A year ago tonight was a roller coaster of a night. Having paid too much attention to the talking heads, I was anticipating an Obama victory in New Hampshire, which would virtually assure his nomination. As the history would record, however, the result was much different.
Although Obama won about the same percentage of the New Hampshire vote as he was polling, Senator Clinton picked up virtually all of the undecided votes that day. Despite both candidates winning the same number of delegates, the fact Clinton won the horserace gave her campaign a much needed boost.
Before Senator Obama came out, I sat disgruntledly in my Virginia Beach apartment, wondering if Obama would even make it to my state, and wondering if he could survive the fight that would be on if he did make it to February 12. I watched glumly as Senator Clinton "found her voice", and became more worried, wondering how I would talk myself in to voting for Senator Clinton in November.
Obama's speech began innocently enough. The usual thanks to his supporters, promises for change, standard political speech stuff. It wasn't very remarkable. Until he uttered three little words.
Yes We Can
With those words, the game was changed. His defeat was nothing more than a setback, a call to action. That night I donated money to his campaign. I wasn't alone, as January 8, 2008 was a very good day for Obamas fundraising.
Although nowhere near as enjoyable as the South Carolina or the Chesapeake Primary, it was a memorable night. It showed that even though Clinton wouldn't go away easy, neither would Obama. It was the start of a long haul, and the Obama supporters showed they weren't going away.
Showing posts with label 2008 election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 election. Show all posts
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Obama will take Pennsylvania and New Hampshire
Well, that didn't work for Senator McCain. Pennsylvania and New Hampshire have been called for Obama, putting Obama in a pretty position.
Popular Vote
Obama: 3,024,111
McCain: 2,702,494
Electoral Vote
Obama: 103
McCain: 34
Popular Vote
Obama: 3,024,111
McCain: 2,702,494
Electoral Vote
Obama: 103
McCain: 34
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Brilliant Move, Senator McCain
Great move, Senator McCain. Challenging Senator Obama to make an international visit is working so well for you. It's not like the rest of the world loves the idea of President Obama.
Lovely move, scheduling that press conference on a oil rig, and canceling due to a freaking hurricane. You'll be such a wonderful President.
Seriously, why is this even close? McCain and his campaign is acting like they want to lose, and Obama is looking very Presidential on his trip. Yet the polls are still very close. This leads to a couple of possible theories.
1. We are a nation of ignorant morons.
2. Only die-hards and masochists pay attention to the campaigns prior to the conventions.
Although I won't discount theory #1, theory #2 is probably the biggest answer (and the less depressing). If this keeps up after Denver and St. Paul, McCain will likely go the way of Barry Goldwater.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wise Words from the Field
If you haven't already, I recommend that you put Al Giordano's The Field on your daily blog rotation. His reporting on this momentous election has been both entertaining and informative. Without he reasoned and tempered words, I am pretty sure I would be one of the biggest Chicken Littles out there.
His latest post, regarding the whole blow up on the left about Obama's vote on the imperfect FISA bill, is yet again an excellent piece of advice for us panicky political newbies. I disagree with Obama, although I can understand his motives. I don't think he is abandoning his principles on the matter, I just think he is doing what most politicians tend to do. He is making the best of a bad situation, and trying to keep the eye on the big prize.
I have no doubt that Senator Obama will be a much better President than Bush (or McCain) when it comes to obeying the Constitution. For the first time in a long time we might actually have a President who believes in and works to preserve the cherished balance of power that makes our system of government operate fully. Nothing he has done so far shows him to be anything but an intelligent, honorable person who will use reason and facts, instead of beliefs and dogma, to make decisions as our country's leader.
I wish he had still voted no yesterday on the FISA bill, but I can see some advantages in the political arithmetic for him to vote yes. It isn't as if he was the driving force behind this lackluster bill, he was just a high profile senator voting on it. Like it or not, there are a fair amount of Democrats who don't stand united with their left-leaning colleagues on this issue, and no amount of wrangling by Obama (or Feingold, Durbin, Dodd, etc...) on the issue was going to get those senators to change their mind. Most of the Democrats who voted for this bill in both houses of Congress will still be there in January, and it would be helpful to create some political capital. After all, the next President will have some tough battles to fight.
