The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

to426,

I agree with you, with the exception that Obama has my initial support. We shouldn't spread untruths about the candidates in our party. If we start that ourselves,then the "rumor/lie" will be so far gone that we are going to ruin our own chances in November. Come on people, lets come together to make sure we win in November. If Hillary happens to win the nomination, then I'm going to be out speaking to people on her behalf, just as I'm doing for Obama now. In my opinion, this country needs to have Barack Obama in office next year in order to get this country on track. I am a Democrat though, so I'm going to vote for whoever our nominee is. For some of the others who question Obama's plan for the country or his experience in various arenas, simply go to his web site www.barackobama.com. He has a very informative site.

Hillary Clinton is no slouch when it comes to endorsements:
January 2008
1/12 Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
1/11 American Samoa Governor Tulafono Endorses Clinton
1/11 Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
1/10 Hillary Gains 4 New SC Endorsements Following Iowa Caucus
1/10 Henry Cisneros and Edward Romero Endorse Hillary for President
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin Endorses Clinton
1/10 State Senator Bob Coffin Endorses Clinton
1/9 Congresswoman Shelley Berkley Endorses Clinton
1/9 Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner Endorses Clinton
1/9 Clinton Campaign Announces Endorsement of Former Missouri Governor Warren Hearnes and First Lady Betty Hearnes
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Bill Hatch Endorses Senator Clinton for President
1/6 Former Biden Supporter State Representative Jim Webber Endorses Senator Clinton for President
1/5 EL Mundo Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
1/5 McClintock, Domenech Endorse Hillary Clinton
1/4 Clinton Campaign Announces Endorsements of Virginia Delegates Adam Ebbin and Jennifer McClellan
1/4 Clinton Campaign Announces Over 125 Additional Members to Georgia Campaign Leadership
1/4 Clinton Campaign Announces Endorsement of Former North Dakota Governor and First Lady, George and Jane Sinner
1/1 New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne Endorses Clinton
December 2007
12/31 Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell Endorses Clinton
12/30 Concord Monitor Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
12/27 Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey Endorses Hillary Clinton
12/27 NH's Four Cabinet Press Weekly Newspapers Endorse Hillary Clinton for President
12/26 National Legislative Leader Calvin Smyre Endorses Clinton
12/23 Burlington Hawk Eye Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
12/23 Quad City Times Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
12/23 Former Defense Secretary William J. Perry Endorses Clinton
12/23 General Johnnie Wilson Endorses Clinton
12/21 Dr. Iyanla Vanzant Endorses Clinton for President
12/21 Former Lieutenant Governor Jo Ann Zimmerman Joins Iowa Women Elected Officials in Endorsing Hillary Clinton
12/21 Washington Blade Endorses Hillary Clinton
12/21 Keene Sentinel Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
12/19 Arkansas Speaker of the House Benny Petrus Endorses Hillary for President
12/19 Iowa Secretary of State Michael Mauro Endorses Hillary Clinton for President Tonight
12/19 International Union Of Painters And Allied Trades Endorses Clinton
12/19 Former DNC Chairman Don Fowler Endorses Clinton
12/19 Foster's Daily Democrat, Laconia Citizen Endorse Hillary Clinton for President
12/17 All Three Georgia Statewide Democrats Endorse Clinton
12/16 Fmr. Nebraska Governor and Senator Bob Kerrey Endorses Clinton
12/16 Des Moines Register Endorses Clinton for President
12/14 Congressman Boswell Endorses Hillary Clinton
12/13 Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski Endorses Clinton
12/12 Eleven Salmon Press Weekly Newspapers Endorse Hillary Clinton for President
12/11 International Alliance Of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists And Allied Crafts Union Endorse Clinton
12/8 Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) Endorses Hillary
12/6 Long Beach Councilmember Lowenthal Endorses Hillary Clinton
12/6 California Education Leaders Endorse Hillary Clinton
12/5 John and Ann Doerr Join Silicon Valley Endorsers of Senator Hillary Clinton
12/5 Vinton Eagle Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
12/1 IATSE Stage Employees Local 720 in Las Vegas Endorses Clinton

My prior comment was cut short. Arizona is mostly a Republican state. 2/3's of both State Houses. The Govenor supporting Obama had no political downsides.

Obama was not a force in the Senate during his short tenure, with no profile. The fact that he is a new political face to the country is for some attractive, but so was George Bush.

I want someone to Govern who is more than someone who can deliver a speech and seen as different, fell for that with Jimmy Carter.

