From The New York Times editorial board:

There is a lot of talk that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is now fated to lose the Democratic nomination and should pull out of the race. We believe it is her right to stay in the fight and challenge Senator Barack Obama as long as she has the desire and the means to do so. That is the essence of the democratic process.

But we believe just as strongly that Mrs. Clinton will be making a terrible mistake — for herself, her party and for the nation — if she continues to press her candidacy through negative campaigning with disturbing racial undertones. We believe it would also be a terrible mistake if she launches a fight over the disqualified delegations from Florida and Michigan. <...>

...

We endorsed Mrs. Clinton, and we know that she has a major contribution to make. But instead of discussing her strong ideas, Mrs. Clinton claimed in an interview with USA Today that she would be the better nominee because a recent poll showed that “Senator Obama’s support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again.” She added: “There’s a pattern emerging here.”

Yes, there is a pattern — a familiar and unpleasant one. It is up to Mrs. Clinton to change it if she hopes to have any shot at winning the nomination or preserving her integrity and her influence if she loses.

...

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15. Salon: Was Hillary channeling George Wallace? (dog whistling in WV and KY?)

Was Hillary channeling George Wallace?

By Joe Conason Salon May 9

Hillary's reckless exploitation of racial division could split the Democratic Party over race -- a tragic legacy for the Clintons.

May 9, 2008 | As long as Hillary Clinton is willing to spend the money and energy needed to continue her campaign, she certainly can ignore the pundits who insist that the Democratic nominating contest is over. What she should not ignore, however, is the damage that her increasingly reckless behavior is inflicting on her reputation and that of her husband -- especially when she starts to sound like a reincarnation of the late George Wallace.

When Clinton blathered on about "totally obliterating" Iran in the event it made a nuclear strike against Israel, and then reiterated that same statement last weekend, she made what was, until then, the single most ill-considered comment of the campaign. But now USA Today has published an interview in which she explained again why she regards herself as a more viable general-election candidate than Barack Obama -- except that this time, she crossed a bright white line.

...

But this time she violated the rhetorical rules, no doubt by mistake. It was her offhand reference to "working, hard-working Americans, white Americans" that raises the specter of old Dixie demagogues like Wallace and Lester Maddox. Was she dog-whistling to the voters of Kentucky and West Virginia?

While I still cannot believe she actually intended any such nefarious meaning, she seemed to be equating "hard-working Americans" with "white Americans." Which is precisely what Wallace and his cohort used to do with their drawling refrain about welfare and affirmative action. This is the grating sound of Richard Nixon's Southern strategy, even though Tricky Dick would never quite stoop to saying such things in public.

...more at the link

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16. "If she can't have it, no one can have it. If she has to tear the party apart, she will."

Damsel of Distress

By PEGGY NOONAN May 9, 2008; Page A11

...If John McCain said, "I got the white vote, baby!" his candidacy would be over. And rising in highest indignation against him would be the old Democratic Party.

To play the race card as Mrs. Clinton has, to highlight and encourage a sense that we are crudely divided as a nation, to make your argument a brute and cynical "the black guy can't win but the white girl can" is -- well, so vulgar, so cynical, so cold, that once again a Clinton is making us turn off the television in case the children walk by.

"She has unleashed the gates of hell," a longtime party leader told me. "She's saying, 'He's not one of us.'"

She is trying to take Obama down in a new way, but also within a new context. In the past he was just the competitor. She could say, "All's fair." But now he's the competitor who is going to be the nominee of his party. And she is still trying to do him in. And the party is watching.

...Some insight from a superdelegate I spoke to Thursday:

It's not math anymore, it's psychodrama. If she can't have it, no one can have it. If she has to tear the party apart, she will.

...more at the link

[grantcart]

17. Hillary bags the International Brotherhood of the HWWG

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5911446#5912554

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18. Against A Unity Ticket - "The trouble is: the Clintons will create mischief wherever they are."

Against A Unity Ticket

Andrew Sullivan 09 May 2008

Tomasky adds his two cents:

A former president married to a current vice president who really thinks
she should be president creates the potential for way too much mischief that could undermine the president.

