The double standard I speak of is the Hillary standard vs. the standard of the rest of the world. Yes there is sexism. And yes it raised its ugly head agains Hillary in this campaign.
But Hillary lost, not because of sexism as many such as Sascha Millstone would like to pertetuate and present Hillary as some martyr. Hillary lost because of her campaign strategy and the devisiveness within her own camp. To say that she lost because of sexism is in my opinion an insult to women and a discouragement to young girls in particular. Hillary lost specifically because of her strategy, not sexism.
Sacha Millstone the delegate in CO blames Barack Obama and party leaders for not rallying to Clinton's defense. And she slams them for trying to nudge the former first lady out of the race. "That never would have happened if she were a man."
Read More »Fighting For Puerto Rico’s Soldiers and Veterans: During a conversation with the family of a Puerto Rican soldier who had fought in Iraq, Hillary promised that “[w]hen I’m president, we will begin ending the war in Iraq, and you won’t have to worry about [your son] going back…Our veterans deserve a commander in chief who will take care of them, and I will.”
Read More »Cross-posted from: snarky.tumblr.com
Lately, Hillary has been comparing her epic battle to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations “as is” at the Democratic National Convention to the efforts by the Democratic party to extend the franchise to all Americans. The struggle for civil rights, the fight for women’s suffrage, and Hillary’s lone stand for the voters of FL and MI, we are to believe, are on a par.
There is, however, a problem with this narrative. You see, FL and MI both broke the rules established prior to the election by the Democratic National Committee. Now, it is true that the voters of FL and MI were not directly responsible. But their elected leaders were. And as we all know, like it or not, we voters are often held accountable for the actions of the elected leadership regardless of our personal support of their official behavior.
What’s more, attempting to count MI “as is” is even more anti-democratic (note small ‘d’) than excluding their delegation. Obama, and most other major candidates, removed their name from the ballot, leaving only Hillary to be elected in a Soviet-style “one name, one vote” election.
Neither Obama nor Hillary campaigned in FL or MI as they did in other states. And we have seen that campaigning does indeed affect voting. It might be that Hillary would have won either FL or MI. It could well be that Obamamania would have carried the day in one or both states. The point is that the voters didn’t get a chance to see the candidates and take them out for the proverbial test spin.
Hillary agreed to run for the Democratic nomination. When she entered the race, she knew there would be caucus states. No state suddenly became a caucus state when she wasn’t looking.
When she entered the race, she knew that states that scheduled their primaries too early might be penalized or excluded. Many of her supporters were on the committee that drafted the rules in regard to this issue.
As she ran for the nomination, she said it was “clear” that MI’s primary would not be counted.
As she ran for the nomination, she signed a pledge not to campaign in FL or MI — a step not required by the Democratic National Committee but an idea cooked up in Iowa and New Hampshire as a sort of “loyalty test” to their place in the process. She signed that pledge to curry favor in Iowa and New Hampshire (so did everyone else) and she benefited from that pledge.
Now, when times are rough and it is clear that her only route to victory is to get FL and MI seated “as is,” Hillary has cast herself as the Great Enfranchiser.
It is so bogus it makes my teeth hurt.
Now, a message to the candidate…
Read More »
Obama is projected to win NC tonight and that is great because it is just further proof of how Obama can carry the south. Since Bill there hasn't been a Dem that has been able to carry the south and because of that there hasn't been a Dem in office. With Obama we have the best chance of getting that southern vote and getting a Democrat into office for the next 8 years! Go Obama!
few noticed that on this same day in Pennsylvania, 27 percent of Republican primary voters didn’t just tell pollsters they would defect from their party’s standard-bearer; they went to the polls, gas prices be damned, to vote against Mr. McCain. Though ignored by every channel I surfed, there actually was a G.O.P. primary on Tuesday, open only to registered Republicans. And while it was superfluous in determining that party’s nominee, 220,000 Pennsylvania Republicans (out of their total turnout of 807,000) were moved to cast ballots for Mike Huckabee or, more numerously, Ron Paul. That’s more voters than the margin (215,000) that separated Hillary Clinton and Mr. Obama.
Those antiwar Paul voters are all potential defectors to the Democrats in November. Mr. Huckabee’s religious conservatives, who rejected Mr. McCain throughout the primary season, might also bolt or stay home. Given that the Democratic ticket beat Bush-Cheney in Pennsylvania by 205,000 votes in 2000 and 144,000 votes in 2004, these are 220,000 voters the G.O.P. can ill-afford to lose. Especially since there are now a million more registered Democrats than Republicans in Pennsylvania. (These figures don’t even include independents, who couldn’t vote in either primary on Tuesday and have been migrating toward the Democrats since 2006.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/opinion/27rich.html?hp
Jim Callahan
Orlando, FL
It was difficult last night to watch as Clinton’s surrogates explained that the only state in the nation that mattered in a Democratic primary was Pennsylvania. The twisted logic that suggests that we should ignore the fact that Obama leads in delegates, in pledged delegates, in the popular vote, and in contests won is just plain insulting to those of us who pay attention. It’s even beginning to insult the intelligence of the mainstream media â€" and these days, that’s hard to do. Read More »
Whether you support a caucus system or voting in a primary, let's be truly democratic about it and just count the votes!!!!
