The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

if hillary wins, i will vote for mccain

OBAMA 08

barack obama is the future of our politics, his level of honesty is very unique,the clintons show a level of desperation, and will be willing to do anything for power

Hey Nemotoad,

I agree with your predictions except I really think that McCain would beat Hillary by a much larger margin. I know too many people that refuse to risk returning to the hyper partisanship of the Clinton years. Even if NONE of it was the Clinton's fault, our country can't afford it. But sadly, their behavior during the current campaign has irrevocably tarnished their reputations and their credibility.

Hillary's ONLY potentially persuasive argument is her experience. But what good is experience if you don't learn from your mistakes. In the business world, if you continually do the same thing over and over with the same results. we call that ONE YEAR of Experience, REPEATED 35 times!!

People say that Obama is only a great orator and that there is no reason to believe he can accomplish his goals.

There is NO REASON to believe he can't !!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at Ronald Reagan -- a "B" actor -- he had a HUGE impact on the direction of the country.

Even George W. Bush, arguably no rocket scientist, has profoundly affected our country and future generations.

So don't tell me that President Obama, with our help, can't begin to repair the mess we inherited.

YES WE CAN !!!!

Way to say Ohio!
Barack Wisconsin and Hawaii! Barack Tejas, Barack Ohio! Barack the Nation!!

I live in what I thought was Clinton Country, but I was the vote tallier in my caucus and Obama smoked her! Then he rocked the whole state and destroyed the voting records and expected win margins everywhere. He can keep it up. You just gotta show up Tejas, Ohio and Pennsylvania and its the nomination for Obama.

I'll give you my prediction now, Clinton wins nomination - Dems stay home, the youth return to being shut out and ignored and McCain wins at 49% to Clinton's 48.5%. She maintains her job as a senator and the left/right bickering and inaction reaches new heights. Eight more years pass and the country is still in the pisser.
OR:
Obama wins the nomination, the republicans can't stop him, and he wins the general election at 65%. Talk about mandate, talk about a real chance for good change, Barack Obama is IT.

To the person who said that basing a campaign on "hope sounds a lot like faith," I understand your concern. But, please understand, Mr. Obama's campaign is not built on pandering to a religious fundamentalist base that uses dogma to justify ignorance and intolerance.

The hope Mr. Obama speaks of is the hope for a renewed America. Mr. Obama's hope isn't just inspirational blather, or a platitude as Mr. McCain quipped last night. Mr. Obama's hope is grounded in reason and pragmatism, in a belief that a majority of Americans want a government that places their needs above the special interests.

While Mr. Bush used "faith" as a secret password to pander to his fundamentalist base, Mr. Obama is using "hope" as a weapon against those that think Washington is too corrupt to change. Barack challenging all of us to reclaim our ideals, to re-engage in politics and to make a difference in our communities.

I understand peoples' cynicism. Decades of disingenuous politicians making false promises is enough to turn anyone into a skeptic. But there's a reason Mr. Obama's message is resonating with the people. It's because Mr. Obama is not just another partisan political hack that will say whatever it takes to get elected. Mr. Obama believes what he says and he has the principles, the intellect and the charisma to accomplish what he says he will.

The last time I remember this much excitement over a candidate for president was Bobby Kennedy in '68. I'm a middle-aged, caucasian woman who keeps hearing that I'm demographically supposed to be for Hilary. Same goes, says the media, for my 80 yr. old parents who believe that Obama is the only hope left for America.

It is the candidate, stupid. Like him or not, he certainly has succeeded in energising and bringing in the youth. It would be such a shame if their voice is not heard loud and clear at the convention. Not only America, the world needs new blood - have had enough of the same old people telling us all how superlatively able and experienced politicians and 'leaders' they are. Whatever the outcome let us hope that the young won't be disillusioned and become disconnected... Democrats, please do not throw away this opportunity to rise and shine with Obama. He is your man. koks

As a foreigner, I can only watch this election from the other side of the fence. However, I must say that even though Hillary Clinton would be a much, much better president than anyone from the GOP side, I find myself excited by the prospect of Obama as president. Why?

