Endorsing Obama

[Makkonnen]

Re: Brzezinski Picks Obama Over Clinton

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/01/lawyers_for_git.html

Lawyers for Gitmo detainees endorse Obama
by csavage January 28, 2008 05:57 PM

By Charlie Savage

More than 80 volunteer lawyers for Guantanamo Bay detainees today endorsed Illinois Senator Barack Obama's presidential bid.

The attorneys said in a joint statement that they believed Obama was the best choice to roll back the Bush-Cheney administration's detention policies in the war on terrorism and thereby to "restore the rule of law, demonstrate our commitment to human rights, and repair our reputation in the world community." The attorneys are representing the detainees in habeas corpus lawsuits, which are efforts to get individual hearings before federal judges in order to challenge the basis for their indefinite imprisonment without trial.

The attorneys praised Obama for being a leader in an unsuccessful fight in the fall of 2006 to block Congress from enacting a law stripping courts of jurisdiction to hear Guantanamo detainee lawsuits. The constitutionality of that law, which was part of the Military Commissions Act, is now being challenged before the Supreme Court in one of the most closely-watched cases this term.

"When we were walking the halls of the Capitol trying to win over enough Senators to beat back the Administration's bill, Senator Obama made his key staffers and even his offices available to help us," they wrote. "Senator Obama worked with us to count the votes, and he personally lobbied colleagues who worried about the political ramifications of voting to preserve habeas corpus for the men held at Guantanamo. He has understood that our strength as a nation stems from our commitment to our core values, and that we are strong enough to protect both our security and those values. Senator Obama demonstrated real leadership then and since, continuing to raise Guantanamo and habeas corpus in his speeches and in the debates."

The attorneys did not say why they sided with Obama over his chief rival, New York Senator Hillary Clinton. Like Obama, Clinton too opposed the Military Commissions Act, arguing during the Senate debate that a major flaw of the bill was its provision stripping habeas corpus rights for non-citizens named by the president as "enemy combatants."

"This bill would not only deny detainees habeas corpus rights – a process that would allow them to challenge the very validity of their confinement – it would also deny these rights to lawful immigrants living in the United States," Clinton said in September 2006. "If enacted, this law would give license to this Administration to pick people up off the streets of the United States and hold them indefinitely without charges and without legal recourse."

The Gitmo attorneys contrasted Obama's record during the fight over the Military Commissions Act with that of "some politicians," whom they did not name but accused of being "all talk and no action" and who, they said, "stood back" while Obama took a more active role amid the controversy. Chicago lawyer Gary Isaac, who helped draft the statement, said that this wording was intended not to be a jab at Clinton. Rather, he said, it is "really intended to respond to the contention that Senator Obama is all talk and no action. We wanted to share our experience where he was a leader on an issue of great importance to us."

Several Boston lawyers were among the signatories to the endorsement statement, including P. Sabin Willett, Stephen H. Oleskey, Jason Pinney, and Neil McGaraghan. Other names on the list included Washington lawyer Thomas Wilner, retired federal appeals court judge John Gibbons, Center for Constitutional Rights president Michael Ratner, and retired Rear Admiral Donald Guter, who was the Navy's top JAG officer from 2000 to 2002 and who is now the dean of the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh.

 

[Makkonnen]

Re: Brzezinski Picks Obama Over Clinton

The Democrats
Richardson's Choice

By Jose Antonio Vargas
SANTA FE, N.M. -- Gov. Bill Richardson's phone has been ringing off the hook. Sen. Hillary Clinton called Sunday night. That was followed by a call from former president Bill Clinton, then a call from Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who's supporting Clinton. Sen. Barack Obama called twice Monday morning.

And, at around 4 p.m. Monday, as we entered Richardson's office on the fourth floor of the state Capitol here, Richardson was finishing up a 15-minute phone conversation.

"That was Teddy," Richardson told The Trail. Sen. Ted Kennedy, who alongside his niece Caroline and son Patrick endorsed Obama at a packed rally at American University just hours before, is scheduled to stump for the Illinois senator in northern New Mexico Wednesday night. Kennedy is urging Richardson to support Obama. "Teddy's argument is that Obama can bring people together," Richardson said. "That's his rationale."

