by John L. Micek
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- First, it's a rally in front of 22,000 screaming supporters at Penn State University. More than an hour later, it's a more intimate stop at a sports bar off Route 322 in rural Mifflin County.
Such are the extremes of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's first barnstorming tour across Pennsylvania.
The six-day bus excursion that the Illinois senator hopes will help him close the double-digit polling gap that separates him from U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., started Friday in the towns of western Pennsylvania that are believed to Clinton strongholds.
Then it looped through the vast rural middle of the state, stopping in Johnstown and Altoona, before continuing on to eastern Pennsylvania and concluding in the Philadelphia suburbs that Obama campaign hopes will propel him to victory in the state's April 22 primary.
''I think he can make a lot of progress. I don't know if I want to make predictions about whether he can win,'' U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) tells reporters after a town meeting at Greater Johnstown High School on Saturday afternoon. ''But I do know that this region... has a lot of people who would be responsive to his message.''
Entering to the strains of Irish rock band U2's ''City of Blinding Lights,'' on Penn State's Old Main lawn on Sunday, the Illinois senator is on friendly ground -- young voters are among his core supporters.
Sophomore Samantha Inman of Souderton says she still hasn't decided between the two candidates, though she's leaning Obama's way.
Still, ''I'm hoping that Hillary comes so I can hear from both of them,'' she says.
On this tour, Obama is followed by a small army of print, broadcast and online outlets.The traveling cadre painstakingly chronicles everything from the kind of suit Obama was wearing -- dark, immaculately tailored -- to his thoughts on the Bush administration's latest proposal to ease the nation's economic woes.
Spend more than a couple days inside this bubble, and you become fluent in ''campaignese,'' a clunky language that includes phrases such as ''baggage call times,'' and ''press sets.''
The former refers to the time you're supposed to show up in the lobby to have your bags checked by the U.S. Secret Service. The latter is what it sounds like -- the time when journalists set up their gear at each campaign stop.
For the traveling journalists, the bus tour offers the opportunity to study the candidate up close for a sustained period of time.
''Off the bus, I do a lot of stories about people,'' says Mary Mitchell, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times who's traveling with Obama across the state. ''You're on the bus, you get a chance to see how stories happenÂ…when you're embedded with the candidate you're challenged every day to come up with something new. There's a temptation to glom onto something smallÂ…That's not what people are talking about. That's chatter.''
In Johnstown on Saturday, Obama homes in on some of his campaigns key issues -- the economy, health care and the high cost of higher education. He takes to the stage shortly before 1:30 p.m., right after an introduction from Casey, who endorsed him in Pittsburgh on Friday, and is accompanying him on the trip.
''In the words of Dr. [Martin Luther] King, I am running because of the fierce urgency of now,'' Obama says, not for the first time this weekend. ''Because there is such a thing as being too late -- and that time is almost upon us.''
He leaves the stage, as he always does, with Stevie Wonder's ''Signed, Sealed, Delivered,'' blasting through the public address system.
Within hours, the campaign is on its way to State College. The press army piles into two buses behind him. One heads directly to Happy Valley. The other follows Obama as he makes some unannounced (to the public, that is) stops along the way.
In Altoona, Obama swings by Altoona's Original Texas Hotdogs, where there are longhorns on the wall and the menu warns, ''It's all fun and gamesÂ…until someone loses a wiener.''
''Oh my God, it's him,'' says Courtney Hudson, whose mother is volunteering with the campaign, and was invited to meet the senator.
Before leaving, Obama buys hot dogs for some of the media horde. Total cost: less than $15.
''You guys are cheap dates,'' he jokes.
Next up it's a stop at the Pleasant Valley Recreation Center where Obama announces, ''Let's go bowling,'' as he strides into an establishment owned by a Republican family. For all his the confidence, he rolls a gutter ball.
The campaign is filled with little moments like this.
Back on the press bus heading toward State College, things are pretty quiet. Reporters munch on free snacks -- Life Water, plenty of fruit, and some snack crackers. Most are still finishing stories they began in Johnstown. A handful of others read or grab a quick nap.
Later that night, in Legends Pub at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel, Janet Silverstein and Louise Lukin, both of Livingston, N.J., share laughs and margaritas as they look at the cell phone photos of Obama they snapped in the hotel's well-appointed lobby moments earlier.
Silverstein, a special education teacher, voted for Obama in the New Jersey primary in February. She says she's often skeptical of the promises politicians make out on the stump. But, like many Obama supporters, she says the Illinois senator is somehowÂ…different.
''He strikes me as a very good people person,'' she says. ''Politicians are always making promises. But you get a good vibe about someone.''
Lukin, a physical therapist, lists health care and ending the Iraq war as her top two campaign issues.
''Health care is in a very sad state,'' she says. ''Right now, I see my patients having trouble getting the care that they need.''
On Sunday morning, Jenna Feinman of Lafayette Hill, Montgomery County, shrieks with glee as Obama, lugging some hand baggage, walks through the hotel lobby. She and some friends hand him flowers and crowd in for a photograph.
''We're here for a sorority event,'' Feinman's father, Morris, chimes in. ''We took the time to say hello.''