Hillary should not worry about the Govenor of Arizonia who just grabbed a headline. As for John Kerry supporting John Edwards, the big deal is going to be who Edwards throws his delegates to when he exits stage left in about 30 days.

I guess she could not come out and support John McCain so she did the next best thing.

To agl0920 - Obama did not take his oath on the Koran. You have your facts mixed up. It is best not to get so hot and bothered until you get your facts straight. Good men and women of the military will finally be able to raise their heads high again when he is the Oval Office. He is a leader that will bring respect back to the U.S. in the world's court of public opinion.

Why the bitterness between Obama and HRC supporters? I'm for Hillary, and will likely vote for her in the NJ primary, but I'd be happy to support Obama as well. I understand each side has their preferred choice, but I fail to see how either side (particularly those who, like me, support Clinton) can honestly harangue the other, claim the other couldn't effectively govern the nation, or contend that the other is not a "true Democrat."
This nonsense needs to stop. Democrats supporting each candidate need to remember what binds us, and recognize that the time to attack an adversary comes, if at all, only after our nominee emerges, not before. We can be passionate, but why must our passions groan under the weight of negative attacks and petty insinuations? Why can't we remember that Hillary Clinton has in fact fought for progressive ideals for quite a long time, and that she fought for them when they were least popular, when the public was fed up with a corrupt and complacent Democratic Congress (which she was not a part of) and that the polarization of the 1990s was not her creation or fault. President Clinton made some mistakes early in his administration, but they all stemmed from overreaching on issues such as gay rights in the military. Triangulation became the primary force only after the Republican GOP took control.

Likewise, why can't we recognize that Senator Obama is a thoughtful, intelligent, and charismatic man, the apparent future of our party and our ideology, and that whatever he might lack in "DC experience" he makes up for in eloquence and insight, and, importantly, his own experience in community organizing and as a state legislator. He would be a fine president, as would Clinton, and I'm happy to say I support them both, and would volunteer and advocate for either of them this summer.

Finally...a person running for president that has conviction, honesty, passion. Obama has the ability to make people actually believe that things can change and inspire them to come together to commence doing something about it. Yes, change, real change hurts but staying in the same condition and electing the same tired, lying Clinton machine again will devastate this country. I also like Edwards but, doubt if he could win or settle for running for vice again.

Unfortunately, but business as usual, no candidate is qualified to lead the United States. After all, we are dealing with jerk politicians here, and whoever is selected to "lead" the United States of Arrogance" he/she will have a ton of debts to repay. This country is in very deep dew.

to mkk0918--a very fitting epitome of a true "American Idiot" who pretended to know something about the so and so "an intentional failure of our education system....".Just where did you get this "intentional"into our education system is laughable. I am wondering if you are exactly a product of this system with your ability to "critically think" when nothing but unfounded smear attacks is all you can express. To compare this personal cult campaign to voting in American Idol is very appropriate and justified. There is no secret that most youngsters tend to idolize heros, pop stars, rappsters etc. Obama is undoubtedly being touted as a cult star with the lyrics in his speeches having such a mesmerizing effect over young voters who are easily swayed simply with doses of undefined "Hope" potion. stop following the "hope" herds and start critically think who earns our trust to lead this country. Not Obama, not yet, not now.

Although I don't know the governor personally I can and will say this. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano came to the state, I believe in the mid-1980's. All she had was her car and education. If you think rising through the ranks and becoming governor of Arizona is a cakewalk - YOU don't know the Western mentality. Governor Napolitano accomplished the American dream with audacious audacity. Whatever you think about her you cannot diminish the fact that "Janet" knows what it is to have hope.

One important note, Gov. Janet Napolitano also serverd as USAG (United States Attorney General for Arizona) - appointed by BILL CLINTON. So, think very hard about this OBAMA endorsement... Something tells me she sees the handwritting on the walls. Seldom if ever does a person "bite" the hands that lifts them up.

OBAMA EDWARDS 2008

Hey pali2500, the vote on the Republican Guard was a trap vote and you know it. Vote for it and you look like you are endorsing Bush's Iran war strategy. Vote against it and the administration leaks news (propaganda) about how bad they are and you look foolish for not supporting it. Obama did the right thing by not voting at all. I am so sick of the administration trying to scare the American people with terrorist threats that I could vomit. Every time they need to change the subject they raise the terrorist threat level or release an Al Queda tape they have been holding for months. Wake up America and stop being afraid. Be afraid of the administration and do something about it next November.

