Posts with the tag primary

FED UP WITH THE DOUBLE STANDARD

Liz — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:38:55 EDT

The double standard I speak of is the Hillary standard vs. the standard of the rest of the world. Yes there is sexism. And yes it raised its ugly head agains Hillary in this campaign.

But Hillary lost, not because of sexism as many such as Sascha Millstone would like to pertetuate and present Hillary as some martyr. Hillary lost because of her campaign strategy and the devisiveness within her own camp. To say that she lost because of sexism is in my opinion an insult to women and a discouragement to young girls in particular. Hillary lost specifically because of her strategy, not sexism.

Sacha Millstone the delegate in CO blames Barack Obama and party leaders for not rallying to Clinton's defense. And she slams them for trying to nudge the former first lady out of the race. "That never would have happened if she were a man."

The System Worked Perfectly

Democrat in Burbank, CA — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:58:20 EDT

For all the complaining about the primary process, in the end it worked just fine. All delegates are not created equal, each state can chose how to elect those delegates, but in the end, we had had two really amazing candidates and a party split nearly in half and we got a result! And as the superdelegate accept that result, the margin for the winner increases to a point where no can dispute who the winner is. There was only one mistake in the process and that was penalizing MI and FL 100%. But even that was resolved to the satisfaction of the majority of democrats. Nice Job DNC.

Fighting For Puerto Rico's Soldiers and Veterans

Rena Silverman — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:38:09 EDT

Fighting For Puerto Rico’s Soldiers and Veterans: During a conversation with the family of a Puerto Rican soldier who had fought in Iraq, Hillary promised that “[w]hen I’m president, we will begin ending the war in Iraq, and you won’t have to worry about [your son] going back…Our veterans deserve a commander in chief who will take care of them, and I will.”

Hillary, it's over. Honest.

David — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:54:33 EDT

Cross-posted from: snarky.tumblr.com

Lately, Hillary has been comparing her epic battle to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations “as is” at the Democratic National Convention to the efforts by the Democratic party to extend the franchise to all Americans. The struggle for civil rights, the fight for women’s suffrage, and Hillary’s lone stand for the voters of FL and MI, we are to believe, are on a par.

There is, however, a problem with this narrative. You see, FL and MI both broke the rules established prior to the election by the Democratic National Committee. Now, it is true that the voters of FL and MI were not directly responsible. But their elected leaders were. And as we all know, like it or not, we voters are often held accountable for the actions of the elected leadership regardless of our personal support of their official behavior.

What’s more, attempting to count MI “as is” is even more anti-democratic (note small ‘d’) than excluding their delegation. Obama, and most other major candidates, removed their name from the ballot, leaving only Hillary to be elected in a Soviet-style “one name, one vote” election.

Neither Obama nor Hillary campaigned in FL or MI as they did in other states. And we have seen that campaigning does indeed affect voting. It might be that Hillary would have won either FL or MI. It could well be that Obamamania would have carried the day in one or both states. The point is that the voters didn’t get a chance to see the candidates and take them out for the proverbial test spin.

Hillary agreed to run for the Democratic nomination. When she entered the race, she knew there would be caucus states. No state suddenly became a caucus state when she wasn’t looking.

When she entered the race, she knew that states that scheduled their primaries too early might be penalized or excluded. Many of her supporters were on the committee that drafted the rules in regard to this issue.

As she ran for the nomination, she said it was “clear” that MI’s primary would not be counted.

As she ran for the nomination, she signed a pledge not to campaign in FL or MI — a step not required by the Democratic National Committee but an idea cooked up in Iowa and New Hampshire as a sort of “loyalty test” to their place in the process. She signed that pledge to curry favor in Iowa and New Hampshire (so did everyone else) and she benefited from that pledge.

Now, when times are rough and it is clear that her only route to victory is to get FL and MI seated “as is,” Hillary has cast herself as the Great Enfranchiser.

It is so bogus it makes my teeth hurt.

Now, a message to the candidate…

Obama Carries the South

Armen — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:22:38 EDT

Obama is projected to win NC tonight and that is great because it is just further proof of how Obama can carry the south. Since Bill there hasn't been a Dem that has been able to carry the south and because of that there hasn't been a Dem in office. With Obama we have the best chance of getting that southern vote and getting a Democrat into office for the next 8 years! Go Obama!

Frank Rich: 27% of PA GOP voted AGAINST McCain

Jim Callahan — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:44:38 EDT

Again in this mornings NYTimes Op Ed:

few noticed that on this same day in Pennsylvania, 27 percent of Republican primary voters didn’t just tell pollsters they would defect from their party’s standard-bearer; they went to the polls, gas prices be damned, to vote against Mr. McCain. Though ignored by every channel I surfed, there actually was a G.O.P. primary on Tuesday, open only to registered Republicans. And while it was superfluous in determining that party’s nominee, 220,000 Pennsylvania Republicans (out of their total turnout of 807,000) were moved to cast ballots for Mike Huckabee or, more numerously, Ron Paul. That’s more voters than the margin (215,000) that separated Hillary Clinton and Mr. Obama.

