The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

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OBAMA STAFFER REVEALS AGENDA

Late Friday four consecutive telephone calls were placed to Barack Obama's campaign headquarters in an effort to find a staffer willing to discuss the presidential candidates behind the scenes agenda. The first three attempts resulted in obtaining only status quo responses from the first three staffers. However, a fourth attempt to obtain an insiders view into the Obama campaign resulted in some revealing insight.

To be clear a female African American was used to conduct the interview. She did not at anytime during this interview represent herself as a reporter, and used the phrase "between you and me" on several occasions. She conducted the interview as if she was an Obama supporter and wanted to make sure that African American concerns would be addressed if he was elected. She expressed concerns that Barack Obama, if elected, would not be looking out for the wellbeing of African Americans. She based her concerns on what she observed in the media, in-so-far-as Barack Obama not addressing publicly many issues that directly affected African Americans.

The entire interview lasted approximately 83 minutes. An audio recording was made to rebuff any future claims by the Obama campaign as to the authenticity and content of this report. However, due to the laws of the state from where the calls originated, the telephone conversations were able to be recorded, but cannot be made public or released without the consent of both parties who were a part of the conversation. With that said if at anytime the Obama campaign wishes to provide permission for these recordings to be released then they shall be. This is an open invitation for the Obama campaign to allow the release of these conversations in there entirety.

During the first 37 minutes of the interview it consisted of general pleasantries in an attempted to make the staffer feel comfortable with the caller. There was nothing more discussed other than their mutual support of Barack Obama and how well his campaign was going. The common conscience was that Obama would win the Democratic primary between Obama and Hillary Clinton and then be ready to take on John McCain.

The first subject that was addressed was immigration. The reporter expressed concerns as to how many jobs African Americans were losing due to illegal Latinos crossing the boarder and obtaining jobs at lower wages that many African Americans previously held. The staffer replied, "Well (reporter's name), sometimes you have to imply or make certain representations when you are running for office in order to be elected. Even though you realize you may not be able to accomplish what you are saying in the end. Barack understands the election process and how it works. But in the end he is an African American at heart. You may rest assured that whatever he does will be with our community in mind."

The discussion then moved into the background and life experiences of the cabinet he would select if elected. She wanted to know how many African Americans would be involved in key positions. The staffer responded, "Barack will make sure that the individuals he selects will be looking out for the interests of African Americans. I can only say that you have nothing to be concerned about. You know (reporter's name), whether they are white or black they will be on the same page as Barack. We have all lived in a certain light for far too long. There will be many changes in this country for us after Barack is elected. We are a family, and Barack will never forget who the family is."

Then the conversation moved to how impressed she was that Obama was able to gain such strong support from the media, white voters, and the gains he has made with Hispanic voters. The staffer laughed and then said, "Yes it is ironic how Barack has used prejudice to his advantage. He is using the prejudice of some towards the Clinton's, others to obtain votes so they may prove to themselves they are not prejudice, as well as the republican media to support his efforts because they believe if he is nominated it will rally republican voters to come out and make sure a black man does not become president. Sometimes ignorance is the greatest weapon in politics."

Later the staffer said in response to another question, "Do you ever watch Chris Matthews the TV commentator from MSNBC? He hates the Clinton's so much and is on the air beating Hillary up almost everyday. We think it is hilarious that Barack does not have to say too much negative about Hillary Clinton with people like Matthews doing it for him. The reason many republican controlled newspapers down in Texas are endorsing Barack over Hillary are not because they support him. It is because they believe Hillary Clinton to be a greater threat in winning the presidential election than Barack. It all goes back to using their own prejudice to prove they are not prejudice. It is as ironic as it gets."

The next topic addressed was the standards imposed on African Americans when it comes to jail sentences received for the same crime as a white defendant. How disproportionate the sentences and fines are for whites verses blacks. The reporter used a factious story about a cousin being sentenced the same day as the white co-defendant who committed a crime with her cousin. She explained that her cousin was fined cost and fees of $8,500.00, was ordered to pay all the restitution, and received a 10 to 15 year prison sentence. While the white co-defendant was fined cost and fees of $2,500.00, was not ordered to pay any restitution, and received 2 to 4 years, for a lesser offense, that was deferred as long as he did not commit another crime for 3 years. The judge in the case sited that it was her cousin's second offense, the first was a domestic misdemeanor, and that in his opinion her cousin was the "mastermind" to the crime. This was the judge's justification for the difference in each ones sentence. The staffer responded to this by saying, "I feel and understand your pain and concerns. Barack is well aware of these issues. I am not at liberty to discuss what he may or may not do to correct these injustices that go on every day in our communities. But know this. When Barack is elected there are going to be changes to eliminate these miscarriages of justice. Not only to stop such injustices in the future. But to go back and make sure that those such as your cousin have their sentences reviewed and reevaluated so that based on the color of their skin was not the justification for a bias sentencing."

