Dean is First.

Dobbs just said on CNN that JE dropping out will help HC. 

for whatever reason New Hampshire gave us a Clinton Obama contest so we can stop bashing Iowa now and get on with it

pretty sad when you think 95% have yet to vote

I will again put forward a plan where every states voters have equal say and all of the candidates are on a ballot and awarded delegates to the nominating convention if they earn them with votes 

Dobbs just said on CNN that JE dropping out will help HC. 

~~~~~~~~~~

simply because a three way choice makes getting to 50% plus one much harder

I would like to add my well wishes to those of others for littel Tanner, puddle. I am so sorry to hear the news and pray that the reort from the labs is good.

******
Phil: loved your words about family.

******
* ... with our convictions and a little backbone, we will take back the WH in November.* JRE, 30 January 2008

I sincerely hope so.

That would be *little* ... sorry.

*******
The tainted 9-11 Commission: if you doubted its findings, there may be good reason to.

=============
Commission Confidential
EXTRA
By Max Holland

In a revelation bound to cast a pall over the 9/11 Commission, Philip Shenon will report in a forthcoming book that the panel’s executive director, Philip Zelikow, engaged in “surreptitious” communications with presidential adviser Karl Rove and other Bush administration officials during the commission’s 20-month investigation into the 9/11 attacks.

Shenon, who led The New York Times’ coverage of the 9/11 panel, reveals the Zelikow-Rove connection in a new book entitled The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation, to be published next month by Twelve Books. The Commission is under an embargo until its February 5 publication, but Washington DeCoded managed to purchase a copy of the abridged audio version from a New York bookstore.

In what’s termed an “investigation of the investigation,” Shenon purports to tell the story of the commission from start to finish. The book’s critical revelations, however, revolve almost entirely around the figure of Philip Zelikow, a University of Virginia professor and director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs prior to his service as the commission’s executive director. Shenon delivers a blistering account of Zelikow’s role and leadership, and an implicit criticism of the commissioners for appointing Zelikow in the first place—and then allowing him to stay on after his myriad conflicts-of-interest were revealed under oath.

[...]
http://www.washingtondecoded.com/site/20...

I am already conceding the vote to McCain and working to get more Dems in the Senate.
The DC dems screwed us all again. I have a hunch they new HC would be the candidate but they probably figured it wouldn't be against McCain.
The really sad part is how close the two parties really are.
With the Nader Bug screeching again, HC loses.

JE shaped the debate while he was still in.  Now, one of two things will happen.  Either the 2 left will simply give us progressives platitudes and do whatever they please later, or they'll dismiss his message altogether.  Either way, I don't trust either one of them. 

And if Nader comes in, good grief.

Bomb bomb bomb Iran, Pakistan, Syria, N. Korea etc etc etc...Get out your prayer shawls and burkas if Huck is running with him. A theocratic Constitution, of the fruitcakes, by the fruitcakes and for the fruitcakes.

Thank you, John Edwards.  As Howard and some good ones before you, you did your best and the people and CM didn't listen.  They will regret it ...  

Yes, Phil, some of us got that months ago.  So sad.

My husband has the TV on and Rudy is falling all over himself to endorse 'Cain. IMO, the two truly deserve each other.

I also will work to oust Smith and will not give money or time to the *rock stars.*  Period.

I am conceding the vote to no one ... least of all 'Cain. I will fight him or any other Rethug to my dying breath, although I hope that it does not come to that.

If it does, so be it.

But that certainly doesn't negate helping good Dems get elected to House & Senate seats. The more the merrier.

And, IMO, 'Cain will implode. He's just too self-satisfied, has such a nasty temper, and anyone who can keep hammering him where he should be hammered can prevail.

So Nader piped up right after JE left the race?

Oh God,  our future prez is blathering on...

New country beckons.   

'Cain just said something about himself with which I am in total agreement: "My ego is rather massive ..."

I should say so.

'Cain wants to keep us in Iraq for at least 100 years ... keep hitting that meme.

'Cain indeed.

===============
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
5 US troops Wounded;
5 Killed Monday put on Planes;
Who is thinking about the 18-year Olds?