As the highest-ranking Hispanic in the Democratic Party, Richardson's endorsement is being aggressively sought by the Clinton and Obama campaigns. California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico are among the 22 states voting next week, and each have sizable Hispanic electorates. Richardson, who cruised to re-election as New Mexico governor in 2006, is a popular figure in the Hispanic community.

Richardson's torn. He served in the Clinton White House, first as ambassador to the United Nations, then as Clinton's Secretary of Energy. "I have a history with the Clintons," Richardson said. "And I've always liked her. She always seems very genuine." But Richardson considers Kennedy, who's long been respected by Hispanics, as "a mentor." In 1982, when Richardson ran for Congress for the second time -- he lost two years before -- Kennedy flew to Santa Fe and campaigned for him. "That might have been the reason I was elected," Richardson said. And he said he likes Obama, telling a story about how Obama saved him during one of last year's Democratic debates:

"I had just been asked a question -- I don't remember which one -- and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn't going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, 'So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?' But I wasn't paying any attention! I was about to say, 'Could you repeat the question? I wasn't listening.' But I wasn't about to say I wasn't listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, 'Katrina. Katrina.' The question was on Katrina! So I said, 'On Katrina, my policy . . .' Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, 'Obama, that was good of you to do that.'"

Richardson, like Clinton and Obama, waged a historic campaign. He was the first Hispanic -- he's half Mexican -- to run for president, yet his candidacy was overshadowed by Clinton and Obama. He finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire and dropped out of the Democratic race on Jan. 10, citing a lack of funds. Some political observers here are surprised that he's waited this long to endorse a candidate, though they wonder if he's negotiating a vice presidential spot in the Democratic ticket, or perhaps a place in the cabinet.

If Richardson is to endorse either Clinton or Obama -- "I might, I might not, how's that for an answer?" -- he said he'll do so by the end of the week.

"If I do endorse, it's going to be a gut feeling. It's not going to be about statistics, about past ties," Richardson said. "I've been on the campaign trail with both of them. I feel that I know them. I feel I know the issues. I feel I know what makes them both tick."
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/29/richardsons_choice.html

 

[Spectrum]

Re: Brzezinski Picks Obama Over Clinton

"I had just been asked a question -- I don't remember which one -- and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn't going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, 'So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?' But I wasn't paying any attention! I was about to say, 'Could you repeat the question? I wasn't listening.' But I wasn't about to say I wasn't listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, 'Katrina. Katrina.' The question was on Katrina! So I said, 'On Katrina, my policy . . .' Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, 'Obama, that was good of you to do that.'"

Obama is mad cool...this right here took me back to grade school

 

[QueEx]

Re: Brzezinski Picks Obama Over Clinton

Obama is mad cool...this right here took me back to grade school

Yeah, me too; 1st grade actually. The guy sitting next to me - in probably his second or third round in 1st grade and the class bully - had just been caught copying his ass off from my spelling test. I thought about doing an Obama. I thought about saving his ass. I thought about not throwing his ass under the bus -- but nahhhhh.

Mofo had copied my name as well, LOL, nothing I could do.

QueEx

 

[Makkonnen]

Re: Brzezinski Picks Obama Over Clinton

Yeah, me too; 1st grade actually. The guy sitting next to me - in probably his second or third round in 1st grade and the class bully - had just been caught copying his ass off from my spelling test. I thought about doing an Obama. I thought about saving his ass. I thought about not throwing his ass under the bus -- but nahhhhh.

Mofo had copied my name as well, LOL, nothing I could do.

QueEx

 

[QueEx]

<font size="5"><center>
Obama Wins Backing of Kansas Governor</font size></center>

Associated Press
By JOHN MILBURN
January 29, 2008

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday endorsed Barack Obama for president, a Super Tuesday boost in a GOP-leaning state that Democrats hope to reclaim in the White House campaign.

"I think he represents the kind of leader that we need for the future of the country," Sebelius told The Associated Press. "I think he brings the hope and optimism that we really need to restore our place in the world, as well as to bring this country together and really tackle the challenges that we have."

