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FacebookPower of Culinary Union hangs in balance as its protege Kihuen tries to break Obama hold
Fri, Jan 11, 2008 (2:10 a.m.)
The media surged forward, surrounding Sen. Hillary Clinton and Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen, as they walked along 22nd Street in eastern Las Vegas in a neighborhood dominated by Hispanics and heavily populated with Culinary Union workers.
An intense look on his face, an emphatic tone in his voice, Kihuen sought to reassure the presidential hopeful the union that had created him as a politician was not a potent, monolithic force that could destroy her chances here.
“I cannot emphasize to you enough, Senator, how the Hispanic workers in the Culinary are loyal to you,” Kihuen whispered. “They are loyal to the Culinary, but they will vote for you.”
In that brief moment, amid a spectacle never before seen in a valley neighborhood, on the first day of an unprecedented battle for Nevada, both the stakes and the ironies became clear.
Here was a presidential hopeful — who had lost the Democratic Party’s most important endorsement a day earlier to Sen. Barack Obama — alighting in the state and diving right into the heart of Culinary country for votes. And here was the definitive local rising Democratic star sending a message to a union that united to almost single-handedly elect him last cycle that he was intent on dividing that organization for the greater purpose of electing Clinton as president.
To see Kihuen stick a thumb in the eye of his patrons and begin an attempt to divide the Hispanic community — and split the subset of Latinos who work in the union — surely will produce wounds that could rip apart the core of the party here.
And yet this caucus, which could change the direction of the presidential race and one day be seen as the turning point, can’t be anything but salutary for the party’s registration and energy — despite the rifts created by the Cinton-Obama contest, with the seeds planted by the Clinton-Kihuen foray into Culinary country Thursday afternoon.
I have little doubt that when Culinary leaders read what Kihuen said to Clinton on that street, where his political dreams were realized in 2006, they will be furious and even more energized. But the tableau that played out on 22nd Street illustrates the question that will determine the outcome of the caucus:
Can the Culinary hold its membership to its Obama endorsement (and turn it out) by acknowledging members might support Clinton but urging them to put union loyalty above their candidate affinity?
The “It’s the union above all else” pitch began Wednesday when Secretary-Treasurer D. Taylor announced the Obama endorsement. He praised all the candidates but made it clear that his members value union solidarity above all. Or do they?
If they don’t, the union’s endorsement will be diluted and its impact Jan. 19 will not be nearly so great. If Kihuen can help divide the Hispanic community, especially the Hispanic Culinary population, Clinton has a much better chance to win the caucus that the union tilted toward Obama this week.
Clinton knows this. Obama knows this. And you can be sure Taylor knows this.
If this one neighborhood is emblematic, Clinton should bring the Iowa and New Hampshire model back every day of the campaign for Nevada. The residents — from octogenarians to young children — were in awe of her presence. And she realizes dividing and conquering has to be done one vote at a time. As residents came up to her to gush, she took it in, smiling and making each one feel special. As soon as they finished, though, she would grab an aide to make sure the potential voters received a caucus packet.
It wasn’t all spontaneous — Kihuen had canvassed the neighborhood for Clinton on Thursday morning to soften the beaches. But the almost surreal attention to a neighborhood generally ignored by most important state politicians had an impact — and methinks it could be lasting.
The almost Shakespearean tragedy — or is it the stuff of Mary Shelley? — playing out between Kihuen and his creators is fascinating to watch. But it pales in comparison with the very real drama of the Culinary’s attempt to reinforce its dominance in Democratic Party politics here and the very real possibility that its success or failure could determine the course of a presidential race.
Hillary sould seek nomination on merit; not on marriage. She does not seem firm "iron lady" but just former first lady.
We know that she was elected as US senator before Obama was elected but does that mean she is more experienced than him? If that the case then anyone who goes to school before us is more educated than us!
We are sure that president Bush messed around (home and abroad). Can she clear that mess and pull America out of that situation?
I hope US Senators, representatives, and the rest will elect their nominee on merit; not on who is married to nominee.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is my Senator from New York and she has done a really outstanding job in her position. She is a person of integrity, character and hard work.
She is the Democrats very best chance of getting elected because she already has White House experience, she currently serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (giving her huge international experience) and she is the best candidate to set America up with a health care system that works, and which will cover ALL Americans.
If that is not merrit, then I don't know what is. Obama and her are great candidates both, but she simply has so much more experience than him, in terms of government, working with Republicans, Independents and Democrats in a bipartisan manner to get things done. Just look at her work in the Senate. Obama was a partisan Democrat, voting mostly Democratic all the time.
Senator Clinton is pragmatic, knows when to pick a fight and when not to, but best of all, she's so smart and knows how to get things done.
Senator Clinton is a true "do-er."
Senator Obama can give a great speach and promises to bring America together.
In 2000, George W. Bush promised to be a "uniter, not a divider." Remember that?
Obama, not anybody, will ever be able to "change Washington." People are living on false hopes if they believe that. The President is only 1 person. He/she still must contend with the Congress, lobbyists, etc.
Nevada, Senator Clinton is the way to go! If she weren't, we New Yorkers would not have voted to re-elect her two years ago with nearly 70% of the vote.
Clinton has taken $567,950 from lobbyists. Obama has taken $76,859. Who do you think will stand with the unions, Clinton, beholden to corporations, or Obama, who has walked picket lines with union members?
Viva Hillary! We love you and want you to be our next President!
From Chicago and family in Jimeana de la Frontera.
I'm 52 years old, and, for me, this is the most exciting presidential campaign I've ever witnessed. It's satisfying--because all the Democratic contenders are decent, ethical, capable, and impassioned public servants--and it's completely unpredictable--because we are on the verge of a civic breakthrough:
I predict that this election season, candidate endorsements will in the end hold no sway regarding how the citizenry will vote. The people are transcending the boundaries and restrictions that individuals and organizations would hold over their freedom of choice. And I believe this sentiment transcends party affiliation. The Republican and Independent vote is as unpredictable as the Democrats'.
