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Kennedy Brothers Inspire Faith in Obama and America

If he didn't say something, he would be criticized as being insensitive. You obviously disparage Obama by saying he needs to "spend time with poor people." Long before he was a political candidate, even before he attended law school, he organized for poor people on the streets of the south side of Chicago. As great as RFK was, he did not make that commitment when no one was looking. JFK would have appreciated Obama's great political skills. Obama has earned his status through the building of a strong campaign and the delivery of a salient, unifying message. You have every right to oppose him. But your unsubstantiated and uninformed innuendo does not warrant a spot posting in the comment section of a beautiful post. posted 05/21/2008 at 20:35:54
While I love Mozart and Van Gogh they were both jerks and they did not wake up every morning with a view towards expending a great deal of personal energy helping their country. The greatness of an individual does not have to derive from some creative masterpiece but also from the constant effort one exerts to achieve great things for other people. Regardless of his mistakes and faults, Ted Kennedy (a man wealthy enough to where he could have retired decades ago) has devoted himself to a myriad of causes. His legislative record will stand with the best in Senate history.

You excoriate the notion of "hero worship" and then criticize the author for not mentioning Isaac Newton. You seem to undermine your own argument in suggesting she has to cite another great man other than Kennedy.

And as for great presidents, I think FDR and Lincoln deserve inclusion on any short list. posted 05/21/2008 at 20:09:56
Beautifully said. One of the best posts I've read on this site in a while. (And I'm a HuffPo junkie.) Anything else said would be superfluous. posted 05/21/2008 at 14:09:17

Democrats Unite

If you wish to see what programs he supports, read his speeches, learn about him and read what other people say please go to www.barackobama.com. Click on "issues" to read about his positions on the issues. Have a great day! posted 05/21/2008 at 13:58:21
I have disagreed strongly with Jong's previous two pieces. That having been said, she has, in good will I believe, thrown out an olive branch. As Obama supporters we should accept the branch and make peace. The only productive route is to unite against McCain. Venting about past slights serves no purpose but to delay movement towards an executive branch and legislative branch dedicated to ending the war in Iraq, providing universal health care coverage to all (if not most) Americans, getting judges appointed that will protect a woman's right to choose, addressing global warming aggressively and restoring those part of the Constitution ignored during the last seven years. posted 05/21/2008 at 13:45:04
"Marxist Afrocentric" - a new one, Resident Chimp. Please explain to HuffPo readers what exactly Marxist Afro-Centric means other than your latest baseless slur on Obama. posted 05/21/2008 at 13:38:43
Obama has won more delegates and will soon exceed the number necessary for victory. His health care plan is better than anything offered by McCain or achieved in previous tries. Nobody knows what will happen in November. Let the last three contests play out and let's get behind the person the voters have chosen. I applaud Erica of whom I have been quite critical for her attempt to mend fences. Kudos to you, Erica! (I do get a good chuckle, though, that you had to get in a parting shot on Bill. C'est la vie.) posted 05/21/2008 at 12:38:04

Oregon Gives Obama An "All But Insurmountable Advantage"

Not to mention PA. They got better as this race progressed. posted 05/21/2008 at 12:21:02
In actual contests more people have voted for him than any candidate in a nomination race ever. i would say plenty of people have voted for him. posted 05/21/2008 at 12:18:46
I have studied global politics and I have no doubt that most Americans understand the real threat of terrorism thoug many differ on how to address it. As for your characterization of Islam, I believe it is overly simplistic, is not defined as submission and most of its adherents are generally peaceful people. I am not sure as to what your message is and have no idea why you post it on a piece about the Oregon primary. posted 05/21/2008 at 12:15:19

The Selfish Gene Is Female

Who is smacking you in the faced? Do you believe the winner of a majority of the delegates under the rules established by the party before the first contests is the winner of the Dem party nomination? posted 05/21/2008 at 02:26:24
You claim Obama broke the rules by running a national ad that an official in SC claims was not a violation, according to sky2blue. How do I know you are not the ne being dishonest? Isn't it possible you have misrepresented the rules?

Previously the Clinton campaign said that FLA and MI delegates would not count and then later, when they saw they needed those delegates, they moved the agreed-upon, well-understood goalposts from 2025 to over 2200. Do we want a leader who is willing to change the rules midgame and obviously renege on her word? posted 05/21/2008 at 02:22:22
That is obviously a big part of Obama's platform. And who would your independent candidate be? posted 05/21/2008 at 02:14:58

Obama Wins Most Pledged Delegates, Returns To Iowa For Speech (VIDEO)

McCain was the nominee, he lost by over 80 to Romney in Utah and had a loss of 40 points to Huckabee in a state that Huckabee did not have any natural connection as Romney did with Utah. Obama is in fine shape. His loss is not a repudiation just an area that he needs to address for the general. posted 05/21/2008 at 09:09:44

