Obama says he will campaign 'as long as it takes'

Painful as the process is, it's a healthy thing for at least two of our nation's most prominent politicians having to pound the pavement across this country to get a glimpse of what's really going on.

Just as painful as the 2000 and 2004 elections that showed how screwed up and fragile our voting system is. We need to have a bit of optimism when suffering through the democratic process.

Today is Independence Day - 2008. The voters will go to the polls to sign the Declaration. The question is, who and what are they declaring independence from?.....
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/03/04/declaration-of-independence-2008/

From today's "Head of State"
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/03/inside-kitchen-sink.html

"Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Inside The Kitchen Sink

From the NYT:

After struggling for months to dent Senator Barack Obama’s candidacy, the campaign of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is now unleashing what one Clinton aide called a “kitchen sink” fusillade against Mr. Obama, pursuing five lines of attack since Saturday in hopes of stopping his political momentum.

Let's see what has been tossed inside the kitchen sink:

-A vicious email smear campaign, falsely portrays Obama as a Muslim. He has been a devout Christian for 20 years. The Clinton camp has the opportunity to firmly decry such tactics, or to sow the seeds of doubt. Clinton on 60 minutes: If he says that he is a Muslim "I'll take him at his word";

- A picture of Obama dressed in traditional Somali garb, mysteriously arises and is splashed across the front page of the Drudge Report, designed, like the above, to inflame the most base and simplistic prejudices. Again, the Clinton campaign has the opportunity to refuse to use prejudice and stereotype to political advantage. Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams responds: "If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed";

-Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is a Conservative. His Chief of Staff Ian Brodie leaks supposed minutes of statements by an Obama aide. The statement is not by the Obama aide, and the minutes were not taken by the Obama aide, they were taken by a Canadian official. Liberal Canadian parties decry the attempt by the Conservative Party to influence the U.S. election. The Clinton camp accepts this specious account as valid--and throws it in the kitchen sink as well;

-The Clinton camp, in Drudge-like fashion, insinuates dark misdoings regarding Antoin Rezko--despite the fact that there has been absolutely no allegations of wrongdoing by Obama--hoping perhaps that the mere association will stick--and despite the questions that have been raised about Clinton fundraising during the years of her own "experience";

-The Clinton campaign rolls out the hackneyed "red phone" advertisement, dating to Walter Mondale's 1984 campaign, to suggest that she, unlike Obama, has greater experience for such "3 A.M. moments". When asked to name one such crisis situation that she has actually had to deal with, she is unable to name one.

-Mark Penn, the Clinton campaign's chief strategist, in the weekend panic, emails the L.A. Times to state that he had "'no direct authority in the campaign,' describing himself as merely 'an outside message advisor with no campaign staff reporting to me.'"

This sink is filled with the type of fear-based politics that we have come to know so well over these past 8 years. It is fundamentally defensive, and is all-too-willing to use the familiar tools of dishonesty and distortion in pursuit of victory. It indicates how a Clinton Administration would respond to adversity--with a tactical fusillade of presentations, followed by distortion and attack.

It's time to clean the dishes. Don't allow yourself to be misled by misrepresentation, insinuation and division. Leave this kind of politics behind."

Cite:
Head of State
http://headofstate.blogspot.com/2008/03/inside-kitchen-sink.html

I sincerely agree with the wife assescement.

It Looks like the Superdelegates are coming around. The Clintons have put the entire nation in a sour mood! Howard, Nancy, Al do the MATH and make a decision, I want to focused on Sen. McCain.

Even if Senator Clinton steals the nomination, I'll write in Obama come November.

-despite the fact that there has been absolutely no allegations of wrongdoing by Obama--
Posted by: Robert Hewson | March 4, 2008 4:19 PM

Robert you forgot to put the word YET after Obamas name. I have it from good sources there is a FBI mole set to testify that Obama and Blago did in fact meet with his Syrian Godfather Rezko . Perhaps it was coincidental huh Bob ?

It is amazing to me how much what they say really speaks to the differences between Hillary and Obama.
Obama says "We're still competing hard in Ohio and Texas. Their votes matter. Rhode Island, Vermont, their votes matter. Mississippi, Wyoming, all those states that are coming up are going to make a difference. And what we want to do is just make sure that we're competing in every single state…"
Hillary said (in another article) "We are going to win in Ohio and Texas. Then we move on to Pennsylvania."
Uh, Hillary, there are a couple other states out there..., but that is exactly the problem isn't it. If you are not going to help elect her then you don't matter.

Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution states the College of Electors, or the Electoral College as it’s come to be known, are the body of people who are legally responsible for casting the only constitutionally legal vote for President and Vice-President. The popular vote in this country has no bearing on what Electors do and, as far as I can tell, Electors are not legally bound to follow the results of the popular vote. That vote is not cast until 41 days after Election Day. In this case, that’s December 15, 2008.

Said Article also states that we, the American voting public, don’t actually vote for the Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates on November 2nd. We are actually voting for an Elector. We don’t vote for McCain or Clinton or Obama and their running mates. We vote for a person who has somehow been nominated as representative of the state for the Electoral College. A person who is not legally bound to vote based on the popular vote. A person who makes my decision for me on December 15th.

Who are these Electors? How do they get nominated? How long do they serve? What are the qualifications for being nominated as an Elector? Why doesn’t the media cover the Electoral College and it’s members? Why aren’t the Electoral Nominees required to make themselves publicly known? Why isn’t the media telling us who these people are? In a country of how many millions of people?, only 538 people are going to decide on who our next President and Vice-President is going to be.

I’d like to see the Chicago Tribune educate the public about the Electoral College, interview the Electoral College nominees that we’ll be voting for on November 2nd, and give us a report of what is happening in other states with their Electoral Colleges.

I hate you Obama......

You don't have to post an alternate article with bias as your comment. Obviously Obama has been having legit criticism come his way, and ignoring it will not help. You may think he is a saint, but he is obviously going to let you down.

Painful as the process is, it's a healthy thing for at least two of our nation's most prominent politicians having to pound the pavement across this country to get a glimpse of what's really going on.

Just as painful as the 2000 and 2004 elections that showed how screwed up and fragile our voting system is. We need to have a bit of optimism when suffering through the democratic process.

Posted by: DD | March 4, 2008 3:50 PM

Very well put DD. painful but necessary. That said I'd be happy if it came to an end this week. Hillary has changed my opinion of her during this process 360 degrees. I might add not for the better. assuming what you said is ture DD I'm glad we got a chance to see the real Hillary. Not presidential material.

I wish her the best in the Senate were she is obviously better suited to serve.

Here! Here! for Obama. It is still refreshing to see a candidate take all the trash thrown at him from fellow democrats and a desperate John McCain trying his best to help Hillary win, and remain above the fracas. The press is just being "The press." Once the differences between the candidate's policies were deemed miniscule, the race has become a question of character, experience, and fear mongering. There is no doubt that Hillary and her supporters have the most experience in politics. That is, when it comes down to rough and tumble, slash and burn character assignation. Just pick a newspaper and read the blogs, read about what is being said at the rallies. It is quite obvious who is taking the high road and who wants to stay in the gutter.
Dana

Robert you forgot to put the word YET after Obamas name. I have it from good sources there is a FBI mole set to testify that Obama and Blago did in fact meet with his Syrian Godfather Rezko . Perhaps it was coincidental huh Bob ?

Posted by: Don B. | March 4, 2008 4:36 PM

Donny Bin Laden,

We've been waiting for over a year now for you Republic Party morons to actually come up with some hard hitting new Rezko evidence, you can't because there isn't anything there.

...and now you're trying to tie Obama to Syria and Saddam?!?!?

Look little Donny, it's not our fault that you were last in line when god was handing out brains.

This constant jabbering Rezko talking point that the Wingnuts are running around with is almost laughable because it shows how little they have to offer Americans as a Party in general in these days of the Bush/Cheney regime.

Has anyone taken a good look at the GOP fundraising and voting numbers lately?

THEY'RE GOD AWFUL!!!...and there's a very good reason for that, they don't have any idea's as to how to fix the mess that they themselves have created for our country.

Look everyone, I found a picture of Don B at a pro-Republican "support the troops" rally:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/_elemenoh_/149928399/

Nice sign Donnyboy, but you're not wearing your flag pin!!

I have it from good sources there is a FBI mole set to testify that Obama and Blago did in fact meet with his Syrian Godfather Rezko .

Posted by: Don B. | March 4, 2008 4:36 PM

Don,

While your mom and dad are good people, I wouldn't necessary classify them as "good sources."

between a male and a female? the female always lasts longer. especially if the male has really nothing inside.

