The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Hello everyone! I have not yet decided which candidate I will vote for; however, I have read a couple interesting comments that I want to address:
1. Mr. Obama is too "green": To that I say - let's look at the credentials of our current POTUS ("elected" to serve 2 terms): he had no international experience, dodged the opportunity to serve in the armed forces/reserve, and questionably operated several businesses in the state of Texas.
2. Mr. Obama is black: So what? Let's remember- HIS MOTHER IS WHITE. After his father returned to Kenya he was raised by his mom and step-father. He has been exposed to so many ethnic influences and I think this makes him better able to relate to so many different kinds of people.
I think it is necessary to have an intelligent, consensus-building, optimist as our next president. Let's vote for this person...whomever this may be. People like winners...so whomever we think the "winner" of this race will be - that is the person we will choose!

A black pastor says although there is a leadership vacuum in the African-American community, Illinois Senator Barack Obama does not fit the bill to fill the void. The New Jersey minister hopes his new website, ObamaNation.com, will expose Obama's voting history and prove to black voters that the much-touted Democratic presidential hopeful does not represent their values. Pastor Clenard Childress heads the group Christians for Social Justice and is assistant to the national director of the pro-life group called Life Education and Resource Network, or LEARN. Also, he has recently launched the new ObamaNation.com website and its "Obama Blog," to educate the black community regarding what he calls the "horrific" voting record of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Childress says "winds of change" are blowing in the black community, but he believes the election of Obama as America's next president would be "a step back" at best. "All polling shows that African Americans are pro-life," the pro-family advocate notes, and "all polling shows that they are not in agreement with same-sex 'marriage. Childress says his organization's goal is to get these facts about black America to translate into action at the voting booth. And one way of making that happen is to make Obama's own voting record known, the Christians for Social Justice official explains. With regard to abortion that record is disheartening, he notes; "even on the Born-Alive [Infants Protection] Act, I was appalled that he would deny medical assistance to a child that survived an abortion.expose the Illinois senator's liberal stances on several key issues affecting the black community. Senator Obama's support for abortion garnered him a 100 percent rating from Illinois Planned Parenthood, an organization whose founder called blacks "human weeds." But according to Childress, the Illinois lawmaker and Democratic presidential candidate does not represent the views of the African-American community on abortion or any number of other important issues, including homosexuality.
"Fresh doubts over Barack Obama's foreign policy credentials were expressed on both sides of the Atlantic, after it emerged that he had made only one brief official visit to London - and none elsewhere in Western Europe or Latin America." It also reported: "Mr. Obama had failed to convene a single policy meeting of the Senate European subcommittee, of which he is chairman."These basic facts, coming from a major foreign newspaper, are a sobering counterpoint to a gushing Boston Globe editorial that endorsed Obama for having "an intuitive sense of the wider world with all its perils and opportunities." Intuition may be a laudable quality among psychics and palm readers, but for a professional American diplomat like myself, who have spent a career toiling in the vineyards of national security, it has no relevance to serious discussion of foreign policy. In fact, Obama's supposed "intuitive sense" is no different from George W. Bush's "instincts" and "gut feeling" describing his own foreign policy decision-making. We have been down this road before.Barack Obama attended elementary school in Indonesia before the age of 10, his chief period of time abroad. I, too, spent years overseas in my formative school years. While the experience certainly whetted my appetite for international relations, it did not provide me either with "intuition" or expertise in the conduct of my nation's foreign policy. My understanding of international affairs came from twenty-three years of professional diplomacy, much of it spent overseas dealing at senior levels on crises such as serving as the acting U.S. ambassador to Iraq stationed in Baghdad during the first Gulf War. Senator Obama echoes and reflects the same attitude of contempt for "on the ground experience." Acting on his superior "intuition" he has proposed unilateral bombing of Pakistan and unstructured summits without preconditions with adversaries such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Kim Jong Il. As we have learned, the march of folly is paved with good but naïve intentions. After he came to Washington, Obama's views were thoroughly conventional and even timid. In 2004, he said about the 2002 congressional Authorization for the Use of Military Force: "I'm not privy to Senate intelligence reports. What would I have done? I don't know." On Iraq-related votes in the Senate, Obama's record identically matches Senator Clinton's-with the exception that Senator Clinton voted against the confirmation of General George Casey as Army chief of staff. Obama's vote was typically passive.Senator Clinton for President, because we know that she has the experience and the judgment that comes from having been in the arena for her entire adult life-and from close personal participation with her in the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. And we have trust in her to end the war in Iraq in the most responsible way, consistent with our national security interests.