The trouble is: the Clintons will create mischief wherever they are. If Obama becomes president without them they will do all they can to undermine, destroy, and polarize him. The question is how one deals with sociopaths like them. It's not easy.

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19. With the Hard Working White Folk (Oregon)

Hanging With the Hard Working White Folk

Eli Sanders on May 8 at 19:32 PM

Inside the arena at the Jackson County Fairgrounds in southern Oregon, a not exactly full house one hour before Hillary Clinton is scheduled to arrive…



…while outside the light fades on a warm day here in this overwhelmingly white (as in 93 percent white) corner of the state.



...more at the link

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20. "...a slow, gruesome, political murder-suicide."

Obama Now Leads Among Supers

Andrew Sullivan 09 May 2008

So he has the popular vote, the majority of states, the majority of pledged delegates, the majority of super-delegates - and none of this can change to give Clinton the edge in the next month. And still she won't do the decent thing and concede. At this point, every day is a Clinton insult to the Democratic party nominee. And every day makes her future career more tenuous.

But maybe this is the only way the Clintons can end: in a slow, gruesome, political murder-suicide. And they will use the wounds they inflict on their nominee as a reason to vote for them in 2012 if he loses in the fall.

Samantha Power was right.

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. PSA to you folks

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5912353&mesg_id=5912353

This is what you should be looking for

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22. Clinton threatening party's chances at White House AND Congress

The protracted and divisive campaign is not only threatening the Democratic Party's hopes for the White House, it is jeopardizing the Democratic contests for Congress.

Media and Pollsters Will End Clinton’s Candidacy if Superdelegates Will Not

May 9, 2008 by David at The Political Chase

The polling firm Rasmussen has decided it will no longer track the Democratic race, but instead will focus on the general election and Hillary will not be included in its surveys. When the media and the polling firms start abandoning a candidate,
it doesn’t matter what kind of argument the candidate makes — their candidacy is doomed.

If the superdelegates won’t end the Democratic race, the external forces will.

Obama has had an increase in the rate of endorsements by superdelegates since Tuesday’s election, but it is by no means a tidal wave. So, what’s behind that? I believe most of the congressional superdelegates are scared to death of the Clintons and the vengeance they will endure from the Clinton political machine if they formally abandon Hillary. And their fear-motivated silence is ultimately damaging the party in many ways — some not quite so obvious.

We know the Clinton’s have damaged the party’s base and there is considerable evidence to suggest it could cost Democrats the White House in the general election. But the White House is not the only potential area of impact. Many congressional candidates, especially those that are not incumbents, are suffering significantly from the protracted race and associated negativity.

....Meanwhile, Rasmussen’s daily tracking poll has Obama leading at 47 percent to John McCain’s 44 percent. It is the fourth straight day that Obama has lead by at least one-point over McCain.

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23. The recurring case of Clinton Fatigue

The recurring case of Clinton Fatigue
By Joan Vennochi
May 8, 2008

EVERY TIME Barack Obama's pastor got him in trouble, Hillary Clinton bailed him out.

After victory in Ohio, she invented the story of coming under sniper fire in Bosnia. That reminded voters of the Clinton tendency to exaggerate or lie when necessary.

After victory in Pennsylvania, she embraced the idea of a gas tax holiday. That reminded voters of the Clinton tendency to pander.

In each case, she helped Obama change the focus from his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright to the country's relationship with the Clintons. She squandered momentum from impressive victories by bringing back Clinton Fatigue.

...But the Bosnia fabrication hurt her in the overall political war with Obama, because it once again exposed Clinton's biggest weakness - being part of a husband and wife team with honesty problems.

Wright's recent television appearance and speeches dragged Obama back into the political firestorm. It forced the candidate to once again address the reverend's more controversial statements. This time Obama broke with Wright, to his political advantage. Just as voters were getting tired of the endless loops of Wright's pontificating, Clinton decided to join with John McCain and back a gas tax holiday. It came across as transparent pandering, and Obama was able to capitalize on that.