We don't need to then elect delegates to represent those votes and spend hours and hours just to ultimately cast another vote! Read More »
I find my opinion changing about the current status of the Democratic Primary. I was like many of my fellow Obama supporters, hoping that as I got dressed for class there would be some news report that said the primary was over because a candidate (Hillary Clinton) had decided to take herself out of the race. I looked forward to hearing that news report. But alas, it never came. As time went on, I became more and more upset that this report was not being broadcast. I would say to myself, "She's behind in delegates, in votes, in states, she needs to give it up already!" Needless to say, it caused me some stress. I felt that the longer the contest went on, the more damage was done to the Democratic Party, the more time that John McCain had to plan his entire campaign and do some serious fundraising (because everyone knows he needs to get his campaign money together)....but something happened to change my mind...just a little bit.
In the democratic process, we as a populace do have the right to vote for the candidate whom we support in an election. Whether it be Barack or Hillary, John or Mike or Mitch, it is our inalienable right to vote, and vote democratically. So, reason says that with so many states left in the primary, that there should be a choice. So, I began to feel that Hillary should not be pressured to quit. Then, in my well-known fashion, I had yet another moment of clarity.
Mathematically, I don't see how Hillary could win the delegates. The only way Hillary would stop Barack's lead and gain on him is to get ALL the delegates in every single contest from now until the Denver convention. Given the history of the primaries and caucuses so far, it won't happen. While I encourage healthy competition, I am not in favor of mud-slinging, attacking one person for addressing issues that the other instigated, LYING, and just overall not making much sense....does nothing but belittle the party overall.
Regardless of my feelings, as long as the money comes in and the checks clear and the bills get paid, the campaign and their attacks will continue. I just hope the damage to the Party is not everlasting when the general vote happens in November.
As long as Bush is out of office and someone is elected who can fix the errors of his eight years as President, it doesn't matter to me. (However, I feel that Obama is the only one who can do that.)
Ashley
Four Democratic state party chairs (in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Caroline and Nevada) used their position to extract a destructive pledge from the candidates, that went far beyond the party rules, pledging the candidates not to campaign in Florida.
It is the campaign blackout imposed by the pledge, not party rules that is the problem. The failure to campaign in Florida (or for more, than one candidate to get on the ballot in Michigan) invalidates the candidate results.
Following the January 29 primary, the party did a good job of holding caucuses to elect the persons to serve as delegates. At least here in Central Florida, the delegates elected for both Obama and Clinton were people who were either active in the meetup groups for the Presidential candidates or active in local political campaigns. These are good people who deserve to be seated. One of the delegates is first term state representative Scott Randolph who represents one of the most diverse districts in the nation.
On the other hand, because of the failure to campaign in Florida, the candidate results are invalid. With good delegates, but invalid candidate results, the delegates should be seated, but released from their pledges.
Florida voters still deserve the opportunity to see the candidates campaign in Florida. There is one last chance to vote.
"Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28."
http://www.democrats.org/a/convention_2008/
Florida will hold a regularly scheduled Primary Election on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/online/elecdate.shtml
Imagine the drama of the convention, as the roll call is called out, "Florida passes," as vote counting in Florida is still underway.
At the convention, the seated, but unpledged, Florida delegation eagerly seek out Primary results in their own districts. Each of the delegates had campaigned hard for their candidate prior to the convention so tonight's vote would validate their choice.
The irony under this scenario is that Florida voters would get the last word.
Jim Callahan
Precinct Committeeman, Precinct 401
Orange County Democratic Executive Committee
Orlando, FL
michigan/five-year anniversary of iraq war Read More »
the Keystone State, similar in demographics to Ohio; the biggest prize of all with 158 delegates up for grabs... Read More »
These last few days of attacks on Senator Obama have been a test for everyone who has come to know him in this Primary season for the Democratic nomination .
I will not rehash all of the reasons he has been attacked in this campaign many already know the news stories .
Senator Obama has from day one talked about the issues that affect my family and your family issues not gutter politics .
He spoke well on Countdown on MsNbc the other night and as an American and a lifelomg Democrat I was proud of Senator Obama for standing up taking action and doing the right thing and using good judgement aswell.
Everytime those that want to bring Obama down fine something or someone to attack him and us the Obama Supporters in the end it backfires.
When I think of Karma what comes to mind if one has bad karma then that karma will follow them wherever they go.
Its time for a United States of America one that shows respect for all people no matter what color they are .
Those that have attacked the Obama Campaign with hateful comments that are attempts to divide and conquer will have alot of karma coming their way when they look in the mirror.
We in the Obama Movement as Democrats Republicans and Independents have been giving America solutions to Domestic and International problems and they are listening all over America.
Education I feel will be important once Senator Obama is elected President.