AP reports that:

' A bomb exploded at a checkpoint Tuesday in Baghdad, wounding five American soldiers and three civilians, the U.S. military said. Iraqi officials claimed it was a suicide bombing and said two people were killed. The attack occurred just after noon as women were being searched before being allowed to enter a commercial street in the predominantly Sunni Amariyah neighborhood in southwest Baghdad, according to a local police official and an Iraqi army officer." '

The wounding of these US troops follows a day after five US troops were killed in a roadside bomb attack on Monday in Mosul. This attack was the second-deadliest this year, and brings the total so far for US fatalities in Iraq to 37, far more than December's 23. The commitment of troops to an actual set of engagements in Mosul led to these recent deaths, and I have for some time wondered if the fall in troop deaths was simply because they were no longer being committed to ground campaigns in any numbers. The recent attack on Arab Jubour appears to have been done mainly from the air, as Tom Engelhardt points out, and when afterwards troops were sent in, they were at risk from roadside bombs.

[...]
http://www.juancole.com/2008/01/5-us-tro...

To keep what's really at stake in the forefront and why I feel so strongly about this election and will not concede to any Rethug whatsoever, here's a great gift from Buzzflash.

*********

The Disappearing Civil Liberties Mug

http://www.buzzflash.com/store/items/903...


*********

Now gone.

The present Israeli gov't and AIPAC will ensure that we meddle in the ME for 100 years.  Both BO and HC are buds of AIPAC, which means ME meddling.  No other way to look at this.   We're now there and likely to fight in others *wars* no matter who's elected. 

Lobbies are powerful.

BO and HC should also be addressing this issue.  Blitzie is monitoring the debate so there will be no questions on this, or much else of import. 

IMO 

The perfect insiders. Entirely corrupt and always divisive.

[Maxine]Waters, a prominent black congresswoman [California], endorses Clinton run

Hoping to halt the flow of momentum to Barack Obama after his South Carolina victory and Senator Edward M. Kennedy's endorsement, Hillary Clinton yesterday touted the support of a high-profile African-American leader, Representative Maxine Waters of California. ... full article: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articl...


http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/24...

Group Lists 13 'Most Corrupt' in Congress

Three California lawmakers are named by the ethics watchdog. A spokesman for one senator says the report is 'pure politics.'

24 Sep 2005 // A watchdog group, naming what it calls "the 13 most corrupt members of Congress," is calling for ethics investigations of some of the most prominent leaders on Capitol Hill in a report to be released Monday.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics [CREW] in Washington says in its report that the 13 members, among them Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), might have violated a variety of congressional ethics rules.

The bipartisan list includes three Californians: Reps. Richard W. Pombo (R-Tracy), Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) and Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Rancho Santa Fe).

Cunningham is one of two House members whose residences have been searched as part of separate federal criminal investigations. The other, Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-La.), also is named on the watchdog group's list.

Three of those named on the list — Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) and Reps. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) and Tom Feeney (R-Fla.) — were cited for their dealings with onetime super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is the subject of congressional and federal grand jury investigations. Abramoff was indicted last month on fraud charges relating to a Florida business deal. He has pleaded not guilty.

"They all violated ethics rules," Melanie Sloan, the watchdog group's executive director, said of the 13 members of Congress on its list. She criticized both political parties for what she said was a failure to police ethics.

James Pendleton, a spokesman for Burns, dismissed the group's report as "pure politics." Ney's press secretary, Brian Walsh, said: "We don't give Melanie Sloan and her liberal organization an ounce of credibility."

Its report, titled "Beyond DeLay: The 13 Most Corrupt Members of Congress," is based on news articles and other documents, the watchdog group said. It made the report available to the Los Angeles Times.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington "was compelled to research and release a report on these corrupt members because the ethics committees in both the House and Senate are completely inert," Sloan said. "The report calls for the House and Senate to act to investigate and take appropriate action against them for these violations of the rules."

The watchdog group has been outspoken in criticizing House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) for what Sloan calls his ethical lapses.

"Nonetheless, we recognize that Rep. DeLay is not the only member of Congress whose behavior merits scrutiny," the report says. "There are a significant number of other members who have engaged in similarly egregious conduct, thus the name of the report: 'Beyond DeLay.' "

It says the group's goal is "to galvanize both the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics into action. The ethics committees have lain largely dormant over the past years despite the often appalling conduct of their members."