Those antiwar Paul voters are all potential defectors to the Democrats in November. Mr. Huckabee’s religious conservatives, who rejected Mr. McCain throughout the primary season, might also bolt or stay home. Given that the Democratic ticket beat Bush-Cheney in Pennsylvania by 205,000 votes in 2000 and 144,000 votes in 2004, these are 220,000 voters the G.O.P. can ill-afford to lose. Especially since there are now a million more registered Democrats than Republicans in Pennsylvania. (These figures don’t even include independents, who couldn’t vote in either primary on Tuesday and have been migrating toward the Democrats since 2006.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/opinion/27rich.html?hp

Jim Callahan
Orlando, FL

Clintonball: closing the deal in the right place at the right time

David — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:49:47 EDT

Do you remember the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes? I think Hillary is getting her political talking points from the ever-changing rules of Calvinball. As soon as she fails in a metric she has previously touted, the rules change and a new metric becomes the only one that matters.

It was difficult last night to watch as Clinton’s surrogates explained that the only state in the nation that mattered in a Democratic primary was Pennsylvania. The twisted logic that suggests that we should ignore the fact that Obama leads in delegates, in pledged delegates, in the popular vote, and in contests won is just plain insulting to those of us who pay attention. It’s even beginning to insult the intelligence of the mainstream media â€" and these days, that’s hard to do.

Improve the Caucus System

Democrat in Redmond, WA — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:44:29 EDT

JUST COUNT THE VOTES!!!

Whether you support a caucus system or voting in a primary, let's be truly democratic about it and just count the votes!!!!

We don't need to then elect delegates to represent those votes and spend hours and hours just to ultimately cast another vote!

Thoughts on the End of the Primary

Ashley Robin — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:23:45 EDT

Hello All,

I find my opinion changing about the current status of the Democratic Primary. I was like many of my fellow Obama supporters, hoping that as I got dressed for class there would be some news report that said the primary was over because a candidate (Hillary Clinton) had decided to take herself out of the race. I looked forward to hearing that news report. But alas, it never came. As time went on, I became more and more upset that this report was not being broadcast. I would say to myself, "She's behind in delegates, in votes, in states, she needs to give it up already!" Needless to say, it caused me some stress. I felt that the longer the contest went on, the more damage was done to the Democratic Party, the more time that John McCain had to plan his entire campaign and do some serious fundraising (because everyone knows he needs to get his campaign money together)....but something happened to change my mind...just a little bit.

In the democratic process, we as a populace do have the right to vote for the candidate whom we support in an election. Whether it be Barack or Hillary, John or Mike or Mitch, it is our inalienable right to vote, and vote democratically. So, reason says that with so many states left in the primary, that there should be a choice. So, I began to feel that Hillary should not be pressured to quit. Then, in my well-known fashion, I had yet another moment of clarity.

Mathematically, I don't see how Hillary could win the delegates. The only way Hillary would stop Barack's lead and gain on him is to get ALL the delegates in every single contest from now until the Denver convention. Given the history of the primaries and caucuses so far, it won't happen. While I encourage healthy competition, I am not in favor of mud-slinging, attacking one person for addressing issues that the other instigated, LYING, and just overall not making much sense....does nothing but belittle the party overall.

Regardless of my feelings, as long as the money comes in and the checks clear and the bills get paid, the campaign and their attacks will continue. I just hope the damage to the Party is not everlasting when the general vote happens in November.

As long as Bush is out of office and someone is elected who can fix the errors of his eight years as President, it doesn't matter to me. (However, I feel that Obama is the only one who can do that.)

Ashley

FLORIDA: Gang of 4 Pledge is the Problem; a solution

Jim Callahan — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:13:11 EDT

If the Democratic Party had stuck to the rules and only had not seating half the delegates as the penalty (like the Republican Party) we would not be in the situation we are now.

Four Democratic state party chairs (in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Caroline and Nevada) used their position to extract a destructive pledge from the candidates, that went far beyond the party rules, pledging the candidates not to campaign in Florida.

It is the campaign blackout imposed by the pledge, not party rules that is the problem. The failure to campaign in Florida (or for more, than one candidate to get on the ballot in Michigan) invalidates the candidate results.

Following the January 29 primary, the party did a good job of holding caucuses to elect the persons to serve as delegates. At least here in Central Florida, the delegates elected for both Obama and Clinton were people who were either active in the meetup groups for the Presidential candidates or active in local political campaigns. These are good people who deserve to be seated. One of the delegates is first term state representative Scott Randolph who represents one of the most diverse districts in the nation.