If federal prosecutor Fitzgerald had ANY evidence of wrong doing by U.S. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA, TRUST ME, YOU WOULD HAVE HEARD ABOUT IT BY NOW, AND OBAMA WOULD BE ON TRIAL!!
There is nothing more to that story, the Clinton campaign WANTS you to think there is, but sorry for her, there are smart people in the world, she already knows the intelligent democratic vote is going to Barack. Hillary is a fraud, has anyone seen her tax returns yet? Her dossier from when she was the first lady, claiming aaaallll this experience? Rite. Smoke and Mirrors, that's the Clintons. I don't want to see them in the white house again!
Obama 08'!

While your mom and dad are good people, I wouldn't necessary classify them as "good sources."

Posted by: Bud McFarlin | March 4, 2008 5:54 PM

Bud: Unfortunately my mom and dad are no longer with me, and you would know the person who told me this, and that's because i know you Bud.

Does it need to be 'indictable' to trash our chances against McCain in the Fall? NOOOOO. The London Times story from yesterday--blago and barry went to see Tony (Rezko). Imagine what they'll do with that in the fall. Any idea why he couldn't have come clean about that before Kucinich and Edwards dropped out? Obama had better drop out after this or he'll have another name to run from---SPOILER!

If federal prosecutor Fitzgerald had ANY evidence of wrong doing by
Posted by: Becki | March 4, 2008 6:50 PM

Becki : The gov. isn't on trial either, but when this all shakes out i got a feeling it will be "brokeback governors" with Ryan in the great state of Wisconsin.

Why Don B. Laden is everywhere, calling out everyone. Bring us the truth all great one...tell us how having a "funny" sounding name is a threat to the US. Tell us of your mole in the CIA oh James Bond of the right wing. Do you carry a large PPk or a tiny PP. Strike the evil from all of us liberals.

For all of you Hillary supporters out there: How do you REALLY think a woman is going to fare when it comes to dealing with Middle Eastern countries? We already know where women stand in those countries...Think about it ...They probably wouldn't even take her seriously!!! And has ANYONE noticed (or do they even CARE) how Senator Obama is trying to stay on point with dignity and all Hillary can do is try to find fault with him, which she's having a hard time doing. Do you REALLY want to see Bill in the White House again? To me, it will be a constant reminder of Monica Lewinsky and Bill and exactly what they were doing...Bush, Clinton,Clinton, Bush, Bush...CLINTON AGAIN??? This is almost SURREAL!!

UH OH !! More bad news for Pinocchio
Hussein Obama. There must be a simple explanation for this.!!

Given that Obama has had to return nearly $200,000 in political campaign contributions linked to his indicted political patron Antoin "Tony" Rezko who is facing corruption charges for a variety of crimes, anything seemed possible.
RezkoWatch's original response is reposted below, followed by an Update.

Original Article
First, about Khaleel Ahmed: Libby Sander reported February 22, 2007, in the New York Times that Zubair A. Ahmed, 27, and his cousin, Khaleel Ahmed, 26, were arrested in Chicago on charges dating from at least as early as April 2004 through the date of the indictment "of conspiring to commit terrorist acts against American military personnel in Iraq, as well as others abroad, in an Islamic holy war against the United States and its allies."
The cousins "were taken into custody at their Chicago homes after a federal grand jury in Cleveland returned a fresh indictment in a pending terrorism case in which three Ohio men are already awaiting trial in Toledo.

The new indictment accuses the two Chicago men of plotting with the Ohioans "to kill or maim persons in locations outside of the United States," including members of the armed forces serving in Iraq.

It says the cousins, both United States citizens, sought training in firearms and countersurveillance from a person with an American military background. The indictment identified that person only as the Trainer. It describes the Trainer as an American citizen who communicated extensively with the three original defendants about paramilitary training but who was not engaged in the conspiracy.
Thankfully, the RW tipster provided the NYT link as well as information that led to the following:
On June 16, 2004, Khaleel Ahmed, 215 Orchard Avenue, Bensenville, Illinois, contributed $2,000 to Obama for Illinois. This was Ahmed's first and only political contribution.
Additionally, a search for his cousin's name, Zubair Ahmed, found this as well:
On June 16, 2004, Zubair Ahmed, 907 Polo Lane, Oak Brook, Illinois, contributed $500 to Obama for Illinois. This likewise was Zubair's first and only political contribution.
Part of the documentation in the indictment against the Ahmed cousins is about travel they planned and carried out in 2004—with their intended destination Afghanistan—between Chicago and Cairo, Egypt, via Istanbul, Turkey. On or about May 21, 2004, they flew from Chicago to Istanbul, then on May 23, 2004, from Istanbul to Cairo, "where they were intercepted in Cairo by Separately Indicted Co-Conspirator A and ZUBAIR's father, among others." On or about June 2, 2004, they returned to Chicago, where they remained until on or about July 3, 2004, when they traveled to a Muslim convention in Cleveland, Ohio, with Separately Indicted Co-Conspirator A with the intention of meeting up with co-conspiracists.

