obamaboomer

Enemies of the Clintons

2008-05-31T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ex-President Bill Clinton is attempting to define the 2008 Democratic nominating process. He seems to have reached the conclusion that the reason his wife - Senator Hillary Clinton - will not be the nominee, is because of the media, moveOn.org, and pressure from the Obama campaign.

These 'enemies' are discussed in a Politico.com article:

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10715.html

Mr. Clinton is entitled to his 'version' of the story...and whether or not he really believes what he is saying who knows...however, I do not think Clinton is correct in assigning blame to a vast-left-wing-majority.

Yet, Clinton is right....there were 'enemies' working against his wife. They include the following:

Hope -- Yes....hope is 'just a word' however, it is what gets us up the morning! It is what keeps us going in spite of all we are struggling with these days! Barack Obama best addressed the hope of Americans of all races, ages, incomes, and lifestyles. While Senator Clinton also offered hope to millions of supporters....she LOST the hope argument when she was compared to a candidate who remained positive and upbeat, and appealed to our better selves.
Judgment -- The decision to go to war in Iraq was one of the most devastating in U.S. History. American losses have been great in terms of lives and resources. Not enough questions were asked prior to the authorization vote -- particularly questions on the concrete objectives of the war and the exit plan. Many believe that Senator Clinton voted to authorize the war because she was more concerned with a future run for office, than doing the right thing. She LOST the judgment argument when she voted to authorize the Iraq war.
Fairness -- Senator Clinton reversed her position on the seating of delegates in Florida and Michigan once it became apparent she was losing the delegate fight. She is seen as trying to change the rules in the middle-of-the-game (or at the end of the game.) One senses that her concern is not so much with the delegates of these two states...but, rather with using them in a last-ditch attempt to secure the nomination. Senator Clinton LOST the fairness argument when she accused her opponent and party of trying to suppress votes in Florida and Michigan.
Change -- Many Americans are unhappy with where we are as a country. They see gridlock in Washington, and politicians who are more interested in slinging mud than discussing solutions. We want leaders who will unite us not divide us. Senator Clinton LOST the change argument when she and her husband showed Americans, and Democrats in particular, that she will bring more of the same finger-pointing, divisiveness, and disunity, that we have suffered through for years....to the detriment of progress.

So...these are the real enemies of the Clintons....Hope, Judgment, Fairness, and Change!

Let's tell it like it is and not have to wait for a tell-all book in a few more years

2008 Democratic Candidate Summary

2007-12-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am a supporter of Barack Obama so I won’t pretend my views are objective, (unlike many of the folk over at the news network who seem to be Clinton plants). However, after months of watching the candidates and trying to determine their motivations and their hearts….here is what I came up with after today’s debate:

Candidate John Edwards

Key theme: poor versus wealthy

Key phrase: “corporate power & corporate greed”

Summary: This is not what America needs right now. He is a former trial lawyer who is used to these themes, and he’s probably won many cases doing this. We don’t need to be pitted against each other. At this time in our history, we need to come together to solve problems. He is a good guy though and means what he says.

Role in the Obama Administration: Not VP (unless situations force this leading into convention.) Maybe Secretary of Energy because we will need his toughness against oil interests, or even better Attorney General!

Candidate Bill Richardson

Key theme: I want to please!

Key phrase: “Can’t we all just get along”

Summary: Nice guy, but gives the impression he is trying too hard to please – or to be VP to HRC. Definitely can’t be the leader of the free world.

Role in the Obama Administration: Maybe, Secretary of Education.

Candidate Chris Dodd

Key theme: I remember when

Key phrase: “I’ve been working at this for years”

Summary: Seems to be a throwback to a prior generation! Even the staccato of his voice is reminiscent of war movies in the 1940’s. Good guy, but not who we want to lead America and change the way things are done in Washington.

Role in the Obama Administration: Definitely a cabinet position, not sure which one.

Candidate Hillary Clinton

Key theme: Revenge

Key phrase: “I’m ready to fight!” & “Remember the 90’s ”

Summary: Most couples who had spent 8 years in the White House would be content to pursue other goals. Not this couple…politics is all they know…politics is what keeps them together! I group them together, because this is just as much Bill’s race as Hillary’s. She is running on his experience. They are running to settle old scores. Does she say the right things…Yes. Is getting elected more important to her than DOING the right thing…Yes!