On the other hand, because of the failure to campaign in Florida, the candidate results are invalid. With good delegates, but invalid candidate results, the delegates should be seated, but released from their pledges.

Florida voters still deserve the opportunity to see the candidates campaign in Florida. There is one last chance to vote.

"Denver will host the 2008 Democratic National Convention Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28."
http://www.democrats.org/a/convention_2008/

Florida will hold a regularly scheduled Primary Election on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, the second day of the Democratic National Convention.
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/online/elecdate.shtml

Imagine the drama of the convention, as the roll call is called out, "Florida passes," as vote counting in Florida is still underway.

At the convention, the seated, but unpledged, Florida delegation eagerly seek out Primary results in their own districts. Each of the delegates had campaigned hard for their candidate prior to the convention so tonight's vote would validate their choice.

The irony under this scenario is that Florida voters would get the last word.

Jim Callahan
Precinct Committeeman, Precinct 401
Orange County Democratic Executive Committee
Orlando, FL

Daily Talking Points - Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Rena Silverman — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:08:36 EDT

Daily Talking Points - Wednesday, March 19, 2008

michigan/five-year anniversary of iraq war

upcomming primaries

Rena Silverman — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:00:18 EDT

22 April: PENNSYLVANIA-
the Keystone State, similar in demographics to Ohio; the biggest prize of all with 158 delegates up for grabs...

Democratic US Senator Obama Stands Up to Anti Obama Attacks in a Presidental Manner

Progressive Democrat — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:27:15 EDT

These last few days of attacks on Senator Obama have been a test for everyone who has come to know him in this Primary season for the Democratic nomination .

I will not rehash all of the reasons he has been attacked in this campaign many already know the news stories .

Senator Obama has from day one talked about the issues that affect my family and your family issues not gutter politics .

He spoke well on Countdown on MsNbc the other night and as an American and a lifelomg Democrat I was proud of Senator Obama for standing up taking action and doing the right thing and using good judgement aswell.

Everytime those that want to bring Obama down fine something or someone to attack him and us the Obama Supporters in the end it backfires.

When I think of Karma what comes to mind if one has bad karma then that karma will follow them wherever they go.

Its time for a United States of America one that shows respect for all people no matter what color they are .

Those that have attacked the Obama Campaign with hateful comments that are attempts to divide and conquer will have alot of karma coming their way when they look in the mirror.

We in the Obama Movement as Democrats Republicans and Independents have been giving America solutions to Domestic and International problems and they are listening all over America.

Education I feel will be important once Senator Obama is elected President.

Education to teach our Children and some Adults not to hate or fear someone just because their race or greed is not like yours.

People all over the World are watching America to see if we have the courage of our convictions.

I believe we do that we can change the old ways of thinking and belief systems that have been taught in this great nation.

Lets really win PA in a few weeks and show America and The Clintons that they cannot winthis campaign with even negative attacks and that people in PA are not only ready for Change but are tried of the same old Politics of the past.

Some in the media say PA is like Ohio I do not believe it will be .

So with this I end my message and hope everyone who can go to help in the Primary in PA and elsewhere will do it .

As a working dad with a wife and kid my hopes and what I want for the future of this country are with Obama now 100%.

Obama=A United States of America not a Divided States of America Go Obama Yes You Can Yes We Can Yes We Will.

The Myth of Reverse Racism

Diana M. Painter — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:48:49 EDT

Thank you Jenna for this article.
Excerpt from the Tim Wise article "Obama, Black Voters and the Myth of Reverse Racism ".
For the entire article go to:
http://www. timwise. org/
...
Simply put, there are any number of reasons why whites voting for a white candidate because of race is altogether different than blacks voting for a black candidate because of the same. For African American voters, voting for Barack Obama--a man of color who actually stands a chance of winning the Presidency--is an opportunity to participate in a major historic moment.

Michigan, Florida, and Barack!

John — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:54:39 EDT

I have faith in the ability of common people to be able to recognize integrity and honor when it is repeatedly contrasted with treachery and deception. I also know many voters are aware that Barack Obama has a seemingly natural awareness of our problems and a clear sense of where to start and what direction to take in order to correct many of them. It is also clear to many of us his plans will help to circumvent future reoccurrences. It’s a re-emergence of the kind of thinking we had in our country prior to Ronald Reagan and the Clintons. It’s good to be an American now, but in those days it was great to be an American. We and the rest of the world will be big losers if we do not capitalize on him now. It is imperative that he help those of us who have faith in his ability to lead us back to the land of plenty by standing fast to who he is. This needs to happen now! He needs to stick to his original heart felt speeches and continue to put forth his views and recommendations. Let Hillary continue to sling mud. Most importantly, he needs to enthusiastically support doing the democratic primaries in Michigan and Florida over. It’s going to happen anyway and he must not be perceived as anyone who is less that honorable and fair. Remember when these two primaries were held not much was know about Barack. In this regard time has been in his favor. Another point to remember is how transparent Hillary’s tendency to stoop to any level has become. The people are not blind or deaf, and are definitely becoming discouraged and embarrassed by her mud slinging and flat out rendition of the same old political corruption we are all so sick of. Let’s get back on track and get these two repeat primaries scheduled. He needs to go public with this as soon as possible!