Sloan expressed impatience with both parties. "Democrats are just as much to blame as Republicans for the current ethics deadlock. The Democrats won't file ethics complaints against even the most egregious violators like DeLay and Ney…. The Democrats are spineless," she said.

Sloan said she had been unable to persuade any member of the House to file ethics complaints that the watchdog group has drawn up against Ney and Cunningham. House rules do not permit outside groups to file complaints.

"It is outrageous that outsiders can't file complaints, since Congress has demonstrated its unwillingness to police its own conduct," Sloan said.

In 2004, Sloan helped then-Rep. Chris Bell (D-Texas), a lame duck, file a complaint against fellow-Texan DeLay. The House ethics committee admonished DeLay, but also said Bell had violated a House rule by filing a complaint containing "innuendo, speculative assertions or conclusory statements."

The Senate does permit outside complaints, but Sloan said they were routinely dismissed as "speculative."

Both ethics committees can initiate investigations on their own without a complaint. Such investigations tend to be confidential in the early stages.

A spokesman for the House ethics committee said he could not speak on any matter that may be pending before the committee. Rob Walker, chief counsel for the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, declined to comment.

The 13 members of Congress recommended for investigation by the watchdog group are:

Sen. Bill Frist: The report accuses him of violating federal campaign finance laws in how he disclosed a campaign loan. It also calls for an inquiry over his recent sale of stock in HCA Inc., his family's hospital corporation. The sale has raised questions about possible insider dealing. Frist aides confirmed Friday that the SEC was investigating. They have denied claims of campaign finance violations.

• Rep. Roy Blunt: The report criticizes him for trying to insert provisions into bills that would have benefited, in one case, a client of his lobbyist son and in another case, the employer of his lobbyist girlfriend, now his wife.

• Sen. Conrad Burns: The report says that questions arose over $3 million in appropriations he earmarked for an Indian tribe in Michigan that was a client of lobbyist Abramoff. The senator received substantial campaign contributions from Abramoff and various clients.

"Sen. Burns did nothing wrong, and any accusation to the contrary is pure politics," said James Pendleton, his director of communications. He said Burns had earmarked the appropriation at the request of the Michigan congressional delegation.

• Rep. Bob Ney: The report says the chairman of the House Administration Committee went on a golf outing to Scotland in 2002, arranged by Abramoff, at a time when the congressman was trying to insert a provision into legislation to benefit one of Abramoff's tribal clients.

Ney reported to the House that the trip was paid for entirely by the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank, which denied paying any of the costs. Ney has said he had been duped by Abramoff.

• Rep. Tom Feeney: The report says he incorrectly reported that a golf trip to Scotland with Abramoff in 2003 was paid for by the National Center for Public Policy Research, which denied it. A Feeney aide said the congressman had been misled. Questions also have arisen about two other privately funded trips.

• Rep. Richard W. Pombo: He paid his wife and brother $357,325 in campaign funds in the last four years, the report says. He also supported the wind-power industry before the Department of Interior without disclosing that his parents received hundreds of thousands of dollars in royalties from wind-power turbines on their ranch.

Brian Kennedy, a spokesman for Pombo, said that "each of the charges is baseless." He called the watchdog group "a Democratic attack group, and all of their charges should be taken with a grain of salt."

• Rep. Maxine Waters: The report cites a December 2004 Los Angeles Times investigation disclosing how members of the congresswoman's family have made more than $1 million in the last eight years by doing business with companies, candidates and causes that Waters has helped. Before publication of the Times investigation last year, Waters declined to be interviewed, but said of her family members: "They do their business, and I do mine."

• Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.): The report says he encountered controversy over disclosures that Pennsylvania taxpayers paid for his children's schooling while they lived in Virginia. Santorum maintained he did nothing wrong, and has pulled his children out of the school, according to reports.

• Reps. Randy "Duke" Cunningham and William J. Jefferson: Both congressional veterans are under federal investigation.

Cunningham, who has announced that he will not run for reelection, faces questions over his dealings with a defense contractor who allegedly overpaid him when he purchased Cunningham's house. Jefferson is under scrutiny for his role in an overseas business deal. Normally the House ethics committee does not hold inquiries while criminal investigations are underway.