''Hopefully, our next president of the United States,'' Feinman's wife, Lynna, adds.
A few minutes later, the campaign scribes trudge back onto the buses. The supply of fruit and snacks has been restocked.
Before the Penn State rally, Obama stops at the university's agriculture buildings, a complex just across the street from Beaver Stadium.
Obama and his motorcade are greeted by about a dozen people -- students, dairy managers and academic leaders.
Before they're allowed off the bus, the press horde slips on blue, knee-high plastic booties that they're told will protect the 550 cows from non-farm diseases and to keep the campaign from taking diseases off the farm.
Obama, again joined by Casey, however, gets a pass on the booties. Both are wearing new Timberland boots purchased by the campaign .
After the Penn State rally, the campaign heads southeast to Harrisburg late Sunday afternoon. Along the way, Obama stops at J.P. Edward's Grill and Bar just off Route 322, around 65 miles from the capital.
Inside, Obama moves easily from table to table. Some of the attendees say they were alerted by the campaign.
The weekend concludes with a rally of 2,000 people who fill the ornate Forum auditorium on the grounds of the state Capitol complex.
In Harrisburg, supporters began lining up at 6 a.m. on Saturday to pick up free tickets to the event, waiting in a line that stretched for more than two blocks. Within hours, the free tickets were gone.
The speech in Harrisburg is not much different from most given this weekend. The reception isn't much different either. Deafening cheers fill the auditorium.
John L. Micek reports for the Morning Call of Allentown, Pa., a Tribune Co. newspaper.
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Comments
The Obama press coverage is just way way too fawning to be taken seriously. Case in point--Mary Mitchell, quoted above:
''Off the bus, I do a lot of stories about people,'' says Mary Mitchell, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times who's traveling with Obama across the state. ''You're on the bus, you get a chance to see how stories happenÂ…when you're embedded with the candidate you're challenged every day to come up with something new. There's a temptation to glom onto something smallÂ…That's not what people are talking about. That's chatter.''
"Embedded with the candidate'
she says.
This is a CAUSE for this woman. She's hardly a journalist. And the race-baiting she's been allowed to do in her column at the sun times is shameful.
Posted by: gerldinetoo | March 31, 2008 11:24 AM
Some people have to find something negative wherever they look. Why not just relax and appreciate the fact that Barack Obama has inspired our nation--that he's intelligent, honest, and a basically good guy who has the insight and empathy to relate to the problems of the American people and work to solve them. His opponent has an honesty problem, not to mention a power hungry image that turns voters off.
Posted by: d. wilks | March 31, 2008 12:19 PM
I watched some of the Obama speach at Penn State and noticed not so much cheering or clapping and it sounded like a smaller crowd than he had been used to.
Obama can not possible win the general election and what a shame it is that the Super deligates have not lined up quickly for Clinton.....We will lose in Nov. if they are dumb enough to nominate this man. I hear the press claiming that most voters will come together and vote Obama but I really do think this is wishfull thinking because I know that I would never vote Obama. I will easily vote for McCain if the choice is Obama and I have never voted republican but would rather the dems try again in 2012 than put Obama in now......all we know of Obama is that he sat in a racist church for 20 years and allowed his children to attend and learn the racist noise....and the Resko.
Posted by: jodi | March 31, 2008 12:25 PM
gerldinetoo, you're just jealous. Barack Obama oozes kindness and generosity. He's obviously has a great relationship with the media pool that travel with them. Maybe Clinton is just really dull!
Posted by: Rainy | March 31, 2008 12:27 PM
To Gerldinetoo who made a comment about Mary Mitchell,"and the race-baiting she's been allowed to do".
What exactly is 'race-baiting'? And how has this reporter been doing it in her column at the Sun Times?
Posted by: Amin | March 31, 2008 12:30 PM
I live in Illinois and have had the privilege of working with Barack's office when he was in the state senate on an education bill and worked on his campaign for U.S. senator. In addition to being inspirational and articulate, he is brilliant, has a deep command of policy issues, and is authentic. I am appalled at the way Trinity Church has been swift boated - that church has been a manifestation of Christianity (I am Jewish but respect true "Christians" who serve the poor and do good in the name of Jesus) far beyond what most churches do. Also, Wright's comments as shown were taken out of context -- watch the whole sermons on YouTube. He was, for example, quoting someone else's reaction in the chickens roosting comment. Also, I am sick of the Rezko comments -- read the Chicago Tribune investigation of this and realize that Obama did NOTHING wrong or unethical. There is clear evidence that both Clinton (Hsu, how they made their recent fortune, and she also took donations from Rezko) and McCain (e.g. Keating 5, Senate ethics censure, close ties with lobbyists ) have far "sketchier" unethical dealings in their careers
Posted by: ILDem | March 31, 2008 1:03 PM
I think Hillary will win the nomination and the presidency.
Posted by: brigitte sanz | March 31, 2008 1:15 PM
Jodi:
Go ahead and vote for McCain.
But before you do, think of the Supreme Court justices that he will nominate. Think of all the civil liberties that will disappear once there is a complete conservative majority on the court.
Is that worth not voting for Barack Obama??
