Ann the Man Coulter Endorses Hillary over McCain

[strandinthewind]

Hell hath frozen over :eek:

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[David]

I saw that yesterday & wasn't shocked or anything. She was doing something she always does: using an extreme rhetorical device or ploy in order to lambaste a pseudo-conservative.

I like the way she just ignores the Lizard these days. She sits with her back to him now, whenever she's on the show. I must say, he handled it pretty amusingly this time, whereas in the past he'd just blather on in that blithery-dithery way of his, trying to retake the direction of the argument. He has always annoyed me so.

[Betsy]

Surprised...

I never cared for Coulter, though.....so I try to avoid my exposure...

P.S.....that one guy does resemble a lizard....

[SuzeQuze]

Does this count as a flip flop?

[SuzeQuze]

Surprised...

I never cared for Coulter, though.....so I try to avoid my exposure...

P.S.....that one guy does resemble a lizard....

He does look reptilian. I'd love to see Clooney go on there and debate with Hannity, a natural wonder of the world walking around all brainless and shiz.

On edit, the end is very funny. "My work is done!"

[petep9000]

I can picture the set director at Faux 'News':

"Annie, now tilt your chair so it looks like you're snubbing Alan. Yeah, I know, you guys do coffee in the morning and you sometimes watch his kids, but trust me it'll look great on TV.

No, Annie, you have to cross your legs. Why? Because your testicles bulge out too much if you don't. We've talked about this.

Where's the wardrobe lady? Yeah, you. How many times have we told you, nothing on Ann that shows her Adam's Apple!"

:laugh:

[strandinthewind]

. . . No, Annie, you have to cross your legs. Why? Because your testicles bulge out too much if you don't. We've talked about this . . . .

and the dandruff falls on your shoes and the set :cool:

:wavey:

[skcin]

That does it. I'm definitely not voting for Hillary now. :wavey:

[BombaySapphire3]

This should tell us something..come on now everyone vote Obama on Super Tuesday !!!:blob2:

[vermicious knid]

No, Hillary is smarter and more tenacious. Her speeches are filled with specifics on exactly what she will do as president, whereas Obama's speeches are feel-good gobbledygook. And based on how his ties to Exelon Corporation led him to weaken a bill on notifying citizens of radioactive leakage, I think Obama's type of "bipartisanship" will just result in letting the Republicans have a lot of what they want. We have an experienced fighter in Hillary.

[BombaySapphire3]

No, Hillary is smarter and more tenacious. Her speeches are filled with specifics on exactly what she will do as president, whereas Obama's speeches are feel-good gobbledygook. And based on how his ties to Exelon Corporation led him to weaken a bill on notifying citizens of radioactive leakage, I think Obama's type of "bipartisanship" will just result in letting the Republicans have a lot of what they want. We have an experienced fighter in Hillary.

Hmm do we really want a President who everytime she begins to slip in the polls puts on a phony and calculated sob routine? Besides that she voted to authorize the Iraqi debacle ..that is enough right there.

[vermicious knid]

What I really want is for irrelevant stories about things like crying and lapel pins and haircuts to be ignored in favor of real issues.

As for Iraq, I don't think Obama can claim to be more anti-war than Hillary. He has funded the war at every opportunity. It was easy for him to be against the war when he had no vote to give, but upon becoming a senator he turned timid. Why would he fund what he called a "dumb war"?

Every Democrat gave John Kerry a pass on this issue in 2004. But now it seems like Hillary must pay for the sins of everyone who was duped by George Bush.

[Kelly]

What I really want is for irrelevant stories about things like crying and lapel pins and haircuts to be ignored in favor of real issues.

As for Iraq, I don't think Obama can claim to be more anti-war than Hillary. He has funded the war at every opportunity. It was easy for him to be against the war when he had no vote to give, but upon becoming a senator he turned timid. Why would he fund what he called a "dumb war"?

Every Democrat gave John Kerry a pass on this issue in 2004. But now it seems like Hillary must pay for the sins of everyone who was duped by George Bush.


Word!

I find it offensive that Hillary is criticized by some for choking up and in the next breathe, people are saying she is void of emotion.
:confused: It feels like she is judged on a harsher scale than the rest of them. We were all duped by Bush but if she ever was to stand up and say she made a mistake voting for the war, she would be called weak, indecisive and accused of changing position when it became unpopular.

Obama is just not experienced enough for me. He has not had to make as many tough votes in the Senate because he hasn't been around as long as HC. Obama may be an inspirational speaker but her track record on the issues inspires me more.

I also worry that if Obama gets the nomination, he will not be able to beat McCain in the GE. I think Hillary can. Electability (sp) should be a factor when people make their choice tomorrow, imo.

[carrie721]

It feels like she is judged on a harsher scale than the rest of them.

of course she is. like it or not, women are relative newcomers in the political arena, and she's gonna have to prove herself. she's a woman playing a man's game - she's going to be too soft for some and too shrewd for others.

[darklinensuit]

Word!

I find it offensive that Hillary is criticized by some for choking up and in the next breathe, people are saying she is void of emotion.
:confused: It feels like she is judged on a harsher scale than the rest of them. We were all duped by Bush but if she ever was to stand up and say she made a mistake voting for the war, she would be called weak, indecisive and accused of changing position when it became unpopular.

Obama is just not experienced enough for me. He has not had to make as many tough votes in the Senate because he hasn't been around as long as HC. Obama may be an inspirational speaker but her track record on the issues inspires me more.

I also worry that if Obama gets the nomination, he will not be able to beat McCain in the GE. I think Hillary can. Electability (sp) should be a factor when people make their choice tomorrow, imo.

I agree with all of this except the last part - I suspect he is as electable as Hillary, & a very recent poll says that he beats McCain, but Hillary doesn't (if the election were now). But to me she's just the better candidate.

- Jake

[BombaySapphire3]

But now it seems like Hillary must pay for the sins of everyone who was duped by George Bush.

Duped by a chimp with a 91 IQ who cannot complete a sentence?This does not bode well for her Presidency and I do not believe she is more electable than Obama ..she is a very polarizing candidate.

[darklinensuit]

And I thought she came off very well on Letterman Monday night.

- Jake

[strandinthewind]

Duped by a chimp with a 91 IQ who cannot complete a sentence?This does not bode well for her Presidency and I do not believe she is more electable than Obama ..she is a very polarizing candidate.