• Rep. Charles H. Taylor (R-N.C.): The report says that questions have been raised about his private business interests, including a savings and loan in Asheville, N.C., and personal business interests in Russia.

• Rep. Marilyn N. Musgrave (R-Colo.) and Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.): Both second-term House members encountered criticisms tied to campaign activities, the report says.

Musgrave was accused of misusing her congressional office for campaign purposes. Renzi was accused of financing portions of his 2002 campaign with improper loans.

Word is, it didn't help that Clinton's union forces had blocked the affiliated United Teachers of Los Angeles from endorsing Obama a week earlier - and that many of its members were on hand for Saturday's vote.

The old Bill machine was subtle. The new Hillary machine is ham-fisted. 

1  My name is Dave Domina.  Four years ago right now I was in Montgomery Alabama trying an antitrust case called Pickett v Tyson to a federal court and jury. When the trial ended, the jury awarded the cattlemen a $1.3 billion (yes, Billion) verdict for damages. 2  A couple months later, the federal judge took the verdict from the successful plaintiffs. A year later a Federal Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed this decision. 3  A few months after that, the U S Supreme Court made two decisions on the same day.  First, it decided it would hear a will contest involving a deceased, rich old businessman and a busty young blond former stripper named Nicole Smith.   Second, it decided not to hear the cattlemen's Pickett antitrust case. 4   Today,  I have grapes on my plate. The grapes are not sour.   More likely than not, the grapes were grown, and distributed to me, by multinational corporate interests.  Yesterday, another panel of federal judges overturned another jury verdict in favor of producers and affirmed that a federal law designed to protect producers against large corporate interests will not be enforced. 5   The judges who made the rulings gutting laws protecting farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and families in America were, overwhelmingly appointed to office by   three recent presidents all of one political party.  A few were appointed by the other party's president.... a man deeply invested, with his wife,  in corporate America and with financial ties deeply rooted into the most antagonistic of wealth poised against producers.    6  Five paragraphs have been necessary to bring me to the point.  This is it. During the next several days, 24 states will vote to nominate candidates for President in our two political parties.   There is ONE and only ONE candidate in either party who presents any true possibility of a change from the destruction effected by the Federal Judges and their appointing presidents of the past 28 years.   That candidate is a Harvard educated lawyer with a mother from Kansas.  He is Barack Obama. 7  I hope readers of your list serve will step outside their comfort zones.  The issue of the presidential campaign is the economic survival of the American family and its independent businesses.  If this issue is lost,  all the others will not matter because we will not be a free people.   If we are not free, our opinions about abortion, crime,  taxes, Iraq, campaign finance,  education, will not matter.  We will not be players in our own destinies unless we are economically free. 8  My voice, and my soul,  lack the strength to implore any more earnestly, or care any deeper than these words so feebly communicate.   What can be done, must be done.... selflessly.  Right now, that means give money,  make calls, write letters,  attend meetings, talk to others, and even pray.   Barack Obama's election looks to me to be as important, though not as transparently so,  as was the need for the American people to make the right choice for a president in 1860 when we last chose someone from Illinois.  I know Obama supported the Peru trade agreement.  But he listens, and thinks and decides and does not simply go with the money.   His people are little people.  He needs us. We need him.  9  This letter is not partisan.  It is not an attempt to misuse a forum for farm and livestock issues.  But, it is an effort to make a point I think none of use can afford to miss.  McCain is sincere, but does not stand for change.  Clinton stands for big business as usual and no change. Her election would be a continuing unmitigated disaster. Like it or not Barack Obama is the only choice offering any hope for America's producers and families. 10  Take a breath... of fresh air.  The judicial appointments of the past 28 years have been disastrous as a whole.   Take a breath... of fresh air. Respectfully David A Domina

I will again put forward a plan where every states voters have equal say and all of the candidates are on a ballot and awarded delegates to the nominating convention if they earn them with votes

Your plan would be great without the Rube Golberg aspects.

Make it equal --  National Primary Day.

Make it democratic -- Whoever gets the most votes is the nominee. 

Make it open -- If you want people to vote for the nominee in the fall, invite everyone to participate in the selection.

Keep it simple. 