Posted by: BobHusseininATL | March 31, 2008 1:28 PM
Jodi,
You speak of your potential vote being cast for a Republican because you feel Mr. Obama sat in a racist church for 20 years? How about you sitting a in racist country for over 500 years? How easily Americans forget our history. What have you done to stand against racist policies that have affected the American Indian, for one, and still is affecting them? As far as I am concerned, we are all covered and it would be nice to get clean, don't you think? Just remember what you may think happened hundreds of years ago is still affecting our people today.
Posted by: kazz | March 31, 2008 1:29 PM
The 28% of Clinton supporters that would vote for Mccain in November if Obama gets the nominee are not racist, as the media portrays them. However, they are IGNORANT
Clinton supporters keep trying to incriminate Obama, he has lied about or done in the past does not amount to the horrific things that Cruella devHILL has done! LOL! Lets look at the encyclopedia of scandals, lies, and conspiracies that surround Hillary and let us see you all try to argue :)
Obama/Edwards '08
Posted by: LSU for Obama | March 31, 2008 1:39 PM
Can someone please explain this to me...the pundits say that if Clinton were to be appointed the nominee by super-delates, the nation would be up in arms. Isn't this the same nation where Al Gore got the MOST VOTES last election yet didn't become president?
Posted by: Jesse Monsen | March 31, 2008 1:46 PM
Democrats NEED Clinton to stay in the race. OBAMA IS UNELECTABLE IN GENERAL ELECTION. Wright pastor of candidate Obama, says you don't have to wait for the afterlife for the mansion on the hilltop. Trinity United Church of Christ is building Rev. Wright a $1 mil house on a lot that was purchased for $345,000. According to his federal income tax return Obama gave the Trinity United church $22,500 in contributions. CBS Chicago has strangely not released video they have of Obama at Trinity United Church of Christ Service with Pastor Wright. According to a Chicago Tribune article, at the Service Obama spoke to the cheering congregation and the choir sang, “Hallelujah Barack”. After the service Wright and Obama sat together, laughing , talking and signing books. if ANY other candidate had this controversy swirling the footage would have found it’s way to the national and cable news networks by now! Obama who marched with Farrakhan”Obama AND OPRAHS Pastor Slurs Italians in Latest Magazine (CNSNews.com) Wright continues his Obama supported attacks on non-blacks now slurring Italians in issue of Trumpet Newsmag. Wright states, Jesus enemies had their opinion, Italians looked down their garlic noses at the Galileans, and Jesus death on a cross was a public lynching Italian style! This government runs everything from the White House to the schoolhouse, from the Capitol to the KKKlan of white supremacy who is clearly in charge. Every issue published Wright's rant against white people in which he covers a world that is controlled by white supremacy, a country that’s on its way to hell in a hand basket because of lying politicians, in a culture that still thinks 'white is right! He said young African-American Christians are more concerned about 'bling bling' than about freeing their minds and still Obama says I could no more disown him than I could disown the black community. Trumpet Newsmagazine started 80s, Wright is CEO and Wright's daughter, Jeri Wright, is the publisher. Requests for comments Obama camp of course not answered. Trumpet Nov/Dec edition, featured Louis Farrakhan, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement "Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter" award. Farrakhan has called Judaism a "gutter religion" and said Jews are "bloodsuckers. Many of the biased cable news pundits try to make viewers believe Obama's speech limited damage of Wright controversy, but the general election will show voters strongly disagree, especially non-black voters. Obama refuses to explain to the public why he would have someone as such a close spiritual advisor and mentor and why he would expose two young daughters to such hatefulness against fellow Americans. The problem Wright's comments are not theological views, but political statements. This is a serious issue for Obama in general election. As with each new utterance on the topic of Reverend Wright, Barack Obama confirms his own moral obliviousness and he seems to have disdain for those who are troubled by his own unwillingness to break with Wright, even worse Obama still insists Wright is a brilliant man, So brilliant, apparently, that he has uncovered the plot by white America to kill African Americans, so insightful to perceive the 9/11 attacks caused by American terrorism and his discerning observation Israel is a “dirty” word, and still in Obama’s eyes, Wright is brilliant. This, we are told by biased cable news pundits like CNN Obamaphiles, is not supposed to affect voters’ view of Obama’s judgment. Perhaps voters are embarrassed to tell pollsters they are privately offended. General election Republicans as well as independents and democrats are irked by this moral obtuseness even though media like CNN or Hardball cover it up with bogus Clinton attacks.
Posted by: Jose | March 31, 2008 2:00 PM
To Jodi:
What a ridiculous notion to refer to superdelegates as "dumb;" they are superdelegates for a reason and they worked long and studied hard to get to where they are. Give me your credentials and unless you are a Harvard law graduate I see no reason to doubt their actions. They would not vote for Obama if they did not think he could win, or if they though that people didn't support him. If its not possible for Obama to win the general election, then Hillary DEFINITELY has zero chance.
Posted by: Frances | March 31, 2008 2:06 PM
Jodi, you're nuts.
"...all we know of Obama is that he sat in a racist church for 20 years and allowed his children to attend and learn the racist noise....and the Resko."
Is that really all "we" know?
