Jack and Jill Politics - Latest Comments in Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Michelle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:21:00 -0000

TruthSeeker wrote: Obama has always bet on the American people, that they would be tired enough of the lies and ready for freedom. If they succumb to the emotional buttons and fear- mongering then maybe they're not ready....maybe they need to reach rock bottom first.

I don't know why exactly but apparently I needed to read just exactly that truth to settle and ground my fury right now. Thank you.

And Craig Hickman, yeah the Nixon/Clinton campaign has stirred this up for sure. That doesn't make it any less real, the way I see it. IMO Clintons are an embodiment of something real in the collective of "American people" and particularly the collective of white people. Not deviations, but part of the whole. Playing a role in the bigger picture and I guess we'll see if Senator Obama's bet on the people is correctly timed.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

TruthSeeker — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:38:00 -0000

Obama understands that Networks have an interest in prolonging the primary. These campaigns are pumping millions of dollars into networks and affiliates. Also, network executives have political affiliations that make them favour one party/candidate over another. Obama's policies benefit people over corporations, it is crazy for him to do any debates in a corporate framework.

Obama has always bet on the American people, that they would be tired enough of the lies and ready for freedom. If they succumb to the emotional buttons and fear- mongering then maybe they're not ready....maybe they need to reach rock bottom first.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:50:00 -0000

Teacher,

Re: Ayres. The case against him was dropped for prosecutorial misconduct, illegal wiretaps. He was in hiding for close to ten years and has been able to 'fly under the radar' where liberal academic apologists and like minded professors and political activists see nothing wrong with his behavior.

Who is to say that pressure will not now be brought on the university where he teaches to terminate his employment.

Obama supporters are willing to overlook any and every possible vulnerability in their candidate.

But don't be shocked when this stuff starts to stick. "It's in the past" "It's old politics" "It's just a distraction" No follow up press conferences, no more debates?

Obama is insulating and isolating himself from political reality. Before one can change the rules of the game, one has to know how to play.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:39:00 -0000

"Obama will not debate Hillary any longer. And the reasons are pretty clear after last Wednesday’s debacle in Pennsylvania. Obama simply doesn’t fare well when forced to defend himself extemporaneously. He gets almost incoherent, and not just on the supposed “distraction” questions, but also on policy His answers on capital-gains tax increases had Hillary smiling and the rest of the nation wondering if he had bothered to study the issue at all.

Marc Ambinder, in the Atlantic.com believes that Obama just doesn’t want to give Hillary any more oxygen, but even that explanation has its problems in terms of Obama as a candidate. If Obama has to worry about Hillary gaining exposure at this stage, it doesn’t bode well for his ability to beat McCain in a similar fashion. The man who transcended experience to charge to the front of the Democratic race has to be able to go toe-to-toe with both the other candidates and the media on a national stage, and Ambinder’s explanation suggests he can’t do that in a competitive environment.

Even worse, after last Wednesday, it looks like a retreat. Obama got a bloody nose, and suddenly he doesn’t want to appear on national TV, even up against a cupcake like Katie Couric. The strategy may be sound, but only if one has no confidence in Obama’s ability to stand up to tough questioning. In fact, his withdrawal from the debate appears to be an admission of exactly that.

This won’t hurt him much in North Carolina, where he will win by a comfortable margin. It may affect Obama’s standing in other primary races if voters perceive him to be running a little scared. People who cast their vote on electability may wonder whether Obama has what it takes to go against John McCain in a general election, and may reconsider Hillary on that basis."

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Craig Hickman — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:50:00 -0000

Because Obama is on the verge of winning, the Nixon campaign wants to bring us full circle and prey upon the fears many of us had to begin with:

Obama is Black. America is not ready. He can't win. Period.

While that remains to be seen, the Nixon campaign is lying.

Obama won the white ethnic blue-collar vote in Wisconsin and won the state by 17 points. Lest we forget, he got this win BEFORE the Clinton campaign went totally negative and starting fear mongering with the Red Phone.

Notice how the Nixon campaign didn't push Rev. Wright till after Texas and Ohio. Then Obama put his foot in his mouth and a mole publicized it just as Mrs. Nixon was getting killed over Bosnia.