Education to teach our Children and some Adults not to hate or fear someone just because their race or greed is not like yours.
People all over the World are watching America to see if we have the courage of our convictions.
I believe we do that we can change the old ways of thinking and belief systems that have been taught in this great nation.
Lets really win PA in a few weeks and show America and The Clintons that they cannot winthis campaign with even negative attacks and that people in PA are not only ready for Change but are tried of the same old Politics of the past.
Some in the media say PA is like Ohio I do not believe it will be .
So with this I end my message and hope everyone who can go to help in the Primary in PA and elsewhere will do it .
As a working dad with a wife and kid my hopes and what I want for the future of this country are with Obama now 100%.
Obama=A United States of America not a Divided States of America Go Obama Yes You Can Yes We Can Yes We Will.
Excerpt from the Tim Wise article "Obama, Black Voters and the Myth of Reverse Racism ".
For the entire article go to:
http://www. timwise. org/
...
Simply put, there are any number of reasons why whites voting for a white candidate because of race is altogether different than blacks voting for a black candidate because of the same. For African American voters, voting for Barack Obama--a man of color who actually stands a chance of winning the Presidency--is an opportunity to participate in a major historic moment. Read More »
Has Barack Obama's candidacy given rise to a New Generation? Why would they be better suited to run this country?
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/03/03/020532.php
Read the article and write a review.
Enjoy, Alex Hutchinson
It is from http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#TXDEM
This just represents Texas, but it makes me nervous anyway.
Satisfied if Clinton Wins Nomination? Clinton Obama
Yes (70%) 66% 33%
No (28%) 10% 89%
Would You Be Satisfied... Clinton Obama Only if Clinton Wins (28%) 97% 3%
Only if Obama Wins (24%) 2% 97%
If Either Wins (42%) 46% 53%
Dissat. With Both (4%) N/A N/A
Satisfied if Obama Wins Nomination? Clinton Obama
Yes (66%) 30% 69%
No (32%) 91% 8%
What this means is that people think that the world will be saved if X gets nomination. WAKE UP AMERICA! We have to save ourselves, we can't expect either one of the candidates to be the change we want to see without us just being satisfied. Sure getting people who can help us into office is part of the plan, but it is NOT the whole plan. Get to work. Become a neighborhood leader, or sign up a friend, ASAP.
The good new is that JUST 43% of Texans would be satisfied if either wins the nomination, and then we get to add back on the candidate who won. That would be a good base to start with in August I hope. Then we can earn back those voters who were disappointed by the primary. I'm also proud to see, once again, that nearly twice as many democrats as republicans came out to caucus or vote. Even in states like Texas, democrats are rocking the vote (in some states it is called Baracking the vote.
I know I'm preaching to the wrong crowd here at DNC.org, but hey. At least those who will read this care. I do repost it on myspace and facebook too ;)
Sit down with me, friends. I’ve changed my sweater, taken off my shoes. Let’s talk about our friends Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Ohio and Texas. Both famous in their own right, for their own blunders, all having a common man involved. Tonight, they get the spotlight once again - another chance to make it happen, captain. Hillary is ahead in Ohio, Barack in Texas; both have pounded their platforms into our heads and pointed enough fingers.
For the sake of all democrats, let’s hope this decision is made tonight. Let’s face it; the neck-and-neck stuff isn’t good for the party. Divided we stand, together we fall. The longer we wait for a sure candidate, the longer it takes takes for us to rise as one behind the nominee, and end this inter-party scuffling that’s weakening our very core. Every day we wait for is a day John McCain’s strength grows. Those undecided voters are waiting for someone to stand behind, and while democrats focus their attention on who’s got more experience, McCain is creating legacy, stability and a nightmare for the democrats.
If there’s no democratic nominee until the August convention, we’re screwed. Seriously. This is a country that re-elected a failure president because the stability of a second term outweighed the chances of change. McCain believes in the war, wants to continue the war, and with “change for the better” happening in Iraq, it won’t be as hard as everyone thinks to convince middle-of-the-roaders that our money and time are well spent in the fight we created for the ideals we believe are most important. Once McCain starts talking about tax breaks: forget it. While America has stopped thinking Iraq is a mess, they know America's finances are. It's the biggest concern among voters: McCain will be there to tell them the money's coming back to their pockets, even if he can't explain how he'll fund that war. We’re wasting time, procrastinating, thinking “we’ll do it on the day”. Enter: Ralph Nader to the race. TODAY is the day.
Let’s make tonight the end of it. When the polls close, let’s choose our nominee. The fighting is taking its toll, and we don’t want to do it anymore. The dress rehearsal is over and if you don’t like the script now, you aren’t going to.
From my blog: Not Another Pundit: Joseph Karsner
This is one of a series of articles circulating on the internet. I am posting this because I could not link the tab from an email that posted an article from today's Burnt Orange Report.
http://trailblazers.beloblog.com/archives/2008/03/caucus-strategy.html
Note: I will no longer respond to comments until after March 4th.
May the best candidate win in a Fair electoral process.
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