His IQ is 91? Where did you see his WAIS-R results. Moreover, last I checked, he compltes 99% of his sentences publicly uttered, thgough he had laid about 100 humdingers over the last eight years :wavey:

Seriously, Hillary could not have voted against the US continuing inspections in Iraq. Remember, her husband and the D's were more than happry to bomb Iraq just a few years earlier and by all accounts (see all the unanimous UN declarations, resolutions, etc. for the prior 10 years) - Iraq was hiding something - remember SH kicked the UN out, but no one faults him for that - it's all W's fault. Thus, voting to continue the inspections was the right thing to do, at least according to unanimous world consent :shrug:

I do not believe Hillary ever supported or votred for the premature canceling of the inspections and the rush to war, which is where W and his cronies went wrong.

In the end, I think Iraq cannot be summed up in a few sentences like "we should never have gone there" or something like that. I think that after 9/11, we could not afford to let SH fester, esp. when the world thought he had WMD. Put it this way, if someone on your block blew up your house and killed your family and you knew based on all intelligence that some unrelated other person also on your block who was your sworn enemy had explosives and had used them on you and your allies in the past - wouldn't you want someone at least to go there and make sure they no longer had those explosives? I know I would even though they had nothing to do with blowing up my house :shrug:

To be clear, I think W and his cronies lied about the ending the inspections prematurely and rushing to war. I also think they botched the war from the beginning by not putting wnough troops on the ground. Interestingly, now that we have more troops on the ground, the tide is turning our way. Go figure. I also think W is a criminal and should be in jail. I despise his presidency.

Can Hillary be the one to unite? I doubt it. But, I do not think political unification of America is possible. So, I think she is the best choice as far as experience goes. She clearly has demonstrated he ability to cross the aisle as the junior senator from New York.

As for Obama, he talks a great game of change from the old ways, but he surrounds himself with old style players. Clearly, that is symbolic of something negative. Yet, people cannot see that, which amazes me. Obama does, however, most reflect my personal political ideals.

Finally, if Obama is the D nominee, I will vote for him. I do, however, think that if they were smart politicians (oxymoron I know) - it would be a Clinton/Obama ticket, which would be unbeatable, esp. against McCain, who IMO will be the R nominee.

[David]

His IQ is 91? Where did you see his WAIS-R results. Moreover, last I checked, he compltes 99% of his sentences publicly uttered, thgough he had laid about 100 humdingers over the last eight years :wavey:He sounds & speaks like a simpleton.

Can Hillary be the one to unite?She ain't gonna unite me with her faction, that's for sure. She has always struck me -- in looks, speech & politics -- as the quintessential bureaucrat.

But, I do not think political unification of America is possible.Not only is it not possible (unless you mean it in its widest possible metaphorical sense) but it's a meaningless meme, to use the vogue word. It's a slogan, a platitude. It's designed to excite the emotions in some way, not to correspond to a demonstrable truth or to stand up to close verbal scrutiny.

As for Obama, he talks a great game of change from the old ways, but he surrounds himself with old style players.That's an excellent way to put it. Sadly but not surprisingly, it describes all the candidates in the two big parties -- every election since time immemorial.

[strandinthewind]

^^^

détente :cool:

I do submit, though, that anyone who could fly a fighter plane has an IQ greater than that alleged. However, it is possible the drug and booze abuse lessened the IQ over time.

[skcin]

What I really want is for irrelevant stories about things like crying and lapel pins and haircuts to be ignored in favor of real issues.

As for Iraq, I don't think Obama can claim to be more anti-war than Hillary. He has funded the war at every opportunity. It was easy for him to be against the war when he had no vote to give, but upon becoming a senator he turned timid. Why would he fund what he called a "dumb war"?
Every Democrat gave John Kerry a pass on this issue in 2004. But now it seems like Hillary must pay for the sins of everyone who was duped by George Bush.


Well, would you rather he voted against funding? He shouldn't approve giving more money to the troops? We're there now, nothing we can do (under Bush) to get the hell out, so they'd better at least give the soldiers what they need to do their job. I'm not stupid, I know that money isn't going right to the troops or paying for equipment, but that's part of it.

He sounds & speaks like a simpleton.

I'd like to add "looks like a simpleton." Did you guys see him point and WINK at someone at his last state of the union? :rolleyes:

She ain't gonna unite me with her faction, that's for sure. She has always struck me -- in looks, speech & politics -- as the quintessential bureaucrat.

More than all the others?

That's an excellent way to put it. Sadly but not surprisingly, it describes all the candidates in the two big parties -- every election since time immemorial.

I know. We can't really point a finger at any single candidate, it's damn near impossible not to have SOME sort of shady connection whether they know it or not.

I appreciate people being passionate about who they want to run, but I hope that if Obama wins the nomination, Hillary supporters won't say "well, forget this, I'm voting for McCain" or even not vote at all - then we're really f*cked. :distress: Same goes for Obama supporters if Hillary gets it.

Notice neither of them said "no" at the last debate when asked if they would consider running together. :cool:

[vivfox]

Anyone want to share with me H. Clinton's and B. Obama's views on gays?

[skcin]

Here's what I got from youngamericanvoters.com:

Obama:
Opposes same-sex marriage
Supports civil unions
Against a Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage

Clinton:
Voted against an amendment to define marriage as being between a man and a woman
Supports civil unions
Opposes same-sex marriage


The site is very, very basic, but you can compare & contrast the candidates based on specific issues.
http://www.youngamericanvoters.com/

[vermicious knid]

Barack Obama refused to have his picture taken with pioneer for gay rights, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom.
http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5213/gavinnewsomua2.jpg

"I gave a fundraiser, at his (Obama's) request at the Waterfront restaurant," said former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. "And he said to me, he would really appreciate it if he didn't get his photo taken with my mayor. He said he would really not like to have his picture taken with Gavin."
. . . .
insiders at City Hall, both current and former members of Newsom's staff, recall the incident well. And you can bet that Newsom hasn't forgotten it either.

"He was pissed," said one former staffer.

In fact, early last year, Newsom alluded to the incident in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Speaking to Reuters on Jan. 26, 2007, Newsom was asked about three potential Democratic candidates: Obama, Hillary Clinton and Al Gore.
. . . .
"One of the three Democrats you mentioned as presidential candidates, as God is my witness, will not be photographed with me, will not be in the same room with me," Newsom told Reuters, "even though I've done fundraisers for that particular person - not once, but twice - because of this issue."
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/05/BAM5US1B5.DTL

I am sure the Obamaniacs will be able to spin this as a bold and righteous move by their favorite.

