Posts with the tag Progressive

Building a Blue Tennessee

Matthew — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:20:49 EST

First off, to kick things off at my new home here at Democrats.org... WOOHOO! A little late in my cheers for President-elect Obama's victory, but I suppose it's better late than never. I'm late to the game here, and besides, I've had school work to do. Reading to do. Which I'm still catching up on. Ah ha...

Unfortunately, the news was tempered here in Tennessee with the news that the Republicans steamrolled their way into winning majorities of both houses of the state General Assembly. When the 107th General Assembly convenes, it will consist of a 19-14 Republican majority in the Senate and 50-49 majority in the house.

Ouch.

Now 4 months later, Hillary is putting her mouth where her money is and supporting Obama.

Liz — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:30:05 EDT

QUEEN’S COMMENTS ON Hillary’s New Enthusiasm for Obama

Of all places, I read in the Jarkarta Post last night that Clinton is recruiting her backers to help Obama. According to the Jarkata Post, Hillary Rodham Clinton is stepping up efforts to swing her supporters behind Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, her former rival for the nomination. In an outreach dubbed “Hillary Sent Me,” the New York senator was inviting her primary-season partisans Friday to get involved directly in Obama’s campaign and donate to it. As part of that, she was urging them to travel to a specific battleground state each weekend, beginning with New Hampshire on Sept. 27, when she will be campaigning for Obama in Michigan.

“This is a call to action. This is a must-do. We all have a role. And there is not a moment to lose.”

And why this Johnnie-come-lately enthusiasm for Obama?

Progressive vs Liberal (Since we are talking about liberalism)

Rob-33704 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 10:40:16 EDT

In a previous post Liz wrote:

"In my opinion, and I'm sure others may disagree as well as agree since this is after all a democracy, I think that the bottom line for this election is really about wrestling our government out of the hands of conservatives and into the hands of progressives--and that includes conservative Democrats as well as conservative Republicans"

I agree with Liz' statement.

A basic tenent of "liberalism" is an economy based upon "freedom from restraint". In other words, liberalism is in agreement with the so called "free market" economic policies of the republican party.

This is because liberalism is a product of the Industrial Revolution. Our political philosophy must move beyond the paradigm of the Industrial Revolution just as the leaders of the business world have moved beyond it.

In terms of his response to the economic conditions of his time the last "progressive" democratic president was Franklin Roosevelt. As I recall he was elected to four terms.

Truman was a conservative, Kennedy was a moderate, and all of the others have, in fact, been
"liberals" in terms of their allegiance to free market forces.

Globalization has snuffed out the free market forces unleashed by the Industrial Revolution.

Globalization is also snuffing out whatever effectiveness liberal political philosophy was capable of exhibiting.

As for gridlock - there is no gridlock.

Congress enacts legislation all of the time.

Politics is the art of compromise.

The simple truth is - the economic differences of the "liberals" and the "conservatives" in Washington are not great enough to result in meaningful legislation

OBAMA HAS MY SUPPORT . . .

Eric Wattree — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:27:36 EDT

BENEATH THE SPIN • ERIC L. WATTREE

OBAMA HAS MY SUPPORT

AS LONG AS HE REMEMBERS WHO'S THE BOSS

I'm both a progressive and Obama supporter, so it goes without saying that I'm deeply disappointed with his reversal on the FISA issue. But the mere fact that Sen. Obama felt it both safe, and necessary, to moonwalk this issue after stating unequivocally that "I am proud to stand with Senator Dodd, Senator Feingold and a grassroots movement of Americans who are refusing to let President Bush put protections for special interests ahead of our security and our liberty", says just as much about what we've allowed our political process to become, as it does about Sen. Obama's inability to stand firm on the convictions that he said he was so proud to embrace.

OBAMA IS DOING IT WELL..THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE A CENTERIST!

terrybankert — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:47:11 EDT

Democrats take Obama shift in stride [1]

DEMOCRATS RECOGNIZE THAT YOU HAVE TO BUILD A COALITION BEYOND A NARROW THREAD OF THE PARTY TO RUN THE COUNTRY. A REALITY THAT ESCAPES THE REPUBLICANS

As Barack Obama moves to broaden his appeal beyond loyal Democrats, a chorus of anger and disappointment has arisen from the left. But those voices are a distinct minority because the party has a more pressing concern: winning in November. [1]

Should We Disband?