His policies are not widely different from Clintons; though there are some notable distinctions. I think the main difference is his ability to inspire people - a trait of a leader, after all.

Another thing he has going for him is a very subjective issue. He seems to speak the truth. On a visceral level, I believe him; just as I discard most of what Bush says.

Maybe it's bodylanguage or inflection, but I sense a basic humanity, decency and truthfulness in this man that I have not seen in a politician for decades, neither in the US nor here. I suspect that if he becomes president, USA will again be a leader in the world - this time also from a moral and inspirational point of view.

Can someone explain why Hillary went to straight to Texas with Wisconsin a week away? I'm losing so I'm going hold a rally in El Paso.. huh?

From the Great State of OHIO >>>
Go Obama go!!! We in Ohio remember it was Bill and Hillary who started moving our jobs to Mexico and China !!! Your in for a big disappointing surprise in OHIO MSSSSS Clinton !!!!

Well, don't worry too much Alan4, unlike Bush, Obama is no Fool, for starters.

What's more, Big Oil doesn't have it's hand up his A$$, like he's a human sock puppet.

What's more, Obama has had life experiences which opened his mind to other cultures.

What's more, Obama's daddy wasn't around to clean up after all his mistakes and write him another check... Obama earned everything he's got.

What's more, Lobbyists are not contributing to his campaign, not one cent. Remember Ken Lay's jet, Enron?

What's more, Obama will not have a Dick Cheney telling him what to do (most of it illegal).

What's more, when Obama talks about his principles, everyone believes him, unlike Bush who was only believed by those who vehemently hated the Clintons.

I could go on and on, but don't worry too much about Obama being Bush. You might as well worry about him being the Easter Bunny while you're at it.

Of course, there is plenty of substance on the website and in the joint press conferences otherwise erroneously called "debates" by the MSM that calls the shots, but on this "Where's the beef" nonsense, I thought Huckabee nailed it yesterday with this brilliant one-liner: "Americans aren't looking for someone to fix the carburetor, they want someone who can drive the car."

Without pandering Obama is inclusive with evident progression of his campaign's inclusiveness. To be successful he will ask in a more specific way for all to sacrifice to their abilities so that we can climb out of the sinkhole we are in as a nation. There will have to be extreme sacrifice on the part of those who have made out like bandits. There are so many unsolved and progressively worse problems out there to be addressed simultaneously. No need to recount. The biggest difficulty will be the economy and how to right it while identifying ways to fund what needs to be done. If we stay together with a common agenda after Obama is elected we can really do it. Then the tears will be ones of joy and not remorse.

Obama is the greatest politician of my lifetime. His message of hope brings tears to my eyes.

And, by the way, chrisbmyh, so did I.

.

The first two posts, at the very top, were Awesome.

I can totally relate chrisbmyh, with your sentiments. It really makes you want to cry to think how far gone hope seemed to be.

I really thought mine was dead and buried, but the big O resurrected it in about 2 minutes one night as I watched him speak.

He really understands what is wrong with our politics, and has been for a looooong time.

I heard Hillary speaking tonight in Texas. She was talking about how we have to ensure that the next generation has the same opportunities "we" had.

Well, I'm still waiting for mine! I'm not talking handouts, I'm talking a living wage, a CHANCE to go to college (without living with my mom, who has filed bankruptcy, lost her house and is living in GA with her sister waiting for the foreclosure and her court date).

These opportunities disappeared a loooong time ago. I just wonder "where has she been?"

When Obama speaks of despair and being shut out, and how the bar keeps moving... I know EXACTLY where he's coming from.

I know because I have lived it, am living it, and will continue to live it. Hopefully, my son will not have to drown in bills, fake smiles, lies, and rhetoric while he bangs his head against the glass ceiling.

How can one get even a loan for college without a cosigner? I couldn't. Of course, for the well-connected, this minor detail is no big deal. You just take the papers to mommy or daddy and say, "sign here."

For millions of intelligent, hard-working people, mommy and daddy don't qualify.
So, what do you do?

McDonalds, Home Depot, UPS, FedEx, on and on and it's all part time, so no benefits, not enough hours, and ridiculous pay. The best field is probably construction, because you will get 40 hours a week usually.