"A know-nothing ignores problems, not try to solve them."

________________________________

Didn't Obama ignore the Senate vote on declaring the Iranian Republican Guard a terrorist body?

Didn't he then accuse Hillary Clinton of giving Bush license to declare war on Iran because of her vote?

If the vote on the Iranian Republican Guard was such a problem, why did he ignore it?

All any democratic voter should be concerned about is winning the '08 presidantial race. That means that the most elctable person should get the nomination. Hillary is not that person. Obama or Edwards would be that person. We cannot allow another war mongering, slave to big business republican to run the White House. The counrty simply cannot afford it!

Hillary Clinton cannot win a general election due to her high negativity rating among voters. She is a capable politician but too much of part of the establishment to win this time around.

FINALLY!! A WOMAN THAT MAKES A DECISION BASED ON THE ISSUES......NOT EMOTIONS!

I am a democratic leaning northern WI voter. I vote in every election without fail. I will not vote for Hillary Clinton if she is the democratic nominee. I would vote for any other democratic contender though rather than a republican. If Hillary is nominated I will not vote at all for the first time since I have been allowed to vote.

Obama got Kerry's endorsement, which I call the 'kiss of death.'

The mere fact that more senators and entrenched politicians come out and endorse any of the candidates smacks down the concept of change.

Run Away. As fast as you can.

The American people will 'endorse' who they think will be the best president. And, my guess, it's not the guy they'd like to have a beer with....

In an effort to prevent the continuing spread of rumors and lies, agl0920 is actually referring to U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, who took his oath of office on the Koran. Here's the news link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/117182/first_muslim_congressman_to_swear_oath.html.

Obama is, as most everyone knows, a Christian, for what it's worth. His name reflects his Kenyan, not Muslim, heritage. This sort of misinformation is dangerous, because people like agl0920 will believe it. But really, should we disparage others, like southerners, merely because they have two first names?

To Hillary supporters,

Hillary is capitalizing on the intentional failure of our educational system that does not teach critical thinking and logical reasoning. So, we have a popular song, American Idiot. Listen carefully when she tells you something and think for yourself. You do not have to compare her with Obama because she, herself is the embodiment of irony and cynicism.
Somebody, who can deride the voting viewers of 'American Idol,' does not seem to have capability to understand the concept of democracy and to listen to the voice of ordinary people.
Also, while degrading the civil right movements, she proudly displayed her ignorance in the American racism. In so doing, she, as a living history, touched upon very dangerous area.
Moreover, she degraded women from their status being citizen to mere women.
Bill said, Obama was getting free ride from media. Do you think it's true? I think Media is protecting Hillary, if not promoting, through downsizing Obama's movement. There are many evidences. Look for yourself.
Forget about Obama. Know your candidate. You might want to start watching 'Hillary: the Movie.'

Go, Obama. I can't wait to send Bush packing and his little clan of separatist spinsters like Rove (What a calculating uscrupulous, and self-centered,bigot). The tax and spend Bush, the incoherent energy-oil policy (to benefit the oil industry). Beranke is a dork.Everytime the Feds signals a rate cut down, oil prices spike up (Stagflation). Bush has used prejudice and emotional issues, and the victims are those whose voting power is limited. We need Obama to put the house back in order. To bring us together. To make us shine and hope again. To make tomorrow better because we can do better with Obama. Clinton is a very savvy politician, and can be a great President. Obama though has the knowledge and conviction to stand his ground, and do what's right. Republicans talk about religion, and they aren't much different than those in the middle east creating chaos. Religion is part of the American fabric but our shared belief in God should united not divide us, like Rove has been able to do to manipulate the good intentions of believers. Clinton would be a good President and I would vote for her. However, Obama is fresh, open and inclusive. Some people talk about Christian values, but others prove them with their actions. Obama has my Hispanic Family's vote, all 500+- of us (scattered from one coast to the other). Gov. Napolitano, endorsed Obama because she believes as we do that the next President is going to have to be greater than those in the past. Obama possesses the Greatness of the American Dream in all of us.

You know the more this campaign goes forward, the more I realize how much I/we was duped by the Clinton machine. So, I am glad that Gov. Napolitano is has weighed this carefully.

What do I mean by this?

Think about it. The Monica thing ... Was it really worth rallying around Bill Clinton? (I know a bl** job was not an impeachable offense.) But it did put Gore behind the 8 ball politically in 2000 and it got us Bush (for 8 years), Iraq, 2 Supreme Court right wing appointees, 8 trillion in debt ... and let us not forget the global warming. We should have realized that politically it was impeachable and Biden, Dodd, Daschle, and others should have gone into the Oval office and told Bill in 1998 the Gig is up - CYA.