Ron McBride — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:19:21 EDT

21 months ago we formed a “527” Pac to use as a vehicle to fund our organization and Progressive Issues and Candidates. We had a hope that there would be some large donors step forth to contribute towards the maintenance of our programs and sites. This has not happened. For that matter neither have the small donations. There have been a few but not enough to maintain an office and pay the bills.

No McCain

Progressive Democrat — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:57:39 EDT

If you are concerned about continuing the War in the MiddleEast as I am then thats one good reason to vote Democrat in November. Look at how many Men and Women we have lost not to mention the ones who are alive but wounded for life because of the Bush lies in the Republican Party. Now McCain wants to continue this course and also have a base in Iraq for years to come. If anyone is voting for McCain because they are angry at Obama get over it quick . If your against the Iraq War and voting for Senator McCain then your a hypocrite period . This is why our country is screwed up every 4 years during election time and this time some Democrats or people claiming to be Democrats will vote for McCain . You will if he is elected get more of the Republican policies that have not worked and are killing our Economy and also the Trillions of your tax dollars spent on the Iraq War .Your harded eared money . So again think very clearly about what your planning on doing . Voting for Senator McCain you might just want to hand in your Democratic Party badge because what your telling us is that you do not need the Democratic Party anymore and you like Senator Joe Lieberman have become a Republican. At least be honest with yourself and with fellow Democrats before you vote for Senator McCain and just come out of the closet and say I am really a Republican and nolonger a Democrat. We have alot of new Democrats in our Party and maybe some of you who now support McCain have forgotten your ideals from the late 1960's and have grown to old to remember who you are now. I still have my Idealism intact and will never vote Republican not now not ever. Its like taken candy from the devil . The new generation of Democrats now in the Party will elect Obama President in November. McCain will be history and will fade away . Senator Obama will make Americans proud and is relationship with International leaders will be welcomed from around the Globe. If you vote McCain then you support the Bush failed Policies and thats your choice. I want Change and that is Obama not a Bush Republican. Senator Hillary Clinton will be voting for Senator Obama as a Democrat and so will I and millions of others around the country. Thats the bottomline

Caroline Kennedy For Obama's VP The Perfect Choice

Progressive Democrat — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:05:34 EDT

I think Obama and the Campaign Veep Committee has a Vice President contender right on the Committee. Her name is Caroline Kennedy the daugther of John F Kennedy. She is bright no baggage and would be a great Women to have on his ticket. It would to me make for a strong ticket. I am going to contact the Obama campaign and suggest they consider Caroline Kennedy for the 2nd spot on the ticket. How many Democrats on here like Caroline Kennedy and would support an Obama/Kennedy ticket?

Obama/Kennedy 08

Breaking News:Hillary Clinton Dropping Out of Campaign Friday

Progressive Democrat — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:42:17 EDT

By Adam Nagourney and Michael Luo updated 2 minutes ago NEW YORK - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is moving to suspend her campaign and endorse Senator Barack Obama on Friday after Democratic members of Congress urged her on Wednesday to leave the race and allow the party to unite around Mr. Obama, according to a senior adviser to Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton is likely to make the announcement in New York City, an aide said, although no final venue has been chosen. Her decision came after a day of telephone conversations with supporters on Capital Hill about what she should do now that Mr. Obama has claimed enough delegates to secure the nomination. Mrs. Clinton had initially said she wanted to wait before making any decision, but her aides said that in conversations, some of her closest supporters said it was urgent that she step aside.

Obama Clinches Nomination AP Wire Reports

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:34:00 EDT

Jun 3, 9:15 PM EDT

Obama clinches nomination; Clinton seeks VP spot

By TOM RAUM and NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois sealed the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, a historic step toward his once-improbable goal of becoming the nation's first black president. A vanquished Hillary Rodham Clinton maneuvered for the vice presidential spot on his fall ticket.

Obama's victory set up a five-month campaign with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a race between a 46-year-old opponent of the Iraq War and a 71-year-old former Vietnam prisoner of war and staunch supporter of the current U.S. military mission.