The June 2004 timeframe during which the cousins were present in the Chicago area provided for a window of opportunity to have made the campaign contributions to Sen. Obama's campaign on June 16, 2004.

Also on June 16, 2004, Syed L. Ahmed, an accountant from Chicago, contributed $1,000 to Obama for Illinois. What, if any relationship to either of the Ahmed cousins is unknown. However, all three obviously made their contributions on the same date.

Conclusion: Can RezkoWatch say with certainty that the Khaleel Ahmed and Zubair A. Ahmed who were indicted as terrorism conspirators are the same Khaleel Ahmed and Zubair Ahmed who contributed to Sen. Obama's Illinois campaign on June 16, 2004? Not with a 100% guarantee. Whether they are or not, the Obama campaign should investigate this if they are not already aware of the possibly embarrassing situation.

More information
At the time of their arrest in February 2007, the U.S. Department of Justice news release gave the addresses of the cousins as "Zubair A. Ahmed, age 27, resides at 3504 Green Bay Road, Apartment 309C, North Chicago, Illinois, and his cousin, Khaleel Ahmed, age 26, resides at 4501 N. Keystone Avenue, Chicago, Illinois."

More about the Ahmed cousins here and here. The superceding indictment is here.

UPDATE
Toledo, Ohio's WTOL11 reported February 25, 2008, that cousins Khaleel Ahmed and Zubair Ahmed and the three men from Toledo "accused of plotting to kill troops overseas begins in federal court" on March 4, 2008. Coincidentally—or not—March 4 is the date of the Ohio primary. It is also the day after jury selection begins in Chicago for indicted political fixer—and Obama patron—Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial.
Last April, two pleaded "not guilty" to the plot. Cousins Khaleel and Zubair Ahmed say they didn't do it, though federal agents say the group researched explosives and trained with snipers, surveillance equipment and suicide bomb vests.

U.S. prosecutors say they have one man saying on tape that he wanted to go back overseas and that, "This time if we die, we die."

The trial is expected to take three to four months, after which a local jury will decide if these men are guilty of terror and, therefore, spend the rest of their lives behind bars.
What are the odds of a presidential candidate being connected to two separate federal trials starting within 24 hours of each other that focus on two such improbable political campaign contributors all from Chicago?

And, to all appearances, there has been zip-zero-nada from the Obama campaign about this.

The garbage man speaketh.
Rezkowatch...oh oh oh everyone..set your decoder rings early. Yes..you too can join the Rezkowatch. What a pathetic man waiting for scraps to fall from a dirty table.

Congrats to Clinton for winning OH and prob TX - too bad she still will not be able to secure enough delegates, she'll still behind.

Congrats to John McCain - he will be the next president as Clinton will be the Dem Choice and if all of you Hillary Lovers out there like the Obama attacks, just wait until the GOP gets a real crack at Clinton, they will have a field day (he so called experience will not save her, all those wonderful Clinton years will not get a replay)

Congrats to all of the Dems who voted for 4 more years of the same crap, 4 more years of a monarchy-like dynasty. One thing for sure, this country hasn't reached rock bottom yet - under McCain or Clinton it will and you will all be left scratching your heads wondering if you made the right decision - - you didn't.

4 more years 4 more years...John McCain can continue the Bush legacy, yea...what's that you say, Mr & Mrs & Ms Democrat, you want change???? Then how could you possibly waste a vote on HRC-who doesn't have a snowballs chance in Hell to win against the GOP nominee in Nov!!!!

How long will the party behave like losers. This is the best shot we have and we seem intent on blowing it.

We deserve whatever happens to us.

Good morning Bud : Would you consider this a good enough source ? Do you still have a beer now and again at the Dubliner on Western Ave ?