http://www.blogforamerica.com/view/23727#comment-1163874

last thread

I am sorry that Edwards dropped out. The media really played a big role in that in my oppinion, by not covering him. I went to Edwards blog to see what the comments were. It reminded me of us when Dean dropped out and Skerry people came on and said get over it and come join us now. Obama fans did that on the Edwards blog. I am really hoping that Obama wins. I am doing some visibility and phone banking for him. But, it was not right of the Obama people to be so insensitive to the Edwards people.

Annilow, Thankful, Phil and Tom Bearse, and everyone else, it is so nice to see you again! Yes Thankful, you need to take some cow portraits. And Tom, Nancy Skinner!!! I voted for her, Pingree and Butcher. I wanted to vote for everyone though.

In terms of the NY chapter of NOW-- The national chapter should make a load and clear retraction of that. And I am also surprised that Jim Dean or Howard hasn't talked about that with us-- I mean NY NOW attacked them too. I haven't even gotten an email about it from our Democracy for New York group--hmmm I'm going to email our local DFA I think.

I can not imagine supporting Hillary for President at all. UGGGGGGHHHH

Some dirt on McCain - granted, it's from Rense.com, but I suspect it's accurate.

http://www.rense.com/general80/real.htm 

9.

seashell :-)
Wed, 01/30/08

...BO and HC should also be addressing this issue. Blitzie is monitoring the debate so there will be no questions on this, or much else of import.

IMO
==============

IMO they would both be wise to avoid the subject of Israel and ME until they get elected.

BO and HC are between a rock and a hard place, especially Barak Hussein Obama. Few would hold his father's culture against him on such a whim, but in a close race, a few could make the difference.

I just got a call from a DNC hussler hack asking for money. I have a Democracy Bond. I told him off and it felt real good.

Fred, what culture of Barack's father are you referring to?

Judy wrote "I am conceding the vote to no one ... least of all 'Cain."

Thank you for your voice of sanity.  People have to get a grip.  McCain is hated by his own party.  Under the steady hand of its captain, George Bush, the S.S. Republican Party has completely run aground.  The president's economic team is frantically pulling at levers to keep the economy from swirling down the toilet. 

I can't comprehend the self-fulfilling prophecies of doom around here.  This place is like a librium house party.  I hope most of you understand that this is not the ideal time for Democrats to be forming a circular firing squad.

26.

FRED from Ashland OR
Wed, 01/30/08

BO and HC are between a rock and a hard place, especially Barak Hussein Obama. Few would hold his father's culture against him on such a whim, but in a close race, a few could make the difference.

---

The name Hussein is as asset. He can heal U.S. relations with Islamic countries. Hillary will need to wear a burqa during negations and Bill will have to do the talking for her.

With or without AIPAC, we'll be meddling in the ME: They have the oil.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phil and the others, thanks so much for the prayers, vibes, love and light and wisdom.  Love you all ♥ 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burqa

Phil, just looking at the last thread. What you wrote to Puddle was wonderful. 

28: Way to go Susan Rowe!

29: I 2nd that Tom

mz Little: I would love to see a recent pic of your chicken, I think of how wonderful that is often.

ChrisNYC ,

I support Obama and agree totally that Obama people should not go to Edward's blog with that additude.  The people on Obama's blog for the most part are very respectful of Edwards.

Susan you are kidding I hope.  Wrongs in this world can't set the agenda.

http://habeaslawyersforobama.blogspot.com/

Habeas lawyers for Obama

Dear Friends:

We are at a critical point in the Presidential campaign, and as lawyers who have been deeply involved in the Guantanamo litigation to preserve the important right to habeas corpus, we are writing to urge you to support Senator Obama.

The Administration's Guantanamo policies have undercut our values at home and stained our reputation around the world. All of us are lawyers who have worked on the Guantanamo habeas corpus litigation for many years, some of us since early 2002, and we were all deeply involved in opposing the Administration’s attempt to overturn the Supreme Court's Rasul decision by stripping the courts of jurisdiction to hear the Guantanamo cases. We have talked with Senator Obama about why the Guantanamo litigation is so significant, and we have worked closely with Senator Obama in the fight to preserve habeas corpus.