Obama: Not Having to Say Victory

So whether Obama supporters respect Hllary matters more than issues of the war in Iraq, global warming, health care, education, tax policy and a woman's right to choose. I personally applaud Sen. Obama's laudatory remarks about Senator Clinton just as I know her words about Sen. Kennedy were sincere and from the heart. Its time to get past all this divisive banter and work to hel this country solve the problems we care about. posted 05/21/2008 at 14:45:20
Do you have control over the 17 million voters for Hillary? If not, then your words or threats are meaningless. posted 05/21/2008 at 14:38:54
And when Hillary comes out, sometime after June 3 and urges her supporters to support Obama because it is the future of this country that is at stake, wil you follow her? posted 05/21/2008 at 14:34:55
He is actually up by 176 delegates with only 93 needed to win. Clinton needs 269 more. So you misrepresent the current situation. Then you engage in a ploy that does not even compare the stages of American history: 2008 is different than either 1956 or 1988. Neither of those years were times where there was the clamor for change that this country desires so greatly today. Obama represents very different things than those two candidates. All three have been accused of having great intellects and therefore, not being able to connect with certain voters. I suggest the number of new voters that came out to vote for Obama indicates a much different phenomenon than that which existed back during those earlier elections. posted 05/21/2008 at 02:05:56
How many Obama supporters do you personally know that are "vile, lazy and repulsive"? I know many Clinton supporters (I used to be one) that are generally lovely. On what basis would you say he is not inclusive? He drew 49% of the women in OR tonight. His voting pool draws from all Americans. Base your vote on the issues important to America. That should be the paramount consideration, in my opinion, when voting.

I bet in three weeks Clinton will start supporting Obama energetically. posted 05/21/2008 at 01:29:50
You have made clear that you don't really care about withdrawng from Iraq, ensuring our country is still pro-choice on abortion, that our tax system be fairer, that we make major moves towards universal health care or that we implement cap-and-trade to limit carbon emissions. Did you just discard those positions or never care about some or all of them? Personality trumps the policy direction of our country on major issues. posted 05/21/2008 at 01:12:31
What do you believe his tax cut plan for people making uner $75,000 is Marxist? Or his withdrawal from Iraq? Does that mean he's a Marxist?

Instead of throwing out terms, Resident Chimp, whose meanings you do not know, why don't you make real arguments, back them up with actual facts and the reach plausible conclusions instead of your ridiculous nonsense. posted 05/21/2008 at 01:07:24

Obama wins Oregon, moves to brink of nomination

How are Obama supporters traitorous? Are our votes less important than Hillary's? And when did the Democratic Party's rules change from pledged delegates to electoral college? Do we want a President who believes on changing rules in midgame or reneging on her stated pledge that the delegates from FLA and MI will not count?

And who is "they"? posted 05/20/2008 at 10:40:07

Obama Set To Reach Delegate Milestone

I was a big supporter of Bill Clinton but ultimately embarrassed by his lack of self-control and losing of political capital by risking everything with Lewinsky and his sadly inflicting incredible public embarrassment on Hillary after she had stood by him before.

But to suggest he's the best 2-term president is ridiculous: FDR was far better and there were other Democratic presidents - possibly not 2-term that were better. If not for the Lewinsky matter, Gore would have been in much better shape in 2000. Gore deserves blame for not running on Clinton's economy record while separating himself on the personal front and Nader contributed to the loss as did 5 members of the Supreme Court. The point is we can do better than the Clintons. While they are both supremely knowledgeable on the issues and tenacious as they come, they also are too quick to resort to cutting ethical corners and they both ignore the truth with stunning casualness.


I do believe a unity rally in late June or early July with Obama and Clinton campaigning together to raise money to pay off Clinton's debt and raise money for the DNC is a good idea. Such rallies could unite the fractious parts of the party. The disagreements on issues are very minor between Clinton and Obama so the party should get past any personal feelings to work for what really matters. posted 05/20/2008 at 00:09:02

Why Ed Gillespie Doesn't Have A Leg To Stand On

Whoa... I also have disagreed with what I believed were pieces that were overly pro-Clinton or anti-Obama. But in Rachel's defense, this is a good piece that fits well within what I consider to be the proper role for certain blog sites: fact-check disputes between the media and the administration. She does a service to the public by juxtaposing the aired portions with the full text. And some of her personal commentary is right on point.