When you disagree with Senator Obama, the best way to enact change isn't to threaten to take your ball and go home. Its to get organized, and take it to the people. Make it as difficult as possible for Senator Obama to ignore your voice, without taking your eye of the big picture. Understand that Obama isn't a die-hard left-winger, and that sometimes he might listen to those who disagree with you as well. And above all, realize that Senator Obama is still a much better alternative to Senator McCain.
To paraphrase his famous 2004 convention speech, we are neither red states nor blue states, but the United States of America. We are a diverse nation, full of people who fall across the entire political spectrum. We shouldn't be so concerned about ideological purity as we should about figuring out what works, and what creates a society that is both free, prosperous, and effective.
His latest post, regarding the whole blow up on the left about Obama's vote on the imperfect FISA bill, is yet again an excellent piece of advice for us panicky political newbies. I disagree with Obama, although I can understand his motives. I don't think he is abandoning his principles on the matter, I just think he is doing what most politicians tend to do. He is making the best of a bad situation, and trying to keep the eye on the big prize.
I have no doubt that Senator Obama will be a much better President than Bush (or McCain) when it comes to obeying the Constitution. For the first time in a long time we might actually have a President who believes in and works to preserve the cherished balance of power that makes our system of government operate fully. Nothing he has done so far shows him to be anything but an intelligent, honorable person who will use reason and facts, instead of beliefs and dogma, to make decisions as our country's leader.
I wish he had still voted no yesterday on the FISA bill, but I can see some advantages in the political arithmetic for him to vote yes. It isn't as if he was the driving force behind this lackluster bill, he was just a high profile senator voting on it. Like it or not, there are a fair amount of Democrats who don't stand united with their left-leaning colleagues on this issue, and no amount of wrangling by Obama (or Feingold, Durbin, Dodd, etc...) on the issue was going to get those senators to change their mind. Most of the Democrats who voted for this bill in both houses of Congress will still be there in January, and it would be helpful to create some political capital. After all, the next President will have some tough battles to fight.
When you disagree with Senator Obama, the best way to enact change isn't to threaten to take your ball and go home. Its to get organized, and take it to the people. Make it as difficult as possible for Senator Obama to ignore your voice, without taking your eye of the big picture. Understand that Obama isn't a die-hard left-winger, and that sometimes he might listen to those who disagree with you as well. And above all, realize that Senator Obama is still a much better alternative to Senator McCain.
To paraphrase his famous 2004 convention speech, we are neither red states nor blue states, but the United States of America. We are a diverse nation, full of people who fall across the entire political spectrum. We shouldn't be so concerned about ideological purity as we should about figuring out what works, and what creates a society that is both free, prosperous, and effective.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
MIKE GRAVLE FOR PREZ!!!!1! OMG!!!!1!
Words cannot describe the lunacy of this man. Yet he still comes off as more sane then Senator Clinton (R-FantasyLand), the President of the Lollipop Forest.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
About Last Night's "Debate"
I must confess I did not watch the debate last night. Why? Mainly because I had seen most of the previous ones, and didn't feel a need to sit through another one. After hearing about the petty hackery of it all, I'm glad I didn't. Had I subjected myself to that mockery of journalism, I probably would have thrown my laptop through my TV.
Why is it that in this time when there are so many substantial issues to question the candidates about, Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos chose to dredge up crap like Jeremiah Wright and Tuzla. They even brought up Obama's "terrible" connection to a former extremist who's criminal actions took place when Obama was EIGHT YEARS OLD.
Ten bucks ABC wouldn't dare lift a finger accusing old Gramps McCain of any of this stupid crap, other than to ask "Is Reagan the Best President Ever, or the Best Person Ever?".
Why is it that in this time when there are so many substantial issues to question the candidates about, Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos chose to dredge up crap like Jeremiah Wright and Tuzla. They even brought up Obama's "terrible" connection to a former extremist who's criminal actions took place when Obama was EIGHT YEARS OLD.
Ten bucks ABC wouldn't dare lift a finger accusing old Gramps McCain of any of this stupid crap, other than to ask "Is Reagan the Best President Ever, or the Best Person Ever?".