Take it from me, that doesn't impress much on a resume, or when looking to rent a room.

Why not rent an apartment? WELL, apparently, in Arlington, VA, one must earn at least $36,000 a year to rent a 1 bedroom at $850/month...which is a great bargain there.

Good luck with the job and the college and the apartment and all.

Do the math: It's IMPOSSIBLE. Now, add in gas or metro fares, maybe some food, a car insurance, or an internet connection, and you're drowning in RED,

which means: You will NEVER go to college, no matter how smart you are. So, go dig a ditch, idiot.

THAT'S the opportunity I had. Thanks for the prosperity, Ms. Clinton. Never knew I had it so good. And I feel I was actually one of the lucky ones. This country has been leaving people behind, shutting them out, driving past them, ignoring them, like they are driving through a human Safari Park, for a looong time. It might be understandable during the Great Depression, but we, as a nation, have WASTED boom times, and, what's worse, generations of human beings. And for what? A faster jet? A smarter bomb? An election favor? Not THIS TIME.

NOT NOW. so sorry!

It will take more than putting Obama in the White House to make our country great again. But it's a Start.

LoneWacko, Rander, & Alan:

Keep it up! Massaged truths, cynicism, and poor comparisons only help the Obama cause. It reminds all of us of what this change is about.

I was delighted Obama won by such huge leads. It shows that Americans are ready for someone who will restore our American traditions.

Anyone who does not know Obama's stand on the issues can easily go to his web site and read them.

While he and Hillary differ only slightly on the issues Obama inspires people -- he makes us feel like we are voting for our hopes, dreams and aspirations. That is why voters are voting for him. In contrast Hillary does not have that ability (not all of us do).

Obama deeply believes in his causes. He has fought his entire life for the people. His actions prove that. On the other hand Hillary's acts do not always match what she claims.

There are 4 things that drive Obama's supporters:

1) Principle
2) Policy -- Obama does not sell out
3) Electability
4) Hope for the future

McCain only offers perpetual war, strict judges like Scalia, tax cuts, but little else. Admittedly he said he knew very little about economics.

So therein are huge differences between Obama and McCain.

Obama has more than a very strong chance of winning the nomination and winning the general election, too.

Go Obama!

I like optimism just as much as the next guy.

But a campaign based on hope sounds dangerously close to a campaign based on faith (as in "faith-based initiatives" and other such cliches).

Let's face it, George W Bush is an eternal optimist. He thinks everything's going just great. The problem is he's a terrible president, despite all his hope and optimism.

Oh, well. Time will tell.

Quote of the Day:

"Cynicism is a sorry kind of wisdom."

Sen. Barack Obama
Madison, Wisconsin

Why did Hillary Clinton lose three primaries tonight?

Too many questions about why she won't release her taxes until after she becomes the Democratic nominee--if that happens.

(Doesn't Hillary trust Democratic voters to make informed decisions?)

A lot of anxiety out there, too, about her plan to garnish workers' wages as part of her mandatory medical insurance plan.

Parents in particular would probably like to know what Bill and Hillary have to offer young people in terms of messages about the importance of honesty and integrity--given all the scandals surrounding the former First Family.

And of course there is still a lot of anger out there how the Clintons engaged in racial coding on the eve of the celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Finally, the Washington, D.C., metro area is home to a lot of human rights activists as well as recent immigrants who came to the United States fleeing political oppression, many of whom are less than impressed with Hillary's flip flopping on the issue of torture.

With such fundamental questions hanging in the balance, what Democrat worth the name would buy a bridge back to the 20th Century?

MARTIN EDWIN "MICK" ANDERSEN

Obama's talk about bringing "change in Washington, D.C" sounds frighteningly similary to George W Bush talking about how HE was going to "change the culture" in Washington DC....

I sincerely hope (very audaciously, I might add) that Obama isn't the 2008 version of 2000's Bush--little known and viewed by many as the "inspirational" candidate of that cycle.

"None-the-less, I found tears welling in my eyes tonight as I listened tonight to Senator Obama express his message of hope and inspiration in Wisconsin."

That's the sound of me throwing up.