Her announcement came hours ahead of Obama's rally in El Dorado, the hometown of his grandfather on his mother's side, and one week before the Kansas caucuses, which are part of the multistate contests Feb. 5. Sebelius said she would attend the event to "welcome him back to Kansas and join the campaign."

Democratic presidential candidates long had sought Sebelius' backing in a state that George W. Bush carried by large margins in the 2000 and 2004 elections. No Democratic nominee for the White House has won Kansas' electoral votes since Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

But Sebelius, now in her second term, has shown an ability to triumph in GOP territory. She won re-election in 2006 with nearly 58 percent of the vote. In Kansas, less than 27 percent of the voters are registered Democrats.

She said her two "20-something" sons and 86-year-old father, former Ohio Gov. John Gilligan, already were backing Obama, and that the Illinois senator had the ability to bridge generations for the betterment of the country.

Sebelius has taken the governor's office by wooing moderate Republicans and independent voters. Obama hopes to do the same in Kansas. Democrats will have caucuses at 50 sites on Super Tuesday to split up 32 of their 41 delegates to the Democratic National Convention this summer in Denver. Sebelius is one of the remaining nine delegates who will represent the state.

For Obama, it was another in a string of high-profile endorsements in the past two days, following on those from Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.; his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I.; and Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President Kennedy.

The campaign of Obama's chief rival, Hillary Rodham Clinton, sought to play down the impact of Sebelius' endorsement.

"It's just going to be who's going to work the hardest and get their people out," said Dan Lykins, the state Democratic Party treasurer and co-chairman of Clinton's Kansas campaign.

Sebelius has impressed Democrats nationally by election success, and party leaders let her give the Democratic response Monday night to Bush's State of the Union address.

She is coming off a year as head of the Democratic Governors Association, a group that Bill Clinton once led. The governor made Democrats' lists of potential vice presidential running mates for nominee John Kerry in 2004, and while there's less of the same talk this year, she is seen as possible Cabinet appointee in a Democratic administration.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jFLmjrNcR9F6JGl7K7lytsy9EiVQD8UFM3OO0

 

[QueEx]

Re: CASTRO PICKS OBAMA clinton

Brzezinski Embraces Obama Over Clinton for President

Janine Zacharia
Fri Aug 24, 3:24 PM ET

Aug. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Zbigniew Brzezinski, one of the most influential foreign-policy experts in the Democratic Party, threw his support behind Barack Obama's presidential candidacy, saying the Illinois senator has a better global grasp than his chief rival, Hillary Clinton.

Obama ``recognizes that the challenge is a new face, a new sense of direction, a new definition of America's role in the world,'' Brzezinski said in an interview on Bloomberg Television's ``Political Capital with Al Hunt.''

``Obama is clearly more effective and has the upper hand,''......................Full Bloomberg/Yahoo Article

​

<font size="5"><center>Jimmy Carter Praises Obama,
But Won't Endorse Candidate<font size><font size="4">
Former President Has Spoken
With Clinton About Race Issue</font size></center>

Wall Street Journal
By DOUGLAS A. BLACKMON
January 29, 2008 7:16 p.m.

PLAINS, Ga. -- Former President Jimmy Carter lavished praise on Illinois Sen. Barack Obama during an interview at his home Monday, though he won't formally endorse any candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination.

"Obama's campaign has been extraordinary and titillating for me and my family," Mr. Carter said. The 83-year-old former president, who left the White House in 1981, compared Mr. Obama's speeches to those of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and said he believed the candidate could carry some southern states if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

Mr. Carter also said he talked by telephone at length on Monday with former President Bill Clinton, who was "trying to explain that he was not raising the race issue" on the campaign trail. Mr. Carter said the phone call was to finalize speaking arrangements for Mr. Clinton's appearance at a meeting organized by Mr. Carter of moderate Baptists in Atlanta beginning Wednesday. But much of the conversation dwelt on the presidential campaign, Mr. Carter said.

Mr. Clinton "has said a few things that I think he wishes he hadn't said," Mr. Carter said. "He doesn't call me often, but the fact that he called me this morning and spent a long time explaining his position indicates that it's troublesome to them, the adverse reaction."

"I told him I hoped it would die down … the charged atmosphere concerning the race issue," Mr. Carter said. "And I think it will."

