From Sunny in Mamaroneck

Dear Supporters of Obama:
Before I tell you all about the amazing evening I had with Michelle Obama, I have to mention McSame's ridiculous new ad that links Obama to the high gas prices. I am still trying to figure out what he is talking about. The NY Times today in their evaluation of the ad says,"Aside from correctly stating current gasoline prices, "Pump(the ad)" is misleading on nearly every substantive point. Even though there is no truth to the ad, The Times says it could prove to be effective with undecided voters. So, it is up to us to remind people that Obama is not against all drilling for oil and gas, only offshore drilling ,a word rarely mentioned in this ad. Increased oil production is not the best road to take towards energy independence. Obama urges us to put our resources into developing and using alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power and corn-based ethanol. He has proposed a 150 billion dollar decade-long government backed effort to help develop clean-energy sources, and opposes temporary tax rebates that McSame favors ,calling this an election year gimmick. This is a position that most economists and energy experts share with Obama. Oil prices have been rising for a decade as a result of many political and economic factors in places as far away as India and China, Venezuela and Nigeria. It is very hard to understand how McSame can blame Obama, a first term Senator for this rise in gas prices. It is a sham and we have to nip this attempt at distorting of the facts in the bud. This ad is from the same McSame who thinks that Iraq and Pakistan share a border(see the Youtube http://youtube.com/watch?v=NC0Y7zMcn_4). Watching McSame humiliate himself like this is just painful. For one thing, Iraq and Pakistan don’t share a border. They’re not even especially close — Iraq and Pakistan are separated by 1,500 miles and the country of Iran. How could he not realize those two countries are separated by 1000 miles of mountains and desert called Iran? This is the man who attacked Obama on his national security credentials. I refuse to call these gaffes because that assumes he knew better and just made a mistake. If you string these together with his past errors you realize McSame isn't just mistake prone, a man who might accidentally bomb Latvia because he mistook it for Libya, he is actually limited. In this interview he consistently answers questions about Afghanistan by referring to Iraq and the reverse. If that is not scary I don't know what is!
Now on to last night and seeing Michelle Obama. She is not only beautiful and gracious, but so warm and sincere that it is indeed heartwarming. She has the rare combination of a keen intellect and true ability to relate her love and respect for her husband as well as for her country. When she told us that Barack Obama is the same man today that he was when she met him , you can't help but feel the true authenticity of their loving partnership and respect for one another. She really shows you how his message is much the same today as when he was a community organizer on the in Chicago. She shared a story about when he took her to a church basement on the south side of Chicago on one of their first dates. She watched him as he talked to the group about the world as it is and how it should be and what we must do to bridge the gap. She listened to him talk about how we should be able to make a decent living if willing to work, should be able to go to the hospital if someone got sick, and should be able to count on an education for our children, as well as having decent clean energy for the world and our future. She smiled and said he really made an impression on her that night , as some in the audience( like Barack's roommates from Harvard and hers from Princeton) have heard before. He has never stopped amazing her in his dedication to humanity and his desire to make a difference in our world. All of these issues are still at the core of his message today but he can't do it alone. Just like when he was that community organizer he is asking for our help. He is reaching out to all of us block by block, person to person, community to community, state by state, phone call to phone call, e-mails and all the rest. It is a person to person campaign and 100% grassroots organization. He wants to help the country transform itself . She mentioned that they have seen through traveling all around this country, the desire for change that is so enormous. This is a bottom up process, like the work he has done his entire life to organize people, to be the change they would like to see in the world. "Barack is consistently trying to narrow that gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be", said his Michelle. Michelle Obama graciously stated that we their supporters can make the difference in electing Barack to bring hope back to the hopeless and our global reputation back to the country we love so dearly. They need us all and they so appreciate the efforts we are making on their part. She couldn't thank us enough for our hard work. When I had my picture taken with her before her talk, I tried to thank her for all she has done and all she has sacrificed throughout this lengthy campaign. No, she said to me after giving me a big hug and kiss,"I have to thank you because it is people like you that put us here and we will not let you down." I walked away from this beautiful and charming woman with so much hope for us all! What a special night and how lucky are we to have such an amazing family that must move into the White House in November and change the wrong(W stands for wrong) direction of the past eight years!
Love,Sunny
A Mama 4 Obama


From Christine in Mamaroneck:

What a treat it was to go to the event with you tonight!!! And thank for pushing me to meet Michelle... It was truly an inspiring moment, she is such a genuine character, her words were truly from the heart and one could feel it!.