Both men promptly exchanged criticism over the war in Iraq and sought to claim the mantle of change in a country plainly tired of the status quo.

"It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year," Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery in St. Paul, Minn.

"It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. ... And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians." In a symbolic move, he spoke in the same hall where McCain will accept the Republican nomination at his party's convention in September.

McCain spoke first, in New Orleans, and he accused his younger rival of voting "to deny funds to the soldiers who have done a brilliant and brave job" in Iraq. It was a reference to 2007 legislation to pay for the Iraq war, a measure Obama opposed citing the lack of a timetable for withdrawing troops.

McCain agreed with Obama that the presidential race would focus on change. "But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," he added.

Obama sealed his nomination, according to The Associated Press tally, based on primary elections, state Democratic caucuses and delegates' public declarations as well as support from 19 delegates and "superdelegates" who privately confirmed their intentions t/o the AP. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination at the convention in Denver this summer, and Obama had 2,129 by the AP count.

Banning Nuclear Weapons Proposal

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:46:30 EDT

As a Democrat I believe the time has come for our Government to ban and dismantle all our Nuclear Weapons including production facilities should be transformed for Non Nuclear Alternatives. Presidents past and Present have told other nations to stop any Nuclear production period. We see this with North Korea ,Iran, and a few other countries. If we are going to have a Anti Nuclear Weapons policy for other nations to live by then we must set now an example. I hope when Obama becomes President that not only will we set a policy to end all production and use of Nuclear Weapons and Power but also within the United States close all our Nuclear Weapons complexes and have a Worldwide policy that no nation can produce or use Nuclear Power. This must be part of the agenda of the new Democratic President. For the sake of our Children and the future of our World lets be a leader in ending Nuclear Power once and for all here at home and around the World Yes We Can.

Hillary would be a Bad Choice For Vice President Keep Options Open

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:15:21 EDT

Senator Barack Obama needs to keep his options open for Vice President of the United States. Picking Hillary would be a huge mistake and I believe many Obama supporters would not vote for that ticket . Senator Obama you have plenty of good people in the Democratic Party with the Clintons Political Baggage to chooose from. I would suggest these combination Obama/Sebelius Democratic Gov of Kansas,Obama/Boxer Senator Barbara Boxer another great US Senator that would be great with Obama. Obama/Richardson the Gov. of New Mexico and or Obama/Edwards but John Edwards says he his not interested. You might have other combined suggested for the VP Slot. Many will not vote for a Obama/Hillary Clinton ticket. So in closing I ask all who want change not to support Hillary Clinton for VP. We can do alot better

Obama Will Win The Nomination Its Over Finally Over

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:22:04 EDT

Jun 3, 3:00 PM EDT

AP tally: Obama effectively clinches nomination

By DAVID ESPO and STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press Writers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Watch Related Video

AP Tally: Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Barack Obama effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates, ending a grueling marathon to become the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House.

Campaigning on an insistent call for change, Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic race that sparked record turnout in primary after primary, yet exposed deep racial and gender divisions within the party.

The tally was based on public declarations from delegates as well as from another 16 who have confirmed their intentions to the AP. It also included 11 delegates Obama was guaranteed as long as he gained 30 percent of the vote in South Dakota and Montana later in the day. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination.

The 46-year-old first-term senator will face John McCain in the fall campaign to become the 44th president. The Arizona senator campaigned in Memphis, Tenn., during the day, and had no immediate reaction to Obama's victory.

Clinton stood ready to concede that her rival had amassed the delegates needed to triumph, according to officials in her campaign. They stressed that the New York senator did not intend to suspend or end her candidacy in a speech Tuesday night in New York. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not been authorized to divulge her plans.

Obama's triumph was fashioned on prodigious fundraising, meticulous organizing and his theme of change aimed at an electorate opposed to the Iraq war and worried about the economy - all harnessed to his own innate gifts as a campaigner.

With her husband's two-White House terms as a backdrop, Clinton campaigned for months as the candidate of experience, a former first lady and second-term senator ready, she said, to take over on Day One.

But after a year on the campaign trail, Obama won the kickoff Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3, and the freshman senator became something of an overnight political phenomenon.

