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All Posts Tagged With: "Obama"

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Edwards brings dignity to debate, 1-21-08

Son, The democratic debate was a series of heated exchanges between Clinton and Obama.  John Edwards brought the debate back to the issues.  Chris Matthews would probably say that women and black folk don’t know how to talk civilly.   The reality is that Obama and Clinton see each other as the competition because the […]

23Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Edwards brings dignity to debate, 1-21-08 | Continued
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Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy

Son, I am suffering the stock market drop. My portfolio for retirement has been devastated. The emotion is gripping. As I pondered my own reaction I realized that I am suffering a grief response. This is not an academic discussion – people across America are suffering the grief of real loss. So what is Grief? […]

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy | Continued
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Democratic Debate – January 21, 2008

Son, These folks are working hard to distinguish themselves from the crowd.  They have similar position on a variety of issues – so what is left to distinguish.  Leadership, character, honesty, courage…  This sounds personal – but I think there is purpose. Obama has been doing well – and that attracts attention.  Clinton and Edwards […]

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Democratic Debate – January 21, 2008 | Continued
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Meet the Press – Jan 20, 2008, on Obama

Son, Meet the Press has finally come around to having real journalist participating – rather than have Tim Russert looking for sound bites. This is actually a good discussion on the candidacy of Obama. [wp_youtube]wX7kTBqqpr0[/wp_youtube] Dad

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Meet the Press – Jan 20, 2008, on Obama | Continued
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Barack Obama at Ebenezer Baptist Church

Son, Barack Obama is a compelling speaker. He spoke on January 20, 2008, at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Coincidentally – one year until George W. Bush is out of office. Dad

22Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Barack Obama at Ebenezer Baptist Church | Continued
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Bill Clinton Supports Hillary

Son, Are you surprised?  Is anyone surprised?  What are the other spouses doing?  But this is Bill Clinton – former President of the United States.  Traditionally former presidents have not taken a position until their party nominee is selected – but this is just another example of the historical ramifications of a former First Lady […]

21Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Bill Clinton Supports Hillary | Continued
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The Nevada Debate, 1-15-08, Domestic Issues

Son, The final section of the debate is on domestic issues – but the first question is on support of the military at college and universities and whether ROTC should be offered and military recruiters should be allowed on campus. Clinton says “Yes, they should allow recruiters and not do anything to disrespect the military.” […]

16Jan2008 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, economy

Son, The debate continues. Williams, Many financial corporations are selling shares overseas, how does this strike you? ” Hillary, “I am very concerned, these are called sovereign wealth funds and they are controlled by governmental entities.  We’ve got to know more about them… But let’s look at how we got here – our institutions made […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, economy | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, beyond race

Son, The debate continues after addressing the issues of race.  Brian Williams, Tim Russert, and Natalie Morallis are the moderators. To Edwards – What  is a white male to do running against these candidacies. Edwards – “This says really good things about America.” Williams do you regret saying that Hillary is likable enough?  Obama, “Yes, […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, beyond race | Continued
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Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, On race

Son, The debate is on.  Brian William is giving the introduction of a Q & A format.  Time Russert is there – unfortunately.  But Brian Williams is a fair journalist and will moderate his colleague.    It begins with race. BW to Clinton: How did we get here? Clinton, “MLK’s dreams have been realized.  Senator […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Nevada Democratic Debate, 1-15-08, On race | Continued
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Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08

Son, Something exciting is happening in America.  Chris Matthews has Congressman Charles Rangel on his show and they are being civil.. Rangel is beside himself with joy over the prospects of an African-American President.  As should we all. Rangel, “We’ve had some terrible political setbacks and …I just hope that Barack Obama is a different […]

16Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Charles Rangel on Hardball, 1-15-08 | Continued
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James Clyburn, Charles Rangel, Hardball, 1-15-08