You're slacking a bit, Jodi. And why would you want anyone to know that? I'm amazed by the kind of nonsense that people are willing to post on political blogs. Jodi, without the protective cloak of blog comment anonymity, would you still say the same things that you wrote here? And if the answer to that question is yes, would you also expect those of us who are well-informed about this election and the candidates involved to take you seriously after your clear demonstration that you don't know what the hell you're talking about?
I like to read opposing points of view in blog comments, but lately it's becoming increasingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff in the comments on these political blogs. And it is particularly difficult to find a reasonable defense of Hillary Clinton or a reasonable criticism of Barack Obama. Those with college educations tend to support Obama and those without tend to support Hillary Clinton and it shows in comments on political blogs like this one.
Somebody, please, write some strong arguments in favor of Hillary Clinton. At this point, I don't understand why anyone with half a brain is actually supporting her.
Posted by: Scott | March 31, 2008 2:17 PM
YOU MIGHT BE AN IDIOT:-)
If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE!
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience saving the environment is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) left office with the greatest amount of environmental cleanup, and protections in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary's than they had ever been before or since.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history.
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton..
You Might Be An Idiot!
If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. :-)
Best regards
jacksmith...
Posted by: jacksmith | March 31, 2008 2:18 PM
DON'T BE DUPED !!!
Large numbers of Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on. Because they feel he would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. And because they feel that a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket would be unbeatable. And also because with a Clinton and Obama ticket you are almost 100% certain to get quality, affordable universal health care very soon.
But first, all of you have to make certain that Hillary Clinton takes the democratic nomination and then the Whitehouse. NOW! is the time. THIS! is the moment you have all been working, and waiting for. You can do this America. "Carpe diem" (harvest the day).
I think Hillary Clinton see's a beautiful world of plenty for all. She is a woman, and a mother. And it's time America. Do this for your-selves, and your children's future. You will have to work together on this and be aggressive, relentless, and creative. Americans face an even worse catastrophe ahead than the one you are living through now.
You see, the medical and insurance industry mostly support the republicans with the money they ripped off from you. And they don't want you to have quality, affordable universal health care. They want to be able to continue to rip you off, and kill you and your children by continuing to deny you life saving medical care that you have already paid for. So they can continue to make more immoral profits for them-selves.
Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama's. She also leads in the electoral college numbers that you must win to become President in the November national election. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!
As much as 30% of Obama's primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help.
Hillary Clinton has been out manned, out gunned, and out spent 2 and 3 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton.
If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. Because the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. All of this vote fraud and republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is. YOUNG PEOPLE. DON'T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose.
The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. I suggest a Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama ticket. Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.
I think Barack Obama has a once in a life time chance to make the ultimate historic gesture for unity, and change in America by accepting Hillary Clinton's offer as running mate. Such an act now would for ever seal Barack Obama's place at the top of the list of Americas all time great leaders, and unifiers for all of history.
The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.
Fortunately the Clinton's have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic comebacks of Hillary Clinton's. Only the Clinton's are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen.
"This is not a game" (Hillary Clinton)
Sincerely
jacksmith...
Posted by: jacksmith | March 31, 2008 2:20 PM
Chip Collins is funny And smart!
I have noted a number of myths amongst the comments here as to why Hillary should stay in the race. Here are ten enduring, kudzu-like myths, with the debunking they sorely need.
Myth: This race is tied.
No, actually, it's not. Obama has the lead in number of states won, in pledged delegates and in overall delegates. Nothing will happen in the remaining primaries to substantially change that. As to the one thing Hillary does lead in, superdelegates, her quickly shrinking margin is among DNC personnel only. When you look at the elected superdelegates, Congressman, Senators and Governors (i.e. people who actually work with both Obama and Clinton) Obama leads there, too.
Myth: Okay, the popular vote is tied.
There are people who claim that because of the 3% separation, that Obama's lead in the popular vote is a "statistical tie." This is a myth because, when you can actually count things, there's no need of statistics and no such thing as a margin of error. The popular vote is not an estimate based on a sampling, like a poll. Like the general election, there are winners and losers and, so far, Obama is the winner.
Myth: Fine, but what if we count electoral votes? NOW Hillary is ahead!
Not so much. The proportions of electoral votes to population versus delegates to population are pretty comparable. So if you allocated electors proportionally in the same manner that you allocate delegates, Obama is still ahead. If you allocate them on a winner-take-all basis, then that would be the same as allocating the delegates on a winner-take-all basis, so why bring electors into it?
Myth: But if we did do it like the Electoral College, that proves Hillary is more electable than Obama, because of states like California.
This is perhaps the saddest little myth of all. It's ridiculous to suggest that Obama will lose New York and California to McCain because Clinton won them in the primaries. No, come November, those states will join with Obama's Illinois to provide 40% of the electors necessary for him to win.
Myth: Very well, then, Mr. Smarty-Math. But if we counted Michigan and Florida, THEN Hillary would be winning!
Nooo, she wouldn't. The margin would depend on how you allocate the delegates, but Obama would still be ahead. And he'd still be about 100,000 ahead in the popular vote, too, despite not even being on the ballot in Michigan. However, it would enhance Hillary's chances of catching up in the remaining races.