"We came together as Democrats, as Republicans and independents, to stand up and say we are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come," he said that night in Des Moines.

A video produced by Will I. Am and built around Obama's "Yes, we can" rallying cry quickly went viral. It drew its one millionth hit within a few days of being posted.

As the strongest female presidential candidate in history, Clinton drew large, enthusiastic audiences. Yet Obama's were bigger still. One audience, in Dallas, famously cheered when he blew his nose on stage; a crowd of 75,000 turned out in Portland, Ore., the weekend before the state's May 20 primary.

The former first lady countered Obama's Iowa victory with an upset five days later in New Hampshire that set the stage for a campaign marathon as competitive as any in the last generation.

"Over the last week I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice," she told supporters who had saved her candidacy from an early demise.

In defeat, Obama's aides concluded they had committed a cardinal sin of New Hampshire politics, forsaking small, intimate events in favor of speeches to large audiences inviting them to ratify Iowa's choice.

It was not a mistake they made again - which helped explain Obama's later outings to bowling alleys, backyard basketball hoops and American Legion halls in the heartland.

Clinton conceded nothing, memorably knocking back a shot of Crown Royal whiskey at a bar in Indiana, recalling that her grandfather had taught her to use a shotgun, and driving in a pickup to a gas station in South Bend, Ind., to emphasize her support for a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

As other rivals quickly fell away in winter, the strongest black candidate in history and the strongest female White House contender traded victories on Super Tuesday, the Feb. 5 series of primaries and caucuses across 21 states and American Samoa that once seemed likely to settle the nomination.

But Clinton had a problem that Obama exploited, and he scored a coup she could not answer.

Pressed for cash, the former first lady ran noncompetitive campaigns in several Super Tuesday caucus states, allowing her rival to run up his delegate totals.

At the same time, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., endorsed the young senator in terms that summoned memories of his slain brothers while seeking to turn the page on the Clinton era.

In a reference that likened former President Clinton to Harry Truman: "There was another time, when another young candidate was running for president and challenging America to cross a new frontier. He faced criticism from the preceding Democratic president, who was widely respected in the party."

Merely by surviving Super Tuesday, Obama exceeded expectations.

But he did more than survive, emerging with a lead in delegates that he never relinquished, and proceeded to run off a string of 11 straight victories.

Clinton saved her candidacy once more with primary victories in Ohio and Texas on March 4, beginning a stretch in which she won primaries in six of the final nine states on the calendar, as well as in Puerto Rico.

It was a strong run, providing glimpses of what might have been for the one-time front-runner.

But by then Obama was well on his way to victory, Clinton and her allies stressed the popular vote instead of delegates. Yet he seemed to emerge from each loss with residual strength.

Obama's bigger-than-expected victory in North Carolina on May 6 offset his narrow defeat in Indiana the same day. Four days later, he overtook Clinton's lead among superdelegates, the party leaders she had hoped would award her the nomination on the basis of a strong showing in swing states.

Obama lost West Virginia by a whopping 67 percent to 26 percent on May 13. Yet he won an endorsement the following day from former presidential rival and one-time North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.

Clinton administered another drubbing in Kentucky a week later. This time, Obama countered with a victory in Oregon, and turned up that night in Iowa to say he had won a majority of all the delegates available in 56 primaries and caucuses on the calendar.

There were moments of anger, notably in a finger-wagging debate in South Carolina on Jan. 21.

Obama told the former first lady he was helping unemployed workers on the streets of Chicago when "you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart."

Moments later, Clinton said that she was fighting against misguided Republican policies "when you were practicing law and representing your contributor ... in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago."

And Bill Clinton was a constant presence and an occasional irritant for Obama. The former president angered several black politicians when he seemed to diminish Obama's South Carolina triumph by noting that Jesse Jackson had also won the state.

Obama's frustration showed at the Jan. 21 debate, when he accused the former president in absentia of uttering a series of distortions.

"I'm here. He's not," the former first lady snapped.

"Well, I can't tell who I'm running against sometimes," Obama countered.

There were relatively few policy differences. Clinton accused Obama of backing a health care plan that would leave millions out, and the two clashed repeatedly over trade.

Yet race, religion, region and gender became political fault lines as the two campaigned from coast to coast.