The reporter than went on to address government benefits that have been lost by African Americans throughout the past 30 years. The disproportionate number of programs wiped out, and assistance that primarily benefited those in the black community, while so much money is spent to help those in the white communities. What would Barack do to change that trend and get help for those how need it most. The staffer laughed once more and said, "(Reporter's name), those days of program inequality on every level will be gone once Barack becomes president. It is understood by Barack that he cannot bring back such programs as welfare in the form as it previously existed. But he is well aware of the problem, and has a plan to bring an equal amount of aid and assistance back into the black community. If a white farmer can be paid for crops that did not grow because of a drought. Then why should is a black auto worker not be paid for the cars he cannot build because a corporation sends his job overseas? This all goes back to someone like Barack looking out for those others refuse to look out for based on politics and race. You can trust that there will be change with such issues."

There were seven other points included within this discussion that we believe are too inflammatory, and should be addressed by Barack Obama directly. However, we believe that Mr. Obama needs to come out and address these issues directly. Explain his position on each and every one of these issues. We further believe that it needs to be done in the form of an open two hour live press conference where any and all questions will be answered by him. Voters are tired of a black or white America. They want change, but the change they want is towards equality for all. Whoever is elected, whether it is a Democrat or Republican, needs to recognize this and be the person that brings the country together for the good of all. Not by saying or reading a script they are handed in order to win an election.

If Barack Obama is to be elected president of the United States then America needs to hear the answers to these questions before they vote. If Mr. Obama is unwilling to openly address these questions and concerns in an open forum prior to any future elections. Then those supporting him should reevaluate who they are supporting.

This election is too important for the nation as a whole. We need to stop letting the media influence every election, and demand that they do the job they are there for. Report the facts, ask the tough questions, stop letting their biases influence an election, and let the voters make an informed decision based on the facts for who they wish to support. Those in the media need to keep their personal opinions and beliefs to themselves.

One other point of contention that needs to be addressed is the polls put out there by the media and politicians. Polls do nothing but influence people for all the wrong reasons. Poll reporting needs to be abolished. All polls do is influence undecided voters, and change the mind of other voters, who want to be on the winning side. It is human nature to want to be a part of the winner. But that is not what elections should be about. They should be about the voice of the people, not polls. Polls should be banned from being reported until after an election.

Lastly, do not let the media or polls influence your vote. Vote for the individual who you believe will best support the entire country. Do not cast your vote based on the personal beliefs or feelings of those in the media offering their biased opinions. Do not cast your vote on what the polls represent because as you have seen in the past they can be wrong. Vote for what and who YOU believe in.

I want a candidate to take on Mc Cain/Romney without baggage leading into a serious and heavy debate.

I don't want someone (even as a democrat) to "remove and clear out" the republican party to "take back the white house"- as it is a representation of Dem.s Rep.s and Ind.s.

I'm a young person who wants to know in 4 or 8 years that they're president is not fearful to talk to any leader and take on any subject to "get to the bottom of things" because at the end of the day, I don't want one party to think they can run Americans as if we are a chess board with lives to spare - for some bull---- facts and personal greed.

I do feel there's personal greed surrounding Clintons Foundation. Especially a $130 million donation and presidential win with a dictator who the UN has made constant disapproval of.

Lastly, while I dislike biased articles that like most reporting, has an opinion. Yet, no one monitors the hundreds of blogs I've seen calling Obama a Muslim, saying he hates his mother, and calling him a liar when the Clintons and Bush have their hands covered in things they will fess up to. Either by impeachment on Bush's part or Hillary, when the republicans get a hold of her. It will be ugly. Hilary and Bill are not saints. I supported them, but also know for years after their presidency, they did not deal and wheel in intrests only for the American people. That will be an ugly day I don't want to see and Americans are sick and tired of because we DO have lives and need to move on.