So, I ask you again, was it worth rallying around the Clinton's bull? These folk's have no real soul, no real core, no sense of self worth (how many women would stay with a man who has had numerous public affairs with multiple women over decades - let me say that again - decades. (In the Oval office, in Governors Office during a receptions and on..on ...)

I don't trust the Clinton's and I am glad that the elected officials like this Gov. are taking responsible action.

the american people blow me away. obama refuses to pledge alligence to our country/flag and took the oath of office for senator on the koran...give me a break. this guy the commander in chief of this great country...in charge of keeping us free from terrorist and protecting this great nation....i get sick to my stomach as i see the destructive nature the people are imposing on this nation. any person who has or is serving in our military will bow their head in shame.

Ah yes, endorsements. Just as Howard Dean racked up just about every major endorsement in 2004.
Of course Hillary has more experience...she is on her second term in the senate, through that alone she has gained more international experience. This in addition to what she has done in her earlier years, and yes, even her years in the white house, gives her more experience than Obama. Obama basically just has local experience and once he got to the senate he voted the same as Hillary on the Iraq war EVERY SINGLE TIME. Great change, huh?

so much cold calculation and politics of piling on for Gov Napolitano. Apart from hearsay or getting buzzed of the latest hyped-up frenzy of promoting Obama as the "future of America", how much does Gov. Napolitano know about this candidate, his past track record or his stand on specific issues before jumping hurriedly on this "Change Train"? Everybody seems to scramble for a ticket to ride not knowing what direction this train is heading. Most of the media who holds a grudge on Hillary has been stoking this fire of "change" and feeding the public with loop-sided story lines in favor of Obama. Just take a look at the cover page of the latest issue of Newsweek. Also take a look at the male-dominated cable news network where commentators like Chris Matthews, Bill O' Reilly and conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh have been ruthlessly assulting the Clintons since her announcing her presidential candidacy. Explicitly or implicitly, some of the media has morphed into an attack machine against anyone whom they dislike. Who give them the right to poison the public airwaves for personal vendetta?

Please keep in mind no matter who the democrat person is, that person will for sure support raising your taxes. Say goodbye to more of your hard earned money. I'm voting republican for that reason alone. I do not support an entitlement socialist society for America. I am a registered TN democrat, but I am concerned about higher income taxes.

this is a reminder that this is not a monarchy with a ruling family pulling the strings and expecting everybody else to "toe the line". this shall be a government of the people, by the people and for the people. not by clintons and lobbyists, for clinton and lobbyists and of clintons and lobbyists. if we elect Hillary, we will only succeed in changing parties but having the same system. so what happens after eight years when jeb bush gets ready to run? the white house becomes a palace and we all mere subjects. please spare me the thought. good job arizona

Myradinnerstein, this is actually a case of one woman (not women) supporting who she believed was the best candidate. If, in her opinion, she believed Hillary was the best candidate she'd have endorsed her.

Additionally, you're in the minority of Hillary supporters who think she is the best candidate. Just look at the NH exit polls...only 35-40% of Hillary supporters would vote for her over Bill.

I agree with AlterEgo. I fail to see that HRC has more experience. She has only held one elected office. Sleeping with the man in charge doesn't give her the credential to run the show. And the misting up? Come on! As a woman, I find that insulting. Cry over this preposterious war that she helped to start, cry over the people dying because of the disastrous US health care system... not because you are stressed. I have yet to see Condilezza Rice tear up. How often did Sandra Day O'Connor cry on the bench? Did Jeanne Kirkpatrick ever get verklempt at the UN? Like I want someone who could display weakness to Putin, Kim Jong-Il, or Achmad Adonijah? Oh, and how about going back to an administration that used the Lincoln bedroom as a bed and breakfast?

It's funny to me the way some people bash Obama for his lack of "original ideas, programs or ideas". He has plenty of ideas (visit his website if you're truly interested -- they are spelled out clearly) but at the same time he is wise enough to know that his ideas, alone, are not going to make the policy reality. This is a democracy. He understands his positions are made stronger with the people. He also knows he can't shove things down people's throats without terrible backlash.

A dictator is one who says, "this is exactly how it's going to be". Obama, on the other hand, works to inspire people to do their best so that we all will get involved with this country. He is not arrogant or foolish enough to think he can or should do it on his own.