Role in the Obama Administration: None, because she and Bill would be maneuvering against him and plotting her next run for office. (Although if she could put aside her blind ambition and desire for revenge, she might be good in Education)

Candidate Joe Biden

Key theme: I’m enjoying this ride.

Key phrase: “I speak bluntly”

Summary: Seems a little too glib at times, but clearly is enjoying the process more than the others. He won’t win the presidency…he knows that, but he does have experience and heart.

Role in the Obama Administration: VP or Defense (if he can control the glibness.) This is a good guy and he and Obama just might make a good team. He knows his way around Capital Hill and will speak the truth to President Obama.

Candidate Barack Obama

Key theme: Called to serve

Key phrase: “this is bigger than me”

Summary: This is the person America needs right now. He will surround himself with the right advisors and he will use good judgment in making decisions on our behalf. He will move the country forward as he brings back our greatness. We will be admired by most of the countries of the world because of our progressiveness and our ‘audacity’ to elect a black guy named Barack Obama. This is what America is about! This is why we’ve always been the greatest country in the world!

Role in the Obama Administration: President.

Some of My Best Friends Are Republican

2007-11-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

How did the country get so divided? Wasn’t there a time when we could agree to disagree? I disagree with a lot of people.

I disagree with my daughter who thinks High School Musical 2 is the greatest movie ever made.

I disagree with my son who thinks it’s okay that his room looks like a garbage dump.

I disagree with my mother about the need to have every single dish, knife, fork, and spoon, washed and put away before bedtime. (I tried to tell her this when I was 14 and got grounded.)

I disagree with my brother about which one of us is the least like our mother. (Please don’t tell her…she will ground me again)

And, most off all, I disagree with my husband about EVERY opinion he has.

I disagree with these people, but I love them!

There are times when I disagree with friends and acquaintances about politics, but it doesn’t affect our relationships. There’s nothing like a good debate among friends!

Is the country really as partisan as the pundits try to make us?

I think most Americans want the same things: job opportunities (in this country), a living wage, merit pay, the ability to buy a house (and keep it), adequate heath care, quality education for our children and the ability to send them to college, and something to live on when we get older. And, if we have to send our children to war to defend American interests…we want to know our commander-in-chief, his advisers, and our Congress… have thought out all possible options.

I bet most people would agree with this.

So why then can’t we come together to solve our problems?

Okay, so I guess this is a ‘naive’ point of view….however, it doesn’t take years of ‘experience’ to know we are in gridlock as a country because of partisan divisions. Whoever is in power wastes time trying to get ‘even’ with the other side. Red versus Blue; Democrats versus Republicans…NOTHING IS GETTING DONE! Getting elected and maintaining office is more important than governing. The only happy folk are the special interests who are able to buy their own candidates.

My Republican friends share the same family values as my Democratic friends. Yes, there are many issues we disagree on, but it’s not always along political party lines. There are Democrats firmly opposed to abortion…there are Republicans who support gay marriage. It’s not always black and white….only on the news shows.

Some of my best friends (and my brother) are Republican. They are not attack dogs or part of a right-wing conspiracy. They just tend to relate more to the positions of the Republican party. I think they are wrong sometimes, (okay…many times) but, I respect their opinions.

I am a Democrat (for now.) I am not a lunatic, and my heart does not bleed for people who expect handouts. I will however, argue day and night over the needs of the afflicted, the young, the elderly, and the downtrodden. My Republican friends respect this.

Scripture tells us …..There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. This is not a season for battles. It is a season for reconciliation. The candidate who best exemplifies this will be our next president.

I believe that person is Barack Obama.

The Emergence of Barack Obama

2007-11-21T10:50:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

Senator Obama was simply OUTSTANDING in today's debate in Iowa. He was comfortable and confident. His charisma and class outshone everyone else on stage. Never before has the difference between Obama, and the 'status-quo' candidates, been so apparent. He is the driving force and they are now revolving around him. This is leadership....and beyond his backgound and intellect...what he has is a 'gift' from God that can not be emulated. HE IS A BORN LEADER....not a manufactured leader.

Clinton's approach is that of a 'fighter.' It is apparent she is relishing a fight with Rove, Bush, and the 'Republican Attack Machine.' She is 'bring-them-on' lite. It is understandable that she would be carrying a grudge after her years in Washington, and what she and her husband have gone through. (Bush also probably carried a grudge into the White House -- against Saddam) The problem is...we are tired of fighting! Republican's are not attack dogs, they are Americans. Obama understands this. He is not carrying baggage from the past that will keep him from building coalitions to solve American problems. Not only that, he understands the MORAL IMPERATIVE to unite Americans and not divide them.