We have to get over the tendency to believe that, because we disagreed with a particular writer once or three times before, that everything they thereafter say is wrong or incorrect. Also she has every right to say what she wants to say as long as Huff Po continues to let her use the forum. You get to give your opinion, Titowan; so should Rachel Sklar. Compared to many Clinton supporters, Rachel has seemed to minimize (though not completely remove) her anti-Obama attacks. But that is besides the point. She has the right to speak. Judge each piece on its own merits. posted 05/20/2008 at 12:47:08

Hillary Clinton's Defeat: A Historic Triumph

You obviosuly don't share the views of most Democrats on issues. Those who do recognize that holding both the legislative and executive branches are in the Democratic fold. There is no logical conclusion that can be reached that you support the Bush/McCain policies. posted 05/19/2008 at 19:20:08
It is only your perception of him not his words or deeds that make you conclude he is a divider. I used to be a Clinton supporter. I understand the former President's achievements and mistakes. Obama has a chance to be better. He will certainly be different. You take a few Obama supporters and generalize about the rest of them. Maybe it is you that is being divisive. posted 05/19/2008 at 19:15:37
You ask that Obama supporters begin to demonstrate the grace and class of Arianna in welcoming Hillary supporters to the fold. I agree with Arianna. The problems of Hillary's candidacy have been told and retold on this site and we do sometimes overlook the historic nature of her candidacy. I have no doubt many women will receive fair consideration in the future to be President.

That being said, you undermine your own attempt to be a messenger of good will, IAM4CLINTON by sugeesting that all Michelle Obama does is breath fire and hate. You know that is not true. Such a sentiment reflects a gross caricature of a few remarks she has made. You bemoan Obama supporters for hate, venom and insult issued to Hillary and then turn around and make a no less hateful and undeserving comment about Michelle Obama. You cannot have it both ways.

In the spirit of Arianna's post, I think we must all come together as Democrats in the correct spirit of joining together to work on the issues which bind us together. posted 05/19/2008 at 14:53:07

Obama To Tennessee GOP: "Lay Off My Wife"

Frst, snobama for you to suggest that she is making rabid speeches like her pastor completely distorts her speeches. Second, Clinton's spouse was in the unusual position of also being a former President, a small group of Americans who, from the time John Adams took over as the second President, have had practically every post-Presidency pronoucement scrutinized carefully. Most ex-Presidents have not engaged themselves in political races after their term even closely to the level Clinton has. I don't claim he should not campaign for his wife because he should. I do think he should have campaigne differently accentuating his wife's positives and not damaging his party's potetial nominee. posted 05/19/2008 at 11:38:53
So the loss of five electoral votes in one state spells big trouble. posted 05/19/2008 at 11:29:47

Obama Draws Estimated Crowd Of 75,000 In Portland (SLIDESHOW)

Those who claim that Obama intends to start a new war in Pakistan have either failed to listen to what he has specifically said or do not want to comprehend what he has said on the subject. He does not inend to invade Pakistan. What he will do, and he has repeated this quite frequently, is to strike at Al Qaeda in Pakistan in the event (a) they and/or the Pakistanis have actionable intelligence indicating the whereabouts of Bin Laden or other senior Al Qaeda associates, (b) they have an opportunity to take such persons out and (c) Pakistan's military refuses to act. You, and others, have referred to it as a new war but any observer of recent history knows that, in the last three months either our military or the CIA used an unmanned drone, ostensibly fired from Afghanistan, successfully struck and killed a man identified as a top Al Qaeda operative. The strike, not the first of its kind anyway, did not start a war or constitute an invasion. Such strikes do have risks involved, including the chance of killing civiilans and the possibility of retribution from Al Qaeda and other jihadists in the area but those are factors that will always be involved in military decisions. But the fact is that strike, and others in the past, while maybe causing a little destabilization in certain border areas, don't contribute to the bad problem with terrorists in Pakistan. posted 05/19/2008 at 01:42:24

Romney Poses Bigger Threat to Obama than McCain

I usually disagree with your pieces, Earl. This one, however, I find well-reasoned and somewhat persuasive. The question is can (in the vein of Kennedy/LBJ) McCain stomach him? posted 05/17/2008 at 19:20:04

Obama KOs Bush and McCain: Finally, a Democrat Who Knows How to Fight!

His fight now - and with his counterpunch the other day - against the Repubs. The rules are and have been clearly different in how you fight against the other party and how you fight within the party. The GOP has traditionally been better at following what is known as Reagan's "11th Amendment" ("Thou shalt not speak bad of a fellow Republican.") But that commandment has applied, to some extent in the Dem Party but grossly violated by HRC comments inferring Obama did not pass the "commander-in-chief" test. posted 05/19/2008 at 12:00:58

Obama's Struggle With Typical Liberal Hypocrisy

Her message comes from her being a "so-called femininist", a label I never thought did not apply to Jong until she took the position that women have a duty to vote for Clinton. She doesn't support equality or judging on the basis of merit but the same kind of supremacy men have enjoyed forever. posted 05/16/2008 at 19:55:13
Yes I am a white liberal originally from a small Southern town. Now I live, as I have for many years in the Atlanta area (Decatur specifically). There are many liberals who have supported him from the outset. The division of support for him and Clinton was less ideological and more gender and age based. Si I fundamentally disagree with your main point, John. I don't think you can take a few comments by some people and generalize them to large, ideological groups. posted 05/16/2008 at 19:51:44

Scared White

The notion that one's ability to lead this country is predicated on the single issue of whether a state Supreme Court should find that the California Constiution or US Constitution requires that same sex marriages be recognized is a big stretch. I disagree with Obama on mandates for health insurance but that doesn't mean I reject his candidacy. I look at the totality of the candidate and his approach to governing.