The comment that Chris Rock said about WHITE LADY is demeaning to WHITE LADIES !!\

And what did BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA say...NOTHING, thats right , NOTHING !!

What did Jesse Jackson say?...What did Al Sharpton say?...What did the Black Journalist say?...What did the NAACP say?...And other Black individuals say?

But when Don Imus said nappy ho's they all got excited and some were responsible for his removal from tv and radio !!

So would it be fair to say that white people should not vote for Barack Hussein Obama as he hasnt apologized for that racial statement that Chris Rock made.

At least, Don Imus apologized!!

So lets knock Barack Hussein Obama off the Presidential trail as they knocked Don Imus off of tv and radio.

Wouldnt this be a fair decision for a voter to make whether he/she is Black or White ??

it could have been worse, he could have said vote for obama cuz "bros before hoes"

The fact that Senator Obama is African-American should not be seen as a special qualification any more than the fact that Senator Clinton is a woman. Obama's credentials for the role of President are immense and unsurpassed by any other candidate. That fact aside, it would nevertheless be a landmark moment in American history for an African-American to be elected President. It would prove in the eyes of the world, but more importantly in the eyes of all Americans, the truth of American values and the American Dream.

To the issue of gaining the African American vote, African American Democrats are like all Democrats, they want to support a candidate who will win. It is increasingly clear that Senator Obama will win in a run for the White House. My bet is that African American democrats, like all democrats, will recognize this and get behind him.

The question should be " Who has a plan to deal with the racial gap?"

I refer everyone to a 2007 article in The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, by editor Theodore Cross. It is titled " Barack Obama is the Superior Choice for African-American Voters." Mr. Cross has studied the platforms/agendas of both Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama.

A few quotes:
Regarding Clinton's agenda---"These admirable goals, aimed as they are at the white American heartland, offer little specific appeal to the aspirations of most African-American voters who, in their choice of a presidential candidate, hope for a strong and explicit executive program to defend and advance the life chances of African Americans . . . Hillary Clinton's platform offers nothing." " . . . the leaders of the Clinton campaign appear to believe that if she announces any form of a black program, she kills the support of voters she needs."

Regarding Barack Obama's program---"Unlike Clinton, he outlines a comprehensive program to reduce poverty, revitalize America's urban areas, and empower black Americans. . . there is no doublespeak or ambiguous language. Senator Obama deals with racial issues head on. He enters the arena of race with his six-shooters blazing."

Mr. Cross concludes, "Obama offers a concrete program for black America. Hillary Clinton offers none."

Senator Obama has devoted his life to the betterment of his fellow man. For Obama, "Hope" and "Change" are not just campaign slogans---they are his life's work. Community organizer, civil rights lawyer, constitutional law scholar and lecturer, family man.

Senator Obama has the commitment and the plan!

Voting is the most important issue of the moment.

I am sure that we can all agree that a Clinton or Obama Presidency will be a major historical event and certainly a vast improvement when compared with the poor excuse for a Presidency that we have been forced to endure for the past seven years.

The ultimate goal should be to elect a Democrat and having a Clinton/Obama or an Obama/Clinton Ticket will not only be difficult to beat but will set double precedents.

Let us all get on the same page and VOTE.