Edwards has worthy goals...but, he is also an 'us versus them' candidate. He is fighting for relevancy without the charisma and freshness of Obama. He is struggling to grab some headlines....the problem is, leaders don't have to struggle. They make decisions (such as Obama's recent decision to limit forum appearances) and others....including the media, follow.

Yes...Obama has emerged as the American leader...the front-runner in the 2008 campaign. The others can only follow.

Fight From the High Ground

2007-11-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

In the climatic scene from the last Star Wars movie, Obi-Wan Kenobi battles his young padawan, Anakin Skywalker, in a fiery pit. During the pivotal scene, Anakin, drunk with power, decides to jump over the saber-bearing Obi-Wan.

He is warned not to try it, “It's over Anakin, I have the high ground,” Obi-Wan tells him. “Don’t try it!”

Anakin attempts it anyway, and his legs are cut off by Obi-Wan. He then falls in the fiery furnace, and completes his descent to the dark side.

In the battle for the presidency in 2008, if we are to fight, we must fight from the high ground. As we fight, we must cling to the ‘politics of hope’ versus ‘the politics of division.’ We are Obama’s Army—Americans from all walks of life, who believe he is the only candidate who can change the ‘politics of division’ that is stagnating our nation.

The ‘politics of division’ is practiced on both sides of the aisle, and by the media… It keeps the country divided and off-center, while the rich get richer, the poor get poorer, and the middle-class disappears.

The 'politics of division' is based on spin and semantics. It uses the scandal hungry media to attack candidates with ridiculous assertions and twists of words. It is similar to first-graders on a playground reciting an endless litany of ‘he said…she said.’

I don’t know about you, but I am tired of stupid word games among adults running for president!

The other candidates have played the game for so long, they are thoroughly enmeshed in it. “I’m the one who can take on the other side,” they say. What they are really saying is: “I have lot’s of battle experience – expect more years of battle if you elect me.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of year after year of political battling!

We are Obama’s army. We will fight from the high ground. We have a candidate who says: let’s work together to solve our myriad of problems, instead of setting up battles for the years ahead. We have a candidate who is focused on common-sense solutions, rather than continuing a failed legacy.

The Clinton’s had their chance to implement everything they are talking about now—they failed. Edwards had a chance to bring a winning message to the voters in the last election—he, and his running mate, failed. And, they ALL failed at keeping us out of Iraq!

The attacks are starting, and we will fight back from high ground! We are not going to let this candidate – Barack Obama – who brings us more hope than we’ve felt in many years – we are not going to let him get dragged into the political pit the others are in.

We are Obama’s army…our weapon is faith….we will fight from the high ground!

“If we desire to avoid insult, we must be able to repel it;
George Washington

Stay Strong Obama Supporters

2007-11-21T10:46:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

Please do not buy the MSM talk of Hillary's insurmountable lead....remember Iowa 2004? Here is a Wikipedia link in case you forgot:

view link

Here is an excerpt:

"During the last weeks of the campaign however the polls began to indicate a significant change in support. Dean and Gephardt had been hammering each other with negative advertisements. Both candidates began hemorrhaging support to revived Edwards and Kerry campaigns. Edwards received a major boost when he was endorsed by Iowa's largest newspaper. At the last minute Edwards also reached a deal with Kucinich for all of Kucinich supporters to go to the Edwards camp if they were not viable in their caucuses."

There is so much that can happen between now and the Iowa caucuses. Do not be hoodwinked!

Here is a link to the CNN story the morning after Kerry won:

view link

Iowa Democratic caucuses, 2004. (2007, July 30). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:26, August 13, 2007, from view link

Old vs New Politics

2007-11-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

Old Politics is rearing its ugly head.

OLD Politics is where you research everything your opponent has said or done, in order to twist and spin it to your advantage.

OLD politics is looking for any misstep by your opponent, so you can go in for the kill.

OLD politics requires wasting time on semantics.

OLD politics is back-room deals in exchange for endorsements and money.

OLD politics is a select group of people deciding who will get elected.

OLD politics keeps a lot of people busy…but, it is not progressive. America’s ready for something new.

NEW politics is where people give because they BELIEVE, not for favors.

NEW politics understands that POLICY, is more important than politics.

NEW politics rewards PASSION, instead of poise.