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Durrrh....I r stupid, I vote for Obama!
Preznit Clinton, why u call I stupid?
Of course, Mr. President, the reason I support Obama is because I am stupid. I am too stupid to realize that the 90s were a golden time for the poor. High paying jobs were plentiful for the working class, and nobody was left out from the prosperity. Your presidency was a completely prosperous time, with absolutely no part in the mess our nation currently is in. I remember all of the workers in Danville were just ecstatic about losing their jobs to Mexico in the name of global trade.
I don't believe Obama is saying there isn't a difference between your administration and Dubya's. Any body with half a brain can tell the difference between a middling caretaker administration and a Buchanan/Harding level disaster. You also didn't get us into a Iraq level clusterf**k, and for that I thank you. However, your administration wasn't exactly Camelot. Too often you and your DLC pals bent to the will of the GOP and your corporate masters. Rather than working to make NAFTA and other trade agreements more equitable to the workers of our nation, you instead ignored them in favor of Wal-Mart and other behemoths.
Look, I am a believer in free trade, provided it is fair trade. I understand that muscle work often goes where it is cheap. However, I don't know how you could view what happened in cities like Danville, IL or Springfield, OH during the 90s, and not expect the working class to feel that the Democrats didn't have their economic interests in mind.
In truth, I believe a lot of this hot air coming from President Clinton is based on his bloated ego. Not being able to accept the fact that maybe, just maybe, some people don't consider him the paragon of the Democratic part is driving him nuts. But what do I know, I'm just a dumb young voter.
Of course, Mr. President, the reason I support Obama is because I am stupid. I am too stupid to realize that the 90s were a golden time for the poor. High paying jobs were plentiful for the working class, and nobody was left out from the prosperity. Your presidency was a completely prosperous time, with absolutely no part in the mess our nation currently is in. I remember all of the workers in Danville were just ecstatic about losing their jobs to Mexico in the name of global trade.
I don't believe Obama is saying there isn't a difference between your administration and Dubya's. Any body with half a brain can tell the difference between a middling caretaker administration and a Buchanan/Harding level disaster. You also didn't get us into a Iraq level clusterf**k, and for that I thank you. However, your administration wasn't exactly Camelot. Too often you and your DLC pals bent to the will of the GOP and your corporate masters. Rather than working to make NAFTA and other trade agreements more equitable to the workers of our nation, you instead ignored them in favor of Wal-Mart and other behemoths.
Look, I am a believer in free trade, provided it is fair trade. I understand that muscle work often goes where it is cheap. However, I don't know how you could view what happened in cities like Danville, IL or Springfield, OH during the 90s, and not expect the working class to feel that the Democrats didn't have their economic interests in mind.
In truth, I believe a lot of this hot air coming from President Clinton is based on his bloated ego. Not being able to accept the fact that maybe, just maybe, some people don't consider him the paragon of the Democratic part is driving him nuts. But what do I know, I'm just a dumb young voter.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Thoughtful Comments? From a Politician? We don't pay them to Think.
How dare you Senator Obama
That Ivy League elitist Islamoterrocommunoafroterrorist Barack HUSSEIN ObAma has been at it again with his comments that are nuanced, thoughtful, and make some sense. Shame on him, doesn't he know you need to run your campaign like all Americans are moronic and inattentive preschoolers? No good could come of a president who actually treats us like we might be smarter than mildly retarded cats.
Seriously, the thought that a Senator who lives in Chappaqua, New York and a Senator who was the son and grandson of Admirals could call Obama an elitist is laughable. It doesn't look like Hillary is getting much serious play from these comments, and it could quite possibly end up backfiring on her.
That Ivy League elitist Islamoterrocommunoafroterrorist Barack HUSSEIN ObAma has been at it again with his comments that are nuanced, thoughtful, and make some sense. Shame on him, doesn't he know you need to run your campaign like all Americans are moronic and inattentive preschoolers? No good could come of a president who actually treats us like we might be smarter than mildly retarded cats.
Seriously, the thought that a Senator who lives in Chappaqua, New York and a Senator who was the son and grandson of Admirals could call Obama an elitist is laughable. It doesn't look like Hillary is getting much serious play from these comments, and it could quite possibly end up backfiring on her.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Really, a Politician that Treats Us Like Adults?