People will vote their hearts, and let the delegates fall where they may.
So, Kihuen isn't dividing a community or a union, because whether or not he's aware of it, he's just pointing out a phenomenon whose occurrence has nothing to do with him or any other politician or with any union leader. In effect, all voters have become independents.
This is how we begin to break the dictates of party machines and reclaim our powerful and immediate role in governance. This is how we remind the body politic that they work for us, and hence, it is to us that their allegiance should be.
I have no idea who will get the Democratic (or Republican!) nomination, but my dream ticket would be Senator Clinton, with Senator Obama as VP. I could go on for days as to why I think they are the perfect team in the right position at the right time, but suffice it to say that I think they both have what we need now.
In any event, here's to pure, unadulterated freedom of choice! January 19th caucus, here I come!
It is important to point out that the national union was not too happy about the decision by Culinary to endorse Obama. The national union would have preferred that Culinary remained neutral on this. So in an act of tremendous opportunism, after the Iowa caucus, Culinary decided to endorse Obama. After the word got out, it was too late to back off. In all this, Culinary leadership never polled not even considered the local membership feelings about their endorsement. Now they have a problem. I just don’t see Hispanics, union or not, going out in mass and voting for Obama. But we will see!
I enjoy your newspaper, but come on folks! Can you be a bit more balanced? Is this the Clinton Sun or what? I know of the family connections, but WOW, this is ridiculous. I am a proud Lefty, but thuis reporting is just like Fox, just in reverse as to the support. If you guys have not been watching, there are other candidates out there besides Clinton.
Maite,
you need to correct those lobbyist-dollars for years in the Senate and amount of work accomplished. It comes to only twice as much for HC than for BO on time alone.
also, just to get the message out - there really are "good" lobbying groups even though its sounds nuts to say that. Groups that support the publics health, unions who listen to their workers!, etc.
Bless you Ruben! I am on your side. This woman has proven time and time again that she is not just about speeches or words - she walks the walk (literally). Hillary Clinton is there for Union Workers and she has been there for the state of Nevada when she held hearings on Yucca Mtn and the destruction of our environment.
I am ashamed at my union for backing Obama. He is a man of many words, but very few actions.
The idea of a Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton future leaves me cold. We don't need another corrupt establishment politician to further divide this country. Hillary would bring out the worst in everyone.
Look, here are the facts:
Yes Clinton is a very divisive and polarizing figure, but only for the same reasons Barrak Obama will become, if he is elected president.
Minus the issues, which Barrak is very thin on, he is essentially running the exact same message George Bush spoke so convincingly about in 2000. He's a "uniter" not a "divider", a "humble foreign policy", the "hope about America's greatness that only he could bring out", and last but certainly not least, "I'm the Washington outsider who can actually deliver change".
Sound similar???
People voted on who they liked best, instead of voting informed and Bush tragically got elected... Then embarrasingly re-eleced.
sound familiar?... Iowa.
The fact is, that people have strong held beliefs that are very intimate and personal to them, and are never going to change. Politicians will continue to run elections on these divisive but real issues no matter who gets elected.
For Obama to come out give the impression that if he is elected President that some how all of this is going to change, to put it in Bill Clinton's own words,this is indeed nothing but a fairytale.
The republicans are not going to concede power and suddenly unite with democrats on core issues, and vice-versa. So for Oboma to be running his campaign on this idea of how he will unite the two partys, is false on its head once you start looking at the real voting issues.
*Gay Rights (Marriage,hate crimes bill)
*Abortion (supreme court nominees)
*Immigration reform (comprehensive vs amnesty)
*Taxes (how they are implemented)
*church and state (where is the line?)
*Healthcare (Morale issue vs big government)
*Government Budgets and Spending Allocations (who gets what?, where?, and how much?.)
That is just a very small list of things people are not going to change their minds on, regardless who is President, and will be bitterly fought tooth and nail. Anyone who believes different is a naive, blind, and an uninformed sheep who doesn't understand society and needs a serious reality check.
One that Barrak Obama will get apon entering office, if he is lucky enough to get there...
Choosing Our Next President
In his books Barack Obama has told the story of the family into which he was born, about a father from Kenya and an American mother who met as college students in Hawaii.
At age 6 young Barack was already living in Jakarta with his mother and his Indonesian step father before moving back to Hawaii at age 10 to be raised by his maternal grandparents when his mother and her second husband divorced.
Over the years Barack Obama has had bonding experiences with white and black relatives and with Asian family members amidst an understandable struggle to find his own identity. Through it all he developed a keen ability to understand and to resonate with people of various ethnic backgrounds and to quickly move beyond differences in physical appearance and culture.
Having successfully worked his way through the complexities of the family into which he was born this highly intelligent and very dynamic 46 year old African American man may very well be able to understand, to unite, to lead, and to serve America and all Americans in a way that has never been done before.
Unlike those who may live in many other parts of the world, most Americans don’t really want to choose their next president based on who the candidate’s parents happen to have been. Americans for the most part are more interested in the qualities, abilities, and knowledge possessed by a particular candidate and the character revealed through that individual's life experiences.
Barak Obama does not accept any campaign contributions from lobbyists or political Action committees. He cannot be bought by the special interest groups in Washington. Hilary has accepted tons of money from Insurance companies, The Coal Lobby, and oil Companies. Come on People! Do you think they gave her millions and didn’t expect anything in return! Do you think that the top 1% of wealthy people in this country care about everyone at the bottom? Obama is a champion for what is right, for change, for unity. He also has more experience than Hilary. 12 years as a senator in the state & on the national level verse Hilarys’ 6 years. If anything he is the man for the job simply because he is a new direction for this country! Everyone in Iowa decided we need change, and New Hampshire was off by only 5,000 votes. Obama is the man we need, Right NOW!