Along the way, Obama showed an ability to weather the inevitable controversies, most notably one caused by the incendiary rhetoric of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

At first, Obama said he could not break with his longtime spiritual adviser. Then, when Wright spoke out anew, Obama reversed course and denounced him strongly.

Clinton struggled with self-inflicted wounds. Most prominently, she claimed to have come under sniper fire as first lady more than a decade earlier while paying a visit to Bosnia.

Instead, videotapes showed her receiving a gift of flowers from a young girl who greeted her plane.

Michelle Obama Visits The Nurturing Center in Kalispell

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:31:00 EDT

Michelle Obama Visits the Nurturing Center in Kalispell
by Caitlin HarveyMonday, June 02, 2008 at 07:07 PM

This afternoon, Michelle Obama stopped by The Nurturing Center in Kalispell, Montana, where she read several books to local children, including Green Eggs and Ham.

After the books were finished, the children lined up to each give Michelle a big hug!

Stay tuned for more coverage of Michelle's visit to Kalispell, and remember to vote tomorrow if you live in Montana! Find your polling location here.

And if you don't live in Montana, help make calls to undecided Montanans before tomorrow's election!

Breaking News:Most Uncommitted Senators To Endorse Senator Barack Obama

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:20:04 EDT

Sources: Most uncommitted senators to endorse Obama
Posted: 11:20 AM ET

Most of the 17 senators who remain uncommitted will announce their support of Obama, CNN has learned.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Most of the seventeen Democratic senators who have remained uncommitted throughout the primaries will endorse Barack Obama for president this week, CNN has learned.

Sources familiar with discussions between Obama supporters and these senators tell CNN’s Gloria Borger that the senators will wait until after the South Dakota and Montana primaries to announce their support for Obama.

Two sources familiar with the sessions said the endorsements will come sometime later this week.

Obama supporters have been “pressing” for these superdelegates to endorse earlier in the week, but according to one source, “the senators don’t want to pound Hillary Clinton, and there is a sense she should be given a grace period.”

A series of meetings on the topic have been facilitated at different times by Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin. Durbin and Daschle are Obama supporters, while Harkin is uncommitted.

According to CNN’s Candy Crowley, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will remain uncommitted until Clinton officially drops out of the race.

Breaking News -Former Iowa Gov.Vilsack says it's over

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:12:16 EDT

Vilsack says it's over
Posted: 11:41 AM ET

From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Vilsack is a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton.

(CNN) – Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, one of Hillary Clinton's most ardent supporters, said Sunday it's time for Hillary Clinton to acknowledge she has lost her bid for the Democratic nomination.

Vilsack, who was briefly a presidential candidate himself last year, told the Associated Press it's "pretty clear that Senator Obama is going to be the nominee."

"After Tuesday's contests, she needs to acknowledge that he's going to be the nominee and quickly get behind him," Vilsack also said.

Vilsack first announced he was running for president in November, 2006, but dropped his bid three months later after the Democrat failed to drum up a significant level of support or raise the necessary campaign funds needed to compete. He endorsed Clinton shortly after and played a key role in the New York senator's unsuccessful Iowa campaign effort.

His comments came the same day the Clinton showed signs she plans to press on after Tuesday's contests — continuing argue she has won the popular vote and that the party's superdelegates are able to switch their allegiances before the convention in August.

RBC MAKES FAIR DECISION ON Florida and Michigan Lets Unite

Progressive Democrat — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:59:09 EDT