On Tuesday, the Clinton campaign didn't immediately comment regarding the conversation or on Mr. Carter's remarks about Mr. Obama.

Mr. Carter, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, has assiduously avoided involvement in the nitty-gritty of Democratic politics in the years since his presidency -- partly to avoid conflicts that might entangle the work of his non-profit, the Carter Center.

But more than once he has given public signals of encouragement to politicians he likes. Last August, he introduced Sen. John Edwards, who now trails Mr. Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton in the Democratic nominating contest, at an event held near Plains. One of Mr. Carter's sons, Jeff Carter, 55 years old, has publicly endorsed Mr. Edwards as well.

Mr. Carter said that his three other children and his 11 grandchildren support Mr. Obama. Mr. Carter's oldest son, Jack Carter, 60, who unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in Nevada two years ago, recently endorsed Mr. Obama. He originally backed Delaware Sen. Joseph Biden, who has since dropped out of the presidential race.

Mr. Carter said he has had limited direct contact with Mr. Obama but has been particularly impressed with the candidate's recent public appearances. "The speech he made after Iowa and the speech he made the other night after South Carolina are equal in eloquence to Martin Luther King Jr.," Mr. Carter said. "He has an extraordinary oratory … I think that Obama will be almost automatically a healing factor in the animosity now that exists, that relates to our country and its government."

Write to Douglas A. Blackmon at douglas.blackmon@wsj.com

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120164702395826651.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

 

[QueEx]

Re: CASTRO PICKS OBAMA clinton

<font size="5"><center>L.A. Times endorses Obama, McCain</font size><font size="4">
The editorial board breaks its 36-year endorsement hiatus
in selecting the Democratic and Republican senators.</font size></center>

By Scott Martelle, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
3:03 PM PST, February 1, 2008

The Los Angeles Times editorial board today threw its backing behind Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination and Sen. John McCain in the Republican race, ending a 36-year presidential endorsement hiatus.

The endorsements come just days before California joins 21 other states in Tuesday's coast-to-coast lineup of nominating contests in races that remain intensely competitive.

The endorsements -- to be published Sunday -- were posted online at 1:30 p.m. today. Though the board "strongly endorsed" Obama, its backing of McCain was more nuanced, citing disagreements with him over such issues as the war in Iraq, gay rights and abortion.

But it lauded the Arizona senator and Vietnam War hero for his approach to immigration reform, his opposition to Guantanamo Bay and the use of torture, and for his overall approach to foreign affairs.

"Those are positions that should impress voters across the political spectrum; indeed, part of the argument for McCain's candidacy, as for Barack Obama's on the Democratic ballot, is its appeal across the center," the editorial said.

In backing Obama, the Times editorial said the freshman senator from Illinois "distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics."

And it pointedly found fault with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's vote to authorize the war in Iraq.

"Clinton faced a test and failed, joining the stampede as Congress voted to authorize war," the editorial said. "At last week's debate and in previous such sessions, Clinton blamed Bush for abusing the authority she helped to give him, and she has made much of the fact that Obama was not yet in the Senate and didn't face the same test. But Obama was in public life, saw the danger of the invasion and the consequences of occupation, and he said so. He was right."

Editorial page editor James Newton acknowledged that the endorsements shared a common, though unintentional thread.

"It is true we are looking for unifying characters, and I think they both to some degree meet that criteria, though we didn't set out with that as" a priority, Newton said.

The last time The Times endorsed in a presidential election was for Richard M. Nixon in his 1972 reelection effort, a decision that then-publisher Otis Chandler came to regret as Watergate unfolded, Newton said.

At the time, Chandler was trying to "break ... the connection to the Republican Party" that had dominated the paper's editorial voice for decades, and Newton said Chandler believed the best way to do that was to remain silent on the presidential race.

With the changes since then, Newton said, there was no reason to remain silent.

"The whole idea of editorial writing is that it's good for society in general to have a civil discourse about these issues," he said.

scott.martelle@latimes.com

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-endorse2feb02,0,3636794.story

 

[Greed]

Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

By Craig Torres and Kristin Jensen
Enlarge Image/Details

Jan. 31 (Bloomberg) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama won the endorsement of former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.