Any college discount or college space given to an illegal alien represents one less available to a U.S. citizen. And, since there will always be more applicants for discounts than there are recepients, illegal aliens who receive discounts will do so at the expense of U.S. citizens.

That's very basic math, and it's illustrated here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WZkvEmSy1vk

Both Obama and Hillary support letting foreign citizens who are here illegally take college educations from U.S. citizens.

The DREAM Act does not take any scholarship money, including Pell grants, away from Americans. It only allows six years of legal residence to complete military service or college; if that is accomplished, it gives a path to citizenship. These students would be elegible for in-state tuition, but not federal tuition grants.

The first two posters are entirely correct and inspiring in their own right. I too, drawn from a comfortable retirement easy chair by the evil absudity of the 7-year inept Bush fiasco, found this wonderful and powerful voice for the America I love and the promise it has yet to fulfill.

Respectful of our old warrior hero McCain, we must join with Barack Obama to turn away from the angry and fearful past decades and show ourselves and the world that the United States and its proud and generous citizens are united with strong resolve to honor our principles of freedom and justice for all.

"The only criticism I hear of him at this point is that people know he wants to change but don't know how he wants to do it."

That's the Clintons' [I use the plural advisedly] talking! He is as substantive as Hillary; it's just that her people keep posting that he isn't.

"Then, I remembered that Peter Slevin is basically just a transcriptionist and a promoter. Rather than asking Obama about the flaws in what he proposes, Slevin just writes down what Obama has to say."

And less than that, LonewackoDotCom is some well-named loony, posting from God knows where, based upon what other people report other people said. Nothing original, just criticism of what others said.

He is well named. Lone Wacko. The "dotcom" part takes care of itself.

It might be a good time for Obama to start discussing more specifics of his policies, to sustain the momentum of "inspiration".

The only criticism I hear of him at this point is that people know he wants to change but don't know how he wants to do it.

So I direct them to this site:
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

However, since people watch more tv than read, it might be a good idea to inject some policy discussion into the speeches. Or maybe not? I don't know what works with the majority of voters. But best wishes in Texas and Ohio!

Yes we can!

Peter Slevin's vibrant retelling of Obama's ebulliency has lifted my soul high, and made me proud of the Movement!

Almost.

Then, I remembered that Peter Slevin is basically just a transcriptionist and a promoter. Rather than asking Obama about the flaws in what he proposes, Slevin just writes down what Obama has to say.

So, for instance, Slevin might have pointed out that Obama supports the DREAMACt, a bill that would let illegal aliens take college discounts from U.S. citizens.

Obama says he wants to make college affordable, at the same time as he supports a bill that would deprive some citizens of going to college.

And all the WaPo can do is take notes.

"In my America..." -- Hillary Clinton El Paso, TX 02/12/2008

It isn't yours yet Hillary.

Obama '08

Take note America. This is not just your election. Way beyond your borders, at the edge of the empire we too are watching.We share the hope that Obama spreads that we are about to get our first President for the world community. The hope that the dark night of the soul for America is lifting.The hope that your generous, open nature has been renewed. The hope that once again you will lead, rather than crush the blameless.The hope that the genius of renewal bought about by welcoming new faces and races is alive again.The hope that America may again inspire.That's a lot of hope from a lot of folk far away in distance but once again linked by the quickening flame of hope.Don't forget your global neighbours, we're watching and hoping too.

Hey, I'm as cynical as they come. My political ideals were forged in the '60s; watching Mayor Daley pack the 1968 democratic convention galleries with cronies to ensure the nomination of Hubert Humphrey; watching Daley's police initiate a riot in the street, beating the idealistic young folks gathered to support Senator McCarthy and charging into McCarthy's hotel to beat folks in the lobby; witnessing the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; witnessing J. Edgar Hoover abuse his position to spy and oppress; witnessing the reports of a pointless and brutal war whose victims to this day are borne with spina bifida and other horrible disabilities wrought by the most intense chemical warfare unleashed in the history of the world; and witnessing the USA citizenry largely yawn. So, yes, I am intensely cynical.

None-the-less, I found tears welling in my eyes tonight as I listened tonight to Senator Obama express his message of hope and inspiration in Wisconsin.