Myth: Ah HA! So Dean is keeping them out just to help Obama! And Obama is keeping them out.
That's two myths, but I'll treat it like one. The only people who can come up with a solution to this problem are the states themselves, to be presented to the Rules and Regulations Committee of the DNC for ratification. It was Rules and Regs, not Howard Dean, who ruled that Florida and Michigan were breaking the rules when they presented their original primary plans. If the two states cannot come up with a plan to reselect delegates, they can try to seat whatever delegates were chosen in the discounted primaries by appealing to the Democratic Convention's Credentialing Committee, which includes many members from Rules and Bylaws.
Myth: If they don't get seated until the convention but a nominee is selected before these poor people get counted then these states are disenfranchised.
There are two ways to debunk this myth: semantically and practically. The first is based on the word "disenfranchised:" these people have not been deprived of their right to vote. Through the actions of their states, their votes don't impact the outcome. Now, you may say that that is specious semantics (Myth: I do say that!) but practically speaking, this is the usual effect of the nominating process, anyway. All of the Republican primaries since McCain clinched the nomination have been meaningless, but those voters are not disenfranchised.
Florida and Michigan tried to become more relevant in the process by breaking the rules. They risked becoming irrelevant instead.
Myth: Well, I say they are disenfranchised, and Hillary Clinton is their champion.
Only when it suits her. Last fall, when the decision was first made to flush 100% of Michigan and Florida delegates, Clinton firmly ratified it. That was because the typical punishment of only 50% representation also kept the candidates from raising money in those states. Figuring that she would wrap up the nomination handily anyway, the clear front-runner agreed with all the other candidates - including Obama - to completely "disenfranchise" those two states.
Myth: Well, never mind 2007. She's doing more now to bring them in.
Not really. Recent stories in the St. Petersburg Times political blog said that 1) the Obama camp has reached out to the Florida Democratic party about a compromise and that 2) the Clinton camp will discuss nothing else but re-votes, which are legally, practically and politically dead.
Myth: Whatever! Hillary can still win! I know she can! She and her 37% positive rating will sweep through the remaining primaries and Michigan and Florida, winning 70% of everything and superdelegates will flock to her banner and Barack Obama will personally nominate her at the Convention and John McCain will give up and George Bush will even quit early so she can take over and... and... and... can I have a glass of water?
Yes, and you should lie down, too.
Posted by: Martha Davidson | March 31, 2008 2:43 PM
jacksmith:
In case you have missed it, most of the Republicans crossing over have voted for HILLARY, because they see HER as the weaker candidate against McCain.
By the way, the "You Must Be an Idiot" post has gotten really old. Try something new.
Posted by: BobinATL | March 31, 2008 2:44 PM
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/04/07/080407fa_fact_sanneh
The above is a New Yorker investigative piece on Wright and Trinity.
Doesn't sound racist at all to me.
It is interesting to notice how obvious agenda trolls are trying to kitchen sink Obama, and how shrill and hysterical they get as his popularity grows.
Then they accuse Obama supporters of negative campaigning.
Funny stuff
Posted by: johnny canuck | March 31, 2008 2:45 PM
Jose,
I fail to understand why you are bringing up the issue about the home Rev. Wright is moving into. That has nothing to do with anything. Just another attempt by the media and the Obama haters to distract from the real issues.
Rev. Wright was the pastor of TUCC for 36 years. At the time he was paid a specific salary every year. There were no bonuses, no special collections for the pastor. The money Barack put in the church did not go directly to the building of Rev. Wrights home. The Bible says you should tithe 10% of your earnings. Most Christians try to follow the teaching of the Bible and do just that. The money at TUCC supports ministries in house and outreach, and pay the expenses necessary in running an organization. If we as members decided to honor his 36 years of service by contributing to his home then why not. It is our business not yours or anyone else.
Additionally, I am sick and tired of people like you saying our church is racist. Get over yourselves.You know nothing except what Fox and CNN told you and what negative things you searched high and low to find. We are a predomiatley Black church. Our worship is based on our experiences it is not about you. Pastor Wright has the right to critize the poweres that be in this country. It is given to him by the first admendment of the US Consitution. Just like you have the right to express your views.
There are over 8,000 members and most are educated with numerous degrees. Members are Doctors, Lawyers, Judges, Educator, Business owners, City and State officals, as well laborers and just everyday working folk. My children attended since they were five.They are now grown and have chosen professions that give them the chance to give back to the community and encourage others to do the same. You don't learn those things in a race hating church.
I realize that people like you who write as if you are the true racist need to spout your venom in an attempt to poison the world around you. Since you do it with such ease you think others are just like you. We are not. White people are a fact of life for us. It did not take Rev. Wright to point out the injustice that many minorites have suffered at the hands of the majority. His teachings and sermons taught us in spite of our daily reality we can validate ourselves and not waite for white people to do it for us.But most importantly the teaching has been that we are Gods children, Jesus died on the cross for everyone, and he forgave those who did him harm.
That is Rev.Wrights message. If you attend church is this what you hear from you pastor every Sunday. If not then you need to leave. If you do not attend then it would behove you to find a kind loving christian church and learn about the Bible and what it teaches.
We as a church are praying for you and the rest who have shown themselves who hate without real cause.