[skcin]

^ I'm more concerned with the way he's voted on issues & what he says now than who he didn't have his pic taken with 4 or 5 years ago. :shrug: I'm not trying to spin in, it's just not a priority in my decision making - too much of this "he said, she said" bull**** & finger-pointing & "yeah, but he did this & that" is what makes people not want to bother researching the candidates or watching the debates. Unless he was quoted as saying "I hate gay people" or "I'm not taking a picture with that faggot," then I don't care.

I've said it before, I'm fine with either democratic candidate & will support whoever gets the nod. I don't dislike Hillary, but I'm leaning toward Obama. It bothers me slightly that Hillary keeps slamming him for not having a health plan that will cover all Americans (Obama's would be offered to all Americans who can't otherwise get/afford health insurance, but doesn't mandate that everyone have it & penalize them for turning it down like Clinton's plan would) but my shock & disgust that McCain has NO plan far outweighs my annoyance with the pissing contest among the Dems.

[strandinthewind]

^ I'm more concerned with the way he's voted on issues & what he says now than who he didn't have his pic taken with 4 or 5 years ago. :shrug: . . . .

These people are running his campaign - so it is more than just having his pic taken with them.

[skcin]

These people are running his campaign - so it is more than just having his pic taken with them.

Who is running his campaign? What do you mean, "these people?"

[strandinthewind]

Anyone want to share with me H. Clinton's and B. Obama's views on gays?

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hillary_Clinton.htm

Hillary Clinton on Civil Rights
Click here for 37 full quotes on Civil Rights OR 3 older headlines OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
MLK recognized that working within the system was necessary. (Jan 2008)
1962: met MLK Jr. preaching a sermon in Chicago. (Jul 2007)
1965: brought black classmates to all-white church. (Jul 2007)
We've come a long way on race, but we have a long way to go. (Jun 2007)
1995: Politely criticized China's human rights. (Jun 2007)
1988: Instituted gender diversity Report Card within ABA. (Jun 2007)
Developmental thread: tragedy of race must be made right. (Jun 2007)
Pushing for privacy bill of rights. (Jun 2006)
Argued with Bill Clinton about diluting affirmative action. (Oct 2005)
1972: Worked with Edelman on school desegregation in South. (Nov 2003)
Apologize for slavery, but concentrate on civil rights now. (Oct 2000)
Crack down on sex trafficking of women and girls. (Jan 2000)
Human rights are women’s rights. (Jan 2000)
Women’s rights are human rights. (Dec 1999)
Support National Endowment for the Arts. (Feb 1997)
Affirmative living: involve entire village against racism. (Sep 1996)
Sex selection, prostitution & war rape: human rights issues. (Sep 1995)
Gay Rights
Telling kids about gay couples is parental discretion. (Sep 2007)
Positive about civil unions, with full equality of benefits. (Aug 2007)
Let states decide gay marriage; they're ahead of feds. (Aug 2007)
GLBT progress since 2000, when I marched in gay pride parade. (Aug 2007)
Supports DOMA, which Bill Clinton signed. (Jul 2007)
Don't ask don't tell was an important transition step. (Jun 2007)
2004:defended traditional marriage; 2006:voted for same-sex. (May 2007)
Federal Marriage Amendment would be terrible step backwards. (Oct 2006)
Gay soldiers need to shoot straight, not be straight. (Nov 2003)
End hate crimes and other intolerance. (Sep 2000)
Gays deserve domestic partnership benefits. (Feb 2000)
Military service based on conduct, not sexual orientation. (Dec 1999)
Voting Record
Op-ed: Voted no on flag-burning to build centrist credential. (May 2006)
Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
Rated 60% by the ACLU, indicating a mixed civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 96% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

__________________________________________________________

http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm

Barack Obama on Civil Rights
Click here for 36 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights.
2004 DNC speech merged "heritage" with "diversity". (Dec 2007)
The politics of fear undermines basic civil liberties. (Oct 2007)
Racial equality good for America as a whole. (Jun 2007)
Put the Confederate flag in a museum, not the state house. (Apr 2007)
Muslim heritage gives Obama unique influence in Muslim world. (Oct 2006)
No black or white America--just United States of America. (Oct 2006)
Forthright on racial issues and on his civil rights history. (Jul 2004)
Defend freedom and equality under law. (May 2004)
Politicians: don't use religion to insulate from criticism. (Apr 2004)
Miscegenation a felony in 1960 when Obamas practiced it. (Aug 1996)
The civil rights movement was a success. (Aug 1996)
Affirmative Action
Benefited from affirmative action but overcame via merit. (Dec 2007)
Include class-based affirmative action with race-based. (Oct 2007)
Better enforce women's pay equity via Equal Pay Act. (Aug 2007)
African-Americans vote Democratic because of issue stances. (Jul 2004)
Supports affirmative action in colleges and government. (Jul 1998)
Gay Rights
Being gay or lesbian is not a choice. (Nov 2007)
Decisions about marriage should be left to the states. (Oct 2007)
Homosexuality no more immoral than heterosexuality. (Oct 2007)
Ok to expose 6-year-olds to gay couples; they know already. (Sep 2007)
Has any marriage broken up because two gays hold hands? (Aug 2007)
We need strong civil unions, not just weak civil unions. (Aug 2007)
Legal rights for gays are conferred by state, not by church. (Aug 2007)
Disentangle gay rights from the word "marriage". (Aug 2007)
Gay marriage is less important that equal gay rights. (Aug 2007)
Gay rights movement is somewhat like civil rights movement. (Aug 2007)
Let each denominations decide on recognizing gay marriage. (Jul 2007)
Supports health benefits for gay civil partners. (Oct 2006)
Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality. (Oct 2006)
Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is. (Oct 2004)
Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws. (Jul 1998)
Voting Record
Strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Aug 2007)
Voted NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
Rated 89% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 100% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)

[strandinthewind]

Who is running his campaign? What do you mean, "these people?"

I posted a link earlier in the thread you started about voting - pay attention ;)

It is post #8 in the "Lesser of Two Evils Thread" to wit:

This questions more than the obvious IMO. People will vote for Obama because he is black - South Carolina proved that. I cannot say I blame them. Ditto for Hillary and women - the primaries are proving that. On the R side, the situation is the same. People cannot vote for a pro choice and/or gay sympathetic person. They can be down the line conservative in fiscal policy, but the loathing of anti-Jesus baby muerders and faggot lovers is too much to overcome. So, I think party line voters are in a little trouble in this upcoming election - or, at least in the primaries.