As a native Californian it pains me to say this, but Amen New Yorker!!!
I wonder if Reuben pointed out to the Hispanic voters that in its last meeting the Nevada State Democratic Party voted to purge the Nevada Hispanic Democratic Caucus from its ranks?
Yep, they also purged the Vets and the American Indian Caucus as well.
This was all discussed at length over on the Las Vegas Gleaner "Must Save Christmas" beginning 12/13/07 (http://lasvegasgleaner.com/).
Take a look there, Hispanic interested people, because you won't find this taudry event discussed in the MSM or anywhere else.
As a 40-year Democrat I am nauseated that they purge the Nevada Democratic Hispanics and then turn around and pander to them they way they are doing now not to mention what they did to the Vets Caucus.
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It's as simple as ABC: Anybody But Clinton.
If anybody asks just tell 'em you're voting ABC.
And, lvdream, don't call me your "fellow" Democrat for I abhore your tone of argumentation. You can take all you mud slinging and stick it where the sun don't shine.
We need real "CHANGE" and that includes getting past your type of tactics.
Hi People,
This is what "I" think...I think Hillary is OLD Washington and Barack Obama is NEW....Keep THIS in mind:
Hillary does not find anything wrong with taking money from Washington lobbyists and big businesses to fund her campaign and that of others. She is the only Democrat in the election to take this stance. I reject the notion that it takes experience to bring about change, and this issue single-handedly proves it. To bring about real change the country needs someone who has not been in Washington long enough to be corrupted by it. We need a President who will say no to Washington lobbyists giving money to our politicians in return for favors. If Hillary is elected she is going to owe all these businesses and special interests favors, and her ability to make sound decisions for the people of America instead of these lobbyists will be hampered as a result of it.
Unlike Clinton, Obama’s stance on the issue is lobbyists should be able to spend time in Washington pleading their cases to politicians, but not be able to provide politicians with money. That would allow reputable special interests, like some environmental groups, to have a voice but it would do away with the blackmail corruption that is rampant throughout Washington.
Another thing:
I do not believe Hillary’s foresight and judgment is comparable to that of Obama’s. Obama was against the Iraq War before it even began. Not only was Hillary for it, she also recently gave a vote to identify a large portion of Iran’s military a terrorist organization, which could’ve easily allowed President Bush to have sufficient reason to go to war with Iran as well. Hillary received a lot of criticism for that from her Democratic colleagues in Washington for obvious reasons. I should also say that Bill Clinton originally said he was for the Iraq War when it began and recently lied and said he was always against it, so I do not believe he can help her make any better decisions. Furthermore, Obama has been saying for a while now that we should go into Pakistan with or without the support of President Musharraf to apprehend the terrorists in the border region there. Obama got a lot of criticism from Hillary and the Republicans for that statement because they saw Musharraf as an ally they did not want to offend, even though it is quite clear he is incapable and unwilling to aid us. There has even been an accusation that Musharraf has misused funds we sent him for the purpose of tracking and apprehending the terrorists to use for the purpose of putting surveillance on his political opponents. It was not until January 5th of this year that Hillary and the other Democrats jumped onboard with Obama’s plan to deal with the terrorists in Pakistan. Again, I think this shows his superior judgment.
LASTLY: There is one fundamental difference between Hillary and Obama’s health care plans. Hillary would force everyone to have insurance or pay a penalty and Obama would simply lower the costs as much as possible but not make it mandatory. I think Hillary’s idea is a little short-sighted. There will always be poor folk who cannot afford it regardless of how cheap the government makes it. To ask them to pay a penalty is, in my opinion, cruel and unreasonable.
They are virtually identical on every other major issue. However, being President requires more than just having the right stance on an issue. It takes foresight, judgment, honesty, reliability, and the willingness to see things from others' point of view. I believe Obama embodies all these characteristics more than any other candidate I have ever seen running for any election at any level since I was first able to vote. He has the judgment to make the right decisions the first time and the compassion to listen to the other side and understand their concerns so he can bring this country and this world together. That is a very rare combination and Hillary possesses neither of those qualities.
Maite,
Let me even ask you a question...How come the very poor vote for Clinton in IA and NH? Go find out why?...this will help you appreciate this woman people just vilify unnecessarily.
Obama collected $76K as a one term senator and she collected 587k as second term senator...check the figure and compare with the number of years spent in the senate. It is either Obama do not collect at all or he keep quite.
Hillary main goal is to be the first woman president of the United States.Am I the only one who noticed that,after she won,at the end of her speech,she said "Let's make history?"
Voters need to be reminded that,a vote for Hillary,is a vote for Bill!
I used to like Bill and Hillary.Now,I'm totally disgusted with them.
Biil has lied so many times that,he wouldn't know the truth if it bit him in the butt!
I'm sure the American people have not forgotten Jennifer Flowers,Monica Lewinsky and Paula Jones.Speaking of Paula,she took a lie detective test on tv.She PASSED with flying colors,so to speak!If you want to know one of the things she said Bill did,google-Rolanda Watts-click on tracking the truth.Read the next to the last paragraph.After you read it,ask yourself, "Do I want Bill to be "first man" in the whitehouse?"
There is NO WAY that Hillary can beat "any" Republican because ,they(Republicans) are going to sweep the floor with Bill and Hill!
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Seriously, how can anyone vote for this: http://www.xpress4me.com/images/08/01/09...