Posted by: JeanTUCC | March 31, 2008 3:35 PM
WRITE POSITIVE COMMENTS ON HILLARY YOU SAY??? There aren't many to write! I read all her biographies and God Bless us all if she wins! Remember IT TAKES A VILLAGE her attempt to write a book? She had someone else write it and never acknowledged her for doing it. She took ALL the credit because she needed a certain"image". Think of Hillary answering that 3:00 AM call she talks about. She would need her makeup artist, hairdresser and outfits laid out before she could react. Obama puts on a dark suit & tie and out the door. C'mon people think of your country and how wonderful it will be to have a President we can be proud of. The world is watching and rooting for OBAMA.
Posted by: Laura Herold | March 31, 2008 3:46 PM
I've never gotten involved in politics before this election. I am a 50+ year old lifelong democrat and feminist who wishes I could support a woman for president. But my biggest problem with Hillary (& Bill) is their total lack of integrity ... we do not need 4 more years of them in the white house. The way she has run her campaign has appalled me (she is experienced, McCain is experienced, but Obama is not...etc.) and further cemented my feelings. If she somehow receives the nomination, I will be in a real dilemna because I agree with her on policy but I vehemently disagree with 'how' she conducts business. Obama inspires me and brings people together. This is what the U.S. needs right now. Go Obama!
Posted by: Pam L. | March 31, 2008 3:55 PM
Since Hillary has brought this to a beauty contest for superdelegates (she cannot win by any other stretch). Lets look at the credibility of her. This is Hillary Clinton: Whitewater, Travelgate, Monica Lewinsky and impeachment, renting out the Lincoln bedroom, the loss of the Rose Law Firm billing records for nearly 2 years until they were miraculously found in the White House living quarters, removing files from Vince Foster’s office following his suicide and before investigators could get there. Her stalling to release her full tax returns and earmark requests from her time in the Senate, as well as her Clinton library donors. Her apology to the African American community (for her campaigns racist comments) which came days too late. Her decline to return $170,000 in campaign contributions from individuals at International Profit Associates, or IPA accused of widespread sexual harassment, and whose CEO is a disbarred lawyer with a criminal record. Lets not forget her campaign eventually returned some $850,000 to Hong Kong businessman Norman Hsu who was found to be a fugitive in a 15-year old theft case. He was indicted for fraud related to his campaign contributions in 2007. Her failed inclusion and diplomacy with congress on her universal health care bid. Her subsequent surrender and alignment to the health care industry. Her flip flop on NAFTA. Her flip flop on Iraq. Her flip flop on Florida and Michigan. Her exaggerated foreign policy experience. Her dealing the race card better than Republicans could. Clinton photo with Rezko. Clinton photo and prayer breakfast with Rev Wright. Her lies about Bosnia. Her failure to get the endorsement of close friend Bill Richardson. Her flip flop on pledged delegates and superdelegates by encouraging party elite to vote against the will of the people - “I believe strongly that in a democracy, we should respect the will of the people and to me, that means it’s time to do away with the Electoral College and move to the popular election of our president.” - Hillary Clinton in 2000
Posted by: Matt | March 31, 2008 4:14 PM
Myth: Obama'e only contact with Tony Rezko was the 5 hours of legal work that he did for Rezko's realt firm.
Fact:Tony Rezko was a major fundraiser for Obama throughout Obama's political carrer.
Myth:Tony Rezko had no involvement in Obama's purchase of his 1.6 million dollar home.
Fact:When pressed Obama admitted that Rezko toured the house with Obama before the purchase.
Myth:The amount raised for Obama by Rezko was approximately $18,000.
Fact:The current amount that Rezko provided for Obama is currently in the six figures.Of course that amount may change along with Obama's story about the amount.
Myth:Obama has run a transparent campaign.
Fact:Obama refuses to answer how may fund raisers Tony Rezko held for him and the amounts raised.he also refuses to release his papers from his years as an Illinois State Senator.
Posted by: notjmariotti | March 31, 2008 4:35 PM
WOW MATT...You know more about Hillary then I do! Thanks for the post. I'm sure the list goes on and on. Makes you wonder why so many still support her, doesn't it?
Posted by: Laura | March 31, 2008 4:35 PM
I'll tell you this as a strong Obama supporter. If Obama made a super false statement like Hillery's Sniper fire thing, I'd be done with him completely! It's interesting to see Hillery make such a straight, bold face lie undermining the military, the people and showing she'll do or say anything. It shows she has no limits. Hillery supporters have to be sick, racist or just sexist females bent on a woman in the white house. Obama's risking his dear life for our futures when he could be relaxing enjoying his already high pay and government status. Hillery Clinton is not going to make the whole world go WOW! Nor is Mccain guys. Get over it. Obama is going to be our next guy, plain and simple. You mark my words. Our racial division has to stop. Some of us Caucasians are are just afraid of displacement. We know that once a black man becomes truly equal in America to us we'll actually have to work just as anyone else to prove our worth, without the luxury of false greatness, merely out of heredity. The time has come. We are at the front door of the future and man kind will never be the same. Those who peer upon the current state of humanity and still, boldly dismiss the fact that a major shift must take place right here and now just aren't very bright people. And that is what I believe this election is about... The future verses the past and I promise you America will choose the future. That is who we are. And when all is said n done there are just somethings the universe has to do.
www.myspace.com/jawzmuzik
Dennis
Posted by: Dennis | March 31, 2008 4:45 PM
Mr Micek,
Thanks for reporting what goes on in the buses.