CDallas

During the hostage crisis, Hillary immediately stopped what she was doing, cancelled an important speech at the DNC, showed her care, compassion and warmth for ALL candidates' workers, WHAT A TRUE PROFESSIONAL CLASSY FIRST LADY AND PRESIDENT IN 2008...
For all you mothers out there, Please vote for Hillary, we have let these old men ruin out great country, let a Woman show them how it can be done without a war or back yard politics like obama is playing...

If you let a celebrity like oprah, influence your decision, SHAME on you! You will be selling out your country and your children's health care and future. If you recently read the article that employees of HARPO prod, said she is power hungry! She would spent every penny to buy a black president and get her foot in the white house, I MOST DEFINITLY WOULD NOT want oprah making any decisions for this country, she wants in the white house anyway she can, we have seem that before. How do you think bush was elected a second time! We the American people! DO NOT have the time to teach obama/oprah how to be a politician, this great country in is need of someone who can hit the floor running in 2008, because the American people do not know all the damage BUSH/CHANEY has really done because they are liars and dishonest and should be IMPEACHED. ALL of the republicans stood back, took the money and let these two stooges almost destroy our great country, is why republicans will loose most likely every election this time around.
Clintons have already very successfully cleaned up a bush mess. WE HAVE SEEN THEY CAN DO IT!
Clinton is the Smart and only choice in 2008. Id like to see John Edwards as her VP or Bill Richardson. Obama is the only self proclaimed democrat running like a republican. Send this guy back to school, Oprahs school...

Posted By Lakeisha Deshawn Iowa

Having followed Obama since his appearance at the DNC in 2004, I have to say that most people who are now thinking of whether or not to throw their support behind him should be happy just to actually have this alternative on the table. Given the current state of affairs, most people throughout the so-called Western democracies would be flattered just to have a candidate pushing an agenda of hope instead of fear. But then again, who pays attention to whatever is happening on all other western democracies?
Also, it should be said that Obama seems as courageous as anyone in politics, just by making his whole campaign depend on his image of genuineness. Every answer to a question carries the weight of staying true to the overarching message, and any misstep risks to be downright devastating.
Just the fact that not only has he stayed in the fight so far, but has actually been gaining some traction in the last few weeks, says much of his quality as a candidate to the US presidency.

BTW, given the importance of your election to our daily lives out here in Europe, is there any chance we'll get to vote on your election any time soon? Please? ;-)

"African Americans who are voting for Hilary Clinton based on other factors, such as gender, political philosophies and ideologies, would not have any regrets if at the end of the day Senator Obama wins the nomination. Here, it means that they voted for Hilary because of sound reasons rather than unfounded rational based on plantation mentality. That is what Chris Rock is saying in order to provoke in-depth thinking among African Americans that suffer from siege-mentality bearing on plantation mentality."

This is what I mean when I say that the Obama campaign is arrogant. In effect, they're saying, if you're voting for anyone else other than him then you are not thinking deep enough and you suffer from siege-mentality. Cut the BS!! They don't want to vote for Obama simply because they see Obama as a fake. That's how they see him. He is a newcomer who's never thought about them for a single day, who has not done a single thing for them and when the primary comes - he wants instant support because he's black! People are so much more intelligent than that.

My guess is some black folks make up the "siege mentality" excuse to explain their vote because they don't want to be pressured into voting for someone they really don't believe in. (Can you imagine? You can't even get a majority from what's supposed to be your base??? What does that say about you???)

"What do the canadians as a whole think of our candidates? vwcat"

vwcat, if Canadians could vote in your election, Obama would win in a landslide!! I think the prevailing opinion is 'ohmygod, just get Bush out of there'. He has done so much to harm the world. In a lot of people's opinions, Hillary Clinton wouldn't be all that much of an improvement. But Barack has so many wonderful qualities that I know that many people the world over, not just Canadians, are praying this wonderful man gets elected.