Personally, I think that anyone who things Obama can or wants to make significant changes is deluding themselves. His actions to date and the people he surrounds himself with in his campaign prove my point ( http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-t..._a_lobb_1.html ). But, he is intelligent, energetic, and inspiring, not to mention electrifyingly charismatic - so, I think people are beguiled by that. I am not saying I do not think he would be a good President. I think he would. And, I will vote for him against anything the R's have now. But, call it the jaded voice of experience, Obama's seemingly earnest claim that he is the avenue for significant change is bogus. Put it this way, since I have been alive, every single President has been the candidate for BIG change and the lobbyist still run Washington and Big Oil's a$$ is wiped by the Congress.

So, I think both scenarios you posit will happen and they are equally was awful. But, it is what it is and in the end, you have to vote for the candidate you like. In this particular election, that will be divided on Christian, race, and gender lines - and IMO regardless of the actual effectiveness of any candidate.

[skcin]

I posted a link earlier in the thread you started about voting - pay attention ;)

I am paying attention, I just usually don't bother clicking your links. :cool:

[strandinthewind]

I am paying attention, I just usually don't bother clicking your links. :cool:

You are forthwith shunned :p

[skcin]

You are forthwith shunned :p

Just read it. I'm not making the connection between lobbyists & taking a pic with a gay pioneer. :shrug: Help me, old & wise one.

BTW - interesting that the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) rates Obama & Hillary the same on gay rights despite his refusal to take a pic with someone.

[strandinthewind]

Clinton says lobbyists run Obama South Carolina campaign

By: Associated Press -

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton says lobbyists are leading Democratic presidential rival Barack Obama's South Carolina campaign.

At a debate Monday, Clinton tried to blunt John Edwards' criticism about lobbyists influencing presidential politics. "But, you know, Barack has a lot of lobbyists who are leading his campaign here in South Carolina," Clinton said.

THE SPIN:

Influence-peddling and lobbying money are recurring themes in the run-up to Saturday's Democrat primary in the state. Edwards is running South Carolina ads noting that Clinton and Obama have taken lobbyist money, while he does not.

THE FACTS:

Obama's campaign announced this month that former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges had become a national co-chairman. Hodges' lobbying and consulting is registered to lobby for Hillenbrand Partners, a Chicago-based company that does business with the Federal Home Loan Bank in Atlanta.

Two other South Carolina leaders in Obama's campaign have lobbied in South Carolina. Senior adviser Rick Wade said he last lobbied in 1996. Anton Gunn, Obama's state political director, was a registered lobbyist between 2001 and 2004, according to state Ethics Commission records.

Obama adviser Steve Hildebrand said the campaign has no problem with lobbyists volunteering to work, but no federal lobbyists are on the campaign's payroll and they cannot donate money or collect it from others. "We're not going to prevent people from being volunteers on this campaign," he said. For instance, Hildebrand said he gave up federal lobbying work for an environmental group as a condition of taking his paid staff position.

When he was an Illinois state senator, about 40 percent of Obama's campaign cash came from political action committees, corporations and unions. He has since sworn off taking money from Washington lobbyists and PACs. "We've never walked away from that. He's said it's time to change that," Hildebrand said.
_____________________________________________

So, let's see, people who get paid millions a year plus huge perks from politicians are volunteering to work on the campain of someone who is not going to do them favors -- hmmmmm there's a bridge in Brooklyn that's for sale :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

Just read it. I'm not making the connection between lobbyists & taking a pic with a gay pioneer. :shrug: Help me, old & wise one.

BTW - interesting that the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) rates Obama & Hillary the same on gay rights despite his refusal to take a pic with someone.

I think we are talking about two different things. I thought we were talking about the lobbyists "volunteering" on Obama's campaign, allegedly with no hope of political favor. He is doing that now.

As for the photo op - Obama is no fool - he is playing the gays and they are lapping it up - much like they did when Bill Clinton did just about the same thind in 1992 - I was in the room when he said he would abolish the ban on gays in the military.

[strandinthewind]

Hillary speaks!

As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.

Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.

I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.

* I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
* I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.
* I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.
* I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
* I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
* I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
* I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
* I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.

We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of all people. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.

My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.

To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.

America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.

[skcin]

I think we are talking about two different things. I thought we were talking about the lobbyists "volunteering" on Obama's campaign, allegedly with no hope of political favor. He is doing that now.

As for the photo op - Obama is no fool - he is playing the gays and they are lapping it up - much like they did when Bill Clinton did just about the same thind in 1992 - I was in the room when he said he would abolish the ban on gays in the military.

How is he "playing the gays" by NOT having his pic taken with Newsom in 2003? :shrug: I was responding to Vermicious' post. I think we're still talking about 2 different things.

And I think both dem candidates are far more pro-gay than the republicans (duh), but are any of you upset that both Hillary & Obama support civil unions, but not "gay marriage?" Just curious.

[skcin]

Clinton says lobbyists run Obama South Carolina campaign

By: Associated Press -

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Hillary Rodham Clinton says lobbyists are leading Democratic presidential rival Barack Obama's South Carolina campaign.

At a debate Monday, Clinton tried to blunt John Edwards' criticism about lobbyists influencing presidential politics. "But, you know, Barack has a lot of lobbyists who are leading his campaign here in South Carolina," Clinton said.

THE SPIN:

Influence-peddling and lobbying money are recurring themes in the run-up to Saturday's Democrat primary in the state. Edwards is running South Carolina ads noting that Clinton and Obama have taken lobbyist money, while he does not.

THE FACTS:

Obama's campaign announced this month that former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges had become a national co-chairman. Hodges' lobbying and consulting is registered to lobby for Hillenbrand Partners, a Chicago-based company that does business with the Federal Home Loan Bank in Atlanta.

Two other South Carolina leaders in Obama's campaign have lobbied in South Carolina. Senior adviser Rick Wade said he last lobbied in 1996. Anton Gunn, Obama's state political director, was a registered lobbyist between 2001 and 2004, according to state Ethics Commission records.

Obama adviser Steve Hildebrand said the campaign has no problem with lobbyists volunteering to work, but no federal lobbyists are on the campaign's payroll and they cannot donate money or collect it from others. "We're not going to prevent people from being volunteers on this campaign," he said. For instance, Hildebrand said he gave up federal lobbying work for an environmental group as a condition of taking his paid staff position.