Here are in a nutshell, the things I remembered:
- Barack is "consistent", he is the same as when he was a community orgnaizer, at ease with the world of business and those that are not so privileged, rolling up his sleeves to help
- his whole conceptual platform is bridging the gap between the "world as it is" and "the world it should be", why should our children not all receive an excellent education, why should neighborhoods that have been affected by economic crisis not be able to live a decent life?
- electing Barack Obama is taking care of the future of our world: better infrastructures, better education ...
- Barack Obama will not be able to do it alone, he needs the help of each one of us to achieve the "world as it should be"... it is not about him, but about how we change the world..

Hope it helps, see you soon, take good care of yourself and your loved ones....and I have much hope!!!
Here is an excellent website to track the election numbers:
The website is www.fivethirtyeight.com



From Judy A in Westchester, there last night in Armonk:
What a great night!!! Michelle is such a trouper. Her husband is in Iraq and Afghanistan and Jordan, etc., etc.. She's got to be worried sick about him - though I suppose she is getting used to it - and there she is wowing us all at a fund raiser. But, this is what it takes to be First Lady - and she will be that indeed!!! Best, Judy


From Rachel in NY:
Sunny, so glad you had an inspiring evening. I am very concerned for Obama. I do not think that most Americans today are getting the feeling you had through the media. You received this feeling through a small gathering. We need Obama to once again be shown with all of these diversive people and their support and excitement about Obama being our President. That is not happening now. It happened during the primary but it has been lost. We need to see the people who have lost their jobs and homes supporting, young and old, all nationalities. I understand his overseas trip but once he returns to America..we need to see him out there with our people from this country..People need to start speaking up for him in the media..otherwise the word of mouth is going to kill our chances and his.. The word of mouth right now is not good...a concerned Obama friend...The New Yorker piece has been deadly..and I live in NY..I am originally from the south..and most people I know there are voting for McSame..they all say Obama is too liberal in his voting, does not have enough experience and is a Muslim at heart..this is still getting to people and their thoughts are stuck there.. They are so conservative and asleep and brain washed by the media, and their cultural surroundings...someone in the Obama's campaign needs to figure out away to explosive all of the realities about McCain and it needs to happen ASAP..also the campaign has to do something creative that has never been done before to get Obama in front of all of these asleep voters..voting for McSame....please let me know your thoughts..thanks Rachel

From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:
What Obama really said to the NAACP
Here's the headline on the AP story we ran today, about Barack Obama's fantastic speech to the NAACP: "Obama tells NAACP blacks must take responsibility."

Wow. Obama did say that, and he's said it before. But he gave a long, moving, smart speech that said many other things first, and I thought that was an odd and lazy headline for the story. We automated AP wires, by the way, so we could bring you the news faster, and that's the headline they gave us. But the AP wasn't alone: ABC News headlined its story "Obama to talk tough-love at NAACP, despite Jackson frustrations."

Obama's remarks about "black responsibility" came at the end of the speech. And sure, they were hard-hitting. But for most of his talk, he hit issues of economic and social justice much harder, and outlined the way American society has failed African-Americans.

"What Dr. King and Roy Wilkins understood is that it matters little if you have the right to sit at the front of the bus if you can't afford the bus fare; it matters little if you have the right to sit at the lunch counter if you can't afford the lunch. What they understood is that so long as Americans are denied the decent wages, and good benefits, and fair treatment they deserve, the dream for which so many gave so much will remain out of reach; that to live up to our founding promise of equality for all, we have to make sure that opportunity is open to all Americans.

"That is what I've been fighting to do throughout my over 20 years in public service. That's why I've fought in the Senate to end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and give those tax breaks to companies that create good jobs here in America. That's why I brought Democrats and Republicans together in Illinois to put $100 million in tax cuts into the pockets of hardworking families, to expand health care to 150,000 children and parents, and to end the outrage of black women making just 62 cents for every dollar that many of their male coworkers make….

"So I've been working my entire adult life to help build an America where social justice is being served and economic justice is being served; an America where we all have an equal chance to make it if we try. That's the America I believe in. That's the America you’ve been fighting for over the past 99 years. And that’s the America we have to keep marching towards today."

Then Obama moved onto a list of responsibilities "corporate America has" and that "Washington has" -- again, around economic justice, a fair tax code, housing, healthcare, education reform, job training -- the full list of programs liberals and civil rights advocates have always fought for.

Only in the last quarter of the speech did he spend a few paragraphs talking about the responsibilities of individuals and families to improve conditions for African-Americans and for all low-income Americans. And I heard him talking to all of us, not just black people:

"Thurgood Marshall did not argue Brown versus Board of Education so that some of us could stop doing our jobs as parents. And I know that nine little children did not walk through a schoolhouse door in Little Rock so that we could stand by and let our children drop out of school and turn to gangs for the support they are not getting elsewhere. That’s not the freedom they fought so hard to achieve. That's not the America they gave so much to build. That’s not the dream they had for our children.

