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January 09 Democrats set to implode, again?I am writing in response to the "Clinton comeback" in New Hampshire. I use the finger quotes on comeback because it was just a month or so ago that Clinton was up there by double digits. She wins it by 2.5% and now it's a comeback ... go figure.
Here is my main thought for this blog - a Clinton win will mean a Democratic disaster in the fall. Her selection as the nominee will mean one of two things:
1. She goes on to eek out a victory in November. This could happen. The Clinton machine is strong and she is a very good campaigner (I hope she will drop the tears, though). Women will turn out for her and duty bound Dems will vote for her over any Republican. Democrats in reddish states will get their hats handed to them. Our margin in the Senate will grow by one or two, and we will possibly lose the House back or barely hold onto it. Either way, no strong majority and the only thing that will get passed is Republican-light legislation.
2. She loses in the fall and a Republican is elected with the House and Senate nearly split. Independents turn their back on Democrats so fast that we will need another ten years to recover. Immigration legislation passes that is hateful and racist. NCLB stays right where it is and the disparate Bush tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires remain.
If you're a Democrat PRAY for an Obama victory. You will see new energy and ideas come into our party and real progressive change will stand a fighting chance. December 31 O O O Obama, O O Barack Obama!Well, the caucuses are but a few days away and I made my choice ... Senator Obama.
This seems to be one of those defining moments; I'm not sure I have had one of my own as a voter. In fact, in :
1984 voted for Mondale.
1988 I am ashamed to say that I did not vote (it was Bush Sr. v. Dukakis).
1992 for Bill Clinton
1996 for Bill Clinton
2000 for Al Gore
2004 for John Kerry
... not a lot of thrilling choices in that bunch. Clinton was dynamic, but came with mucho baggage.
Sen. Obama represents a big change in generation and vision. Here's a candidate with kids younger than mine!
Obama brings an excitement to young people that is not seen in other campaigns. While teaching High School this fall, my students were overwhelmingly for Obama. He represents something exciting and different to them.
I have heard him speak in person a number of times. He is thoughtful, intelligent, informed, compassionate, and visionary. He is also inspiring and has a sense of humor. All in all a great mix of talent.
I believe, if he gets the nomination over Clinton he will go on to win and that will be a giant leap forward from the last seven years. December 18 Go, Chris Dodd!<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-I4Z0_dyFMc&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-I4Z0_dyFMc&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
If my link above works, check it out. This is what government and politics can be about when people work together with legislators to do the right thing. In this case, the right thing is not letting the Administration and big telecom companies trample on our Civil Liberties and the Constitution. November 20 Bush blamed for CIA leak deceit - The White House- msnbc.comNobody these days disputes that President Bush has been an unmitigated disaster as a President, but here's a little more fuel for the fire. Bush, who said he'd fire anyone involved in leaking a CIA agents identity must be surprised to find out he now must fire himself! Quote McClellan blames Bush for CIA leak deceit - The White House- msnbc.com September 04 Talking about Special comment on Bush’s surprise Iraq visitWell, Keith has smacked the nail right where it counts AGAIN! This special commentary truly exposes Dubya for the faker and fraud that he is. This is what happens when Americans allow themselves to be fooled by a rich, entitled, party boy who wants to play at being Commander-in-Chief. So sad, but true. Watch this video and share it for our nations future. Quote Special comment on Bush’s surprise Iraq visit May 17 Day of the DoddTook a lunch hour a week or two ago and went to hear Sen. Christopher Dodd speak. It was a very nice event for a young professional Democrat group in Des Moines.
Dodd came a bit early and mixed with the crowd, shook hands, etc.
Some local Dem personalities were in attendance, too.
On Dodd:
I liked him, as well. Forceful and articulate speaker. The guy knows issues and his two decades of Senate experience are evident. I kind of put Dodd and Biden in the same category. They both make you feel like they could take over tomorrow and the country would be in competent hands (unlike now).
Had Dodd sign my book on Northern Ireland politics after the speech. He asked me if the anecdote about himself and Clinton on the golf course was in the book and I told him it was included. He gave me a little rundown of that which was pretty cool.
Overall, another competent member of a good field of Dems.
One surprise: I did not realize that he has very young children; ages like five and two (approx.)! |
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