WASHINGTON (CNN) “ Democratic leaders hopeful that a deal to seat delegates from Florida and Michigan would mark an end to the deep division the controversy has brought to the party got some instant “ and less than encouraging “ feedback as they finalized the measure Saturday evening. As members of the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws panel voted in favor of the measures, some supporters of Hillary Clinton's White House bid rose from their seats and began to shout Dont steal my vote! and Lets go, McCain! Several paced the back of the ballroom, yelling at the committee members and chanting Denver! Denver!“ the site of this summer's Democratic presidential nominating convention. When Barack Obama's name was mentioned, boos filled the room. "This motion will hijack, hijack, remove four delegates won by Hillary Clinton and most importantly reflect the preferences of 600,000 Michigan voters, said Clinton senior adviser and RBC member Harold Ickes, who added that the White House hopeful reserved her right to bring an appeal before the DNC's Credentials Committee later this summer. The delegate allocations were a blow to Clinton, who comes away with an advantage of just 24 delegates. She is favored in Sundays Puerto Rico primary. But Obama is thought to hold an edge going into next Tuesdays contests in Montana and South Dakota “ meaning Clinton™s chances of pushing Obama™s delegate lead down into the double digits before the Democratic convention have virtually disappeared. After the vote, as knots of Clinton and Obama supporters circled each other and faced off in the lobby outside the ballroom, uncommitted Florida superdelegate Mitch Caesar “ who said he would weigh in soon after the last primary Tuesday praised the party for taking the first step toward unity. Nearby, Obama supporter Laura Mitchell wasn't so sure the party had started down the path to comity. I think it's going to be a disaster if this goes past Tuesday, said the Maryland resident. Every day it gets a little harder to imagine we will be able to come together. Boston native and Clinton backer Jenny Doggett, an organizer of grassroots group Count the Votes Cast, called the DNC spineless.I think what they've done is divisive, destroying the party. I'm disgusted, said Doggett, who expressed hope that the popular vote in Puerto Rico and a shift in superdelegates might still be able to deliver the nomination to Hillary Clinton. I'm done with the Democratic Party, she added. I'm an independent voter now. The Rules committee ultimately adopted modified versions of a Florida delegate proposal presented by Jon Ausman, and the Michigan Leadership Plan developed by Democratic officials in that state. All delegates from both states, both pledged and superdelegates, will be seated but each will only be able to cast half a vote. Florida's delegates were split The decision adds 313 new delegates, but only 156.5 votes, to the summer convention, and raises the number of delegates required to win the nomination to 2,118. The Florida proposal was passed unanimously by the panel but faced a rockier reception on the Michigan plan, which employed a complicated and controversial delegate allocation formula that awarded a 10 delegate, 5 vote edge to Clinton. The Clinton campaign later released a statement from Ickes and fellow Clinton adviser and RBC member Tina Flournoy that said the Michigan decision violates the bedrock principles of our democracy and our Party, and repeated their willingness to challenge the decision before the delegation is seated at the Democratic National Convention. The Obama campaign released a statement from campaign manager David Plouffe praising the RBC decision. We're extremely gratified that the commission agreed on a fair solution that will allow Michigan and Florida to participate in the Convention, said Plouffe. At a press conference at the hotel following the final vote, a skeptical reporter pressed Alexis Herman on her claim that the panels decision would unite the party. As Herman responded, chants of Denver! Denver! could be heard from the lobby outside

Obama SuperDelegate News- Two Texas Superdelegates for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 41 To Go

Progressive Democrat — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:51:32 EDT

Two Texas Superdelegates for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 41 To Go

May 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am EDT

Via Burnt Orange Report, two Texas superdelegates, Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie and Democratic National Committee member Betty Richie, have endorsed Obama.

Boyd Richie...

Today, I am proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I believe Senator Obama is the candidate who can best provide the leadership and change Texans desire. Too many Texas families find themselves unable to make ends meet, much less save and invest in the future, due to Republican policies that burden the middle class and divide Americans. Senator Obama has the skill and ability to unite Americans from all walks of life and put our country back on the right track.

I am also grateful for Senator Obama's commitment to help build the Texas Democratic Party. Senator Obama and his campaign understand something that Texans have known for at least a couple of years - that when Democratic candidates invest the time and resources necessary, Texas Democrats have the numbers to compete and win across every region of our great state. We made progress in 2006, and in 2008, the Texas Democratic Party is more energized, better organized, and we are poised to make significant gains this fall.

This was a difficult decision to make, because I have great respect for Senator Clinton and her Texas supporters. I sincerely appreciate how hard she worked in Texas to deliver a message that resonated with so many voters, and I commend her campaign and the important role she played in the historic participation our Party is experiencing this year. As always, the Texas Democratic Party will conduct party business with absolute fairness and respect for every Democrat, without regard to whom one supports in the primary or convention, and I am confident Texas Democrats will unite and work together side by side to win this November.