And as an aside unrelated to the candidates, I shake my head at the conversations in this election. I just can't imagine worrying and fretting about healthcare the way Americans do. It seems so simple to us, pay the costs out of income taxes instead of ridiculous premiums to insurance companies and get top quality, prompt healthcare whenever you need it. And don't believe a word about waiting lists and substandard doctors. Not true. Our life spans are longer than American's, infant mortality rates are lower, top notch research is done, and that wouldn't happen if the standards were lower than in the U.S.

And gays have been able to marry for years now and civilization hasn't imploded. They get married in churches (not all churches perform them but no big deal, there are plenty enough that are happy to) or by a justice of the peace in ceremonies as simple or as elaborate as they choose. You Americans get your knickers in a knot over so many silly things. :-)

andurilaiglos, you write:

"The fact is, Obama LIES through his teeth and is an incredible CHEAT. One day, the Obama FANATICS will WAKE UP and see how they were taken in by this ARROGANT professor...."

Hey, these aren't facts man. They're feelings of dislike that you happen to have against someone. I'm not saying that you're wrong to have these feelings -- you do give reasons -- but, come on, any person in the world could go on an absolutely similar rant about anyone else. I think I've gone off on Hillary Clinton in other forums in the same sort of way, CAPS and all.

My point is that instead of throwing our own likes and dislikes all around and calling everyone who disagrees with us names ('fanatics'), maybe we should try to see why other people like and dislike other people, and maybe be a bit more modest about the insight of our own intuitions.

Personally, Hillary strikes me as abstracted, with no understanding at all of living on social margins, and not having the system work for her. But I'll save you my rant.

All best wishes,

nkglib, I just read your wonderful post. It amazes me how much Obama touches those outside the states.
have you gone to his website. the people there are very warm and welcoming regardless of if you are a citizen of the states or the world.
What do the canadians as a whole think of our candidates?

Just like all democratic women do not support Hillary, and all whites do not support just the white candidate, I don't think simply because a person is african american they need to support Obama just because of skin.
As a white female, i don't support Hillary.
I think it silly to just support her because of her gender only. I am a committed supporter of Barack Obama's. But, I don't think african americans need to discount him because of some silly notion like 'he can't win because whites won't vote for him' or 'he is not black enough'.
I do think people should just look at the candidate as a person and support who you feel the best about and who's policies you like.
i think to discount someone based on whether you think they cannot win is stupid because you never know. People surprise you.
I do see all colors, ages and even across the political spectrum supporting Obama. But, like me, this support is because they really believe in the man.

My position as a White is 100 percent for Obama, or for anyone who will focus on and expose the hypocrisy of the GOP and Bush.

Anyone looking for some new Hillary video from an SC stop and an interesting commentary on how race is impacting that primary should try: http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/27/hillary_and_the_black_men_of_god

I am a canadian and l first saw barack Obama in Oprah and something just touched me about him and l decided to research him and what he stands for. The more l discover, the more l fell for him and his views.

l bought an Obama T-shirt and l wear it so proudly and infact l will be going to the State for christmas and l plan to wear it everywhere l go in Atlanta Georgia.

l wish l can vote......l want him to win and l pray for him and his family every night. l hope my prayers are answered becasue he will be good for America and the world.

President Barack Obama '09

A lot of people here have a very low regard for African Americans. They think, hey - there's a black candidate, of course African Americans will flock to him because they don't think.

African Americans can think for themselves, thank you very much. And mind you what Michelle Obama thinks about you. If you don't support Barack Obama and you're black - she thinks you are an idiot or stupid. This is the couple that wants to get the Presidency - elitists who think they are intellectually superior but has done nothing really tangible that impacts the middle class. This is a selfish candidate you have here - you should drop him like others have already did. Don't be caught up with the hoopla. They think that they can get you with star power, with Oprah and the like. Think for yourselves.