I say first listen to both sermons by Rev Wright. What was heard in the media was distorted-taken totally out of context. On Anderson Cooper on CNN you can listen to it or read parts.
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-wright%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%9cgod-damn-america%e2%80%9d-sermon/
I think by the media putting up these types of smokescreens we are losing sight of what is important-(that includes the ducking of bullets on the Clinton side). I am concerned about the economy-including NAFTA, the war in Iraq, health care and education.
After looking at both (and Edwards dropping out) I am voting for Obama.
Posted by: Monarnyc | March 31, 2008 5:04 PM
I am a 60 year old white male in Mississippi. The state I grew up in was solidly Democratic. The State I live in today is Republican. O'Bama is the most inspiring Democratic candidate to appear in my state since I have been old enough to vote. Senator Clinton, from my neighboring state of Arkansas, is one of the most intensly disliked politcal personalities, at least in this part of the world, in my memory. Obama can beat McCain in November and can do it in places that Democratic Presidential candidates have not been able to win in a long while. However the continued bloodletting by the Democratic Party in the remaining states may well defeat their best chance for change and put McCain in the White House. We will continue to lose lives that could have been saved. We will continue to have a health care crisis that no one has fully acknowledged to date. We will continue to accumulate a National Debt that my children's children's children may not be able to erase.
The superdelagates should commit to Obama now. Pennsylvania Democrates could and should end it by supporting Obama now. Think about doing the right thing.
John
Posted by: John Donaldson | March 31, 2008 5:15 PM
We were at the Penn State rally yesterday. I was so impressed. It was wonderful to hear Obama's unedited speech.He was succinct and yet answered with in depth solutions. It was wonderful to see so many people be so attentive and polite, responding enthusiastically but without any hint of rowdiness. As a white 65 year old female - I have a sense of hope and pride in this country that has been missing for many years.
Posted by: Virginia Feitner | March 31, 2008 5:38 PM
John Micek, thank you for a wonderful and, yes, inspiring article. I felt I was right there in Pennsylvania! People who get to meet Senator Obama see him for who he truly is: a man of good character, integrity, honesty, wisdom, vision, and leadership; a man who truly cares about our country and ALL its citizens. I believe Senator Obama will be a great President and Commander-in-Chief, one who can weigh the issues and envision the RIGHT Dicisions and the RIGHT results. As Commander-in-Chief, he'll KNOW the difference between "sniper fire and a little girl giving flowers to Hillary" LOL. In all seriousness, He will make a terrific leader! I am sure the military will have great respect for him as well. Bill Clinton was a big embarrassment and dissapointment to this nation. Hillary has become a big embarrassment to our country in how she has run her campaign--totally ineffective and inefficient. Not to mention her many, many lies, distortions, slander, and slash-and-burn tactics. Not to mention a campaign fraught with UNPAID BILLS to the "middle class" business people for their services--the very people she claims she is "fighting" for! Yes, Hillary, YOU are putting a big dent in their income by NOT PAYING WHAT YOU OWE! SHAME ON YOU, HILLARY CLINTON!
Recently during a radio talk show, Hillary was asked about her "misspeak" regarding Bosnia and her, "I remember the plane going down in a corkscrew fashion, when we landed we were surrounded by sniper fire and had to put our heads down and run to our cars...and that's happened". Hillary's response: "I misspoke the other day....it was the FIRST TIME I HAD MISSPOKE IN TWELVE (12) YEARS OR SO" WOW!! She just keeps on piling on the lies; one right on top of the other! Hillary and Bill evidently believe Americans are the epitomy of stupidity!! Well, Hill and Bill, we are intelligent people and do NOT buy into your many lies and corruption.
Posted by: NinaK | March 31, 2008 7:24 PM
OK Jacksmith, if you think we are such idiots, I'll take you on point for point.
[[[ You Might Be An Idiot! ... If you think Barack Obama with little or no experience would be better than Hillary Clinton with 35 years experience.]]]
If Hillary has "35 years of experience" and is suited to be President, then Yoko was a Beatle. Residency does not equal Presidency. Obviously, HRC herself doesn't think so, since she herself perceives the need to pad her resume so urgently that she LIES about it (N Ireland, Bosnia, NAFTA, etc...).
No, you ARE an idiot if you believe that an obviously padded resume and knowing where the White House bathrooms are, and obviously bad judgement is better than good judgement.
[[[...If you think that Obama with no experience can fix an economy on the verge of collapse better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) led the greatest economic expansion, and prosperity in American history.]]]
The Clinton record on the economy isn't as advertised. I will grant that he did at least reduce the deficit in the good economy in his terms, but he also passed NAFTA, and if you want to credit him the economy, you must also credit him with the crash of 2000-01, which happened far too quickly for his successor to have anything to do with it.
