I am trying to figure out what the role is of the alternates that were elected at the county caucus. I know that they went from the county to the Legislative district caucus. I know at the LD caucus the alternates helped elected the delegates/alternates for the NATIONAL convention. I know that the delegates and alternates from the county caucus are supposed to attend the State Convention.

I think the role of the alternates at this point is non existent. I've read about the election process at the state convention and it reads like those that were elected at the LD to go onto national will be the delegates that vote on the platforms and elect the AT LARGE delegates to go onto the National Convention.

Therefore I can't for the life of me figure out why any of the delegates and alternates that were elected at the county level should be going to the state convention.

Does anyone know anything that can help?

Thanks

I know I read a link from PB that showed that this isn't the first time MI hasn't had it's delegates seated. I swear I'm not making that up, but now, I can't find the dang link.

Anyone? Please??????

Hey! I found a difference or two...

from speakout.com
Everything he's 'voted for or against' matches Clinton.

Also see comparision from
http://www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/reports/reports/final_candidates_positions.pdf   Read More »

still getting info off speakout.com

would love any other links or information anyone has on Clinton.   Read More »

still getting my info from Speakout.com at this point in time...

Love any other links or articles that you know of.   Read More »

again, from speakout.com

for clinton:   Read More »

I swear I'll stop soon... then I'm moving onto the economy.

from speakout.com
For Obama:   Read More »

Human Rights Campaign website rates Obama and Clinton with the same score.

Can anyone show me where Obama has talked about LGBT issues recently?

I have his website info
http://pride.barackobama.com/page/content/lgbthome

But I'm looking for more current info...   Read More »

Who do you think better supports the LGBT community - Obama or Clinton - and why?

A recent discussion I had on this topic is below...   Read More »

again... been talking with a lot of people and just started this conversation...any thoughts anyone?

ME:

I think Obama v. McCain will be focused on McCain avoiding racist remarks and a lot of smiling from Obama.

I think Obama can probably beat McCain as a result.

I think Clinton v. McCain will be focused on McCain's constant aggression trying to trip Clinton up and Clinton effectively pointing out all the flaws in McCain's logic and rhetoric.

I think Clinton can probably beat McCain as a result.   Read More »

So I was shown this article today.

I know nothing about the reporter or the integrity of the journalism. I'd like to know if anyone else here does...

http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/full

Okay, I left for almost a month because I don't like the fact that these blogs are set up in such a way that people get to have their say for a response, but very little is ever seen of the debate thereafter. As a result of a new post to me from D. Tree I need to have the opportunity for others to see my response... and I ask you to please read them.

To see the post I am referring to, please go here:

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/kmiller/CckX
(titled why not Obama)   Read More »

I have many reasons to not support Barrack Obama.

My reasons aren't the typical "fluffy distractions" that the media and others seem to "lightly" address. It isn't because of Rezko, Michele's "proud to be American" speech, or even the "Rev Wright issue." I have difficulties voting for Obama because of the highly conflicting message his campaign has effectively delivered.

Obama is the candidate for Change. Obama gives Hope back to America. Obama believes in changing politics and doing things differently.   Read More »

So the next batch of the democratic Caucus is coming up this weekend...April 5th to be exact. Anyone who was elected a delegate in the 40th and 42nd Legislative District (which is essentially all of Whatcom Co) are supposed to gather, sign in, say who they wish to vote for, listen to each other try to get elected a delegate for the next convention/caucus, have an opportunity to change their vote, and then listen to Platform Issues for the Democratic Party.

Now I'm writing this post because I'm a democrat and a delegate.

When I caucused in Feb, and was chosen to be a delegate I heard a lot of reasons why I should vote for Obama and why I should vote for Clinton. When the delegates were elected we were told it is our job as delegates to represent the people that elected us.

Here's my dellemia:

I heard: Vote for Obama, the newest poll says he can beat McCain. Vote for Obama, he says he will do things differently and we need something different. Vote for Obama, he has always been against the war. Vote for Obama, he cares about America and equality. Vote for Obama, he'll bring the troops home. Vote for Obama, he believes in fair politics. Vote for Obama, he believes in giving the American people the power to stand up for themselves. Vote for Obama, he won't make you pay for healthcare you can't afford.