H.Clinton had no contribution towards the economy in 90's. Her major contribution was the botched health care reform program in nineties or inviting rich people to stay in Lincoln bedroom in White House for cash. I agree with someone who commented earlier that she must not seek votes based on who she is married to. An astronaut's wife does not automatically qualify to be the best suited to go on a mission to the Space. Watch her closely on TV and you will realize she is arrogant,phoney,dishonest and who until recently was so dismissive of any challenger to her for the nomination. The famous tear moment happened because the defeat in New Hampshire loomed large- she was not crying at the thought she would not be able to serve this country. She changes her statements,speeches and votes in Senate according to the situation. How many positions she has taken so far on Iraq, immigration and health care? You do not want a Clinton dynasty after the Bush dynasty. Senator Obama is like a fresh breeze and the future of Democratic party and does not resort to pandering like her. He is not a divisive and polarizing figure like her. Go Barrack Go!!!
the early caucus and primary states have an obligation to the rest of us out here (florida in my case)- Las Vegas can end this race if the support Hillary Clinton or they can keep this going so the rest of the country can weigh in if they support Barrack Obama
Please do not end the conversation -- as an ardent Obama supporter - let the entire world see the United States does not coronate people they elect people after a thorough review of who the candidates are and their policies.
Las Vegas you owe it to yourself and to those of us who love your city and visit often to give yourself and the rest of us the chance to learn more about Senator Obama - to have a chance for change
I am really begging you (to quote Senator Clinton) to let "the conversation begin" -- and not let us be subject to more Bush-Clinton---
I have a twenty year old daughter and the only two names that have been President of this country in her lifetime are Clinton and Bush --
And then if she wins and then after Hillary - and the inevitable problems -- what happens -- the republicans pull out Jeb --
How can we not be tired from this??
Senator Obama may need two sentences to answer a question - he may not have the snappy quick one liners -- but we are electing a President here when this country has huge economic, social and political problems -- it may take more than a quick retort to stop our tears
Please caucus for Senator Obama
The rest of the country is watching what you do
Nevada, please caucus for Senator Barack Obama.
Hillary Clinton is not interested in you or your state, she merely wants to be president for what it will bring to her.
America is at a crossroads. We have real problems that require someone who is not polarizing, who is not angling for political gain.
As this country sinks into recession, the Hispanic community will be blamed for all the problems: taking jobs, being a drain on society, causing all the crime. You name it.
Only Senator Barack Obama can be the unifying force to hold our country together. There is plenty of room, work and resources here for all of us to grow and prosper. Barack Obama knows this.
He should get your caucus vote. Get out and support him.
Dream big, Dare to HOPE. and remember: YES WE CAN!
OBAMA in '08!
Barack Obama offers hope for an end to the hate politics that characterize the Clinton-Bush administrations. "If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got." Dare to do something different. Caucus for Obama. He will unite America as we haven't seen in a generation.
If Hillary and those other cowardly Democrats hadn't voted for the war,4000 families would not have lost their son,daughter,brother,sister,wife husband,and thousands of soldiers would not be in the hospital,some without their limbs!!
Those billions of dollars that are spent on the war each month,could have been to fix schools,help people with their insurance,help kids with their college education and to help people hold on to their home.
Voting for the War, and then not apologizing for your mistake is not Presidential!
Btw, Neither is crying!
We have a country divided between red states and blue states. We have a Congress with lower approval ratings than the President, because of partisan bickering. We have Hillary Clinton using inflammatory language like " I've been fighting Republicans for 35 years."
It seems these two political families-the Bush family and the Clinton family-have benefited the most from all this fighting. It needs to end.
Hillary Clinton will be the Republicans best chance for victory in November.
She is a stone-cold, divisive woman, who will do just that. I am a registered democrat and I always have been, but Hillary Clinton will divide my party like never before. Half the members in my party are already pledged to vote against her.
Hillary is also a terrific uniter--of Republicans. She will unify and drive the Republicans to the polls lie we've never seen before. Anyone the republicans put up against Hillary will win in a landslide in November. Heck, even Ron Paul would beat Ms. Clinton.
Today's move displays a total lack of respect for the latino community. The culinary union is a powerful group made up of a large group of latinos, it gives them a voice in the workplace. Clinton's attempt to divid the union undermines this ability and is a slap in the face to the latino community.
Furthermore, if we're going to have an arguement about experience, Obama has far more applicable experience for the presidency than does Clinton. Her only experience is 8 years as a US senator. Obama was validictorian of Harvard law, president of the harvard law review, community organizer, professor of constitutional law, Illinois state senator for 8 years, US senator for 4 years. He clearly has more experience, Hillary has only been a first lady, that isn't experience.
Also Obama as a community organizer fought on the streets of Chicago for change, anyone who's lived in Chicago or lives close to Chicago knows it's a vicious town politically. But Obama succeeded there. And if he can do as well as he is against the Clinton attack machine, he will fair wonderfully against the republicans.
The issue before us is this...
Who can best win the general election for our party? The choice is clear, Barack Obama, he will build a broad coalition. He will have the democratic base, the independent vote, and will pull over even some republicans, he will win in a landslide in November if he becomes the nominee.
Finally, in US history, our greatest presidents have less federal experience and more state experience. This is the case for Barack Obama.
-Andrew Jackson never served in political office.
-Abraham Lincoln was only a US Rep. for 2 years
-Franklin Roosevelt was a NY Governor for 4 years
-Teddy Roosevelt was a Vice President for 1 year
-Harry Truman was a Vice President for 1 year
So Clinton's argument that her federal experience better qualifies her is not a historically accurate argument.
Obama is the democrats best chance for victory in November.
If Obama gets elected, his inexperience could make it very easy for Republicans to regain the Oval office at the next election. Landslide win now for Obama will be a landslide loss in 4 years. As a matter of fact, all 3 democratic candidates could defeat Republican candidates this time. Com'on give yourself some confidence if you truely want Demo to win!