Lincoln did not campaign on the platform of abolishing slavery as he thought it would doom his candidacy. But he did later, when the time was right, issue the Emancipation Proclamation.

Obama, like Lincoln was, is a politician not a saint and I have confidence his support for matters that will come before him - which the marriage question probably will not as, in this country such matters have traditionally been left to the states - will be given after due deliberation considering when it is most effective to do so to accomplish the goal at hand.

As this case broke new ground - or set precedent - most constitutional law professors could engage in a good faith debate about the issue and, in fact, have. posted 05/17/2008 at 23:38:22
I am big-time supporter of Obama but I wish those who support him (like Mr. Weber) would refrain from using insulting language and offensive comments in attacking Obama's opponents. It is not consistent with the kind of campaign he has tried to run. You don't do Obama's cause a service by speaking like this. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:40:43
How is his record in the senate terrible? Do you oppose his ethics reform? Reduction of lead in toys or limits on mercury? Do you oppose his measures to secure weapons in former Soviet republics. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:36:51
NC is a big state. Many of his victories (Iowa, Colorado and CT) are mostly white states. He will win NY and CA easily. There is no correlation between victories in the primaries and the general. He will have to fight to win PA and OH but he will win some states that don't normally go Democratic. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:33:33
The winning of WV (and its 5 electoral votes) is coincidental not dispositive. Many of those victories were by a margin of much more than 5 electoral votes. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:30:07
At my Jewish Temple where I have gone for forty years, nobody agrees with the rabbis. Arguing about his sermons is a common pasttime. Your criticism of Obama by citing his pastor just proves the point of this article. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:26:06
Have you ever read his books? Did Axelrod do his work for him at Harvard Law?

If you are gonna attack him, come up with something that has substance.

Are his tax cuts orthodox liberal ethic? posted 05/17/2008 at 18:22:50
Are you pro or anti Social Security and do you believe it is a socialist program? posted 05/17/2008 at 18:18:23
Prior to eight years ago were you or anyone pushing for marriages for gay and lesbian couples? What were you doing on that issue? Obama used to practice civil rights law. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:15:03
And what has McCain or Clinton lead? McCain's and Clinton's campaigns went in to major debt. As for the Supreme Ct decision in California, the decision is groundbreaking and not inconsistent at all with Obama's stated position to let each state decide. You completely misrepresent his position. posted 05/17/2008 at 18:12:17

Obama Responds To Bush, McCain Appeasement Attack

Later privately some White House officials confirmed he was talking about Obama. posted 05/17/2008 at 11:05:30
He's also received more money from all types of Americans. So what's your point? posted 05/17/2008 at 11:04:08
Specifically identify what "appeasement route" you are talking about? I don't think you have a clue what you are talking about. I think you are just spouting talking points without any comprehension.

Are you referring to the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt who had fought four wars between 1948 and 1973. Are you talking about the Iranians upon whose territory he attempted a rescue of the hostages? posted 05/17/2008 at 11:02:02
All of the reasons he stated for staying out of the war were correct. Just in that he's shown more leadership than any of our current crop. Of course, if the war had gone better, it could have jeopardized his chances of winning his Senate seat. posted 05/17/2008 at 10:58:58

"Appeasement": Guilt-By-Analogy... When Guilt-By-Association Isn't Enough

We started the Iraq War. We didn't try to avoid it. We affirmatively and without provocation commenced it. The war in Afghanistan can be viewed differently as Al Qaeda was based there at the time of 9/11. posted 05/17/2008 at 11:09:46
You are refuting yourself. Many of those making 100,000 to 200,000 are Republicans. He is supporting a fair social security tax increase that works against the interests of those whom you claim he is appeasing. He is subjecting more than the first 102,500 to the same rate. posted 05/16/2008 at 21:56:46
I'm ready to talk facts. You have not stated any facts. And what is KCRW? I have no idea what those initials stand for. posted 05/16/2008 at 21:23:07
He specifically doesn't want to talk to Al Qaeda but Iran which is different. I don't think he wanted to destroy them either but I doubt Ahmadinejad does either. Egypt, under Sadat and his predecessor did attack Israel repeatedly something Iran never did.