Silly Senator Obama. Doesn't he understand you can't be nuanced, fair-minded, or intelligent when running for President?
In all seriousness this is a great speech. Senator Obama once again shows that words do matter. Will this stop the Wright bullcrap? Probably not, considering Faux Noise has decided to continue pounding away on the issue. But it certainly reinforced why I am supporting this candidate, and once again showed how unfortunate our nation would be if we screwed up and didn't elect him in November.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Shame on you, Senator Clinton
Dear Senator Clinton,
We have put up with a lot of crap from your campaign. Whether it was the Inevitability Express, the constant moving of the goalposts, or the ugly sweaters of Howard Wolfson, we've been fairly patient. But the latest offense in unforgivable.
For shame, Senator Clinton, for shame. How dare you bring Sinbad back into the public consciousness. The American people were perfectly content to leave Mr. Sinbad back in the 90s where he belonged, only occasionally running into him on crappy VH-1 shows or a mid Sunday showing of Jingle All the Way. Life was good, knowing that he would not be in any way relevant to our lives.
I hope you can't sleep at night. I hope that you are kept awake, worrying about what hellish door of mediocrity you have unleashed.
We have put up with a lot of crap from your campaign. Whether it was the Inevitability Express, the constant moving of the goalposts, or the ugly sweaters of Howard Wolfson, we've been fairly patient. But the latest offense in unforgivable.
For shame, Senator Clinton, for shame. How dare you bring Sinbad back into the public consciousness. The American people were perfectly content to leave Mr. Sinbad back in the 90s where he belonged, only occasionally running into him on crappy VH-1 shows or a mid Sunday showing of Jingle All the Way. Life was good, knowing that he would not be in any way relevant to our lives.
I hope you can't sleep at night. I hope that you are kept awake, worrying about what hellish door of mediocrity you have unleashed.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Obama raises $55 Million in February
When the February figures for Senator Clinton were leaked last week, her $35 million take was rather impressive. In any other year, those numbers would be considered monumental.
However, that total stands in the shadow of the $55 million the Obama campaign raised. That is almost $1.9 million/day. The amazing part of it is that $45 million of that was raised through the web, a true testament to effectiveness of Obama's grassroots campaign.
I believe that it is ridiculous that our political campaigns have to expend as much money as they do. It creates barriers of entry, and encourages conflicts of interest in our political process. However, one cannot deny that $55 million in one month, especially the shortest month of the year, is a major accomplishment.
Now let's hope this will power Obama to victory in Denver.
However, that total stands in the shadow of the $55 million the Obama campaign raised. That is almost $1.9 million/day. The amazing part of it is that $45 million of that was raised through the web, a true testament to effectiveness of Obama's grassroots campaign.
I believe that it is ridiculous that our political campaigns have to expend as much money as they do. It creates barriers of entry, and encourages conflicts of interest in our political process. However, one cannot deny that $55 million in one month, especially the shortest month of the year, is a major accomplishment.
Now let's hope this will power Obama to victory in Denver.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Game On: On to WY, MS, and PA
Well, last night certainly could have gone better for Senator Obama. He lost three of the four states, taking home a victory in Vermont. Fortunately for him, the delegate gains for Senator Clinton are minimal at best. He is still a convincing leader in the delegate count, and still stands the best chance to be the party's nominee.
Now that it appears that Senator Clinton will be in this until at least Pennsylvania, it is time for the Obama campaign to shift gears in the execution, if not the theme, of their campaign. If this memo from David Plouffe is any indicator, expect the campaign to hit harder at the Clinton campaign over the next seven weeks.
Hopefully this test will serve as a crucible for making the Obama campaign just that much stronger. Whether it is getting their message through to the voters, or making sure they are controlling the debate, Obama must be willing to take it to Clinton. His campaign seemed a little too cocky over the past two weeks, and maybe a bit of levity is in order.