Am I the only Democrat in Nevada who is ready to become independent in protest of the lemming-like way that Nevada's elected Democrats have lined up behind Clinton? Tonight, I was amazed to see 5,000 ordinary citizens wait hours in line to hear what Obama had to say at Del Sol HS, and stunned when I realized that not a single elected Nevadan was there to welcome him. Janet Napolitano flew in from Arizona to introduce him. The Democratic "elite" is missing the zeitgeist in Nevada. And by the way, having sat through 90 minutes of Barack Obama speaking and answering unscripted questions, I am no longer wondering whether he has the experience or the knowledge. His answers were thoughtful, direct, forceful, and nuanced. This is a smart guy, with enormous capacity to lead, and we Nevadans can be pivotal in moving our country past the bitterness of recent American politics.
Whoever is the Democratic nominee in November will be subject to intense barrage of attacks from the Republicans. The following excerpt provided a brief outline of such an attack, which will focus on Obama’s life story. The goal is to twist that saga, to unearth facts or factoids that raise concerns about his background, and to make his upbringing appear alien and even sinister — and of course, to play the race card against him, either subtly or blatantly. These themes will begin to appear in the right-wing press, which is where the original Swift Boat smears first showed up four years ago. That process has begun, and is accelerating along with Obama's drive toward the nomination. Conservatives will briefly applaud him for defeating Hillary Clinton, the immediate object of their hatred, and then turn on him as the next target. Denigrating material about the front-runner will be ready for deployment very shortly, but will not be aired until his nomination is a certainty. Meanwhile, certain themes are being tested on the websites of the extreme right. The basic concept is to suggest that Obama is somehow less wholesome than he appears to be, and to provoke bigoted responses. On these sites and in e-mail barrages, he is being portrayed as the son and stepson of Muslims from Africa and Asia, who worshipped in mosques and madrasas as a young boy. Next will come questions about the Chicago church he attends, whose eccentric pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, is a close friend and spiritual adviser to the Obama family. In a very recent article published on the Newsmax website, Wright is depicted as a raving black nationalist and a proud associate of Louis Farrakhan. He is prone to polarizing remarks about a wide range of topics, from Jews and Israel to Natalee Holloway. The Newsmax article on the relationship between Obama and Wright displays at least one aspect of the campaign under construction on the right. More powerful forces are clearly indicating their interest in these same lines of attack. Brad Blakeman, a former Bush White House aide who now runs Freedom's Watch, told Newsmax he was aware of the Wright connection. "If your spiritual adviser makes outrageous statements, it's incumbent on you as a leader to denounce those statements," he said. "Silence is an admission that you agree with what your spiritual adviser pronounces." Newsmax concluded that "if Obama is his party's nominee, his Republican opponent will rightly be able to make use of Rev. Wright and his radical teachings as effectively as supporters of George H.W. Bush used Willie Horton's furlough to help Bush win the presidency." In other words, be prepared for the attack ads to be aired by Freedom's Watch and other shadowy, well-funded organizations, just like the Horton ads put up by an earlier "independent committee" in 1988. The unscrupulous right wing will do exactly the same thing to Hillary Clinton if she wins the nomination — except that those smears will have to be reruns.
{quote)If Obama gets elected, his inexperience could make it very easy for Republicans to regain the Oval office at the next election. Landslide win now for Obama will be a landslide loss in 4 years. As a matter of fact, all 3 democratic candidates could defeat Republican candidates this time. Com'on give yourself some confidence if you truely want Demo to win!(quote)
************************************************
Dadams-if Hillary wins the nomination,the Democrats will have to wait another 4 years to try and win the whitehouse.
I will vote for a president who's campaign was based on dreams. Once i dreamed i won the lottery but it didn't pan out. Dreams come true in fairy tales.
Hillary will not have to work hard to win. Obama 's endorsements will help her. Will Smith just jumped on the bandwagon.
showbiz.sky Article
When asked if the terror attacks had changed him, Smith said: "No, absolutely not.
He added: "Whether you are wounded in an attack by a racist cop or in a terrorist attack, I'm sorrry, it makes no difference.
Saturday Daily Record Will Smith Hitler comments
“Even Hitler didn’t wake up going, ‘let me do the most evil thing I can do today.’ I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was ‘good.’ “
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To All Hillary voters:
If Hillary wins,and you have a daughter,I hope she does NOT work as an intern in the whitehouse.
jf,
Who was elected to office first Obama or Clinton. Which one had people actually casting votes for them, without knowing who their spouse was? Which one went from being the President of Harvard Law to community organizer and which one is touting HER husband's experience as her own. My wife has been a nurse for 10 years, but believe me, you don't want me to give you an IV.
BUSH,CLINTON,BUSH,CLINTON ..........LONG LIVE THE DYNASTIES!!
To all latinos supporting Obama. I urge you to go to these two web sites which are combine together, to learn more about not only him but of his wife. Read for yourself what latinos mean to him and her. After reading this then ask yourself if you can still support him.
http://www.obamatruth.org/video/Happy_Ho...
http://www.obamatruth.org/off_message.ht...
I wouldn't trust Hillary with my silverware. Hillary will work for Hillary's interests and Bill will help her spend the money. She was selected as the Most Corrupt Politician of 2007 in Judicial Watch and she would give women a bad name. I hope Latinos can see through her phoniness.
Kihuen should just forget about re-election. People are more objective when they don't support the Clintons.
1. We think it is somehow appropriate for the Clinton folks to try to change the rules of the game - in the middle of the game. But we cry foul when Republicans do the same in California.
2. We want election integrity, especially to make sure the GOP does not cheat in November. But if it's Hillary who won by machine ballots and Obama by hand-counted ballots, let's not recount the votes.