Some politicians are all talk and no action. But we know from first-hand experience that Senator Obama has demonstrated extraordinary leadership on this critical and controversial issue. When others stood back, Senator Obama helped lead the fight in the Senate against the Administration's efforts in the Fall of 2006 to strip the courts of jurisdiction, and when we were walking the halls of the Capitol trying to win over enough Senators to beat back the Administration's bill, Senator Obama made his key staffers and even his offices available to help us. Senator Obama worked with us to count the votes, and he personally lobbied colleagues who worried about the political ramifications of voting to preserve habeas corpus for the men held at Guantanamo. He has understood that our strength as a nation stems from our commitment to our core values, and that we are strong enough to protect both our security and those values. Senator Obama demonstrated real leadership then and since, continuing to raise Guantanamo and habeas corpus in his speeches and in the debates

The writ of habeas corpus dates to the Magna Carta, and was enshrined by the Founders in our Constitution. The Administration's attack on habeas corpus rights is dangerous and wrong. America needs a President who will not triangulate this issue. We need a President who will restore the rule of law, demonstrate our commitment to human rights, and repair our reputation in the world community. Based on our work with him, we are convinced that Senator Obama can do this because he truly feels these issues "in his bones."

We urge you to support Senator Obama.

7:41 PM EST

http://www.azcentral.com/community/ahwatukee/articles/0130phx-obama0201.html

Betty Reid
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 30, 2008 04:45 PM

36-- What state are you in? Are you doing phone banking, visibilty, if so how is it going?

Just how strong will Hillary appear to the world?  I like said if Billary is the nominee McCain is going to win.

39-- are those poppy flowers in the background ;-)

42 Susan,

America's agenda and Big Business influence  what weilds the power. Hillary, if she gets the nomination and become pres, would be just as powerful as a male. Thatchter, Bhutto, etc... America is actually behind in looking beyond gender. 

Susan, I agree. 

I'm now watching for HC to go strong on nat'l defense and BO to start talking like JE.  Then, when HC wins the nomination, she and BO will kiss and make up.  Voila!  The losing ticket dems will regret. 

Hope I'm wrong.  

ChrisNYC,

The numbers jump around, so I don't know if you were asking me about phone banking.  But here goes anyway, I'm from Alaska, have done some phone banking, and gone door to door. People have been very receptive.  I have not talked with one person who likes Clinton.

I'm 63, this will be my first time caucasing, I'm pretty nervous.

Susan you are kidding I hope.  Wrongs in this world can't set the agenda.  

---

No, I'm serious. We can't even get the Equal Rights Amendment passed.  Just look at how women all over the world are still treated.  Good grief.  We're in a war.  And one in the heart of the middle-east.  Bush is a "WAR President" remember.  Americans need to look beyond their sexual entertainment, TV soap operas and their sporting events. Get Real.

Susan you are kidding I hope.  Wrongs in this world can't set the agenda.  

---

No, I'm serious. We can't even get the Equal Rights Amendment passed.  Just look at how women all over the world are still treated.  Good grief.  We're in a war.  And one in the heart of the middle-east.  Bush is a "WAR President" remember.  Americans need to look beyond their sexual entertainment, TV soap operas and their sporting events. Get Real.

PHil 15

 --I agree with that person.

Rae Hart 46-- Alaska! Great. The news today was talking about how Obama is really trying for Alaska. Very Cool, both literally and figuratively. You rock.

Susan 48: Billary will represent the multi-national corporate machine, which is genderless.

Phil, Thanks for posting the Domina letter. Dave is held in high esteem bymany Nebraskans. I will pass te letter around amongst my too many lawyers for Edwards friends. Just a week and a half til our caucuses and interest among Dems and indies is really strong.

Dottie, a Colorado grandmother who was a life-long Republican until now -- and who was one of the grassroots supporters who had dinner with Barack this summer in New Hampshire -- reports from today's event in Denver...

I still have goosebumps after coming home from the rally today in Denver.  People were standing in 25 degree weather in a line that started very early in the morning and extended for probably 8 to 10 blocks as they waited to get in.  The main arena filled up quickly; then the overflow area filled up; then people stood on the lacrosse field throughout the entire speech.  It was thrilling to hear thousands of people--all ages, all genders, all colors -- chanting, "Yes, we can!!" while waiting for the Senator.  These are the most exciting political days I have ever experienced!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog

Sorry everyone, I am not going to post any more pro Obama articles today.  But this one touched my heart, it is how I feel.  (I've never been a Republican).  After Dean dropped out I was through with politics, but Obama has given me hope again.