When he was an Illinois state senator, about 40 percent of Obama's campaign cash came from political action committees, corporations and unions. He has since sworn off taking money from Washington lobbyists and PACs. "We've never walked away from that. He's said it's time to change that," Hildebrand said.
_____________________________________________

So, let's see, people who get paid millions a year plus huge perks from politicians are volunteering to work on the campain of someone who is not going to do them favors -- hmmmmm there's a bridge in Brooklyn that's for sale :laugh:


Quoted from the article you linked to:

To be fair, Obama already addressed this on "Meet the Press":

MR. RUSSERT: ..."I will not allow a lobbyist to work in my White House"...

SEN. OBAMA: Right.

MR. RUSSERT: ...and now you've changed on that.

SEN. OBAMA: No, I...

MR. RUSSERT: You said they can work.

SEN. OBAMA: I haven't changed. Look, the terminology may have changed, the, the basic concept remains the same. I am going to break the revolving door that has become so commonplace in this administration and in some previous administrations. If you want to work in my White House, you will not be able to regulate former employers. And if you leave my White House, you will not be able to lobby agencies that you used to work for on behalf of folks that were regulated. That is the revolving door that has to be broken to give the American people confidence in, in their government.

MR. RUSSERT: So if a lobbyist agreed to those terms, they could work in the White House?

SEN. OBAMA: Look, there are people who may have lobbied 10 years ago, 15 years ago. They may be able to render excellent service to the American people as long as they're clear that we want people of integrity and we want this link between you cashing in and you serving in government broken.


I don't doubt that ALL of them have some lobbyists donating/running/assisting their campaign. Obama obviously shouldn't have made such a blanket statement - I don't think he meant to lie outright, but he obviously keeps needing to clarify/correct himself, so he shouldn't have said anything. No one is freaking out that the other candidates have lobbyists involved in their campaign - not because this isn't the case, but because they never addressed it! :lol:

Was it Barrack or Hillary who said something to the effect of "nobody's hand are completely clean, it's impossible" in one of the debates when this issue was brought up. That's sad, but true. I think it's up to them how much influence they allow people to have on them. I know what you're saying, Strand, I really do. But that doesn't mean that Barack (or Hillary or anyone else) have to continue the status quo. I don't think ALL politicians are crooked, but I'm not fooling myself by thinking any one of them is completely innocent. Nobody's pulling the wool over my eyes & I'm not naive. I can only HOPE that he's being honest when he says what he does in the above quote, and that he actually will make an effort to not do favors for people. What else can you do?

[SuzeQuze]

Quoted from the article you linked to:

To be fair, Obama already addressed this on "Meet the Press":

MR. RUSSERT: ..."I will not allow a lobbyist to work in my White House"...

SEN. OBAMA: Right.

MR. RUSSERT: ...and now you've changed on that.

SEN. OBAMA: No, I...

MR. RUSSERT: You said they can work.

SEN. OBAMA: I haven't changed. Look, the terminology may have changed, the, the basic concept remains the same. I am going to break the revolving door that has become so commonplace in this administration and in some previous administrations. If you want to work in my White House, you will not be able to regulate former employers. And if you leave my White House, you will not be able to lobby agencies that you used to work for on behalf of folks that were regulated. That is the revolving door that has to be broken to give the American people confidence in, in their government.

MR. RUSSERT: So if a lobbyist agreed to those terms, they could work in the White House?

SEN. OBAMA: Look, there are people who may have lobbied 10 years ago, 15 years ago. They may be able to render excellent service to the American people as long as they're clear that we want people of integrity and we want this link between you cashing in and you serving in government broken.


I don't doubt that ALL of them have some lobbyists donating/running/assisting their campaign. Obama obviously shouldn't have made such a blanket statement - I don't think he meant to lie outright, but he obviously keeps needing to clarify/correct himself, so he shouldn't have said anything. No one is freaking out that the other candidates have lobbyists involved in their campaign - not because this isn't the case, but because they never addressed it! :lol:

Was it Barrack or Hillary who said something to the effect of "nobody's hand are completely clean, it's impossible" in one of the debates when this issue was brought up. That's sad, but true. I think it's up to them how much influence they allow people to have on them. I know what you're saying, Strand, I really do. But that doesn't mean that Barack (or Hillary or anyone else) have to continue the status quo. I don't think ALL politicians are crooked, but I'm not fooling myself by thinking any one of them is completely innocent. Nobody's pulling the wool over my eyes & I'm not naive. I can only HOPE that he's being honest when he says what he does in the above quote, and that he actually will make an effort to not do favors for people. What else can you do?

^Word. I cast my vote for him today in the primary. I think having the intention to create an office where individuals are not directly profiting from policy is a great start. It seems like common sense to me. That's not the type of sense the current administration has used though. Nuts.

[DrummerDeanna]

And I think both dem candidates are far more pro-gay than the republicans (duh), but are any of you upset that both Hillary & Obama support civil unions, but not "gay marriage?" Just curious.

yes! I am upset by that. But at this point it's almost a let's take what we can get.

And for the record - the reference to Ann Coulter as a trans woman in this thread is totally offensive. (offensive to trans people - I don't care about Ann Coulter). No, I'm not kidding...just wanted to throw that out there :o

[LindseyChick]

What would that mean, to elect a Muslim as president? Would that mean the Jihad was off? The troops could come home? It would be interesting. Let's, instead, vote a woman in.. Come on, guys... you know the women in your life have ruled. Did mom not wake you up every morning, put breakfast on the table, pack your lunch and send you off to school? So why not let a woman run the country? What do you have to lose? I can't believe that Hillary's White House would be much different than Bill's.. and during Bill's White House rule, he erased the national deficit to zero, we had not been involved in a war in 8 years and gas was under one dollar a gallon. I voted for Hillary today. I hope you do, too.

[DrummerDeanna]

What would that mean, to elect a Muslim as president? Would that mean the Jihad was off? The troops could come home? It would be interesting. Let's, instead, vote a woman in.. Come on, guys... you know the women in your life have ruled. Did mom not wake you up every morning, put breakfast on the table, pack your lunch and send you off to school? So why not let a woman run the country? What do you have to lose? I can't believe that Hillary's White House would be much different than Bill's.. and during Bill's White House rule, he erased the national deficit to zero, we had not been involved in a war in 8 years and gas was under one dollar a gallon. I voted for Hillary today. I hope you do, too.

Um Barack Obama is not Muslim.

And voting for someone simply based on their gender is ludicrous, in my opinion! It's not only ludicrous it's insulting.