I don't want someone telling me what they're going to do and that I should just sit back and watch it happen. I want someone to say, I've got some ideas, let me hear yours and together we'll build what we need.

dyinglikeflies,

hey i have an idea. why don't you actually go to www.barackobama.com and READ HIS POLICIES instead of drinking the clinton kool-aid. they are incredibly sound and substantive.

it worries me when voters make assumptions without reading about the issues or looking at a candidate's history. dyinglikeflies is just one example.

As a supporter of the governor, I am very disappointed. Obaba would be a fine president if nominated but Hillary would be a great president. I think this is a case of women unwilling to support a female candidate, even if she is the best one. How soon we forget.

Myra Dinnerstein

All you Hillary supporters, stop with the hate. This is great news for Senator Obama and this is probably only the beginning of many more endorsements to come.

Obama 08

If the tears do not work then you have to just get down in the mud and fight it out. Hillary and Bill are in their element. She will be there fighting until day one. The clowns that are against Obama would also vote for Spears. The loser is the American voter.

These comments are funny. "Real change", "Courage", "Unify America", etc. etc. All these words, all so descriptive. Hey Obama, any actual original ideas, programs, or votes we can look at to see what these words all mean? No, I didn't think so (unless you count "Absent" as a vote). This candidacy is one long, trite press release. Great job lining up endorsements, but the so-called "message" has already worn thin.

I hate to engage Spring_Rain, because the poster is so hysterical and non-sensical, but could you please explain how a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago who is a Harvard Law Grad, former president of the Law Review, state legislator and United States Senator is a "know-nothing?" He has engaged the issues of poverty, class, and race in the United States just as HLC did. He has concrete ideas to remedy health care in this country, and, unlike the head-in-the-sand Dems who voted to give Bush plenary authority to invade Iraq, opposed the war from the beginning. A know-nothing ignores problems, not try to solve them.

Thank you, Gov. Napolitano, for underscoring that not all us women are on the Clinton train! (First stop: the 1990s.)

Now let's get Washington's Gov. Chris Gregoire on board.

I second dmooney: "It seems that some democratic leaders have the sense and courage to recognize that a throw back candidate running on nostalgia for the 90's is not the path to victory in 2008."

That's also the feeling I got when hearing about Kerry's endorsement yesterday. Obama possesses such a powerful personality and vision that even the mainstream Dem party folks are starting to realize that he, not Clinton, is the only candidate that can assure the Democratic Party a meaningful future.

WOW! This is an incredible coup for Obama!

Hillary is pulling her hair out, Kerry endorsed Obama because of Clinton tried there best to keep him from beating Bush.

Now that they need the real Democrat's the REAL Democrat's will not stand with Hillary.

I applaud Napolitano. Stand with a REAL Democrat and we can win!

What's even more important that people are realizing is that there is real vision behind the call for real change. Sen. Obama is bringing a vision for change and that's different than just change by itself.

Another smart move from Obama's campaign; it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the need for Obama in 2008.

The only chance for victory in 2008 is for Democratic Party to nominate Obama. Obama is their only choice to the white house. Personally, i have decided to cast my vote for Independent if Hillary is Democratic Party nominee.

Who gives a damn about Janet Napolitano's endorsement? That's almost as irrelevant as the #1 LOSER OF THE CENTURY McKerry! Sheesh! OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT-PEOPLE REALLY DO WANT A CHANGE DON'T THEY? WITH A KNOW-NOTHING, NIXONIAN PERSONALITY TO BOOT! The ignorance and stupidity of the upper middle class white crowd KNOWS NO BOUNDS!

oh who cares about arizona. how many delegates form there? one and a half?

go hillary!

It seems that some democratic leaders have the sense and courage to recognize that a throw back candidate running on nostalgia for the 90's is not the path to victory in 2008. The forces that want to give Hillary Clinton our nomination were the same folks who brought us candidates like Mondale and Dukakis in prior generations. We don't need more lovable losers when the stakes are this high.

This is good news for Barack and the people of America.

I hope and pray that he wins nevada and south carolina and then the nomination. And after that the presidency because he is the best person to unify America.

'A nation healed, a world repair'....Barack Obama.

'Yes we can'!!!!!

Great news! Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano also realizes that Real Change is in the making, to take America back! And backing the Candidate whom will not have to OWE the $money special interests, whom other candidates accept $Lobby paymants from! - Thank You Governor Napolitano. Joe Ward 43040