``It is only Barack Obama, in his person, in his ideas, in his ability to understand and to articulate both our needs and our hopes that provide the potential for strong and fresh leadership,'' Volcker said in an e-mailed statement today.

Obama, 46, an Illinois senator, is locked in a tight race with New York Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. The two will meet head-to-head in more than 20 state primaries and caucuses on Feb. 5 after yesterday's withdrawal of former North Carolina Senator John Edwards from the race.

``This is a high-profile endorsement that is likely to strengthen Obama's credibility with respect to economic issues,'' said Costas Panagopoulos, director of the elections and campaign management program at Fordham University in New York. ``Given the growing importance of the economy as a top issue for voters, the Volcker endorsement can be very helpful.''

Volcker's statement assailed ``partisan bickering,'' ideological extremes and the ``narrow'' interests of lobbyists that he said have taken over American politics and eroded faith in government.

Challenges such as shoring up Social Security, providing affordable health care and protecting the environment from global warming require ``a willingness to break out of the engrained habits of partisan politics,'' said the former Fed chairman, who served from 1979 to 1987.

`Coherent' Policies

``We haven't faced up to the need for coherent budget, tax and other policies that will encourage savings, innovation and investment'' and free the U.S. from its ``heavy dependence on foreign capital and maintain a stable dollar,'' Volcker said.

Volcker, 80, is one of the most capable and politically courageous leaders in the Fed's 94-year history, said Allan Meltzer, a Carnegie Mellon University economist who has written a history of the Federal Reserve.

Volcker risked his reputation on a 1979 strategy to raise interest rates and crush inflation that soared to 13 percent that year. His policy produced a 16-month recession in 1981 and 1982 and a 10.8 percent unemployment rate in December 1982. But the consumer price index, which had risen to 14.8 percent in the year ending March 1980, fell to 6.8 percent two years later and 3.6 percent in March 1983.

`Rescued' Economy

The 1979 policy ``rescued our nation's economy from a dangerous path of ever-escalating inflation and instability'' and was a ``turning point in our nation's economic history,'' former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said in an October 2004 speech.

``In terms of political courage, he stands out,'' Meltzer said. Volcker ``is the only one, with the possible exception of Greenspan, that really took it seriously what it was to be an independent central bank.''

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton confirmed the endorsement.

Volcker said he had been ``reluctant to engage in political campaigns,'' and added, ``The time has come to overcome that reluctance.''

``This signals important confidence in Obama's ability to cope as president with whatever economic issues might come his way,'' said Michael Graetz, a Yale University law professor who served in President George H.W. Bush's Treasury Department.

To contact the reporter on this story: Kristin Jensen in Washington at kjensen@bloomberg.net ; Craig Torres in Washington at 1220 or ctorres3@bloomberg.net
Last Updated: January 31, 2008 18:01 EST

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aXl43P8d8T1s&refer=home#

 

[QueEx]

Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

<font size="4"><center>Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama</font size></center>

AFP
February 1, 2008

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The powerful leftist Internet-based group MoveOn.org, which counts some 3.2 million members, on Friday endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"Our members' endorsement of Senator Obama is a clear call for a new America at this critical moment in history," said MoveOn director Eli Pariser after 70 percent of members backed Obama over 30 percent for Hillary Clinton.

"Seven years of the disastrous policies of the (President George W.) Bush administration have left the country desperate for change," Pariser said.

"The enormity of the challenges require someone who knows how to inspire millions to get involved to change the direction of our country, and someone who will be willing to change business as usual in Washington. Senator Barack Obama has proved he can and will be that president."

MoveOn, known for its pioneering ability to mobilize voters over the Internet particularly against the Iraq war, said it has 1.7 million members in the 22 states which vote on Super Tuesday, February 5, in primaries to choose the Democratic candidate.

The endorsement came as Obama Friday argued that he has a better chance than New York Senator Clinton of beating the Republican nominee, especially if it is Senator John McCain, in the November 5 presidential elections.

"In terms of electability I believe that I attract new voters and independent voters, and I think that will be particularly important if McCain is the Republican nominee," he said in Los Angeles.

The Illinois senator said that if he is chosen by the party, "I'm confident I'll get her (Clinton's) votes." However, if the former first lady is the nominee, "It's not clear she'd get my votes," he said.


http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gU4JYms8oXymQqF1N0aqo1YmQuAg

 

[QueEx]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama


Move On's press release: http://moveon.org/press/pr/obamaendorsementrelease.html\


`

 

[QueEx]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

<font size="3">
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Question: In the long run, can this endorsement hurt more than it might help ???


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</font size>

 

[thoughtone]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

Help! Better than having the powerful right group, The Heritage Foundation endorse him!

Don't you understand, conservatism as a philosophy is dead. Look who the GOP is endorsing, McCain, the current enemy of the right.

 

[tre2k4]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

[Makkonnen]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

http://laopinion.com/editorial/index_en.html

La Opinion is LA's largest latino newspaper

The Democratic choice is Barack Obama



The Democratic Party arrives at the California primary with a historic choice between two extraordinary candidates. We believe that of the two, Senator Barack Obama represents fundamental change in a campaign in which "change" has become a central theme. Obama’s approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are what the country need to break through the current feeling of political malaise.

There is no doubt that Senator Hillary Clinton would be an excellent president if elected. She is capable, competent, disciplined, and hard working. She has shown herself to be a talented legislator and is on the right side of the major issues. Her plan for universal health care is one example of the courageous initiatives she has proposed as a candidate. And it would be wonderful to elect the country&*#39;s first woman president.

She has garnered significant Latino support from such influential and high profile national leaders as Raúl Yzaguirre, Henry Cisneros and Antonio Villaraigosa. She has worked tirelessly over many years to represent the best interests of Latinos and her personal commitment has been well-documented throughout this campaign.

Yet, this is a historic moment and tremendous skills and experience are not enough to inspire a feeling of renewal in our country after eight long years of George W. Bush.

As well, we were disappointed with her calculated opposition to driver’s licenses for the undocumented, which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in support made by Obama. We understand that this is an extremely controversial issue but we believe there is only one right position and it is that of the senator from Illinois. And, while both senators support comprehensive immigration reform, only Obama has committed to bringing forward new legislation during his first year in office.

It is this commitment to the immigration issue which drove Obama to condemn the malicious lies made during the immigration debate, to understand the need for driver’s licenses, and to defend the rights of undocumented students by co-authoring the DREAM Act. The senator has demonstrated character by maintaining his position despite the hostile political climate.

At the same time, there are not huge differences between the two Democractic candidates on most of the major issues. Thus, vision makes the difference! Obama offers an inclusive message of hope that addresses our country&*#39;s historic moment. He has a conciliatory style that can reverse the vicious cycle of rancor which has dominated Washington over these past decades and has paralyzed its ability to come together on major decisións.

We need a leader today that can inspire and unite America again around its greatest possibilities. Barack Obama is the right leader for the time. We know that he is not as well known among our community and while he has the support of Maria Elena Durazo, Senator Gil Cedillo and others he comes to the Latino community with less name recognition. Nevertheless, it is Obama who deserves our support.

By deciding between a woman or an African American as their presidencial nominee, the Democrats are making history. Barack Obama has the sensibilities of a man from humble beginnings raised in a multicultural home. He is the best option for a truly visionary change.

 

[Makkonnen]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

<font size="3">
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Question: In the long run, can this endorsement hurt more than it might help ???


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</font size>

Why do you think having a broad variety of people endorsing you could hurt?

 

[younggiftedandblack]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

I don't think this endorsement will hurt him too much. The people who do not agree with many of MoveOn.org tactics and policies weren't going to vote for Obama in the 1st first.

 

[Cock Head Jones]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

I'd say it'll help more than hurt. MoveOn may turn some moderates off. At the same time, this endorsement is much more than a letter stating their support. MoveOn mobilizing for Obama will be a huge help. I think more dollars and volunteers will trump the potential detriment.

 

[nyyyyce]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

One of the purposes of an endorsement is that you become a representative of the ideals, principles and values that are associated with the endorser. Obama has got a plethora of varied support in the last three weeks, govenors, senators, newspapers et al. I don't think this hurts at all. The "media" (FOX especially) will howl, but that is expected.

I do not know if it will translate into votes, but you can not help but to be, at least, impressed by who is lining up behind him. Very impressive for the "inexperienced" Senator from Illinois....

 

[Costanza]

Re: Powerful left group MoveOn endorses Obama

<font size="3">
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Question: In the long run, can this endorsement hurt more than it might help ???


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Nah... In the long run, he would have had it anyway. In the short term, it can only help.

 

[younggiftedandblack]

Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

If that means anything to anyone

“I have known Hillary for many years and have seen her work passionately on many issues, including poverty, education, and prison reform,” said Simmons. “I’m proud to support Hillary because she has the experience necessary to deliver real solutions and turn our country around. In addition, seeing Hillary as President would be an inspiration to my daughters, knowing that they too can be anything they want if they have the determination to make it happen. As a mother, I have learned that you must lead with your head, not just your heart, and I’m confident that Hillary will be the President to bring our country together and deliver a brighter future for all Americans.”

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=5497

 

[Imhotep]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

Who is she, ex model, pro gold digger......................

 

[Jam_Jam]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

Actually, it means nothing. I would compare her endorsement to a endorsement by Pee Wee Herman.

 

[Hey Julian!]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

Tell that chinky giraffe to go sell some clothes.

 

[GET YOU HOT]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

It matters, because, those who have media access anyone rich or famous, or with alot money, can potentially influence thousands, perhaps millions.

The whole thing about being a candidate and having money is the ability to cast your personality and views to the masses. Without capital you don't matter...

 

[Cock Head Jones]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

Actually, it means nothing. I would compare her endorsement to a endorsement by Pee Wee Herman.

LOL well damn...

 

[Makkonnen]

Re: Kimora Lee Simmons Endorses Clinton

From one dyke to another, how sweet. you really got to laugh at that shit. Maybe Kina Kara will come out for her tomorrow.

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

<font size="5"><center>
Maria Shriver endorses Obama</font size><font size="4">
The California first lady, who apparently wavered
until almost the last minute, aligns herself with
other members of the Kennedy clan.</font size></center>

Maria Shriver is a mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend, who proudly
serves as the First Lady of California. An award winning journalist and
best selling author, Shriver became California’s First Lady upon her
husband Arnold Schwarzenegger’s inauguration as the 38th Governor of
California on November 17, 2003.

By Mark Z. Barabak
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
February 4, 2008

California First Lady Maria Shriver delivered a surprise endorsement of Barack Obama on Sunday, overcoming qualms about going public because, she said, the Illinois senator was the presidential candidate able to unify the country across racial, ethnic and other lines of division.

"He's not about himself," she told a cheering crowd at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. "He's about the power of us and what we can do if we come together. . . . He is about empowering women, African Americans, Latinos, older people, young people. He's about empowering all of us."

Shriver's announcement -- made at the end of a rally featuring Oprah Winfrey, Caroline Kennedy and Obama's wife, Michelle -- aligned the first lady with much of the rest of the Kennedy clan. It also marked a split with her husband, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who last week endorsed Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

"I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he'd be California," Shriver said as the crowd of thousands roared in a chorus that rose as she ticked off each attribute: "Diverse. Open. Smart. Independent. Bucks tradition. Innovative. Inspirational. Dreamer. Leader."

Shriver's break with her husband was not unusual. The two -- she a fierce Democrat, he a loyal Republican -- have one of the nation's most famous political mixed marriages.

Shriver apparently wavered until close to the last minute. In fact, aides to Obama were not certain she would come through until she strode onstage -- without makeup and her hair unbrushed, she said, after arriving straight from a daughter's equestrian show.

Like many, Shriver said, she felt pulled in several directions.

"Every single person can come to you and tell you, 'You should vote for this person' or 'You should vote for that person.' `It's not right to speak up. It's not right to speak out,' " Shriver said, her voice echoing through the arena. "But this is a moment to have a conversation with yourself, not anyone else. Have a conversation with your own heart. And ask yourself, 'What kind of America do I believe in?' "

Like the Democratic Party in miniature, the Kennedy family has split over the two top presidential contenders. Also supporting Obama are Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts; his son Patrick; and niece Caroline, the daughter of President Kennedy. On Saturday, Obama also received the endorsement of Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York has picked up the support of three of Robert and Ethel's children: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Kerry Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Shriver's endorsement and Winfrey's celebrity pageant, which included walk-on guest Stevie Wonder, guaranteed Obama extensive news coverage in the final 24 hours of the campaign -- an enormous asset in this far-flung state.