Is it time for a New Generation to take power?

Alex Hutchinson — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:02:01 EDT

Has Barack Obama's candidacy given rise to a New Generation? Why would they be better suited to run this country?

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/03/03/020532.php

Read the article and write a review.

Enjoy, Alex Hutchinson

It is only fair to congratulate the winner...

Matt Nisenoff — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:27:26 EST

Clinton did win here.

My worst fear...in poll form, Yay!

Diana M. Painter — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:16:50 EST

The question was asked of people leaving the polls. The answers are first the total, and then broken up by candidate supported.

It is from http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/epolls/#TXDEM

This just represents Texas, but it makes me nervous anyway.

Satisfied if Clinton Wins Nomination? Clinton Obama
Yes (70%) 66% 33%
No (28%) 10% 89%

Would You Be Satisfied... Clinton Obama Only if Clinton Wins (28%) 97% 3%
Only if Obama Wins (24%) 2% 97%
If Either Wins (42%) 46% 53%
Dissat. With Both (4%) N/A N/A

Satisfied if Obama Wins Nomination? Clinton Obama
Yes (66%) 30% 69%
No (32%) 91% 8%

What this means is that people think that the world will be saved if X gets nomination. WAKE UP AMERICA! We have to save ourselves, we can't expect either one of the candidates to be the change we want to see without us just being satisfied. Sure getting people who can help us into office is part of the plan, but it is NOT the whole plan. Get to work. Become a neighborhood leader, or sign up a friend, ASAP.

The good new is that JUST 43% of Texans would be satisfied if either wins the nomination, and then we get to add back on the candidate who won. That would be a good base to start with in August I hope. Then we can earn back those voters who were disappointed by the primary. I'm also proud to see, once again, that nearly twice as many democrats as republicans came out to caucus or vote. Even in states like Texas, democrats are rocking the vote (in some states it is called Baracking the vote.

I know I'm preaching to the wrong crowd here at DNC.org, but hey. At least those who will read this care. I do repost it on myspace and facebook too ;)

The Dress Rehearsal is over, Clinton and Obama.

Joseph Karsner — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:48:20 EST

Sit down with me, friends. I’ve changed my sweater, taken off my shoes. Let’s talk about our friends Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Ohio and Texas. Both famous in their own right, for their own blunders, all having a common man involved. Tonight, they get the spotlight once again - another chance to make it happen, captain. Hillary is ahead in Ohio, Barack in Texas; both have pounded their platforms into our heads and pointed enough fingers.

For the sake of all democrats, let’s hope this decision is made tonight. Let’s face it; the neck-and-neck stuff isn’t good for the party. Divided we stand, together we fall. The longer we wait for a sure candidate, the longer it takes takes for us to rise as one behind the nominee, and end this inter-party scuffling that’s weakening our very core. Every day we wait for is a day John McCain’s strength grows. Those undecided voters are waiting for someone to stand behind, and while democrats focus their attention on who’s got more experience, McCain is creating legacy, stability and a nightmare for the democrats.

If there’s no democratic nominee until the August convention, we’re screwed. Seriously. This is a country that re-elected a failure president because the stability of a second term outweighed the chances of change. McCain believes in the war, wants to continue the war, and with “change for the better” happening in Iraq, it won’t be as hard as everyone thinks to convince middle-of-the-roaders that our money and time are well spent in the fight we created for the ideals we believe are most important. Once McCain starts talking about tax breaks: forget it. While America has stopped thinking Iraq is a mess, they know America's finances are. It's the biggest concern among voters: McCain will be there to tell them the money's coming back to their pockets, even if he can't explain how he'll fund that war. We’re wasting time, procrastinating, thinking “we’ll do it on the day”. Enter: Ralph Nader to the race. TODAY is the day.

Let’s make tonight the end of it. When the polls close, let’s choose our nominee. The fighting is taking its toll, and we don’t want to do it anymore. The dress rehearsal is over and if you don’t like the script now, you aren’t going to.

From my blog: Not Another Pundit: Joseph Karsner

Tough Caucus Strategy

Sharkhunter — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:58:05 EST

This is one of a series of articles circulating on the internet. I am posting this because I could not link the tab from an email that posted an article from today's Burnt Orange Report.

http://trailblazers.beloblog.com/archives/2008/03/caucus-strategy.html

Note: I will no longer respond to comments until after March 4th.

May the best candidate win in a Fair electoral process.