I still don't know why the Obama campaign let that story go.

And now we've got Ayers and Hamas and a return to Farrakhan.

Barack Obama is a Black Muslim Terrorist, they say. He can't win.

And he has too much money because the people support him, so that makes him the establishment candidate, the elitist, the one out of touch.

And the Nixons $109M dollars makes them "earthy."

And the pundits say that this hasn't been a nasty election.

Yeah. Right.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Michelle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:24:00 -0000

And, before I go to sleep:

The Clinton campaign signaled Monday that it would not be shy in arguing that nominating Obama would risk alienating certain white voters. In a conference call with reporters, campaign pollster Geoff Garin spoke in blunt terms about how the racial divide in Democratic contests -- with working-class whites clearly preferring Clinton over Obama -- makes her a stronger general election candidate.

"The Obama campaign has simply not done a very effective job connecting with blue-collar and middle-income voters, and they are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party," Garin said. He added later that Obama's "appeal among white voters typically has been among the people who are the most affluent" and best educated. It is unusual for the campaign to talk so directly about racial divisions among Democratic voters.

Quote source, context and more spin and maybe (?) info in the article:

What to look for in the Pennsylvania primary

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Michelle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:36:00 -0000

I am feeling pretty freaked out by Hillary Clinton's "obliterate Iran" statements. Hard to articulate. I just put a couple links and images about how I feel this here (one link on top of the pictures and one underneath them):

Liar Liar WORLD ON FIRE

I can't stand Hillary Clinton -- cannot STAND her very deeply -- but today is the first time I had to fight off physical adrenaline type panic when considering any possibility of her becoming president.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

BigAssBelle — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:28:00 -0000

i am reading naomi klein's "shock doctrine: the rise of disaster capitalism."

it should be mandatory reading for every american citizen. it explains everything. everything.

i am still in a state of shock (and horror and rage) over it. it is stunning. and it is a call to action.

please read it, people. we will never get anywhere until we overcome corporate control of our governments world wide.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Teacher — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:05:00 -0000

I have a book entitled Medical Apartheid: the dark history of medical experimentation on Black Americans from colonial times to the present by Harriet A. Washington. I haven't been able to start reading it yet, but I have read different parts of it. Has anyone else checked it out?

I'm not mad at Nutter. I think he's smart and likeable, even if misguided. I hope he is a good mayor. He is willing to work in behalf of Obama after he wins the nomination. Please be mindful that we will need to win the votes of the crushed and disillusioned. We need to have compassion, because we know how we would feel if Obama lost.

The other thing I've been thinking about is the Mormon situation going on in TX. For one thing, it offers a total redefinition of the Welfare Queen. The way they do it is that the man has one legal wife and the other ones are considered single women with dependents (by the state). About 65% of them are government aid recipients, if you can wrap your head around that one. Needless to say, I would never condone perversion, but if someone came and took my kids away, I would be inconsolable.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Teacher — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:23:00 -0000

Anonymous in the chicago Tribune, I had never heard of Ayres or the Weather Underground until this story broke. If anyone should be ashamed, it should be the white justice system and power structure that FAILED to bring him to justice. This is a luminous example of white privilege. You are mad at Obama for doing what you & your people weren't willing to do? Ayres was never convicted or arrested. Obviously he is doing fine and living peacefully in Chgo. Obviously, he wasn't murdered in the night like the Black Panthers. A university is allowing him to be a professor there. Why aren't you sweating his university about employing him? If you aren't willing to launch a campaign demanding his termination from his university, you need to STFU. This isn't about affiliation. This is about your attempt at domination and control freakiness.

I think it really stinks that Hillbilly was on Keith Olberman's tonite and on Larry King. They are really giving her (broke ass) campaign the hook up. I think Keith was probably forced into it. He seems not to have his usual fire tonight. He asked her a couple of uncomfortable questions, but in general it appeared to be to her benefit. I hope voters noticed how hawkish she is.She's got her finger on the trigger.

I wish I could be in Philly tomorrow. I hope the weather will not be bad and I hope the Obama campaign will be offering to drive people to the polling places.I hope we win!!!!!