Nearly 7 in 10 Indiana voters and 6 in 10 North Carolinians said the economy was the most important issue. But Clinton's gas tax proposal did not move votes to her side.

...more http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/05/08/the_recurring_case_of_clinton_fatigue/

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

25. The RBC Update: Note to Paul Krugman

((((((((((((((((( The RBC Update: Note to Paul Krugman )))))))))))))))))

2008.05.09 15:18:21


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

Giving condescending advice to a candidate on the op-ed page of
the NYT is not the way to help him win.

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

http://WWW.samefacts.com/archives/campaign_2008_/2008/05/note_to_paul_krugman.php

[Scurrilous]

26. K & R

:thumbsup:

[JimGinPA]

27. Barack Obama 'has enough super-delegates to win Democratic nomination'

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5914195&mesg_id=5914195

[grantcart]

28. **** Saturday Super Delegate Update Thread*** Obama +1 Updates Below

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5914642

[grantcart]

35. Obama + 3 Clinton wins one and loses one

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5914642&mesg_id=5914642

[grantcart]

36. OBAMA + 4 CLINTON EVEN

[phrigndumass]

29. Kickin for the news

:kick:

[jefferson_dem]

30. Obama plans Saturday press availability in Bend, Oregon. Town Hall meeting at 11:30 am.

No other details at the moment.



http://thepage.time.com/2008/05/10/issues-and-answers/

11:30 am Barack Obama attends a town hall meeting in Bend, Oregon

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31. The Hill: State party chairmen meeting at Obama HQ

State party chairmen meeting at Obama HQ
By Sam Youngman
Posted: 05/09/08 01:44 PM

In yet another sign that Democratic forces are starting to view Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) as their party’s presumptive nominee, a group of state party chairmen are gathering in Chicago at Obama’s headquarters Friday

The Hill has learned, and the Obama campaign has confirmed, that the group is meeting there just days after Obama won big in North Carolina and narrowly lost in Indiana.

The meeting comes on the eve of the launch of a 50-state voter registration drive the Obama campaign is engaging in with the Democratic National Committee.

The Obama campaign declined to disclose which states the party chairmen were from.

..more here

http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/state-party-chairmen-meeting-at-obama-hq-2008-05-09.html

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

32. Analysis: Clinton has lost her fear factor

Analysis: Clinton has lost her fear factor
By Bob Cusack
Posted: 05/09/08 03:01 PM

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has lost her fear factor, arguably the former first lady’s most potent political weapon since she launched her presidential bid nearly 16 months ago.
Lawmakers in recent weeks have been flocking to her rival, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), despite the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy and Obama’s contentious “bitter” comments. In addition, they have been outspoken in their criticism of Clinton as she has vowed to stay in the race.

...Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), the powerful Judiciary Committee chairman who endorsed Obama early in the race and fought impeachment charges against then-President Bill Clinton, was also blunt: “Bill and Hillary Clinton can become genuine American leaders by ending this in a way that reflects positively on them.” He added that, if the former first lady remains in the race, criticism will mount.

Clinton backers have also expressed doubt about the race continuing.

Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), a Clinton supporter, said this week that she should halt her campaign: “I urge her to take the day off and think very seriously about doing what’s best for the country and best for the party.”

...

http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/analysis-clinton-has-lost-her-fear-factor-2008-05-09.html

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33. Obama Organizing Fellowships Deadline Extended to Thursday

Obama Organizing Fellowships Deadline Extended to Thursday
By Al Giordano

Last summer, when few thought that Barack Obama would win the Democratic nomination for president, his campaign launched “Camp Obama,” a series of two-or-three-day training sessions for organizers, with a particular focus on Tsunami Tuesday states scheduled to vote on February 5. The thousands of better prepared volunteers emerged from those sessions to cause the political upsets in state after state that rocketed their candidate to the front of the line. Oft-ignored states that had rarely or never seen a presidential primary or caucus that counted suddenly changed history. And those that mistakenly thought that 2008 could be predicted based on how past contests went - from most pundits to the highest echelons of the Clinton campaign - were left in the dust.