Son, There are some wonderful and competent black leaders in this country.  I am surprised that they have allowed Al Sharpton to have any voice.  These men, like James Clyburn and Charles Rangel, are extremely competent thoughtful men.  Ryburn is on Hardball right now. Of course, given the current political races, these men are asked […]

16Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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John Ridley on Morning Joe, 1-15-08

Son, John Ridley is a black man, a successful black man. Well, he makes a lot of money and follows his bliss as and NPR Contributor – successful. Joe Scarborough has Ridley on the show to talk about race in politics. Ridley, “I think this thing is really unfortunate. Race and gender has not really […]

15Jan2008 | | Comments Off on John Ridley on Morning Joe, 1-15-08 | Continued
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Optimism, realism, and leadership

Son, Martin Luther King, Jr. has returned to the news. A Christian Minister who actively used his ministry to engage social issues and the government – he dreamed about a future of peace and prosperity. His resonating dream was inspirational and people followed. Was that a fluke of history, or is that a standard that […]

15Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Optimism, realism, and leadership | Continued
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Tim Russert plays the gender card

Son, Tim Russert was ‘interviewing’ Hillary Clinton on Meet the Press this morning.  His line of questioning suggested his chauvinism rests just under the surface.  Russert asked of Hillary, “What was the moment of greatest adversity for you?”   Hillary’s answer, “We all know the answer to that.” Yes we do – and so did Russert.  […]

14Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Tim Russert plays the gender card | Continued
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Hillary Clinton with Tim Russert

Son, Tim Russert played his cards at the table of a master.  He came up short.  But that is why Hillary Clinton is busy running for President and Tim Russert is busy sucking up to his buddy Chris Matthews and the corporate bosses who manage the media.  One can almost see Russert thinking, “Oh Boy, […]

13Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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The value of political polls

Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]

12Jan2008 | | Comments Off on The value of political polls | Continued
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Responding to Pollsters

Son, I have had my own telephone for about forty years. I all that time I have been contacted about two times by political pollsters. I either live in the wrong neighborhood or they don’t care about my demographic. Either way, they have not created many problems for me personally – except when they miscalled […]

12Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Responding to Pollsters | Continued
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Political endorsement, any value?

Son, There is an old axiom in local politics, “When someone or some group endorses you, you get all of their enemies and none of their friends.” Who knows?  We do know that politicians actively seek endorsements. Readers – what do you think – are endorsements valuable? Dad

11Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Political endorsement, any value? | Continued
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Chris Matthews, Racist, Chauvinist

Son, The star of Chris Matthews has risen. Now we can see who he really is. And it is not pretty. Clinton scored a huge comeback in New Hampshire. Matthews explanation – “…the New Hampshire voters lied to the pollsters. They lied about voting for a black man because they were embarrassed… Hillary did not […]

9Jan2008 | | 8 comments | Continued
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Hey Hillary – You go Girl!

Son, It is a great night for Democrats.  The pollsters and pundits, including me, guessed wrong on New Hampshire.  Hillary Clinton has pulled off a win that leaves the Democratic Party in a healthy position to continue this race. John Edwards is saying that he will continue through the convention.  Barack Obama has great strength.  […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Hey Hillary – You go Girl! | Continued
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Take That! Al Sharpton

Son, I am so tickled at Obama’s success. He has demonstrated that Black leaders are not just loud mouthed buffoons with a shallow and selfish agenda. Of course, I am speaking of Al Sharpton.  Barack Obam is a poke in Al Sharpton’s bigoted eye. Even setting Imus aside, Sharpton runs around the country, as he […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Take That! Al Sharpton | Continued
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Obama fulfills Martin Luther King’s Dream

Son, Win or lose, Obama has fulfilled the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr.   I will quote some of that famous mastery or oratory here: “…I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident; that […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama fulfills Martin Luther King’s Dream | Continued
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The Fresh Innocence of Obama