Hillary is such a divisive figure in this country. She has zero crossover appeal and I've heard over and over and over in covering politics independents say if Obama gets the nom they'll vote for him - but there's no way they'd vote for Hillary. That worries me.

Plus...again....

Bush...Clinton...Clinton...Bush...Bush...and ANOTHER term (or two) of Clinton!?! No thank you! We need a change.

[vivfox]

Bill Clinton) he erased the national deficit to zero

I don't think this is true.

[carrie721]

She has appeal that you'll never be aware of. Stability, common sense, as I'd said, hoping she will bring back the stability her husband brought to this country. The National Deficit was zereo. How many kids do you have of draft age? Let me take a guess and say NONE. I am scared to death of the draft. Again, is Jihad off? You didn't address that. And nom...did you mean Nam? If it's Obama vs. McCain, I'd cross party lines and vote McCain..so the Republicans would win. Or was it the "nom"....well... the best qualified candidate doesn't always win...and if my kid isn't going off to war....why should I care?

this makes no sense.

[DrummerDeanna]

She has appeal that you'll never be aware of. Stability, common sense, as I'd said, hoping she will bring back the stability her husband brought to this country. The National Deficit was zereo. How many kids do you have of draft age? Let me take a guess and say NONE. I am scared to death of the draft. Again, is Jihad off? You didn't address that. And nom...did you mean Nam? If it's Obama vs. McCain, I'd cross party lines and vote McCain..so the Republicans would win. Or was it the "nom"....well... the best qualified candidate doesn't always win...and if my kid isn't going off to war....why should I care?

Um - I covered Hillary Clinton in New York for two years. I work in the news industry and read/watch/listen to this stuff every single day. I know of her appeal - I just don't see it. And I've met her and talked to her - so I'd venture to say it's actually you who may not be aware of some things.

Again, Barack Obama is not Muslim - so I'm not sure what your reference to Jihad means. You ARE aware that Hillary voted FOR the war? Barack Obama was against it from the start. I have no kids - but I live in this country and therefore am affected by this just as much as anyone - so I don't know what that has to do with anything.

But hey - to each their own - I just don't think Hillary can win a presidential election. That's just my opinion.

In the end - that's the beauty of the process - we all support who we support - and that support is generally based on a number of different factors.

[LindseyChick]

Um - I covered Hillary Clinton in New York for two years. I work in the news industry and read/watch/listen to this stuff every single day. I know of her appeal - I just don't see it. And I've met her and talked to her - so I'd venture to say it's actually you who may not be aware of some things.

Again, Barack Obama is not Muslim - so I'm not sure what your reference to Jihad means. You ARE aware that Hillary voted FOR the war? Barack Obama was against it from the start. I have no kids - but I live in this country and therefore am affected by this just as much as anyone - so I don't know what that has to do with anything.

But hey - to each their own - I just don't think Hillary can win a presidential election. That's just my opinion.

In the end - that's the beauty of the process - we all support who we support - and that support is generally based on a number of different factors.


So you get my passion regarding this. She is my choice. David Crosby once said "what's more personal than your political beliefs?" I hope she wins.

[LindseyChick]

Um - I covered Hillary Clinton in New York for two years. I work in the news

But hey - to each their own - I just don't think Hillary can win a presidential election. That's just my opinion.

In the end - that's the beauty of the process - we all support who we support - and that support is generally based on a number of different factors.


So you get my passion regarding this. She is my choice. David Crosby once said "what's more personal than your political beliefs?" I hope she wins.

[strandinthewind]

Um - I covered Hillary Clinton in New York for two years. I work in the news industry and read/watch/listen to this stuff every single day. I know of her appeal - I just don't see it. And I've met her and talked to her - so I'd venture to say it's actually you who may not be aware of some things . . . .

Do you honestly, and you are in the jaded media, think Obama is anything different?

I voted for him today -- but shiitte on shinola I say.

[strandinthewind]

So, she has won Florida, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and California - - and many more significant states --- she will win - like it or not because how can you get elected without those states - esp. if Obama is her running mate, which I think he will be :shrug:

[DrummerDeanna]

Do you honestly, and you are in the jaded media, think Obama is anything different?



That's the thing. Even in my jaded state, yes. I do believe he's different. Call me a fool - but I've fallen for his charms.

And let me add...and this is not directed at you, Strand.

Barack Obama is not, I repeat not, Muslim.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp

There are more articles out there - from actual news sources - but it's late and I've been covering Super Tuesday and am exhausted. The level that some people are uninformed - or what some people will believe baffles me. I wish more people would take time and research these things.

[BombaySapphire3]

So, she has won Florida, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and California - - and many more significant states --- she will win - like it or not because how can you get elected without those states - esp. if Obama is her running mate, which I think he will be :shrug:

All of those states with the notorious exception of Florida have all gone Democratic in recent elections ..Obama is winning in swing states( I believe he will soon take Missouri as STL .county always reports last )and heavily Republican states some of which the Democrats must carry to win a general election he is not out of the race yet and the longer he is in it the worse for her it will be IMO.

[Miss Vicky]

Does it really matter who anyone backs?

The only thing the popular vote decides is which candidates get to run from each party. For the actual presidential election, our votes don't have any real sway on the outcome, as proven by Dubya's first term as president.

Damn electoral college.

[strandinthewind]

All of those states with the notorious exception of Florida have all gone Democratic in recent elections ..Obama is winning in swing states( I believe he will soon take Missouri as STL .county always reports last )and heavily Republican states some of which the Democrats must carry to win a general election he is not out of the race yet and the longer he is in it the worse for her it will be IMO.

I agree that it will be a fight to the end. And, I voted for Obama here in Georgia, where he got something like 40% of the white vote.

[skcin]

What would that mean, to elect a Muslim as president? Would that mean the Jihad was off? The troops could come home? It would be interesting. Let's, instead, vote a woman in.. Come on, guys... you know the women in your life have ruled. Did mom not wake you up every morning, put breakfast on the table, pack your lunch and send you off to school? So why not let a woman run the country? What do you have to lose? I can't believe that Hillary's White House would be much different than Bill's.. and during Bill's White House rule, he erased the national deficit to zero, we had not been involved in a war in 8 years and gas was under one dollar a gallon. I voted for Hillary today. I hope you do, too.