And HRC? She cannot even run the finances in her campaign. She has to loan it money in Jan. after starting with the biggest war chest of any candidate ($175M+), and she is leaving behind a trail of unpaid bills with vendors -- this is someone who should run our economy? In contrast, Obama's campaign is well organized, has the least debt of any candidate, and pays on time.
So, no, you ARE an idiot if you think that HRC will bring back the 90's and Obama cannot do better with his better judgement.
[[[...If you think that Obama with no experience fighting for universal health care can get it for you better than Hillary Clinton. Who anticipated this current health care crisis back in 1993, and fought a pitched battle against overwhelming odds to get universal health care for all the American people.]]]
Anticipated it? It was a hot issue back then, and all the politicians were behind the curve, including HRC. Fought a pitched battle, yes, and lost very badly, accomplishing nothing but setting back progress for 15 years.
The point is not to fight, but to work together to win. This is the approach that Obama takes to finding solutions that others think impossible. If you didn't ignoring Obama's ACTUAL experience, you would find that he has done this repeatedly in the IL legislature, and has more bipartisan support on bills in the Senate in 2 years than HRC has in 6 yrs.
So, You ARE and idiot to ignore the actual experience and judgement that Obama brings to the table, and think that HRC's blind "I'll fight everyone and cram it down their throats" approach will work again.
Oh, yes, you should also look up the news today about her being $292,000 behind in paying the health insurance premiums for her employees.
[[[...If you think that Obama with no experience can manage, and get us out of two wars better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) went to war only when he was convinced that he absolutely had to. Then completed the mission in record time against a nuclear power. AND DID NOT LOSE THE LIFE OF A SINGLE AMERICAN SOLDIER. NOT ONE!]]]
BS!! You totally forget the tragic fiasco of the October 3, 1993 U.S. raid on Somalia, in which 18 soldiers and two Black Hawk helicopters were lost, and their bodies paraded through the streets. This happened specifically because Bill Clinton explicitly refused repeated requests for armored vehicles, because "it would send the wrong message". We then ran from the country with our tail between our legs. There is almost nobody in politics with less respect from the US military than the Clintons. Period. Almost anybody can do better, and Obama can do much better.
So, you ARE an idiot if you forget actual history and make it up to support your candidate.
[[[...If you think that Obama with little or no education experience is better than Hillary Clinton. Whose ;-) husband (Bill Clinton) made higher education affordable for every American. And created higher job demand and starting salary's than they had ever been before or since. ]]]
Again, this is getting boring, you ARE an idiot if you ignore the actual experience of both candidates.
[[[...If you think that Obama with no experience will be better than Hillary Clinton who spent 8 years at the right hand of President Bill Clinton. Who is already on record as one of the greatest Presidents in American history.]]]
Well, if you ignore the ACTUAL experience of Obama, and think that being a spectator is the same as being in the game, you ARE an idiot.
[[[...If you think that you can change the way Washington works with pretty speeches from Obama, rather than with the experience, and political expertise of two master politicians ON YOUR SIDE like Hillary and Bill Clinton..]]]
Master politicians? If they were such master politicians, they would actually be ahead in this race. They are actually hacks who play every dirty trick in the book, and say whatever suits them at the time, with no shame whatsoever. Remember when Oabma won Iowa and HRC said that "the race is all about delegates", but then that went right out the window when she got behind in the delegates? Remember NH when she won by sending out flyers to women falsely implying that Obama was against Reproductive Choice (he actually rates 100% pro-choice form several orgs). The list is miles long, and growing by the hour. If you think that that kind of old dirty politics will get us anywhere, you truly ARE an idiot.
[[[...If you think all those Republicans voting for Obama in the Democratic primaries, and caucuses are doing so because they think he is a stronger Democratic candidate than Hillary Clinton. ]]]
No, actually, the R votes were roughly even before the rightist talk show hosts (Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingrham, etc.) specifically campaigned for crossover votes for HRC precisely because she is seen as the WEAKER candidate, and OH and TX went her way by about the same margin as the extra R votes. You might also look at her low 37% trustworthy ratings, compared to ~67% for both Obama and McCain.
So, once again, jacksmith shows that you ARE an idiot if you listen to biased, un-researched crap posted by people like jacksmith.
Posted by: JimP | March 31, 2008 7:28 PM
Jacksmith: You post the very same message in every blog! You are outright lying, you have learned well from Hillary, Bill, and their campaign. Perhaps, Hillary will hire you as a cochair for her campaign. I am sure she would LOVE to have you on her "Slander, Lies, and Slash-and-Burn Team"
Posted by: NinaK | March 31, 2008 7:35 PM
Jean TUCC; VERY WELL SAID!!!
Posted by: Mary in Fort Madison, Iowa | March 31, 2008 11:43 PM
Here is a post on Kos comparing the records of Clinton and Obama.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633%3Chr
Obama was a Senator in the IL state senate from 1996-2004. He was a community organizer and believes in govt from the bottom up, rather than the top down. I have to disagree saying that he does not have experience. He has lived overseas, he knows about different cultures.
No matter who gets the nomination I will be voting Democratic but I sincerely hope Obama gets the nomination.
Posted by: monarnyc | April 5, 2008 12:15 AM