The reason we need to talk to Iran is to discourage them (not with words but carrots and sticks) from developing nukes and from arming Iraqi militias. posted 05/16/2008 at 21:21:38
I have read your deliberately misleading comments before. Obama supports raising the payroll tax cap which is not appeasing the right wing but pissing them off. Instead of compromsing their benefits he is trying to shore up its solvency. You are 180 degrees off on that point. He supports a liberal position on Social Security but has been lambasted by the likes of Paul Krugman merely because he believes the system will be in jeopardy if we don't make modest changes. He has repeatedly and consistently opposed privatization. posted 05/16/2008 at 21:02:03
Sadat swore he would destoy Israel and actually fought four wars against Israel from 1948 to 1973. Was Menachem Begin and Jimmy Carter appeasers for negotiating with Sadat. Does talking to enemies mean you shower them with nice compliments or discussing ways to help each other. The Soviet Union was a far bigger threat to us and had a stated policy of blowing us off the face of the map. Were Truman through Reagan weak to talk to them. And what lefties shower love on Iran. Name one please. I bet you won't respond because the facts are not on your side. posted 05/16/2008 at 20:05:44

Electing Sweetie

I know a lot of women who actually like and appreciate being called "sweetie". I don't know any African-Americans who like being called "boy". It reminds them that their forefathers in this county were slaves and implies that they still should be. posted 05/17/2008 at 13:50:45
How is he manipulative? Identify two lies he has made? Why do you think he has an inflated ego? posted 05/16/2008 at 13:12:45
I read the article. You totally have misconstrued it. He didn't seek to destroy the Clintons. Not one place in the article makes such a suggestion. He sought to affirmatively support (and work for) a candidate in which he believes. The public was not duped. You are a sore loser, Democratic RN and have deliberately misrepresented this article to the readers here. You talk about Blacks and Eggheads if they are some nefarious group. We are all Americans. Have some respect and not disdain for your fellow countrymen. posted 05/16/2008 at 12:42:30
I know his positions on the issues and Hillary's. For you to suggest that we, the millions of voters who cast a ballot for Obama, is nothing but offensive. Is he whiste clean? Probably not. But compared to Hillary he's probably completely antiseptic. Her votes and positions on issues are what cause me to support Obama as well as his better approach to politics and skill at which he ran his 50-state campaign leads me to my choice. Not the media.

He's not divisive. He's inclusive. You just don't like that he beat your candidate. posted 05/16/2008 at 12:30:02

George W. Bush and "Appeasement"

The fact is, by the time of the Munich meetings, Hitler had already seized part of France ( a part lost in WWI), invaded Austria and Czechoslovakia and had begun moving Jews into ghettos with a view towards their total extermination. Iran has not invaded anyone. They have supported various Shia militias in Iraq, some of whom we actually claim to support. They have helped train Hezbollah and provided them with financial support and armaments. They have attempted to arm Hamas. Whatever their nefarious activities, they do not come close to the level of evil that Hitler reached long before Chamberlain's appeasement. In Iran Jews live prosperous lives. They are not forced to live in ghettos. Though Iran does pursue policies counter to America's interests, we have aided them unwittingly by our invasion of Iraq. To successfully execute a foreign policy we must put the problems of the world in clear perspective and not lump all bad actors into one category. That breeds misunderstanding and more hatred and violence. posted 05/16/2008 at 02:19:30

Chris Matthews Eviscerates Right-Wing Host Kevin James Over Obama "Appeasement" Claims

there are a lot of right-wing idiots who have made careers spouting talking points with no idea about that which they talk in the last fifteen or so years. posted 05/15/2008 at 22:54:14

Conyers On Rove: "We'll Hold Him In Contempt"

If you think you are actually funny, then you are pathetic. Our country is much worse for the election and reelection of Bush and the imposition of his policies. People have died and their lives made worse and you offer the kind of pithy, gutter remark that may be suitable for discussing sports in a smoky bar. posted 05/15/2008 at 19:40:38

First Victory on GI Bill Today

I believe it has a withdrawal timeline as well which I'm sure the President will oppose. Timetables are the only responsible and practical way to extricate the troops from this nightmare known as the Iraq war. To completely defund would impose even greater risks on our troops than the President already has by starting and incompetently continuing this war. If Congress completely defunded the war immediately, the Pentagon would discontinue certain services that the troops need to mitigate the already-great risks the President and the Pentagon has encumbered them with.

Complete and immediate defunding would be no less irresponsible than not giving the veterans the new GI bill they deserve so they can pursue or augment their education. The first involves their current predicament. The latter their future situation. posted 05/15/2008 at 19:32:59
The soldiers follow orders. They make a sacrifice that greatly transcends any well-meaning or self-righteous argument that any blogging commentor might make typing up their position. Many of the men and women serving in Iraq today joined the services after 9/11 with a strong desire to protect our country. Many who join are just looking for employment. Regardless of their intent, they did not decide to attack Iraq. They take an oath to obey orders handed down by civilians ultimately.

As for your legal argument, it is based on a false comprehension of the law. I am an attorney. There are international conventions and laws that prohibit some forms of conduct. The overwhelming percentage (over 99%) of the soldiers have not done things such as ordered or committed unlawful killings or torture. Only a very few could be prosecuted under prevailing international laws. Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Feith and others are probably liable criminally but not the soldiers - except for those who engaged in "Abu Ghraib- type" activities.