I read a news article the other day (I don't remember where-Daily Kos perhaps) about the forced sterilization of Native Americans happening as recently as the 1970's. The story made me scream in horror on the inside. My prayer is that we will be able to build bridges and coalitions and collaborate with others of color during the general election campaign. The world is way more than black and white alone. This could be a great opportunity.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

TruthSeeker — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:46:00 -0000

Eugene Robinson on Race for the Whitehouse commented on Pat saying Obama and Hillary should be on joint ticket....Eugene asked Pat if he was going to be Barack's food taster.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

justice58 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:55:00 -0000

"Nutter of Philly is a straight up Sambo.
-----------------------------------

ahahahahahahaha

It's funny but sho you're right! I saw him last night on CNN cooning with Rick Sanchez! Gaah!

Hey, he just don't get it and will get mad if you question his loyalty to Hillbillary!

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Nichelle — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:44:00 -0000

I don't think it's a bad idea to skip a NC debate.

If Clinton had accepted in March - as Obama initially did - then maybe there would be room for the Clinton camp to complain.

No Response From Clinton

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

RhondaCoca — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:33:00 -0000

Rikyrah-

He may do a "jig" for Hillary and Bill if she wins tommorow.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

rikyrah — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:08:00 -0000

Hillpatine uses Osama Bin Laden in an ad against Obama?

I'm not surprised.....

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

rikyrah — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:52:00 -0000

It is prudent to run away from a fight with a madwoman. Obama is neither coward nor fool.

BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Hilarious.

True, but hilarious.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

TruthSeeker — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:51:00 -0000

It is prudent to run away from a fight with a madwoman. Obama is neither coward nor fool.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

TruthSeeker — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:48:00 -0000

Ha, I guess all Catholics should repudiate the Pope because he was a Hitler Youth.

I hear Obama's on Jon Stewart tonight.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Craig Hickman — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:47:00 -0000

No and No.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:26:00 -0000

Obama isn't going to debate in North Carolina. Does anyone think this is a bad idea? Does it make him look like he's running away from a fight?

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:22:00 -0000

'First Barack Obama made misquoting John McCain's remark on how long the U.S. could have a presence in Iraq a recurring part of his stump speech. Then he went on to quote half of a McCain statement on the economy.

Now it's the DNC ad, which so obviously mangles a McCain debate answer that the AP headlines their story, "New Democratic Party ad edits McCain's response on economy."

ANALYSIS: The video of McCain's response is edited to exclude the remainder of his answer, where he acknowledged that "things are tough right now." This type of selective quoting has become commonplace. Obama, in criticizing McCain on the economy last week, used only a portion of a McCain answer to Bloomberg Television.

This selective quoting has become commonplace among the Democrats. McCain hasn't run a negative ad yet, and to the best of my knowledge, I don't think he's quoted either of his opponents on the campaign trail. (If someone remembers McCain offering a similar half-quote of Obama, let me know*.)

Is this the way they're going to play it? They can't score points on what McCain actually argues, so they have to take part of his answer, cut off the rest, and hope nobody notices?'

Isn't this 'old politics?'

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Craig Hickman — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:45:00 -0000

As expected, McCain was also sowing more doubt about Obama's connection to Ayers on a weekend political show interview. He called it an "open question."

I'm waiting for the pictures of 7-year-old Obama on his mother's lap at a Weather Underground meeting 40 years ago.

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

shakes her head and walks away — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:44:00 -0000

Gina at WAOD has blogged about an horrific death of a black girl at the hand of two teenage black boys in Philly.

http://whataboutourdaughter...

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

justice58 — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:29:00 -0000

"I feel you on that. John McCain is pandering to black southerners with civil rights rhetoric. I was just watching him on CNN making a speech about civil rights and African Americans to an all white crowd.

He praised John Lewis and danced and hugged old black church ladies.

-----------------------------------

He has no shame! And even after he admitted to voting against a King Holiday!

How dare him try to drum up votes!

Re: Daily Open Thread- Greetings to a New Week

Ms.Martin — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:47:00 -0000

Craig, Truth

McCain didn't know about what was going on during the 60s or who King was; he must be a quickstudy.