And Betty Richie...

Today, I am proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. As a member of the DNC representing the Non-Urban/Ag Caucus, I strongly believe Senator Obama can provide the leadership rural Texas needs and deserves. Under the current Republican administration, rural Texas has clearly been put out to pasture. Whether it is trying to deal with skyrocketing diesel fuel prices or having access to quality healthcare, Republican politicians continue to ignore our needs.

Under Senator Obama's administration, there is no doubt the issues of concern to rural Texas will be put front and center. The futures of our families are far too important to leave in the hands of any Republican. It is time for a Democrat to put our country and our state back on the right track.

Because I have such great respect for Senator Clinton and her historic campaign, this endorsement was not easy to make. But I believe in my heart it is the right decision for rural Texas and the Texas Democratic Party. It is time for our Party to unite and move forward to victory in November. Only by working together can we accomplish this goal.

Senator Obama is now only 41 delegates away from securing the nomination. Build the movement and help Obama get there -- make a matching donation today and double your impact!

A Solution for Saturdays Meeting

Progressive Democrat — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:13:01 EDT

To the DNC and those that will be listening and deciding what to do about the Florida and Michigan Delegates . I understand that some of Hillary Clintons supporters the hardcore want you to just give Senator Hillary Clinton all of the delegates in both States. According to your own Rules and Bylaws that you have set for all the Primary Races within the Democratic Party it is my contention that Presidential Candidates and State Governments should abide by the Rules that were agreed upon by both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama . Last Year these two states decided to move up their Primary dates ahead of other States against the very rules of our Democratic Party. Granted this was done with the votes of GOP Controlled Governments in both States at the time. It still does not excuse those who now are using the excuse that the GOP Controlled Governments are to blame so why should the votes and Delegates not be seated ? The reason is clear as day The DNC and Howard Dean our Chairman all agreed to these rules and bylaws. Its time for the DNC and the Bylaws Committee to uphold the laws that you have created in this Primary season and for the past Democratic Presidential Races of the past. Do allow angry people do decide what you should do this weekend. Do the Right thing and uphold the Rules that you put in place. Now that being said we are the Democratic Party and the fair solution to this is to split the Delegates 50/50 right down the line Senator Hillary Clinton takes 50 % and Senator Obama takes the other 50 %. Now if anyone has a problem with that then forget it . This is the best solution for everyone concerned and involved. Some will still be angry and upset but you cannot please everyone and realize that the Rules are good ones . I am certian if Senator Clinton were 46 something delegates away from the nomination this would not be an issue for her and her supporters or at least some of them. I will say this aswell that if their is not an agreement of a 50/50 split then none of the Delegates of Florida and Michigan should be seated. Again their is a simple solution the question is will Senator Hillary Clinton and her Camapign agree with it?

Bill Clinton Says Wife is Victim of a Cover Up

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:56:56 EDT

From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Watch Bill Clinton's remarks about the state of the race.

(CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton said that Democrats were more likely to lose in November if his wife Hillary Clinton is not the party’s presidential nominee, and suggested some people were trying to “cover this up” and “push and pressure and bully” superdelegates to make up their minds prematurely.

"I can’t believe it. It is just frantic the way they are trying to push and pressure and bully all these superdelegates to come out,” he said at a South Dakota campaign stop Sunday, in remarks first reported by ABC News. “'Oh, this is so terrible: The people they want her. Oh, this is so terrible: She is winning the general election, and he is not. Oh my goodness, we have to cover this up.'"

The former president added that his wife had not been given the respect she deserved as a legitimate presidential candidate. "She is winning the general election today and he is not, according to all the evidence,” he said. “And I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen a candidate treated so disrespectfully just for running.”

“Her only position was, ‘Look, if I lose I'll be a good team player. We will all try to win — but let's let everybody vote, and count every vote,’" he said.

The former president suggested that if the New York senator ended the primary season with an edge in the popular vote, it would be a significant development. "If you vote for her and she does well in Montana and she does well in Puerto Rico, when this is over she will be ahead in the popular vote,” said Clinton.

“And they're trying to get her to cry uncle before the Democratic Party has to decide what to do in Florida and Michigan” – which the party would need to do “unless we want to lose the election. "