NEW politics is more concerned with SUBSTANCE, rather than image.

NEW politics judges elected officials by their VOTES, rather than their rhetoric.

NEW politics is a PEOPLE movement, not a poll- or media-driven movement.

America is ready for NEW politics.

America is ready for Barack Obama.

“It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong.”

Abraham Lincoln

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

2007-11-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

(August 2007)

Let’s keep going strong Obama supporters.

There is an effort to paint Hillary as the nominee with an “insurmountable” lead. It’s just a ploy to stop the Obama bandwagon.

Don’t get distracted from this HISTORY-MAKING campaign.

Obama made a MAJOR foreign policy speech today, signaling a change in direction, and a realization of what Americans are facing internationally. Some of the pundits and other candidates are already spewing forth their same old tired lines about ‘experience.’

Well…their ‘experience’ is what has gotten us to this point!

I DO believe that the election of Barack Obama as President, will signal to the countries of the world that America has a STRONG leader who is intellectual, fair, and willing to do what is necessary for the security of America. From day one, they will know that our policy will be changing--we will no longer ‘talk tough’ and ‘walk limp.’

Finally….we have an American leader who will fight for us, (face-to-face if he has to) and not just don cowboy hats and boots and spew ‘John-Wayne’ like rhetoric.

Finally….we have an American leader who will take the time to ‘personally’ know what is going on in other countries and not just depend on aides and advisors.

Finally….we have an American leader who will come into office with a plan, and not wait to see which way the wind is blowing.

Finally….we have an American leader who can communicate with foreigners because he has been exposed to a world view.

Finally….we have an American leader who knows that America is the greatest country in the world, not because of our ability to wage war, but because of our people and our beliefs.

Finally….we have an American leader who knows when to fight….how to fight…and where to fight.

If we must send our young men and women into war….this in the kind of leader we need.

Don’t get distracted Obama supporters! This Democratic-led Congress is bogged down in hearings, and charges, and counter-charges – which NO ONE outside the beltway gives a hill-of-beans about! Many are taking vacations this month, so the media will be grasping. And, the Hillary campaign is desperately trying to make Obama a non-issue by fall. Ain’t gonna happen!!

Keep your eyes on the prize, Obama supporters. The prize is a great American leader – Barack Obama – becoming president.

10-11-02

2007-11-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

We must not forget 10-11-02. That was the day when the U.S. Senate passed Joint Resolution 114, “to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq.”

Here is the link to the Senate site which summarizes this historic action:

view link

Here is a list of the Democratic Senators who supported the resolution:

Baucus (D-MT)
Bayh (D-IN)
Biden (D-DE)
Breaux (D-LA)
Cantwell (D-WA)
Carnahan (D-MO)
Carper (D-DE)
Cleland (D-GA)
Clinton (D-NY)
Daschle (D-SD)
Dodd (D-CT)
Dorgan (D-ND)
Edwards (D-NC)
Feinstein (D-CA)
Harkin (D-IA)
Hollings (D-SC)
Johnson (D-SD)
Kerry (D-MA)
Kohl (D-WI)
Landrieu (D-LA)
Lieberman (D-CT)
Lincoln (D-AR)
Miller (D-GA)
Nelson (D-FL)
Nelson (D-NE)
Reid (D-NV)
Rockefeller (D-WV)
Schumer (D-NY)
Torricelli (D-NJ)

We must not forget.

What 'They' Don't Know

2007-11-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

(July 2007)

The pollsters and pundits are scratching their heads. For decades THEY have ‘called the shots’ on U.S. elections. THEY tell us who our leading candidates are, and who will win elections. THEY gather in groups of two and four in television studios in New York and Washington, where they yell at each other and make ‘predictions’ based on their ‘secret’ knowledge of the voting habits of the American populace.

Who are these knuckle-heads? THEY don’t know me, my neighbors, or my community. THEY don’t know the people of the world. THEY just know their small circle of pundits, pollsters, and politicians.

Now, THEY are trying to get a grip on what is going on with this election. In the meantime, THEY play the same game they have played for years…racial politics (black vs. white), gender politics (women vs. men), geographic politics (red states vs. blue states), class politics (poor vs. rich), sexual identity politics (gay vs. straight), age politics (young vs. old), population politics (urban vs. rural), and religion politics (believers vs. non-believers.) This is how elections have been written about and debated for years. This is old media and old tactics.