Sitting in the shadow of March 4 are two contests in Wyoming and Mississippi. Although Obama is favored in these two contests, they must take nothing for granted. A victory in these two small, yet important, states can give some fence-sitting superdelegates some cover to come out for Obama. Hopefully enough of them can be convinced to get Hillary to bow out sooner than later, or the Democrats risk blowing this golden opportunity to retake the White House.
Game On!
Now that it appears that Senator Clinton will be in this until at least Pennsylvania, it is time for the Obama campaign to shift gears in the execution, if not the theme, of their campaign. If this memo from David Plouffe is any indicator, expect the campaign to hit harder at the Clinton campaign over the next seven weeks.
Hopefully this test will serve as a crucible for making the Obama campaign just that much stronger. Whether it is getting their message through to the voters, or making sure they are controlling the debate, Obama must be willing to take it to Clinton. His campaign seemed a little too cocky over the past two weeks, and maybe a bit of levity is in order.
Sitting in the shadow of March 4 are two contests in Wyoming and Mississippi. Although Obama is favored in these two contests, they must take nothing for granted. A victory in these two small, yet important, states can give some fence-sitting superdelegates some cover to come out for Obama. Hopefully enough of them can be convinced to get Hillary to bow out sooner than later, or the Democrats risk blowing this golden opportunity to retake the White House.
Game On!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Jay Rockefeller endorses Senator Obama
Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia endorsed Senator Obama today. This is a big endorsement, as Senator Rockefeller is the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and is considered a decent enough expert on issues regarding security and intelligence. Apparently, Senator Rockefeller decided to emphatically answer the question posed in this ridiculous Clinton ad. And unfortunately for the junior senator from New York, he chose the other guy.
Senator Clinton's Latest Tantrum
Once again, Senator Clinton seems content to stomp around and hold her breath until she gets what she wants, this time with a potential lawsuit against the Texas contest on March 4.
It isn't like the state suddenly changed its rules today or something. They knew the rules well in advance, or at least should have known them. Considering how unprofessional and sloppy her campaign has been, it isn't a surprise she didn't know these rules before they came into play.
Why do I get the feeling that she wouldn't be so concerned about this if the situation were playing into her favor? Senator Clinton has shown time and time again she will stop at nothing, even if it means turning off an entire generation to the political process and destroying the Democratic party, to get this nomination.
It isn't like the state suddenly changed its rules today or something. They knew the rules well in advance, or at least should have known them. Considering how unprofessional and sloppy her campaign has been, it isn't a surprise she didn't know these rules before they came into play.
Why do I get the feeling that she wouldn't be so concerned about this if the situation were playing into her favor? Senator Clinton has shown time and time again she will stop at nothing, even if it means turning off an entire generation to the political process and destroying the Democratic party, to get this nomination.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
One Down: Dodd to endorse Obama
Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is expected to endorse Senator Obama today. This is big news, as Senator Dodd is the first of the former Democratic candidates to endorse one of the two remaining candidates. Although not quite as important as his support may be, the fact that Dodd is a superdelegate also helps out Obama.
I hope this is the start of a trend. Although I don't see any of the other candidates endorsing anybody at this time, the fact that one has may increase that probability. Hopefully the lion's share of endorsements will go to Senator Obama.
I hope this is the start of a trend. Although I don't see any of the other candidates endorsing anybody at this time, the fact that one has may increase that probability. Hopefully the lion's share of endorsements will go to Senator Obama.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Hurrah! Silly Season is Here!
Shame on you, Senator Obama. Shame on you for not genuflecting enough to this mighty and all-powerful country. By not wearing a flag pin, saluting the flag as all loyal citizens do during the National anthem, and the other things, you have shown your self to be an absolute Islamofasciocommunist Blackguard, who will stop at nothing to destroy the Fatherland. Especially disconcerting is your acceptance of $200 from a constituent who was found not guilty of committing a crime he was charged for when you were eight years old.
Tell us please Mr. Obama why you didn't come out in 1970 against the actions of the Weathermen. And don't use that excuse that your teacher wanted you to write that book report. That doesn't excuse your absolute approal of their violent acts, which is obvious from your silence at the time of the event. You deserve to be run out of town on a rail, and left in such a destitute state that only his holiness St. Gipper can save you.