Mr. Reickhoff deserves enormous praise for his honorable and pragmatic commitment to those who serve our country. To him and others with whom he works, I offer my humble thanks and appreciation. posted 05/15/2008 at 19:26:08

Tennessee GOP Attacks Michelle Obama, Obama Camp Hits Back

Campaigning for President is not something anyone does unless they are committed to America. People voted for him. That's why he deserves to be in the White House. posted 05/16/2008 at 23:01:31

Bush Uses Holy Land Pulpit to Launch Smear Campaign

I don't like the leaders of Iran but when did they commit genocide killings? There is no evidence they have ever done so. If I am incorrect, please identify the occurrence. As far as I know, Iran has never attacked another country although they certainly give arms to various Shiite militias in Iraq including certain parties which we support. posted 05/15/2008 at 16:42:45
Bravo, Paul for coming out and calling the kettle black, so to speak. As an Obama supporter, I particularly salute you as I know your ties with the Clintons run deep. I am glad to see you reaffirm your commitment to defend those in the Democratic Party from scurrilous attacks. As an American Jew I am particularly appalled by the President's statements and am perpetually puzzled by the number of American Jews who actually believe Bush is good for Israel. posted 05/15/2008 at 13:30:14

Massive Blowback To NARAL's Obama Endorsement

Anyone who is willing to chance it with McCain is not really concerned about protecting a woman's right to choose.

What about the midterms in 2010? What if the GOP got a majority back. Noboody in Novembe 2004 predicted Dems would get the majority in '06
Name one way in which Obama is a charlatan. posted 05/15/2008 at 23:46:05
You are projecting our wishes on reality. He lost to Bobby Rush in his first election. Why didn't the omniscient, monolithic "Chicago Political Machine" just ensure his victory if they are so powerful. How did Axelrod race bait and what other politiians did he do this with? Did Obama destroy Hillary or did she do it to herself.

How do you reach your conclusion he is n ot Presidential material? Upon what evidence do you base that conclusion? posted 05/15/2008 at 23:42:49
Certainly your post here proves that there is racism alive in this country. Yours. posted 05/15/2008 at 23:30:12

Sixty Years After the 1948 War

If the appetite is so large, then why did Sharon reverse course and give back Gaza? posted 05/15/2008 at 20:08:47
I agree, as an American Jew who loves Israel but recognizes that the hardships and oppression of the Palestinian people must be acknowledged and addressed. That being said your claim that Sandy offers a balanced view is not entirely true. The Arab leaders in 1948 instructed Palestinians to leave their villages while they drive out the Jews. A balanced view must show the indignities and hardships imposed on the Palestinians, the terror and nihilistic hatred of the jihadist suicide bombers, the militancy of the expanding settlements by Israelis in the West Bank, the acknowledgement that Israel did give up its residency in Gaza (which rebuts the claim that Israel is in this for unmitigated expansion) and the recognition that, prior to the assasination of Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 the Palestinians had a good chance of achieving independence. Both sides bear culpability and views that fail to acknowledge these complex realities are not truly balanced. posted 05/15/2008 at 20:07:40
Your last comment about the Iraq War presupposes that protecting Israel was the sole and exclusive reason this administration ordered the invasion of Iraq. I believe there were many reasons which different supporters of the effort harbored. First, the significant presence of oil in Iraq convinced many that the invasion would bolster our control of that commodity and actually lower gas prices. It looked like a financial and political benefit to those people. Others had a level of post 9/11 vengeance against Muslims and Arabs which the seemingly easy war in Afghanistan did not exhaust. For some like our President, he had two psychological reasons: (a) he believed his Daddy was a wimp for not taking out Saddam completely in 1991 when he had the opportunity and (b) Saddam tried to kill his Daddy. For many political operatives they believed it would be an easy war and would secure Bush's reelection in 2004. And some even, like Christopher Hitchens for example (whom I dislike), had moral reasons.

So to suggest that the invasion was all about protecting Israel fails to recognize that many people who actively influenced American policy had different reasons for their support. posted 05/15/2008 at 19:56:59

Why John Edwards Endorsed Obama Today

Where do you get your crystal balls from and do you really believe Obama will not win NY and CALIF? He's beating McCain in the polls by as big a margins as Clinton is.

And does the fact that I point out these things mean that I am a "mean Obamabot"? posted 05/14/2008 at 20:06:55

Race (and West Virginia) Makes the Democrat's Obama Gamble Riskier than Ever

I was expecting you to write a piece today, Earl, just like this to celebrate last night's loss for Obama. You are firmly entrenched in the hope that the racism in our society will cause Obama's defeat in November. What is sordid is not that you subscribe to this view but that you purposely and systematically contribute to this view with your commentary. When white voters next week in Oregon vote in favor of Obama - in that state he will also need in November - what are you going to say then? And why no commentary on last night's MS. congressional race or the race in Louisiana a couple weeks ago. Hanging Obama around the Dem candidates' necks did not hurt either of them in those formerly Republican strongholds. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:58:12

You Broke It, You Own It -- Obama Style

A;; polls have him beating McCain in NY and CA as much as Clinton would. PA and OH are closer. But historically there is no correlation between whether you win a primary during the nominating contest and whether you win the state in the general.