"That’s why if we’re serious about reclaiming that dream, we have to do more in our own lives, our own families, and our own communities. That starts with providing the guidance our children need, turning off the TV, and putting away the video games; attending those parent-teacher conferences, helping our children with their homework, and setting a good example. It starts with teaching our daughters to never allow images on television to tell them what they are worth; and teaching our sons to treat women with respect, and to realize that responsibility does not end at conception; that what makes them men is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one. It starts by being good neighbors and good citizens who are willing to volunteer in our communities -- and to help our synagogues and churches and community centers feed the hungry and care for the elderly. We all have to do our part to lift up this country.

"That's where change begins. And that, after all, is the true genius of America -- not that America is, but that America will be; not that we are perfect, but that we can make ourselves more perfect; that brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand, people who love this country can change it. And that's our most enduring responsibility -- the responsibility to future generations. We have to change this country for them. We have to leave them a planet that's cleaner, a nation that's safer, and a world that's more equal and more just."

So many in the media seem invested in perpetuating the story of tension between Obama and Jesse Jackson and other older black leaders, which is much more fun to write about than what to do about urban education. (In fairness to reporters, it may be that's the angle some Obama folks are peddling on the speech.) But I think such coverage distorts a brave and moving address, and Obama and the nation deserve better.



From Dani in Brooklyn:

Dear Sunny,

So glad you and my mother had an empowering and enjoyable time!

Regarding Hadassah's endorsement: Four generations of Hadassah women in my family, including a former national president, should be kvelling right now!

Love Dani

Regarding this address of July 14, 2008


Rep. Wasserman Schultz Addresses Hadassah National Convention on Behalf of Obama

TAMPA – U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz today addressed the 94th National Convention of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, in Los Angeles, on behalf of Senator Obama's campaign for president. Below are excerpts from her remarks as prepared for delivery:


"For 94 years, Hadassah has remained unwavering in its devotion to Judaism, Zionism, and American ideals. Your passion to move this country in a new direction inspires, motivates and strengthens me every day to fight for what's right for America. It is this type of passion that has also created a new movement for Change in America – change that embodies our heritage and hope as a nation!"

"Although he was unable to be here, Senator Obama wants to make sure that we all know that he shares our passion and dedication to the issues we hold so dear and that he looks forward to meeting with you."

"As some of you may recall, three years ago, as a newly elected member of Congress, I was invited to speak at our national convention. It was a defining moment for me on so many levels. As a daughter of Hadassah, and a proud, card-carrying lifetime member, I considered it a great privilege to address you. But, let me tell you, I was incredibly honored when our next President, Senator Barack Obama, asked me to speak on his behalf at our 94th National Convention!

"As an American Jew who represents a largely Jewish constituency, I work with my Jewish colleagues in the House and Senate each and every day. And I have seen Barack Obama's leadership in the Senate and I would not be here today if I had any doubt about his commitment to a pro-Israel agenda."

"Barack Obama shares the core values to which we as sisters of Hadassah are committed. Senator Obama is committed to the health and education of women, children and families, he is committed to the protection of our rights and our liberties as Americans and he is committed to the safety and security of Israel. It is these shared core values that drive me to take every opportunity to campaign on his behalf and that places me here before you this morning.".. (See entire talk last blog or send to me for whole speech)

From Dana in PA:

Waiting to watch the press conference with Barack! Loving his trip to the Middle East! Hope things go as well in Europe. Fingers crossed! Thanks,

From Jeremy in NYC :
Hi all:

So I wanted to let you know about a very cool, and very different Obama
event THIS Wednesday. I'm not emailing everyone I know, but I thought to
include you for one of the following reasons:

A) You like supporting Obama
B) You like Art
C) You like pretending you like art, and impressing your friends
D) You are looking for a "scene," and this will be quite one on Wednesday
nite
E) You love getting emails from me asking for money

So I hope you'll consider coming on Wednesday night. It's an Art Crawl, and
should be a great time. Details and RSVP info are below...i'll be coming
back from a trip to Texas in time to join you...

And in any event, please consider spreading the word, so your friends in any
the above categories won't miss out either...

Join Generation Obama and the DNC Trailblazers for

The Art Crawl
Wednesday, July 23 6:00-9:00PM

You may have heard of a pub crawl, but an art crawl? That's right, this is
your chance to see great art at top Chelsea galleries, learn about art from
leading experts, enjoy wine and refreshments along the way, and meet some of
NYC's finest who all joining forces to elect Barack Obama as the next
President of the United States.

Tickets are $50, with VIP tickets at $100.

RSVP at
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/ArtCrawl?custom1=Jeremy%20Gol
dberg.

Registering and paying ahead of time will allow you to arrive and check-in
at any gallery on the tour. Wine and refreshments will be served along the
way. Art experts will be offering insights and talks throughout the
evening.