Just for the record, ALL HAIL AMERICA! ALL HAIL AMERICA! APPLE PIE AND CHEVROLETS FOR ALL! That is all. Now, Mr. Osama bin Hussein, please exit the stage....
ENOUGH!
Damnit CNN, I thought you were better than this. I knew Fox News was into bullcrap like this, but you too. Sufficently patriotic? What does that even mean? Since when was there a litmus test for patriotism. And if there is one, I'm not sure I would be proud to call that country my home. Patriotism is about loving your countries ideals. To me, that means there is no one way to show it, and the jingoism of saluting a flag and wearing flag-themed apparel is not my way to do it.
Since when did our country become so insecure that we need people to stomp around with a flag chanting USA! USA! USA! USA! to reinforce their belief in this nation? If flying the flag is your way of showing your love for country, more power to you. But an even better way to show that patriotism is to understand that some people choose other ways to show their patriotism. This is what separates patriotism from jingoism.
To impugn that Senator Obama is any less of a patriot than anyone else in this country ignores both his record and his words. I don't understand why we have sunk so low. I just don't understand. I used to love this country with all of my heart, and still love its ideals and potential. But if you have to pass a test to prove it, that seems like something else, something far more sinister. And it might be the first time in my life that I am not really proud of my country.
(To Those who may read this, and use it to impugn me in any future political race I might be involved in, I have one thing to say. Go (bleep) yourselves. Ummm, I mean USA! USA! USA! USA! Ayatollah Assholla!)
Tell us please Mr. Obama why you didn't come out in 1970 against the actions of the Weathermen. And don't use that excuse that your teacher wanted you to write that book report. That doesn't excuse your absolute approal of their violent acts, which is obvious from your silence at the time of the event. You deserve to be run out of town on a rail, and left in such a destitute state that only his holiness St. Gipper can save you.
Just for the record, ALL HAIL AMERICA! ALL HAIL AMERICA! APPLE PIE AND CHEVROLETS FOR ALL! That is all. Now, Mr. Osama bin Hussein, please exit the stage....
ENOUGH!
Damnit CNN, I thought you were better than this. I knew Fox News was into bullcrap like this, but you too. Sufficently patriotic? What does that even mean? Since when was there a litmus test for patriotism. And if there is one, I'm not sure I would be proud to call that country my home. Patriotism is about loving your countries ideals. To me, that means there is no one way to show it, and the jingoism of saluting a flag and wearing flag-themed apparel is not my way to do it.
Since when did our country become so insecure that we need people to stomp around with a flag chanting USA! USA! USA! USA! to reinforce their belief in this nation? If flying the flag is your way of showing your love for country, more power to you. But an even better way to show that patriotism is to understand that some people choose other ways to show their patriotism. This is what separates patriotism from jingoism.
To impugn that Senator Obama is any less of a patriot than anyone else in this country ignores both his record and his words. I don't understand why we have sunk so low. I just don't understand. I used to love this country with all of my heart, and still love its ideals and potential. But if you have to pass a test to prove it, that seems like something else, something far more sinister. And it might be the first time in my life that I am not really proud of my country.
(To Those who may read this, and use it to impugn me in any future political race I might be involved in, I have one thing to say. Go (bleep) yourselves. Ummm, I mean USA! USA! USA! USA! Ayatollah Assholla!)
Friday, February 15, 2008
I'm Reconsidering My Endorsement of Obama...
...Because the video below just absolutely convinced me of the greatness of Senator Hillary Clinton.
This video is just so awesome and persuasive how could you not vote for her. The 80s style cheesy music and forced choreography is such a perfect symbol for her campaign. Senator Clinton, where do I sign up on your express train to 1994?
This video is just so awesome and persuasive how could you not vote for her. The 80s style cheesy music and forced choreography is such a perfect symbol for her campaign. Senator Clinton, where do I sign up on your express train to 1994?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Why McCain?
John "Walnuts!" McCain has apparently all but wrapped up the GOP nomination. Why do you think he is the best candidate? If you wish, make your case for Senator McCain in the comments for this post.
Why Obama?
As anyone who has read this blog can tell, I am a big supporter of Senator Obama. If you are as well, I would like to know why you support his campaign? If you wish, you may share your voice in the comments section on this post.
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