The fact is, Obama LIES through his teeth and is an incredible CHEAT. One day, the Obama FANATICS will WAKE UP and see how they were taken in by this ARROGANT professor who already has 2 AUTOBIOGRAPHIES BEFORE HE'S EVEN 45!!! Talk about VAIN!!!

Obama is INEXPERIENCED as has been shown by his NAIVE answers to so many tough questions. But he is determined to win even if it has to be at the EXPENSE OF HIS PARTY.

When he was given the chance to speak by the Democratic Party the last presidential election, what do you think he discussed? You guessed it: OBAMA, HIMSELF AND HIM. When the Democrats were trying to consolidate their strength agains Bush, what did he do? He UNDERMINED the Democratic effort by CRITICIZING DEMOCRATS and presenting HIMSELF as a uniter.

I would not be surprised if he becomes a REPUBLICAN when he doesn't get the nomination. That is how SELFISH this person is. Already, he is positioning himself for this possiblity. Remember, to OBAMA - it's ALL ABOUT HIM - nevermind principles, nevermind the issues. He lies and he cheats but more than anyone else - he is a HYPOCRITE about it by slinging mud to everyone else.

It's high time that the media stop helping his candidacy. The media has been giving him soft balls left and right and given high profile attention to his propaganda.

Even African Americans who supported him just a few weeks back has admitted that he is just ALL HOOPLA. All FORM, all VANITY, NO SUBSTANCE. If you were wise, you would follow their example and vote for someone much more deserving.

yes obama does speak across the racial divide
and that can be attributed to him having lived in a multiracial culture during the most impressionable years of his life
despite what the other camp says,and also gives him a better insight into different ways of thinking.

Well I am backing Obama up 100% (if I could vote). I don't think Hillary will win. I think Obama has a better shot at winning then her because he is Barack. I don't think it matters that Hillary has a few of the black peoples votes.

"Rock Solid Support For Obama, But Will the Black Vote Follow?"

Is it not refreshing to see a minority candidate who can run a competitive - and compelling - campaign without relying on his minority status?

I also can't help but notice that we don't see headlines like "Rock Solid Support For Edwards, But Will the Pretty Boy Vote Follow?"

p.s. my first version was better, but it was lost in the ether.

bokonon13: I agree also, but the republican would be called a racist! something about chris rock saying it makes it funny, but when its put into perspective, If he was serious, YIKES!

To take a stand on campaign issues visit www.mitchellinteracive.com

I don't understand why all the support from the African American community for the Clintons. Because Bill would go and speak in black churches? And this whole thing about Senator Obama not being black enough? Look at the crowds that come to hear Senator Obama. They are a mix of America. White, black, asian, native american, this man reaches across not only party lines, but the racial divide also.

Some correction. I meant to say the followings in my earlier post.
Any black American who did not vote for Senator Obama for fear that he would not be elected by white Americans and he wins, will be kicking himself or herself for having misjudged badly.

Chris Rock's comment, even though he is a comedian, is profound and thoughtful. The main reason most blacks are lukewarm in Obama's candidacy is the cynical belief that white Americans are not going to vote black American president of the US. I do not know anybody who would not like to be part of a major historical event. Any black American who did not vote for Senator Obama for fear that he would not be elected by white Americans and he wins, will be himself or herself for having misjudged badly.

African Americans who are voting for Hilary Clinton based on other factors, such as gender, political philosophies and ideologies, would not have any regrets if at the end of the day Senator Obama wins the nomination. Here, it means that they voted for Hilary because of sound reasons rather than unfounded rational based on plantation mentality. That is what Chris Rock is saying in order to provoke in-depth thinking among African Americans that suffer from siege-mentality bearing on plantation mentality.

righto,... 'vote for Barak cause he's black too..'

that's a great turn-off.

Cornell1984: Sadly, it is not at all difficult for me to imagine that. Sad too that you think that situation would be equivalent to what Chris Rock said.

Imagine a republican supporter said "You don't want to be the one who supported the black guy"