To the editors at the Obama Post:

How about unbiased coverage in at least one story today?

Dear Obama Post:

How about unbiased coverage in at least one story today?

Mr. Bacon take your BO and leave us alone. Sick of your bias and WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!

rmorris391- how about when Obama is given free air time on the NBC nightly news as he was last night and and then Brian Williams says they couldn't get to arrange for Clinton to appear.

The press has been so biased to Obama it is ridiculous. The Washington Post should be called the Obama Post. From not following up in detail his "present" votes in the Illinois legislature, to the $500,000 he in essence got from Rezko in the land deal for the lot next to his house, to his nuclear energy bill that never went anywhere in the Congress, to his stances on Abortion and Gun Control re: his votes on these issues. I don't know where these issues will end up but to ignore them is not fair to either Clinton or the public.

We can all be assured the Republicans will not ignore any issue so it may even be unfair to Obama if he is the candidate. The Eugene Robinson columns, which are basically Obama ads, are fine but then when the reporting is as biased that isn't.

I am a Democrat and will support either Clinton or Obama, whichever one is the nominee.

But I have always believed in a fair press and this campaign has changed my view. When Russert, Matthews, Michtell et.al can be so biased and get away with it, we have come to a sad day in broadcasting as well. I used to think it was FOX channel only, now I know different.

It is really time for the media to take a look in the mirrow, I think if they are honest even they won't like what they see.

Shame on those feminist leaders in NY- Bella Abzug who did more than any of them to move forward the woman's movement would turn over in her grave.

These feminist leaders along with the Kate Michelman's of the world are why women still don't break the glass ceiling. It is sad, really to see this kind of endorsement.

It isn't that Obama isn't great its that most of these women are jealous of Hillary Clinton, who has done more for women around the world than they have. Knowing some of those women I am not surprised at what they have done here. But still am sad about it.

It does no service to women and Barack Obama will do well to stay away from most of them anyway.

Sen. Barack Obama has erased Sen. Hillary Clinton's lead among Democrats nationally, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll out Monday. The two are in a virtual tie, with Obama at 49 percent and Clinton at 46 percent.

The survey represents a dramatic turnaround in the race from a few months ago when Clinton had a significant edge over Obama.

With 1681 delegates up for grab, what Candidate do you believe will accumulate the most delegates on Super Tuesday?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1693

.

rmorris391, I've noticed you often type baseless vitriol toward Sen Clinton. I find your, and others' similar, tone off-putting. Are you attempting to parody a shrill Obama supporter in an effort to undermine his support on whatever tiny scale this venue provides. If not, may I suggest your efforts are counterproductive?

Why are these posters criticizing HRC so hard?Are these folks bought and paid by the Obama camp? So HRC bought time for campaigning advertising, did Obama do the same thing all over the media? Get a life,stick to the issues. Don't let Obama's flowery and inflammatory words get to your heads,he is nothing but a used car salesman with questional character, just read the Chicago Tribune reports on the subject of his dealing with Rezko and took $300,000 bribery. If he did these type of things when he was only a state senator, what would he do if he becomes the president? as Marcus did in the Phillipines ,took the whole country and put them in the Switzerland bank. My fellow country men, I come from a development country, I do know what a hypocrite like Obama is really like. He says onething and does the other, trust the deeds not the words. Don't be fooled, elect Hillary ,she will be a great president

Mr Bacon reminds me of my 5 year old when I have to remind him to use his inside voice. Apparently, Mr Bacon forgot to modulate his outside voice today.

Someone needs to get Mr Bacon some help, he's obviously completely lost it.

"bizarre"???

Have you no shame?

The broadcasting rules for equal access are put in jeopardy when Hillary buys an hour of Letterman. CBS undoubtedly knows better, but the race is too much of a temptation to play fairly.

Obama is the by-product and beneficiary of black racism--the HISTORICAL BLACK TURN OUT in S.C.; the once in her lifetime road show of Oprah as his saleswoman; and the racially extrem black church he belongs.

After all these years living in drug, sex and political scadals, the Kennedys has finally gotten the help from African American to discover and deliever to the Kenedy family their NEW JFK, the KENEDY'S HEIR. How sad and ridiculous!!!!!