I also heard: Vote for Clinton, she has the experience. Vote for Clinton, she does what she says she'll do. Vote for Clinton, she knows how to deal with world leaders and right now we need that. Vote for Clinton, we'll get 16 years of democrats in the white house, 8 Clinton, 8 Obama. Vote for Clinton, she'll fight for equal rights. Vote for Clinton, she believes in woman's rights. Vote for Clinton, she'll give everyone health care. Vote for Clinton, it takes a Clinton to clean up after a Bush.

Now my problem is... all the reasons I was given to be a delegate for a candidate have new arguments now. A lot has happened in the political scene since Feb 9th.

Newest polls says Clinton is best for the economy. Newest polls say Clinton can beat McCain in swing states. MI and FL haven't been allowed to vote and Obama says that they agreed to the rules that took away their voice so they should have to live by the rules. Clinton says the votes should count (because the states in question like her). Obama and Clinton don't want to bring the troops HOME they want to redeploy more effectively. Obama has Rev. Wright as a MENTOR which is not really very comforting for those that want peace and equality. Obama's senate record shows he favors African Americans, not equality for all minorities. Clinton has a senate record that shows she made a bad decision to go to war in Iraq. Clinton has a senate record that shows she's always fought for healthcare but has yet to win. Obama has a healthcare plan that a majority of the lobbyists (big decision makers in DC) refuse to support. Obama says he's always been against the war, yet in 2004 he stated in two different press releases that he stood behind the president (because we were already pot committed). Obama says he never trusted the Bush Administration when they reported that Al Queda (sp) was in Iraq... but he trusts them now when they say Al Queda(sp) is in Pakistan and he is willing to go after Al Queda(sp) in Pakistan without the support of the Pakistan government. Clinton says she made a decision based on the information she had (and she voted WITH the American people) when she agreed to the Iraq war. Clinton also says she wants to be certain of the information being accurate before she makes any aggressive moves in Pakistan or anywhere else.

I'm so confused.

The people that elected me to be a delegate gave me reasons that are no longer accurate. Does that mean I change my vote to match the reasons they gave me?

Or does that mean I vote as I was elected, and fall back claiming my hands were tied?

The Whatcom Democrats say it is my job to make the decision to vote according to the people. They also say I shouldn't stab the people that elected me in the back.

This is very conflicting... can anyone give me some insight?

I just saw this, I don't know how old it is... but I am curious what everyone has to say about it. Please comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rhM-5t8qgc

are we really killing the democratic party? Is democracy really a bad thing?

Every week there is at least one article --- Obama beats Clinton in new poll... Clinton trails Obama against McCain in new poll... Clinton beats Obama in new poll on economy....Obama beats Clinton in new poll on war...

blah blah blah

Here's this week's announcement

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23918341/

This one was interesting to me because it addresses Ohio and Florida as two key states in the General election. In the end I think Michigan will be the key state this time around, but I don't disagree that these two states are critical for a democratic win in November.

So I ask... What do you think of this article? does it change your mind about which candidate you support? why or why not?

Personally, it made me think. It doesn't change my mind about who I support but it did make me look a little closer as to why I support them.   Read More »

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barack-obama/on-my-faith-and-my-church_b_91623.html

He spoke up about Rev. Wright ... which you guys have probably already seen and talked about. But I have a question because, sometimes I need things explained to me like I'm two.

I was taught when I say I'm sorry I'm supposed to say what I'm sorry for. Not "i'm sorry I hurt you" but "I'm sorry I called you a brat and that by doing so I hurt you." I was taught that is how a person can acknowledge what they said or did wrong. It is how a person can learn not to do it again and it is how you prevent misunderstanding and possible incorrect assumptions.

Because that was what I was taught, and what I believe - I'm confused by Obama's response. I don't know what it is that he is rejecting or denouncing. I'm glad he did it, but can someone tell me what EXACTLY he is talking about?

Obama has sold us on the idea that he is "change" and "hope" and that he "unifies" Americans.
Clinton says the same thing, but quieter and through a message of "solutions."

We've gotten so thirsty for something different, that we'll follow the loudest and drink the sand, instead of seeking the solutions and possibly finding water.

http://thecurrent.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/03/obamas-minister-problem.php

and a comment that hit home for me...

"Christian Americans go to church at a young age to have the influence of Christ in their day to day life.

Obama and his family have gone to hear Wright for 20 years... how can ANY christian think that isn't going to have an influence on how Obama sees and treats (all) women, (people of) any race other than African American, and any person of a religious background not the same as his own?"

Another discussion about Obama and his views on Iraq

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/obama_and_iraq.html   Read More »