Susan 48:  "..Good grief.  We're in a war.  And one in the heart of the middle-east..."

I would sooner say that in Iraq we are in a mutinational business deal, and the pawns are our soldiers and the taxpayers. It is not a war.  Afganastan, is not just a war involving America, but all the other countries.

 None the less, America is the most powerful country in the world, and a female president will not change that.

On another note: just heard on the news that Obama in Conneticut polls is catching up to Clinton...YES

Rae Hart 52

"...it is how I feel.  (I've never been a Republican).  After Dean dropped out I was through with politics, but Obama has given me hope again."

 --Yep. Except, no matter what, care about electing congress, senate, dog catcher etc.... They are the constant. For me, I am not feeling it the way I did with Dean, but heck, this is most certainly good enough, and a welcome surprise.

Å truly strong woman does not *stand by her man* the way she did during his public humiliation of her.  That said, I think she made a deal.  I'll stay and you help me get the presidency.  

But who really knows?  I don't, and I feel my interest in politics slipping away today and it's not becuz of JE.  

I think the country was lost in 2000 and many people have been living on *hope* since then.  

With all this tv coverage for so long of this race, putzco is able to destroy our country at record levels w/o being reported on in the media.

The disturbing question, raised by s/o in the media is:  Why is the destruction and consolidation of prez powers continuing at breakneck speed by a prez who's leaving?  What's the point? Why not just go to Crawford and cut brush?  What is he setting up? 

53.

ChrisNYC
Wed, 01/30/08

Make no mistake about it. America is in a war and the stock market is included.

46.

ChrisNYC
Wed, 01/30/08



Hillary will NOT win. The Democrats can't lose this election. Period.

Susan 56 : America is in a war on our homeland--against the wealthy and the not wealthy

51.

ChrisNYC
Wed, 01/30/08

Oh yeah? Tell that one to Donald Trumps' daughter. He sent her into Central California to broker a real estate deal for him. The locals good old boys didn't have a clue. They were dumb founded with her presents. I was a commercial banker for years. Women CEOs are few a far between. They are not the norm. Women still do the grunt work in most companies. Just look at the latest hires at DFA HQ. They're all men.

Chris, wrote: "Billary will represent the multi-national corporate machine, which is genderless."

So does that mean that BO will represent the multi-national corporate machine, which is colorless?  LOL 

Keith is doing a special comment tomorrow night on FISA.

I would have fought like a banshee for a JE/BO ticket.   I don't feel like fighting alone, without JE, anymore.

OK all, checking out for the night. Will call PA reps tomorrow as requested, even thought I'm not in PA ( but my dad was from there) 

 Susan 59: Really, such a non-seneschal, anti-social, confrontational, and a non-communicating style you are burdened with.

Nite all.

I didn't see seashell's request till just a bit ago.  Here you go. 

A candle page for Tanner:

Is anybody on this blog watching the tonight's debate? Please listen to the questions and how they're being answered. What and who's foreign and domestic argument is winning. Know the ememy. This is war.

Does JE keep accruing delegates, Phil?  Does it even pay to vote?   If not, I'll likely not vote in May.

Susan, I'm watching the debate.

I would have fought like a banshee for a JE/BO ticket.   I don't feel like fighting alone, without JE, anymore.

A few days ago you described yourself as a "reluctant" Edwards supporter. Two months ago you were trashing him with LindaNM on a regular basis. 

Consistency encourages credibility. 

Huck is sounding like JE.  At least at this moment.

62.

ChrisNYC
Wed, 01/30/08

I'll admit I'm rather blunt and to the point. I'm also no writer. But I've never claimed to be one. Actually I think I suck at it.

Judy wrote "I am conceding the vote to no one ... least of all 'Cain."

Thank you for your voice of sanity.  People have to get a grip.  McCain is hated by his own party.

At this point McCain, Obama, Romney, or Hillary could become president and imagining to know which it will be is just a form of delusion. 

psst - NEW THREAD