Amazing ! We must compare the following:
1) the two Senator's legislative and voting records and
2) the amount of informed raw TALLENT and structure that is supporting the two candidates
3) the candidates willingness to reflect the interests of those which they are charged to represent.

Barack has also demonstrated he can Lead during the DEBATES. He was cordial and tactfully soft = powerful. His ability to prepare and actually think on his feet is quite encouraging. I am willing to believe he can tackle the tough tasks and succeed.

THis is a thinking man's candidate!

The "show" was an hour-long infomercial. Nothing wrong with that. The message was: "Set it, and forget it!"... oh wait, that's a different infomercial.

The event had to be staged. For one thing, television shows basically start and stop on time, so the event had to too. Of course, Clinton's staffers are used to planting questions that Clinton has a ready answer for. I wonder if they had that young female college student or the reverend from Iowa on the show. Remember when they each were planted in Iowa town halls to ask "spontaneous" questions?

When you are President, you have to ably deal with unexpected situations. In her infomercial, Clinton only dealt with the familiar and the expected. It was not an endorsement of her leadership skills or her judgment and did nothing to improve our estimation of her integrity. Funny how the Other Candidate is known for his good judgment, integrity, and leadership skills.

Clinton was on message all right - she was on OBAMA'S message!!!

1. Re: "Of Obama, Clinton said, 'Barack is a friend of mine. He'll be a friend of mine when this is over no matter what happens.'"
>> This is how Obama opened their most recent debate - with nearly EXACTLY these words!

2. Re: Pressed on whether she had to rein in her husband after his attacks on Obama, she said "it was more like, you know, I think that we need to get back on the positive here, because this campaign really has to be about the future."
>> OBAMA has been the one drawing distinctions between the past (Clinton) and the future (himself). Now Clinton is co-opting the rhetoric of "the future," just like she has co-opted his "change" message.

I'm really not impressed, Hillary. A liar AND a thief, you are. Shame.

FEMINIST LEADERS' "FEAR OF LYING" ... AS IN THE CLINTONS

Feminist Leaders Oppose Hillary, Endorse Obama
Posted February 3, 2008 | 07:40 PM (EST)

More than 100 New York feminist leaders released a joint statement Sunday afternoon criticizing Hillary Clinton and supporting Obama for president - evidence that Clinton's support among women activists has declined significantly in the days before the super-Tuesday primary.

Clinton's support for the war in Iraq was the leading reason she lost the support of the group, which calls itself "New York Feminists for Peace and Barack Obama!" "We urgently need a presidential candidate whose first priority is to address domestic needs," the group added.

Those endorsing Obama include longtime peace activist Cora Weiss; Katha Pollitt, columnist for The Nation; Pulitzer-prize winning New York Times writer Margo Jefferson; award-winning women's rights historians Alice Kessler Harris and Linda Gordon; Barbara Weinstein, president of the American Historical Association, and Ellen P. Chapnick, Dean for Social Justice Initiatives at Columbia Law School. Susan Sarandon and Francis Fox Piven signed on Monday.

"Choosing to support Senator Obama was not an easy decision for us," the group stated, "because electing a woman president would be a cause for celebration in itself." They "deplored" the "sexist attacks against Senator Clinton that have circulated in the media." But, they stated, they nevertheless supported Obama because his election "would be another historic achievement" and because "his support for gender equality has been unwavering."

The group based their opposition to Clinton on "her seven-year record as senator." Despite her recent pledges to remove troops from Iraq, the group stated, Clinton's "record of embracing military solutions and the foreign policy advisers she has selected make us doubt that she will end this calamitous war."

The group supported Obama not only for his positions on the war and gender equality, but also because of "the dramatic engagement of young people" with his campaign.

Wow, what a wordsmith...

• the event appeared heavily staged

• If Clinton was on message with Letterman, she was even more so in a bizarre event

• The candidate sounded as if were running for "Wonk-In-Chief" as she took a question from a person in every state and two from California.

Bizarre: What a shocker and outrage. That Hillary paid for an hour and plans were obvious, that she staged it and planned to take a question from every Super Tuesday state.

Say, didja hear the one about how Hillary's thugs killed Kathleen Willey's cat? And how Kathleen wrote a book about it? Great reading. Grist for a future "The Trail?"

Honestly, will the blatant pro-BO blogging cease already?

I'm so disgusted by the media's bias, and unfortunately, this is no different! This is just as bad as CNN.

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