Now that Obama is on the doorstep of cinching the nomination, we’re hearing many of those same pundits and political operatives repeat their error again. They say that only certain states will be in play in November, and obsess upon two or three of them as occurred in 2000 and 2004. The Field finds that kind of funny, because the clearest example of why the old math doesn’t apply to the present has just been delivered once already this year.

Those that say that this Democratic presumptive nominee can’t win the “red states” that in recent presidential years have voted Republican are the same people that errantly thought that places like Kansas, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Alaska, Delaware, Minnesota and other states wouldn’t matter on February 5. Their first miscall was a mistake. But to repeat that mistake again signals bad judgment.

Which is why the Obama Organizing Fellowships - through which volunteers will be trained to do the job in a true 50-state strategy in November - is such a smart tactic based on a fantastic strategy:

...more at the link
http://ruralvotes.com/thefield/?p=1177

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

34. KY: Obama opens 2nd office in Kentucky, visit planned soon, his ground game an advantage

Too Late for Barack Obama to Win Kentucky Democrats?
Barack Obama Plans to Visit Kentucky

By Coureur Des Bois, published May 09, 2008

For the first time in years, the Kentucky primary election will actually matter. Traditionally the Kentucky primary occurs so late that it has little to no consequence on the actual race for the White House. But this year is different due to an earlier primary. Kentucky voters have noticed this change and voter registration is skyrocketing across the state. According to the Jefferson county clerk, they've seen an overwhelming amount of registration forms sent in; he expects that results are the same all over Kentucky. The candidates are noticing this as well and have stepped up their game in Kentucky.

Polls show that Hillary Clinton currently leads Barack Obama in Kentucky, but Obama recently opened up a second office in Kentucky (located here in Lexington) and plans to visit the state next week. Details are few and far between as to where Obama will visit and for how long, but staffers at his office here in Lexington told me that he should be expected in Louisville shortly after Mother's Day and perhaps even here in Lexington.

Hopefully Obama will cash in on the grassroots organizing efforts of Kentucky. Kentucky is known for its coal fields and the struggles of the people in the Appalachian region. The struggle against the coal companies has always been spearheaded by grassroots organization and a drive for change, both of which Barack carries as his two strongest weapons.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/758357/too_late_for_barack_obama_to_win_kentucky.html

[Hope And Change]

37. Widow of Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers, Endorses Barack Obama

Widow of Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers, Endorses Barack Obama


By Christopher Hass - May 10th, 2008 at 4:47 pm EDT

Today Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, endorsed Senator Barack Obama today citing his unique ability to bring people together, to inspire, and to bring about real change.

I am deeply honored to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama. Over the course of this campaign, I have watched with pride as Barack Obama has inspired a new movement for change. Countless Americans of every race, economic and political background are engaged in our democracy with a passion and commitment not seen for generations.

Like my husband Medgar Evers and other great leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Barack Obama embodies a deep well of courage, integrity, compassion, strength and sound judgment. He offers the kind of leadership that we need in the White House as our nation grapples with chronic issues like rising gas and food prices, skyrocketing healthcare costs, a flagging housing market, job insecurity and a misguided Iraq war.

America is again at a crossroads, and at this moment Medgar’s words speak to me with a fierce urgency, ‘Is there anything that you believe in strongly enough to stand up and fight for?’ Barack Obama is a living testament to Medgar’s work. He is the strongest candidate to unite our country around the common challenges we face. That is why I support Barack Obama for president.

Senator Obama responded:

I am honored to have the support of Mrylie Evers-Williams. Along with her husband Medgar, she laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi, and did so much to advance the cause of equality and justice in this country. Mrylie’s tireless efforts to keep her husband’s legacy alive and to open up opportunity for all Americans has been a light upon my path as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and state and U.S. Senator — and their example is one I’ll continue looking to in the months ahead and beyond.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/civilrights/">Read Barack's plan to protect Civil Rights and increase opportunities for all Americans.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGBYHN">Link