And in NY and CA I don't think he outspent Clinton. posted 05/15/2008 at 09:11:26
Your theory is not supported by evidence. McGovern was a military man as was Carter when he lost in 1980. posted 05/15/2008 at 09:04:06
We have far fewer caucuses and primaries and winner-take-all primaries are intinsically less democratic than proportionat representation primaries where equal weight is given to each vote. Get your facts straight. posted 05/14/2008 at 15:56:12
I have enormous respect for you Kristen for the good work you have done since 9/11. That being said, your political punditry is flawed.

First, Obama's record is not as nonexistent as you suggest. Ethics reform, crossing the aisle to work with Senator Lugar on loose weapons in former Soviet republics, limits on mercury and lead in toys, health care notification of rights and earmark reform are part of the things he has lead on. What has Clinton done in the Senate since 2006?

As for McCain, he used to be more of a maverick. He now supports Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy, a more limited immigration proposal that only addresses border control and restricting women's rights to an abortion.

He's wrong on the war. Obama not only was right but his predictions stated in his 2002 speech were accurate. We need someone who understands that Iraq has made us less safe and less capable of stopping future terrorist attacks against our country and our soldiers.

You suggest that because Clinton beats him in economically depressed areas he is weak in that area. But how Obama does against Clinton is no reliable indicator of how he'll do in November.

Likewise McCain has forfeited his change agent status as he has embraced Bush's policies during this election.

The Dem race is over. If you agree with the policies of the Dems, you only do a disservice to their prevailing in the fall by repeating these discredited GOP talking points. posted 05/14/2008 at 11:23:47

Hillary Agonistes: Why Doesn't She Concede?

Wanna bet. His loss in WV does nothing to disavow of my belief he will do just fine. I bet he wins more than twenty states. I always expected him to get beat badly in WV. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:42:04
Although an Obama supporter, I fully agree she has every right to continue. My only questions are to what end and what is her rationale to her donors to continue to spend money. That seems somewhat irresponsibie to me.

As for whether Obama can measure up, he has proven a large capacity to overcome obstacles in this campaign. Whether Obama supporters want her to get out is irrelevant to whether he is a formidable candidate. It goes to the issue of whether we want the race to focus on McCain at this point. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:37:59
I'm not in college. I know people of every ethnicity, age, gender and sexual orientationwho support Obama. The notion that Obama, who has won almost three-quarters of a million more votes than a former First Lady shows that his support is broad. It also shows that you completely misrepresent what his campaign represents and who supports it. You engage in reductionist rhetoric to compensate for your delusion that there is something phony about Obama's national support. posted 05/14/2008 at 10:24:36

Barack Obama and Israel: More GOP Lies

Where does Kerry assert that only the GOP engages in character assassination? I did not see any such claim. Where is that? posted 05/15/2008 at 10:53:14

Superdelegates put Obama within mathematical reach

If anyone is issuing a rant it is you ammobob. I don;t agree with everything KQuarks says but it is a reasoned set of comments not a personal attack. posted 05/13/2008 at 14:24:07

The Bipartisanship Scam

I realized last Tuesday night when the media and the majority of Americans figured out what those relying on mathematics had figured out after Texas and Ohio contests - namely that Obama was going to be the next nominee - is that this upcoming general election will offer an opportunity for the Democratic Party to set the policy agenda in this country for the first time in decades - probably at least three.

In 1984 when Reagan beat Mondale - the last Democratic party nominee to unabashedly campaign on what had been for years the prevailing policy positions and general message of the party - the Republicans succeeded in getting at least a majority of the country behind its right-wing agenda. The Clinton victories in the 90's under the banner of triangulation underscored this capitulation to the right as the Gingrich revolution in 1994 reinforced its supremacy. But George W. Bush and his ideological incompetents overplayed their hand and ignored huge problems so we now have an opportunity to change the policy direction by supporting the candidate who will withdraw our soldiers from Iraq, work to make health care affordable to Americans, address the urgent problem of global warming and restore some balance in the tax code which unduly favors the wealthy . I believe, unlike the nominating process, these issues - for the first time in a presidential campaign - will be debated although McCain's surrogates will seek to make it about Rev. Wright, etc. An Obama victory would posted 05/13/2008 at 00:40:31

Russert Watch 5-11-08: In Which Hillary Surrogates Get Got

- ethics reform
- worked with Sen Lugar (R.) on securing loose weapons in former Soviet republics
- limits on mercury
- Lead Removal Ac
- Medicare Informed Choice Act
- earmark transparency act