What THEY don’t know is…it’s a new day. Communication to and from Americans is no longer only in the hands of a select few. The Internet has leveled the playing field. We can talk to each other and discuss the issues THEY gloss over with spin and cutesy remarks.

So THEY continue to play old politics while trying to figure out what is going on. THEY still want to tell us who our front runner is. THEY still want to tell us we are either liberal or conservative. THEY still want to tell us what we believe. THEY still want to tell us how we’ll vote.

What THEY don’t know is…this is just the beginning. This is not a Youtube movement…it is a people’s movement. We are again moving toward government by the people…for the people. THEY need to get out of the way.

Notes From a Cheapskate

2007-11-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

(July 2007)

Since my $10.00 contribution to the Obama campaign was mentioned in a Washington Post article earlier this week: (A Foundation Built on Small Blocks; Growing Internet Use Helps Obama to a Wide Base and a Money Lead; Washington Post; July 16) I have received many comments on being a cheapskate for donating so little. In addition, some assume that since I am a writer, the story was not genuine. I assure you, I have never met or spoken to Barack Obama, and never knowingly talked to anyone from the campaign.

Yes…I am a writer…but I’m also a wife, mother, and Christian, who is very concerned about the direction the country is heading. I DO believe that we must use the talents we’ve been given for the common good. Mine is writing—so here it goes:

I am not cheap…I am just an average middle class American trying to make it. My husband and I are both self-employed and part of the disappearing middle-class in this country. These are my issues and why I’m getting involved in this campaign:

1. Our health care premiums are astronomical and keep rising!

2. It takes a lot more for me to fill the tank in my 1998 minivan, and I now have to plan my trips.

3. Heating and cooling our house is costing more as the temperatures seem more extreme, and I’m beginning to think there’s something to this Global Warming idea.

4. I have a diabetic Mom who’s barely getting by on Social Security, and every now and then, I like to treat her to a meal or a new dress.

5. I have elderly relatives who can’t afford caregivers and I worry what will happen to them in the years ahead.

6. My son will be going to college next year and we worry about paying college tuition (which is also rising).
7. My 8 year old is in a public school system that is more concerned with test scores than learning.

8. I don’t feel real comfortable with our homeland security seeing as though we couldn’t rescue people from rooftops in a non-war situation.

9. I am mad at all of those Democratic leaders who didn’t stand up to Bush regarding the war…. and now they want to yell about how wrong it is.

There is more, but I think you get the point.

So, yes maybe I am a cheapskate. These days I don’t have a lot of disposal income and the $10.00 I gave came out of my mom’s budget. In the article, I said the money means one less trip to a fast-food restaurant, but that’s not quite true, because it costs more than $10.00 for my kids and I to eat there these days.

I am ready for a change and that’s what Obama represents to me. I think he is sensible, intelligent, and will put America back on the right tract.
As I said….I am part of the disappearing middle class in this country. I have a feeling there are a lot more like me out there. We give small amounts because that’s all we have to give.

I will do my best to make sure our voices are heard!

Let's Get This Out of The Way

2007-10-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Let’s review the arguments against President Obama and DISMISS THEM!

1. He has no White House experience.

This is true, Obama does not have a father, spouse, or sibling who was president, so it's probably safe to say he hasn't spent a lot of time at the White House. There are probably foreign nationals and lobbyists who have spent more time at the White House than Obama.

2. He has no presidential campaign experience.

Also true. Obama has not squandered the hopes and dreams of millions of voters by running an ineffective campaign and losing to a candidate that should have been easily beaten. (TWICE!)

3. He has not planned this, he is just 'seizing the moment.'

Yes he is! This is what great American leaders do. (Think Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, King)

4. He has a 'political machine' behind him.

True again. However, the people pushing Obama to the forefront are not the political operatives and pundits we've seen for years. His 'machine' consists of vast numbers of people, many on the Internet, who have not given up on America and see him as the best of the candidates for president.

5. We don't know much about him.

Maybe. However, his record is there if we take the time to look at it. He's written books and spilled his guts about his background. He came out against the war in the beginning, and not when it was politically beneficial to do so. He graduated from Harvard Law School, and again I don't think he had a father, or spouse, or sibling paving the way for him. He's a great orator who inspires people. (we'll never forget THE SPEECH at the last Democratic convention.) He was a community organizer in tough Chicago neighborhoods. If you need more...TAKE the TIME to listen, and visit his website:

www.barackobama.com

One more thing....how much did we 'really' know about our last two presidents?

"Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy."
Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkop