President Obama Asks Us to Get Started...

Yes We Did

Debate Watching Party in Greenhills

It's close to the neighborhood and the beer will be cold, from what I've been told.

Pat Buchanan Gushes Over Obama's Acceptance Speech

One Commenter Says:

I called hell. Their wearing parkas.

Desperately Seeking Change We Can Believe In

Frank Rich Says It All:

Is a man who is just discovering the Internet qualified to lead a restoration of America’s economic and educational infrastructures? Is the leader of a virtually all-white political party America’s best salesman and moral avatar in the age of globalization? Does a bellicose Vietnam veteran who rushed to hitch his star to the self-immolating overreaches of Ahmad Chalabi, Pervez Musharraf and Mikheil Saakashvili have the judgment to keep America safe?

Obama Going for Jugular: Attack Ad from Georgia

Obama for President

I'm attending a Obama house party over on the east side of town today. I am co-hosting with a co-worker near his home, and near my parents' home. I've been asked to provide a few comments on why I am supporting Barack Obama for president.

In short, my thinking is simple. He is the best qualified candidate for leading the change that we must make to return America to the proper course. Respect for our fellow man both domestically and around the world, for the environment, honoring the service of the men and women who have served in the armed forces, whether they are still serving, or have returned home, and making sure that they are supported appropriately, commensurate with their sacrifice. It is important that we instill new leadership that is prepared to address these challenges. And I am confident that Barack is the candidate to take on those challenges.

Hillary's Plan

A very republican co-worker suggested that Hillary, if she won the nomination would pick Bill as her running mate, and if that happens Obama would go independent, and run with Bloomberg. I replied that (1) I am fairly confident that Bill can not be Vice President (something about people who've been president can't be in line to be president again, or some such constitutional legalese), and (2) Bloomberg is a Republican at heart, and would not run with Obama, nor did I believe that Obama would pursue a cross-over corporatist as his running mate.

The point of this though is that I am now hearing rumors that Hillary might consider an independent run against Obama if she does not be the nomination. Given the the tenor of the commentary after the recent turn of events (Richardson's endorsement of Obama to name one), my sense is that this could be something she pulls off.

I could think of no better way to guarantee a McCain victory in the fall!

On Obama's Pastor

The "God Damn America" comment by Obama's pastor as a standalone seems incendiary especially as the MSM is positioning it, no doubt, but the quote in larger context seems to drive to the heart of the social commentary for which he is known (from ABC News):

No, no, no, God damn America, that's in the Bible for killing innocent people," (Wright) said in a 2003 sermon. "God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme."

I disagree with Reverend Wright on one point: I do not believe it is America that is at fault for killing innocent people. I do believe it is the misguided policies of our leaders who should be damned, that resulted in the tragedy to which Pastor Wright is foreshadowing. I would add that the phrase itself, when compared with the commentary of some other supporters for other candidates (including those who suggest that we should bomb Iran as part of a larger war against Muslims, and/or that Catholicism is a cult), seems to pale.

And I think the biblical quote he is referencing seems to provide some clarity as to the underlying rationale of the spirit of his commentary: This from DailyKos. In many ways, the words he uses to provide his interpretation is shocking, and in a certain sense, is meant to shock his community -- shock it into action.

Additionally, I can't bring myself to object to his right to say these words. We live in America, and one of the greatest things about living in America is that commentary such as this has been part of what burnishes our views on all sides of all issues.

Blogs Afire with Anti-Hillary Meme

And rightfully so. Her putting McCain on a pedestal (I think the technical term in the political circles - a term borrowed from the adult movie industry - is "fluffing") at the same time throwing Obama under the bus is getting out of hand. Although I haven't pinpointed her rationale, Randi Rhodes' theory is justthisside of far-fectched. Of her two theories, that (a) Hillary wants to be his running mate, or (b) she'll implode the party in order to give McCain the election this year, allowing her to come out in 2012, the latter seems more plausible.

You Go to War with the Army You Have...

Don Rumsfeld's moved on but his spirit of shorting the troops of the necessary supplies lives on in the stories from our brave men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Obama took some heat from the right for some commentary regarding an undermanned, under-equipped platoon during the debate last night, but his story checks out, according to CNN.

Good Speechifying Taken to the Next Level

Worth a look-see from Obama supporters: Updated with working link

I Haven't Heard Obama Much

Hillary is dominating the California debate. Obama looks passive at times, almost conciliatory. I think if he was banking on Edwards' endorsement, contingent upon his ability to fight, this performance is not necessarily helping that effort.

Bill Moyers provides First Hand Historical Perspective

on the underlying commentary from Hillary/Obama flap. Great Commentary from a Great American.

By Comparsion, No Comparison

I had the opportunity to see John Edwards speech. Edwards pretty much gave his stump speech, and I think in the final analysis, it was bit flat. By comparison, Obama's speech was outstanding. It harkens back to the Democratic National Convention speech in 2004.