Son, What is it about Obama that has stirred the populace. Certainly he is young and handsome and well spoken. He is charming and he understands how to draw the crowd in. But the other candidates continue to point out his relative inexperience. My notion is that the other candidates inadvertently promote him in a […]

9Jan2008 | | Comments Off on The Fresh Innocence of Obama | Continued
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Bambi Obama

Son, Barack Obama has been anointed. Personally I am happy for him and for our country. But when a super star rises and the people rally – objective politics is endangered. Who wants to shoot Bambi? Dad An afterthought – I wrote the above post with on a whim. It had already been posted when […]

8Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Bambi Obama | Continued
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For Whom The Bell Tolls

Son, No demographic is an island, intire of it self; every demographic is a piece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Political Parties, American is the less, as well as if a promontorie were, as well as if a Mannor of thy friends or of […]

8Jan2008 | | Comments Off on For Whom The Bell Tolls | Continued
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General Mood versus Individual Issues

Son, Statistics rule. The current political campaign for President highlights this truth. All of us pundits have been somewhat befuddled. But not as befuddled as the candidates themselves. Hillary Clinton has the most exhaustive list of issues and answers to the issues – yet she is struggling for support. Romney has taken traditional and well […]

7Jan2008 | | Comments Off on General Mood versus Individual Issues | Continued
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Obama Rising

Son, Success is often dependent on understanding environment, on understanding culture, being willing to take a chance, and having a little patience.  Success requires paying attention and being nurturing.  Success requires purposeful deliberation. Barack Obama has these qualities. A good chef knows that his product is dependent on all of these qualities.  So does a […]

6Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama Rising | Continued
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A Personal Understanding of Racism

Son, I grew up in a segregated America.  My parents would have qualified as third generation hillbillies who came to town to work.  We lived in a mixed race neighborhood in an inner city.  Those were days when a fist fight on the corner was just that – no one pulled out a knife or […]

5Jan2008 | | 1 comment | Continued
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An American Revolution – 2008

Son, We are in a time of flux. This is a difficult time for statisticians. The Media Pundits are dissecting the Iowa statistics, trying to make sense of demographics and results. Some say Obama is about generational issues. Clinton is about gender. Edwards about populism. Huckabee about evangelism. This is not a time when these […]

4Jan2008 | | 3 comments | Continued
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NH Political Predictions of Ohg Rea Tone

Son, Some processes are all about momentum.  Momentum is not arbitrary – there are roots of rationale.  There is cause and purpose.  The forces at play in breaking the sled loose continue to propel – mass in motion is difficult to stop.  The block of votes gained in Iowa have gravitational pull that directly correlates […]

4Jan2008 | | Comments Off on NH Political Predictions of Ohg Rea Tone | Continued
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Where will Biden and Dodd supporters go?

Dad, I was at an Iowa caucus tonight. I saw the supporters of Joe Biden and Bill Richardson hold out until just before the final count, then join the Obama camp. Why did they do that? Why not join Hillary? One guy that I talked to in the Biden corner said that he was turned […]

4Jan2008 | | 2 comments | Continued
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Obama – the time has come

Son. The time has come for change in America. The genie is out of the bottle. The magic is in the air. Fresh breezes are blowing. Spring will see new life. How many ways can this be said. Barack Obama has sent a message to the White House. Barack Obama has sent a message to […]

4Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama – the time has come | Continued
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Obama Turns Out – MSNBC Reports

Son, It is 8:15 PM, CST, and MSNBC is reporting with 56% of the tally that Obama has 35%, Edwards has 32%, and Clinton has 31%.  This is a major shift in the political landscape of the Democratic Party.  Obama is going to present a stiff challenge to tradition. Adrea Mitchell is on now – […]

4Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Obama Turns Out – MSNBC Reports | Continued
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Resolutions 2008 – WWJD

Son, Faith is expounded by all candidates.  Hey – the evangelicals have done a good job in politics.  They have swayed elections.  They have gained power.  They influence the national debate. I just wrote a post on Mike Huckabee.  He is that one guy who is a Christian Minister who is running for President.  I […]

2Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Resolutions 2008 – WWJD | Continued
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Politics of Fear

Son, Fear is an interesting word.  The word can be used on both sides of any given argument.  And it is.  Barack Obama is hot after the word today.  “We cannot continue the politics of fear.”  Another fellow once said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I use the word – […]

2Jan2008 | | Comments Off on Politics of Fear | Continued
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Iowa – Caucus Country

Dad, Before I moved to Iowa, I would have said that corn was the number one thing that I think of when someone mentions the state.  I now realize that Kansas has more corn than Iowa and that the caucus is more a defining characteristic of Iowa than the agriculture. I had never had the […]

29Dec2007 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Obama – do the same thing

Son, Barack Obama is on a toot. He is using an old line from self-help programs. Yesterday he said, “You keep doing the same thing expecting different results.” Some people call that the essence of insanity – I have a slightly different take on the old saying. Real insanity is in doing the same thing, […]

27Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Obama – do the same thing | Continued
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Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics

Son, I am one who attacks Sacred Cows. In that way Ron Paul and I are alike. There is something about the Ron Paul approach that unsettles me. It seems that he quotes obscure sources – fringe sources – sources of questionable repute. Are these sources questionable because they challenge old ideas or because they […]

27Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Challenging Sacred Cows of Politics | Continued
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Qualities of an American President?

Son, This is a redraft of a previous post.  The previous post focused on Ron Paul – but while writing that post I realized there are bigger issues at stake. Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States. ON the surface it seems entirely remarkable that this man of […]

26Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Qualities of an American President? | Continued
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The Rise of Ron Paul

Son, Ron Paul is running for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.  ON the surface it seems entirely remarkable that this man of little logic is having so much success, both in admiring fans and his ability to raise money.  He is worth looking at – not because of his ideas – […]

26Dec2007 | | 3 comments | Continued
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Chris Matthews – arrogance personified

Son, I was once a fan of Chris Matthews. He is on Morning Joe again this morning and he is absolutely pathetic in his self promotion. They are discussing the 2008 election and Matthews just said, “If Obama winds in Iowa then Bill Clinton will be saying, ‘Matthews was right.’” Whooee – Does he think […]

26Dec2007 | | 1 comment | Continued
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Imus and Sharpton – still haggling

Son, Good for Don Imus. He has overcome adversity and is returning to the Radio airways. I am not an Imus kind of guy – I may be a smart-alack like him – but our philosophies are different. But this is not about me – it is about redemption from the pettiness of Al Sharpton. […]

2Dec2007 | | Comments Off on Imus and Sharpton – still haggling | Continued
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Oprah and Barack – transcending race

Son, A curious phenomenon is taking place. Oprah Winfrey is going on the stump for Barack Obama. So what? It is not unusual for celebrities to endorse candidates for political office. But this phenomenon is unusual, for several reasons. Oprah does not normally do this. Oprah has been on television for 25 years and has […]

26Nov2007 | | Comments Off on Oprah and Barack – transcending race | Continued
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Democratic Debate – October 30 8-8:30 PM

Brian Williams, the moderator, set the stage with his first question to Barack Obama, asking “Why do you think that Hillary Clinton votes like a republican?” Barack answered by explaining the need for change and his take on Hillary is that she is a person steeped in the experience of Washington politics. Then John Edwards […]

31Oct2007 | | Comments Off on Democratic Debate – October 30 8-8:30 PM | Continued
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Shifting Paradigms – Obama is On Track!

Son, What is the driving mission, vision, philosophy, whatever, of the United States of America? We look to our Constitution for the how-to’s; we look to our leaders for the why-for’s. The national media continues to look to our candidates for office for specific logistical solutions to problems. They continue to look at how-to’s. I […]

12Sep2007 | | Comments Off on Shifting Paradigms – Obama is On Track! | Continued