3. We villainize George Bush for the war in Iraq, but we forgive Hillary for authorizing the war with her conscience - even if she didn't even bother to apologize or shed a tear for the 4,000 dead Americans and many more dead Iraqi civilians.
4. Clinton tried to disenfranchize students in Iowa and then courted them in NH. Bill called Obama a 'fairy-tale' when he needed white votes, and said 'He might win', when he needs black votes. Now they're trying to disenfranchise another group in NV. The explanation is clear - you can't rig a caucus. The only way is to disenfrachise a particular group.
If you stop supporting the Clintons for a moment, you'd be surprised at how better you see the world.
Yes, we can! Si, se puede!
Anyone see the movie "Sicko"? Remeber who was tacking 10's of 1000s of dollars from the big lobbyist: http://www.xpress4me.com/images/08/01/09...
Obama has taken individual money from the same people who contribute to pacs. He is no different
He is a fairy tale and there isn't going to be a happy ending for you if you belive everything he says.
look at his record on health care in Ill and see whose interests he sold out to "work with republicans"
She (Hillary)raised eyebrows in New Hampshire when she credited President Lyndon Baines Johnson, not the assassinated John F. Kennedy or King, for passing civil rights legislation.
Hillary said-Sen. Obama used President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to criticize me,” she said. “Basically compared himself to two of our greatest heroes. He basically said that President Kennedy and Dr. King had made great speeches and that speeches were important. Well, no one denies that. But if all there is (is) a speech, then it doesn’t change anything.”
***********************************************
Hillary should hang her head in shame.
Hillary Clinton represents the absolute worst in American politics- a professional and pathological liar. She will say anything and do anything to reach her personal and vain dream of becoming President. This isn't an exaggeration either.
Here is another example in a list that gets longer and longer: She believes in unions and union leadership when they endorse her. When they don't, she arrogantly undermines the union leadership. Hillary always knows what's best for her. After all, she thinks she is smarter than the union leaders.
Obama is right on messages:
CHANGE trumps EXPERIENCE
JUDGMENT trumps EXPERIENCE
LEADERSHIP trumps EXPERIENCE
Obama wins on all three; Hillary has only 35 years of experience with NO significant accomplishments.
Independents and even some Republicans see Obama as an end to the partisan, do-nothing politics of Clinton vs Bush, Red vs. Blue, Democrats vs Republicans. He can inspire and lead across party lines.
This is CHANGE that only Obama can deliver because Hillary "IS" the problem.
Differences between Hillary and Barack:
1. Hillary does not find anything wrong with taking money from Washington lobbyists and big businesses to fund her campaign and that of others. She is the only Democrat in the election to take this stance. I reject the notion that it takes experience to bring about change, and this issue single-handedly proves it. To bring about real change the country needs someone who has not been in Washington long enough to be corrupted by it. We need a President who will say no to Washington lobbyists giving money to our politicians in return for favors. If Hillary is elected she is going to owe all these businesses and special interests favors, and her ability to make sound decisions for the people of America instead of these lobbyists will be hampered as a result of it. Obama’s stance on the issue is lobbyists should be able to spend time in Washington pleading their cases to politicians, but not be able to provide politicians with money. That would allow reputable special interests, like some environmental groups, to have a voice but it would do away with the blackmail corruption that is rampant throughout Washington.
2. I do not believe Hillary’s foresight and judgment is comparable to that of Obama’s. Obama was against the Iraq War before it even began. Not only was Hillary for it, she also recently gave a vote to identify a large portion of Iran’s military a terrorist organization, which could’ve easily allowed President Bush to have sufficient reason to go to war with Iran as well. Hillary received a lot of criticism for that from her Democratic colleagues in Washington for obvious reasons. I should also say that Bill Clinton originally said he was for the Iraq War when it began and recently lied and said he was always against it, so I do not believe he can help her make any better decisions. Furthermore, Obama has been saying for a while now that we should go into Pakistan with or without the support of President Musharraf to apprehend the terrorists in the border region there. Obama got a lot of criticism from Hillary and the Republicans for that statement because they saw Musharraf as an ally they did not want to offend, even though it is quite clear he is incapable and unwilling to aid us. There has even been an accusation that Musharraf has misused funds we sent him for the purpose of tracking and apprehending the terrorists to use for the purpose of putting surveillance on his political opponents. It was not until January 5th of this year that Hillary and the other Democrats jumped onboard with Obama’s plan to deal with the terrorists in Pakistan. Again, I think this shows his superior judgment.
3. There is one fundamental difference between Hillary and Obama’s health care plans. Hillary would force everyone to have insurance or pay a penalty and Obama would simply lower the costs as much as possible but not make it mandatory. I think Hillary’s idea is a little short-sighted. There will always be poor folk who cannot afford it regardless of how cheap the government makes it. To ask them to pay a penalty is, in my opinion, cruel and unreasonable.
They are virtually identical on every other major issue. However, being President requires more than just having the right stance on an issue. It takes foresight, judgment, honesty, reliability, and the willingness to see things from others' point of view. I believe Obama embodies all these characteristics more than any other candidate I have ever seen running for any election at any level since I was first able to vote. He has the judgment to make the right decisions the first time and the compassion to listen to the other side and understand their concerns so he can bring this country and this world together. That is a very rare combination and Hillary possesses neither of those qualities.
~ The TRUTH is MORE important than everyone's BIASED opinion....Base your vote on FACTS, not on closed minded, unwavering views...If you are going to vote, look at the FACTS!!
Thanks and Peace to all....