"The drama of it all was just delicious," said USC political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe. Shriver "probably edged out Bill Clinton" -- who spent Sunday morning visiting Los Angeles-area black churches -- "and Oprah Winfrey as the story of the day, at least in California."

mark.barabak@latimes.com

Times staff writer Scott Martelle contributed to this report.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-maria4feb04,1,4376318.story

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

Lining up for Barack Obama … from left, Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy,
Maria Shriver and Oprah Winfrey at a campaign rally in Los Angeles on
Sunday. Photo: Reuters

 

[VegasGuy]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

From what I read, nobody asked nor expected Maria Shriver to be there. She just showed up unannounced. Amazing just how powerful the Obama organization truly is that gets people to be this kind of spontaneous.

-VG

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

Exactly VG,

The reporter mentioned that in this video:

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DX-QRKBwEN8&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DX-QRKBwEN8&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

 

[VegasGuy]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

Thx QueEx. I watched a good bit of Michelle's speech and stuck around until after Maria Shriver spoke. The crowd was crazy wild from this endorsement. I was big time impressed.

-VG

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

<font size="5"><center>
Expanding U.S. service workers union backs Obama</font size>
<font size="4">Senator wins endorsement of the influential 1.9-million-member
Service Employees International Union.</font size></center>



Fri Feb 15, 2008 2:10pm

WASHINGTON, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign got a major boost on Friday, winning the endorsement of the influential 1.9-million-member Service Employees International Union.

SEIU President Andy Stern said the union's executive board "overwhelmingly" decided to endorse Obama for president.

"It has now become clear the members of our union and the leaders of our union think that it is time to become part of an effort to make Barack Obama the next president of the United States," Stern said during a phone conference with reporters.

"We do think he has the experience and the vision we need in our next president," Stern said. He added that the labor group also had "enormous respect" for Obama's chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The SEIU, one of the fastest-growing labor organizations in North America, represents health care and other service industry workers. The endorsement will allow Obama to tap into the union's organizational resources and help him in his battle for the Democratic presidential nomination against Clinton going into the March 4 primaries in Texas and Ohio.

Stern said the union's work in Hispanic and other minority communities would be a big plus for Obama in helping turn out the vote for the Illinois senator.

Texas and Ohio are crucial for Clinton, a New York senator who would become the first woman U.S. president.

Obama, who also would make history as the first black U.S. president, hopes the momentum from a string of February primary victories will help him carry Texas and Ohio.

(Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by David Alexander and Eric Walsh)

(donna.smith@reuters.com; 202-898-8391; Reuters Messaging: donna.smith.reuters.com@reuters.net))


http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed2/idUSN15594123

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

<font size="5"><center>Teamsters union endorses Obama
as key votes loom in Texas, Ohio & Penn.</font size></center>

The Boston Globe
February 21, 2008

WASHINGTON - Senator Barack Obama won an endorsement yesterday from the powerful Teamsters union, critical labor support for the Democratic senator with contests looming in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

"There was very, very strong support for him" among the union's members, said James P. Hoffa, president of the 1.4 million-member union, who announced the backing after meeting with Obama in Texas.

Hoffa said the Teamsters have 80,000 members in Pennsylvania, which votes April 22, and 60,000 in Ohio and 17,000 in Texas, which vote March 4. The Teamsters plan to have members and their families from around the country work for Obama, Hoffa said.

Ohio and Pennsylvania have some of the nation's largest numbers of union workers, with more than 15 percent of the workforce unionized in Pennsylvania and more than 14 percent in Ohio.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/a...sters_union_endorses_obama_as_key_votes_loom/

 

[QueEx]

Re: Paul Volcker, Former Fed Chairman, Endorses Obama (Update3)

<font size="5">
NOTE: The following is from a "Pro McCain" Blog:

</font size>

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<A HREF="http://www.blogsforjohnmccain.com/nation-islam-leader-farrakhan-praises-barack-obama-hope-entire-world">link</A>

</IFRAME>