Are you being facetious about Obama? You do know he's not Muslim, right? Don't believe everything you read/hear. Someone told me "I won't vote for him cuz he's unpatriotic. I hear he refuses to say the Pledge of Allegiance!" I looked into it - he was photographed during the National Anthem, standing quietly & respectfully like you're supposed to do. It wasn't the Pledge of Allegiance, so he didn't have his hand over his heart & wasn't reciting it. Someone spread the rumour that he refused to put his hand over his heart & recite the pledge. And people believed it. It's just sad. :distress:

And I don't think we should base our decision on past presidents' performances. I agree that things were much better under Bill Clinton (for me, anyway) but that doesn't mean things will automatically be great under Hillary.


So you get my passion regarding this. She is my choice. David Crosby once said "what's more personal than your political beliefs?" I hope she wins.

I'm glad you're passionate, but I'm a bit alarmed that you seem to be basing your vote ONLY on 1) your misinformation about Obama and 2) the fact that Hillary is a woman. I don't dislike her, I think she's done a pretty good job as our Senator, but I looked into her ideas/plans & like Obamas better. I wish people wouldn't base their vote soley on race, or sex, or religion, or some rumour they heard. That's why I think the dems might be in trouble no matter who gets the nod - lots of people will vote for the older white male, just because he's the OLDER WHITE MALE. :(

What if Hillary gets the nomination & picks Obama as her vice president? What will you do then?

So, she has won Florida, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and California - - and many more significant states --- she will win - like it or not because how can you get elected without those states - esp. if Obama is her running mate, which I think he will be :shrug:

The delegate count is very close right now, even with her winning the larger states.

And do you think they will run together? I hope that's a possibility. Do you think they will no matter what scenario - Clinton/Obama OR Obama/Clinton?

I agree that it will be a fight to the end. And, I voted for Obama here in Georgia, where he got something like 40% of the white vote.

One of the news stations put up some statistics & they found that Hillary was still getting the majority of democratic white female votes (around 60/40) BUT he was getting the majority of democratic white MALE votes, also about 60/40. That pleasantly surprised me. :nod:

[strandinthewind]

Most white males cannot stand Hillary - they she is a raging beeyotch.

I do think that a Clinton/Obama ticket is the only one possible and it is a winner. Hillary ain't playing second fiddle.

As for the delegate count, it is close, but she has those larger states, which one mostly cannot win the general election without.

In the end, I'd vote for either of them over McCain, thoygh I do think McCain is a softer version of the R's.

[darklinensuit]

One of the news stations put up some statistics & they found that Hillary was still getting the majority of democratic white female votes (around 60/40) BUT he was getting the majority of democratic white MALE votes, also about 60/40. That pleasantly surprised me. :nod:

On the subjects of race and gender, it's interesting that Obama got more of the white males but Clinton did not get more of the black females.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

Most white males cannot stand Hillary - they she is a raging beeyotch.


So it seems, but I expect to vote for her in March.

- JakeAgainstTheFlow

[LindseyChick]

So it seems, but I expect to vote for her in March.

- JakeAgainstTheFlow

In my best Eric Clapton voice, as he does after his best songs...."...ANK YOU" for that vote for Hillary.

[skcin]

^ Not sure if you saw my question, but I'm curious if you would vote for Hillary if she chooses Obama as her vice president. And did you get the whole Muslim rumour straightened out?

The delegate count is so close right now. I think Hillary may end up with the nomination, but it's definitely not a sure thing yet. Time will tell. This is so exciting! I've never cared this much about politics before.

[darklinensuit]

In my best Eric Clapton voice, as he does after his best songs...."...ANK YOU" for that vote for Hillary.

Fair enough, but please understand that my vote has nothing to do with her gender, race, or false rumors about anyone else's religion. I would hope that her (and others') supporters ignore those things as well.

- Jake

[skcin]

Fair enough, but please understand that my vote has nothing to do with her gender, race, or false rumors about anyone else's religion. I would hope that her (and others') supporters ignore those things as well.

- Jake


Well said, Jake. My sentiments exactly.

[DrummerDeanna]

Well said, Jake.

Yes, very well said. I am glad that your reason go beyond gender, color etc...that is refreshing to hear...and gives me a little bit of hope in the process ;)

[darklinensuit]

Yes, very well said. I am glad that your reason go beyond gender, color etc...that is refreshing to hear...and gives me a little bit of hope in the process ;)

Thanks, but I'm still mad at you. As you recall, originally I was part of the grassroots populist movement to "Draft Clancy in '08" as a third party candidate, but nothing came of it. It seems he has it too good in Colorado (where somebody spoils him) & he no longer cares about us little people.:distress:
So I decided just to vote for the other blond. I'm deep that way.

- Jake

[carrie721]

clancy/bearwithhair 2012!!!!

[gldstwmn]

His IQ is 91? Where did you see his WAIS-R results. Moreover, last I checked, he compltes 99% of his sentences publicly uttered, thgough he had laid about 100 humdingers over the last eight years :wavey:

His public speaking skills have gotten much better than in the first couple of years of his presidency when we rarely saw him at all. I'm not sure what to attribute it to. :shrug: He seems to have been let off the leash a bit since Rove left.

[gldstwmn]

I do submit, though, that anyone who could fly a fighter plane has an IQ greater than that alleged. However, it is possible the drug and booze abuse lessened the IQ over time.

Are we really sure he ever flew? I mean, other than to Columbia? :lol:

[skcin]

His public speaking skills have gotten much better than in the first couple of years of his presidency when we rarely saw him at all. I'm not sure what to attribute it to. :shrug: He seems to have been let off the leash a bit since Rove left.


They turned up the volume on his earpiece. :shrug: Now he can hear them feeding him his lines better.

[skcin]

I don't think this is true.

It's not totallly true. I did some searching & found out that basically, the deficit will never really be down to zero - we owe too many people money. BUT it was more balanced under Clinton than it had been in a long time. This article is old, and it's basically a statement from the White House so it's not exactly unbiased, but here it is:

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/27/clinton.surplus/

[DrummerDeanna]

Thanks, but I'm still mad at you. As you recall, originally I was part of the grassroots populist movement to "Draft Clancy in '08" as a third party candidate, but nothing came of it. It seems he has it too good in Colorado (where somebody spoils him) & he no longer cares about us little people.:distress:
So I decided just to vote for the other blond. I'm deep that way.

- Jake

:laugh: Well Clancy was upset because her supporters kept getting her gender wrong. This bothered her and because of it she had a really hard time garnering enough support from women voters.


clancy/bearwithhair 2012!!!!