How about this people. Clinton chief strategist Mark Penn is the chief of a company which help companies opposed the organization of Union and Clinton herself worked for Wal Mart to prevent Union organization in the 90' May be someone can help here
It is common knowledge that the Republicans want to run against Senator Clinton - as they feel they can beat her the easiest (easier than either Obama or Edwards); Hillary is the dream candidate for the republican machine --
They are "fired up and ready to go" should Hillary Clinton be the democratic nominee --
See link below for the following information (also was on TV this am)
"New York Sen. Hillary Clinton is Republicans' choice for a Democratic candidate.
Said GOP pollster Whit Ayres: "When it comes to Republicans, Hillary Clinton is a unifier, not a divider."
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/246......
FACTS MATTER -- AT LEAST THEY SHOULD MATTER
Obama -08
Don't drink Obama's Koolaide
As a resident of the state of Illinois, I want to ask those of you considering a vote for Obama why do you think the people of Illinois had never even heard of him until his speech at the DNC in 2004. It was because he stood for nothing and accomplished nothing during his time as a state senator here. He does not have a record to run on so he becomes the broken record of "Yes We Can" One question. If he could, why didn't he when he had the chance?
For those of you who drank Obama's koolaide (that nonsense that he is the candidate of change) ask yourselves this question: if he is not a status quo politician, why did he vote PRESENT 130 times when he was a representative in our state (Illinois). Do a little research and you will find he did it because it was the politically expedient thing to do. Yes, he showed he was a status quo politician - a man of words but not action.
no Darryl
Obama voted present on choice issues at the REQUEST of planned parenthood (since they wanted the bill that was presented retooled and were not happy about it).
Barack Obama (as well as Senator Clinton) have a 100% approval rating from Planned Parenthood and Emily's List
Please see link below -- for information on how the state senate of Illinois works and present votes--
SO I agree with your commen - DO A LITTLE RESEARCH!!
http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/200...
CHANGE that matters
FACTS matter - or at least they should
Obama '08
AW you are wrong. You are quoting Obama's own website. Do some independent research - not the spin from Obama or Clinton.
You will find the man voted PRESENT 130 times on all kinds of issues. Seriously, do you think the vote on abortion came up 130 times? And since Obama is a member of that nuthouse church with its racist agenda and message, what do you think is his stand on abortion, on gay marriages, on immigration?
Come on, AW. Put the glass down, don't drink that Obama koolaide - it's, well, it's not what it appears to be.
Carolyn, you said you wouldn't trust Hillary with your silverware.
Why not - you can go to any fast food restaurant and replinish your collection.
You quoted Judical Watch which means you are most likely a neo-conservative - the very people we working people cannot and do not trust. Thanks for the tip. We would not have known about your phoniness had you not given us the source of your alleged facts.
Before voting, I urge everyone to find out more about John Edwards.
He is not getting as much media coverage as Hillary and Obama, so you may need to do some research on your own. You will find that Edwards was the first candidate to come out with many of the ideas and programs that the other two are now talking about. First with healthcare, first with plans to help working people, first with plans to help rural people, first with plans to create work and educational opportunities, first to fight against lobbiests and the big corporate interests. I believe that the person who came up with these ideas is the person who truly believes in them, and will work hardest to make them a reality.
John Edwards is the candidate to vote for in the caucus. Check out his plans and positions. You will be glad you did! Thanks!!
Hi Darryl
You have posted this on a few articles -- so again here is link to NYTimes December 20, 2007 clearly supporting Senator Obama's position on what a present vote signified in the Illinois state senate
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/pol...
No Kool aid - just clear thinking
As to your other points -
Senator Obama was rated 100% on his voting record by planned parenthood, emily's list et al--
As Senator Obama's father was Kenyan - I think he is pretty level headed on immigration and the chance the USA gives people -- Agree or disagree with Obama's position's - he is consistent-- and there is no kook aid or any other hallucenogenic that would ever declare the Clinton's not be cnsistent
Except in their desire to get elected and maintain power
Obama -08
Hello AW
You posted your comment on another article, so just in case you failed to see my response, let me share it with you here:
AW Put Away the Obama Koolaid...
...nobody is drinking it.
Facts are easy when you understand what you've read, but you apparently just skimmed the article. What does it tell you? It tells you Obama voted PRESENT 130 times because he is always willing to put politics over principle. That is his history - politics over principle. He said he was against the war in Iraq but then said he probably would have voted the same way as KErry and Edwards. Why did he say that? Because he is a status quo politician and has a history of politics as usual over principle.
Obama Koolaid Claim = he is a person of change and words matter
Obama Reality = he is a status quo politician where obviously words matter more to him that action
BettyH,
I like John Edwards, but he is out of the race for all practical purposes. He says he is in it to the convention, but he knows that is a matter of trying to have enough delegates that he can build a team. Some think he will try to make a deal with the status quo politican, Barrack Obama.
So, for those of you who think Obama should get your vote in the primaries and those who think an Obama/Edwards ticket deserves your support - it is time to get used to the sound of President McCain, or President Mitt, or President Hucklebee, or President Rudy.
On the other hand, if you want to cast a vote for America, if you want to cast a vote that will ensure a Democratic victory in the general election - it is time to start thinking about President Hillary.
Obama Koolaid Claim = he is a person of change and words matter
Obama Reality = he is a status quo politician where obviously words matter more to him that action
This sounds like something you would say about the Clintons.They lied in the white house what makes anyone think they won't again,What an embarrassing white house time the Clinton had in their second term .Being first lady does not count as experience Ms Clinton just likes to pull that card and some people let her.It is a real shame that the clinton machine has filed suit to stop some cacusing in some places.IMO it is because they are afraid she will lose Nevada as she should after this dirty trick
Bernie, you are making up stuff now. Stick to the facts or we will know that words mean more to you than actions - oh, that's right, you support the "man of words and no action."
Action Bernie - action: Think about the Clinton years when we erased a budget deficit and actually had a surplus. People worked, houses were built, retirements were secured. Those were times of Action.