The Times of London reports that "The
court is also expected to hear from John Thomas, an FBI mole, who reportedly witnessed Mr Obama and Mr Blagojevich making frequent visits to Mr Rezko." [The Times, 3/3/08]

HOW COME IS SENATOR OBAMA HAS MORE DELEGATES HILLARY IS GOING TO BE THE NOMINEE.MRS .CLINTON HAS NO EXPERIENCE ,MAYBE 7 YEARS AS A CORPORATED LAWYER AND MORE MEANEANLESS EXPRIRIENCES IN LIFE.PLEEASE MR SENATOR STANDUP AND PROOF TO USA THAT YOU HAS BETTER JUGMENT.I AM STILL PRAYING FOR YOU FOR YOUR NOBLE CAUSE.

Is the nomination not chosen by one with the most delegate? isn't that the rule? how will Hilary win the nomination if she does not win the most delegate?

Can someone give me an answer?.

What l do know for sure is that a different direction will be good for America.

Can someone give me an answer?.
Posted by: Susan | March 5, 2008 10:17 AM

Yes i can Susan, Hillary bought herself 7 weeks of time. In that window Dean, Daschle, Kennedy,Pelosi, and the rest of the Democratic hucksters will come to the conclusion that Pinocchio Obama is un- electable...courtesy of the "Syrian Godfather Rezko" Mr. Obama made his own bed by hooking up with that low life incorrigible and it will be time for him to take a " siesta" in it.

MUST READ BEFORE YOU CAST THAT IMPORTANT VOTE!!! NOT ONLY DID HE GO BEHIND VOTERS BACKS AND MEET WITH CANADA AND PUBLICALLY LIED ABOUT IT!

SEE OBAMAS CONNECTION WITH SADDAM HUSSEN AND REZKO!
Land deal 'mistake' piles the pressure on Obama Mr Auchi, leading supplier of arms to Saddam's regime and convicted for corruption in France, the British-Iraqi billionaire lent millions and millions of dollars to Barack Obama's fund just weeks before an imprudent land deal investigation. In addition money transfer from Nadhmi Auchi, Obama used to buy his Georgian mansion in Chicago. Mr. Auchi says the loan, through the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA, was for $3.5 million!!!. Mr. Auchi's money was made doing business with the regime of Saddam Hussein, Mr. Auchi was a leading supplier of arms to Saddam's regime. A former Belgian ambassador to Luxembourg charged that a bank in Luxembourg owned principally by Mr. Auchi laundered funds -- including oil for food money -- for Saddam and other Islamic dictators. Auchi helped French and Italian firms win a huge oil pipeline contract in Iraq, chiefly by paying off Iraqi officials, according to testimony given by an Italian banker to prosecutors in Milan. In 2003, he was convicted for his role in what was then the largest scandal in French history, involving payoffs from executives of the oil company now known as Total to political figures in Spain, Germany and Africa.. The connection between Mr. Auchi and Sen. Obama is cause for great concern in the U.S. The national news media have been remarkably incurious about Sen. Obama's relationship with Mr. Rezko, and his with Mr. Auchi. The Obamas bought the house for $1.65 million -- $300,000 below the asking price -- perhaps because Mr. Rezko's wife purchased from the owner an adjacent garden plot for $625,000. (The sellers deny they offered the Obamas a discount.) The Times of London wondered where Mrs. Rezko got the money to buy the garden plot. At the time, she had a salary of $37,000 and assets of only $35,000, the Times learned. Her husband told a court that at the time he had "no income, negative cash flow, no liquid assets," the Times said. Auchi participated in more than just Rezko's pizza and property ventures, however; he also contributed to Barack Obama's campaign by donating to a 2005 fundraiser through a company of which is wife is a Director. I quote the relevant paragraph from a London Times exclusive: Times has, however, discovered state documents in Illinois recording that the Panamanian company Fintrade Services SA lent money to Mr Obama's fundraiser. Fintrade's directors include Ibtisam Auchi, the name of Mr Auchi's wife. Mr Auchi's spokesman declined to respond to a question about whether he was linked to this business. The donation is significant, obama is the Ill politican mentioned in the following ABC News report on the FBI affidavit filed in US Attorney Fitzgerald's case against Rezko before Obama's political godfather was arrested on Monday: According to an FBI affidavit filed in the case, Rezko sought to get a visa for Auchi to visit the United States by contacting "the same Illinois government official (Obama).

Does anone know where Hillary got 5 million dollars? Does anyone know when she's going to release her tax forms? And what about the scandal in 2000 with Peter Paul and that Spiderman guy that here and Bill tried to deny?