Now THERE'S a ticket I could stand behind!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v703/DeannaRG/Random%20Stuff/friends.jpg

if nobody finds out about bearwithhair's brief stint in Muslim separatist group

[skcin]

Creeping ever closer.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hUPSXLSf9BMjfyPSCc2sdK8RtV8QD8UN6MQ80

But Ohio & Texas are coming soon, so she may end up pulling way into the lead with those 2 states. I did hear that she fired her campaign manager - what's that about?

[BombaySapphire3]

Creeping ever closer.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hUPSXLSf9BMjfyPSCc2sdK8RtV8QD8UN6MQ80

But Ohio & Texas are coming soon, so she may end up pulling way into the lead with those 2 states. I did hear that she fired her campaign manager - what's that about?

Judging from her overwhelming losses in today's "Potomac' primaries,she lost even among women and hispanics , she MUST win big in both of those states or she will likely lose the nomination ..Obama is now ahead in delegates even with her superdelegate advantage ..and of course that too could change and very soon.

[strandinthewind]

She needs to win Texas and Ohio.

If they split them, which is likely given the demographics of Texas, then all eyes will go to the usually anti-climatic April 22 Pennsylania primary, which will be the determinant.

Interestingly, both camps turned down the attacks on each other and are focusing on McCain, which is smart IMO.

Again, I think she is the most qualified, but I voted for Obama in the Georgia primary because despite my skeptcism about his lack of experience and relative naivitee - his position on things most reflects mine.

Finally, I love the word Obamentum - it should go miles in adding to his campaign.

[strandinthewind]

Interesting read from www.nytimes.com

February 13, 2008
News Analysis
Surging, Obama Makes His Case
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
WASHINGTON — The lopsided nature of Senator Barack Obama’s parade of victories on Tuesday gives him an opening to make the case that Democratic voters have broken in his favor and that the party should coalesce around his candidacy.

Mr. Obama’s triumphs capped a week in which he went undefeated in states across the country, in many cases by big margins, over Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York.

And his strength on Tuesday sliced across nearly every major demographic line, with one element standing out: in Virginia and Maryland, according to surveys of voters leaving the polls, he beat Mrs. Clinton among women.

The sheer consistency of Mr. Obama’s victories over the last few days certainly suggests that many Democratic voters have gotten past whatever reservations they might have had about his electability or his qualifications to be president.

Mr. Obama, in his victory speech in Madison, Wis., acted almost as the primaries were behind him, offering a case against the probable Republican nominee, Senator John McCain of Arizona, as he spoke disparagingly of “Bush-McCain Republicans.” It amounted to a preview of what an Obama-McCain race might be like, and it reduced Mrs. Clinton, at least for one night, to the role of bystander.

“John McCain is an American hero,” Mr. Obama said before a huge, cheering crowd. “We honor his service to our nation. But his priorities don’t address the real problems of the American people, because they are bound to the failed policies of the past.”

Mr. McCain picked up the challenge. While not mentioning Mr. Obama by name, he offered an unmistakable put-down of the theme that has become so closely identified with Mr. Obama.

“To encourage a country with only rhetoric rather than sound and proven ideas that trust in the strength and courage of free people is not a promise of hope,” he said. “It is a platitude.”

To make sure no one had missed the message, Mr. McCain appropriated Mr. Obama’s signature line with a sly farewell to his own audience in Alexandria, Va. “My friends,” he said. “I promise you, I am fired up and ready to go.”

Even before his latest victories, Mr. Obama, of Illinois, had whittled away at the advantages amassed last year by Mrs. Clinton.

He now enjoys a big financial advantage. Her big lead in national polls is gone. By most counts, Mr. Obama can now claim more delegates pledged to him. He has won far more states than Mrs. Clinton, although she won some of the big prizes, like California and New Jersey.

For weeks, Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama had approached this race the same way: as state-by-state trench warfare, in the belief that the nomination would go to whoever got the most delegates.

But the latest results suggest that the race might be tilting back to a more normal form, where the goal is achieving a series of splashing victories and thus momentum. That has provided Mr. Obama with the opportunity, which he plans to seize in a more full-throated way starting on Wednesday, to argue that voters across a wide cross-section of the country have embraced his candidacy, and that the time has come for the group that could hold the balance of power, those 796 unpledged superdelegates — party leaders and elected officials who have an automatic seat at the national convention — to follow suit.

“We are in a momentum phase of the process now,” said Tad Devine, a Democratic consultant.

Mrs. Clinton’s advisers dispute that, noting that his victories have come in relatively small states and that she has invested most of her attention in two big contests coming up on March 4: Ohio and Texas. Her aides have long argued that by the end of the voting, the difference between the two candidates in delegate count would be minimal, leaving the final decision to superdelegates, who in their view would favor Mrs. Clinton.

But if party leaders begin to think this is no longer simply a mathematical race to the 2,025-delegate line, that could have big consequences for Mrs. Clinton.

For one thing, if this is an election where a candidate wins by virtue of being seen as winning — a definition of momentum — that would mean that voters in coming states would be influenced by the outcome of earlier races. And Mr. Obama might then be in a position to encroach on Mrs. Clinton’s firewall of Texas and Ohio.

Perhaps most problematically, the delegate selection process — in which delegates are allocated to the candidates in proportion to how many votes they win — could now begin to work against Mrs. Clinton. Both candidates get a share of the delegates, even if one wins by a margin of 20 points. That is a reason Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama had stayed so close on delegate numbers, and why it becomes harder for her to reclaim a lead.

But whatever challenges Mrs. Clinton faces, she has repeatedly proved to be a resourceful candidate with a sharp campaign organization and a passionate base of supporters. Should she win in Ohio and Texas, she could halt Mr. Obama’s claim to momentum and keep the race for pledged delegates from breaking against her. And there has been a history in this campaign of Mr. Obama winning, only to have Mrs. Clinton return and win.

“You can’t make a judgment until Ohio and Texas,” said Jonathan Prince, who was a senior adviser to John Edwards of North Carolina, who quit the race two weeks ago. “In this campaign, every time he has surged ahead, voters take a pause. If momentum keeps slamming into a wall, than you do have to come down to the numbers.”

Still, in the end, those two things are not unrelated. The next contest is Tuesday in Wisconsin, where some polls suggest that Mrs. Clinton is trailing, meaning it may be two weeks after that before she has a potential to put herself in a favorable light again.

At a time when Mr. Obama will be announcing that his train is leaving the station — and pointing to the relatively clear field that Mr. McCain has on the Republican side in urging Democrats to unite behind him — that could prove to be an awfully long two weeks for the Clinton campaign.

[David]

I wish I had Ann Coulter's phone number. She is da bomb! I'd love to chat with her.