I could go on and on. for his short tenure he has had an interesting, though not huge, record. He's probably been more effective since 2006 than Clinton in getting legislation through. posted 05/13/2008 at 01:20:40

Clinton Campaign In $20 Million Of Debt, Campaign Chair Says Clinton Could Lend More Money

It is my understanding that it is illegal for him to use campaign contributions he has already received to pay off her debts or pay her off directly. What he could do is have a series of fundraisers where the money is earmarked for such purpose. Perhaps a series of "unity rallies' with both candidates where HRC speaks first, endorses Barack and goes after McCain. Then Barack could come out and give his speech. posted 05/12/2008 at 14:31:46

Frank Rich's Imaginary America

Rich did not say racism does not exist only that it will be less of a factor than many pundits, like Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts for example, claim that it will.

Where I live near Atlanta my neighborhood - a middle class one- is equally split with black and white professionals. Thirty years ago my neighborhood would not have contained any black residents and 15 years ago only a few. There is still racism all over this country but far less than what we had in 1968 when our family's cleaning lady lived in a house without plumbing. In the seventies each of her children atttended either college or vocational school and have all gone on to careers where they make far more than their mom and where the subject matter of their work goes way beyond cleaning. posted 05/13/2008 at 14:42:23

Hillary Said It Wrong But Got It Right About Hard Working, White Americans

Obama won a majority (a bigger majority, in fact) of white voters in states such as Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, Utah and many others. I understand that perhaps only Colorado is in play for the general. But, for the purposes of this piece. why do the people in those states not count? He does well with whites in states with less than 7% of the population being black or over 17%. Earl dreads an Obama victory because it would refute the notion that this country is as racially polarized as he believes it is. posted 05/10/2008 at 18:22:29

The Military Analyst Scandal Dies -- Even on NPR?

I have previously suggested by emailing people who work for "Off The Bus" about the need to put together a one-day boycott of the MSM and, by publicizing the fact we are going to do it, hopefully force the MSM to report on the story. For some on this blog, boycotting it won't take much (as my boycott of ABC after the PA debate only involved eliminating This Week on Sundays), but it would be a meaningful gesture to some outlets that we are not going to support efforts to run clips of Rev. Wright and the latest news on Suri Cruise while soldiers die in Iraq, food prices rise worldwide, the globe is warming, the people in Darfur are dying, gas prices are skying, health care system in this country lags far behind others with fairer systems that do offer commensurate quality, the rebuilding in the Gulf is dammed (please excuse the oun) up it appears, the real problem of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan is both underreported and not fully explicated to the public and we have longterm fiscal issues to address. posted 05/09/2008 at 00:46:55

Matt Cooper Taking Wagers on Clinton's Political Future Ending Permanently

Excellent analysis. Very incisive use of metaphors. posted 05/08/2008 at 22:28:36

Obama Hits Hamas "Smear": McCain Is "Losing His Bearings"

Please identify which specific policies of his are Marxist? posted 05/09/2008 at 00:28:40

Hillary Will Drop Out by June 15

You didn't state any facts. Only opinions. posted 05/07/2008 at 14:13:03
Wanna make a bet? posted 05/07/2008 at 14:11:52
What did O'Donnell say that is vile? What I object to is that when Obama supporters or journalists point out facts and those facts undermine HRC's case for the nomination, it is portrayed as biased or vile or mean. The numbers have and continue to speak for themselves. posted 05/07/2008 at 14:09:33

George McGovern Switches To Obama, Urges Clinton To Drop Out

They can and have made commitments before then. Before a single vote had been cast in the primaries Hillary had secured many such commitments. posted 05/07/2008 at 12:08:56
As an attorney who has practiced in federal court I can tell you that prosecutors are required to submit witness lists to the court and the defendant prior to the trial. While this list can be amended for certain causes, it should be noted that Obama is not on the list. Can you identify a factual basis for your claim he will be called or are you grasping at straws? posted 05/07/2008 at 12:06:38

Fight Hillary! Fight!

Its your money. posted 05/07/2008 at 16:07:29

Game, Set, Match: North Carolina and Indiana Settled the Democratic Nomination

Your suggestion that the fourth estate forced voters in Iowa, NH, SC and Nevada to support Obama is not supported by any evidence. Edwards, as a former VP nominee, was well-known. No one in the media told those voters to vote for him. posted 05/07/2008 at 12:16:08

Obama Victorious, Clinton On The Ropes

The Democratic Party has a proportional representation delegate system which means she won 2 or 3 more delegates from Indiana than him. If it were like the Electoral College System you would then have an argument but its not so you don't.

Tonight was a thumping. Millions have voted for Obama . I believe you are a better person than one who would label them all "butt monkeys". posted 05/07/2008 at 01:45:14
Huff Po did not disenfranchise MI and FLA voters and you know it. Even if they had contests there, it would not change the dynamics of this race. Its time to focus on John McCain. posted 05/07/2008 at 01:41:35

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