And you think Hillary had nothing to do with that? He said her influence was substantial during those years and yet you seem to know otherwise. What do you know that President Clinton doesn't know. As the First Lady of Arkansas, she was held in high regard for her actions regarding the poor and minorities of the state.
So you think the Clinton's lied when in the White House? I am curious as to what lies you are speaking of, other than the Lewinsky affair. They were the most investigated couple in the history of the country and after hundreds of millions of wasted taxpayer dollars, we find he lied about Lewinsky and were otherwise found innocent of the lies applied against them.
You know, Bernie, your post sounds as though it has more lies in it than you claim came from the White House during the eight years of Clinton prosperity.
Stop Drinking the Obama Koolaid
ahh Darryl --
supporting Hillary has morphed you to lift our empahsis on facts -- albeit your info is tainted
Hillary was inevitable
OOPS that didn't work
So now she is the candidate of change
John Edwards had success with a populist theme --
OOPS - now Hillary is the populist
The Clinton campaign indulges in race baiting
OOPS they didn't mean it - that's Obama's fault (!)
And on Meet The Press this am - Hillary firmly stated she would not "play the gender card"-- turn on C SPan to her South Carolina rally - the new campaign sign says "WOMEN for HILLARY" --
what gender exactly was she refering to this am?
DO YOU NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL SAY OR DO ANYTHING - THAT HAVE NO SHAME - THAT STEAL IDEAS/THEMES FROM OTHERS and claim as their own??
Guess not - since now you say "FACTS" matter
They do
Obama '08
Wow, who knew you could get drunk on Obama Koolaid. I thought it only clouded or erased a person's judgement. Perhaps that is why judgement is not an Obama strength.
Facts are facts - Obama has done nothing but take taxpayers' money for doing nothing. Wonder what the Republicans will call that?
So, Obama does very little during his entire time in the Illinois Senate other than to let people know he was there (PRESENT) and he has accomplished nothing during his term as a US Senator. He tries to equate himself with Kennedy and King, but has nothing, absolutely nothing in his resume to support such a claim. He says words matter but seems to fall short on action or follow through.
Change - isn't that funny. Obama sounds so much like George W. Bush that it is hard to imagine he wasn't in the Bush Administration.
Senator Clinton has been making hard choices that, in Senate terms, makes her a work horse, willing to do a day's work, while Obama wants simply to have his picture taken and his poetry quoted.
Clinton - experience, judgement and action - three four letter words as far as Barrack is concerned.
I feel sorry for you Darryl
For everyone else who is legitimately interested in the caucus -- can we point out that somehow whenever the Clintons are involved - things resort to the "Darryl" level --
They are bullies--this is how they operate--
Barack Obama speaks to the better part of all our natures - choose hope-- make your voice heard
Obama '08
Hi AW, I thought you had given up. So you have finaly taken any shred of logic out of your posts and are now resorting to posts like the one above because it is all you have left.
Your reality is that Barack Obama does nothing more than speak. He does not have any actions to support his campaign rhetoric and that must kill people like you, people who are who are full of poetry but not one fact.
For the people of Nevada who will go to the caucus, it is a matter of voting for experience and stability or voting for hope - hope that a show horse who talks a lot but has done nothing will somehow find a miracle. George Bush and Barack Obama are two people with the same personality profile and we know where that has left us. Hope?
I guess I feel sorry for you AW. The Obama KoolAid must be getting the better of you.
Darryl, poor Darryl:
your empty rhetoric speaks for itself
I have not given up
I choose hope
and look forward to a time when a less divisive, less partisan Washington works it's way to columns like this and a civil conversation on factual information can be had--
When the bullying and the triangulation give way to cooperation and healthy discussion in the best interest of our future as citizens of this great country
Sadly, you do not have one original thought -- you even try and morph the sympathy line --
get your own emotion Darryl - you can't have mine!
Maybe you should consider a move from Illinois since both Senators Durbin and Obama seem to see things the same logical way -- you must feel strange living in a state with such excellent representation -- that bear no resemblance to the illogical mean spirit bile you spew --
btw: I watched MEET THE PRESS - but I had the sound on -- try turning off the mute button--
Your poison should be internalized -- leave the rest of us free to hope -- yup H-O-P-E
Watch out - you may even feel better if you allowed yourself to dare to dream-- must get very icky to be down there stuck in the mud
I think you'll find yourself alone in the not too distant future -
Yes we can
Change we can believe in
You got it - all those happy slogans
Makes me feel better --
Choking on the KoolAid are you. Put a little too much cheap wine in it this time did you?
So, you think HOPE is better than logic,
So you think words are better than action,
So you think naivity is better than experience
No wonder you have lost your direction.
No wonder your ignorance preceeds you.
No wonder you support Hussein Obama, the would-be apprenctice president.
By the way, I won't have to leave Illinois. When this moment of drunken insanity has passed that you like to call Obama's campaign, when the KoolAid effect has worn off and Durbin has sobered up, he will stand staunchly behind President Hillary Clinton and she will let him because she is a uniter.
Out of curiosity, who taught you your new word morph? You like to use it - must of heard Hussein Obama speak it in one of his words without action speeches.
Seriously, do you think the man of Hope will ever become a person of action? (Hope! Wasn't that Clinton's theme and wasn't it stolen by an uncreative Hussein Obama.) Hussein Obama's longest running oratory - PRESENT repeated 130 times.
AW and Katy, the original mantra of Hussein Obama, the would-be apprentice president, was "YES, WE SCAM!" and yet somehow you've converted that into Yes We Can. How did that happen - too much Bali Hai wine in the Obama KoolAid?
Question: Senator Obama, do you vote yes or no.
Answer: How many times do I have to tell you? For the 130th frigging time, I vote PRESENT!