Participating Galleries include:

Galerie Lelong
Matthew Marks
Pace Prints
Max Protetch
Charles Cowles
Mary Ryan

Art experts offering remarks: (maps with schedule will be available at each
gallery)

Stuart Krimko, Director of Exhibitions, Max Protetch Gallery
Jacob Miller, Director, Pace Prints Gallery
Veronica Roberts, Department of Painting and Sculpture, Museum of
Modern Art
Scott Rothkopf, Senior Editor, Artforum

From Hank in NYC:

Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:59 AM
To: 'letters@nytimes.com'
Subject: To The Editor

“Madness and Shame” – Op/Ed – July 22, 2008

David Addington may have been the “lead architect” in what has become the most shameful and disgraceful period in American juris prudence, but George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are guilty of breaking the law, breaking their sacred oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, and betraying the public trust..

What is even more important to consider in this election year is that Senator John McCain, who previously was against torture and rendition, and now supports these horrific, states publicly that he will appoint Justices to the Supreme Court in the mold of Thomas, Alito and Roberts, all of whom support more power for the executive branch of government.

This administration has used fear and lies to usurp unprecedented power and it has cost America dearly in terms of our bravest young men and women, our national treasure and our reputation around the world. This American will vote for change in November, for the restoration of our great country to the high moral ground from which we can once again lead the world, and for a return to the rule of law and the ideals of our Constitution.

From Elizabeth in Mamaroneck:

From: mark@samefacts.com
Sent: 7/21/2008 11:19:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: The RBC Update: Note to John McCain


(((((((((((((((((( The RBC Update: Note to John McCain ))))))))))))))))))

2008.07.21 20:19:25

When you talked about the border between Iraq and Afghanistan,
that was a mistake.

When you talked about Barack Obama's announcement that he would
attack Pakistan, that was a lie.
http://WWW.samefacts.com/archives/campaign_2008_/2008/07/note_to_john_mccain.php
From Susan from Rye:

Hi Sunny,
When you read this, you'll be back from the evening with Michelle. I can't wait to read your description of the event!

I'm happy that your dog is recovering so successfully. We all really love our pets!

The link to Frank Rich's article was excellent and I also enjoyed reading Gail Collins' funny editorial in Saturday's Times with its parody of Bush-ese" language. Judy's post about the movie about Alice Paul "Iron Jawed Maidens" is really important. I watched the movie a with my 14 yr. old daughter last year and it should be required for all high school kids who are learning American History, not to mention adult women. I'm so glad she mentioned it as a reminder that every woman MUST vote this year!!!! Last night at dinner my 22 yr. old daughter was explaining to her 20 yr. old brother and 50 yr. old father how important the pro-choice issue is for women and I think she really made them understand how all of us women feel about the fact that we were deprived of choices for a long time in our history and it is absolutely sacred to us know to have the ability to choose, particularly regarding our bodies. I really think her point hit home with the men in our family. They're both registered Republicans and we are working so hard to convince them to vote for Barack. How can they not see that it is the only choice?
Take care and thanks again for all the great posting and information on your blog.
From Judy in Mamaroneck:

You now have TWO choices for president:

The first one has one of the longest lines of political experience in
history. He is exceedingly popular in congress. He was a soldier who
volunteered to defend the United States in the Navy.

The second one has no real
political experience outside of Illinois. He
is tall and lanky with big ears. He even lost a few of his first
attempts at gaining political office. He is an excellent speechwriter
and orator. He is a good attorney and has a successful law practice.


So which one would you choose?


This is a trick question because both were already Presidents of the
United States. The first one is the 15th President of the United
States, James Buchanan. He is the President who mired us in the Civil
War by declaring the action illegal but doing nothing when the south
decided to secede from the Union. He is largely considered by
historians as being the worst President in American history.


He was followed by the other man who became the 16th President of the
United States: Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is credited with the
end of slavery, the end of the Civil War, and unification of the
nation. He became president at a dark time when our country was deeply
divided over very polarizing issues. He had no experience in Washington
prior to his Presidency. He is widely considered by historians as one
of the best Presidents in American History.


From Susan in Rye:

I hope you have a sensational time with Michelle tonight!! I enjoyed hearing her on the conference call for Women for Obama and the DNC Women's Leadership Council the other afternoon. I was inspired by Randy from Berkeley who will give up a meal a month and contribute the $ to Obama. I am going to suggest to my friends and daughter who frequent the "expensive" coffee stores to give up one cup of "expensive" coffee for a day each week and donate that to Obama - it would add up to about $20/month! I will also refrain from wasting $ on bottled water since they're wasteful and bad for the environment. I'm going to remember to use my Obama water bottle instead!

Thanks for your advice about the sign. I ordered some signs from the website and we also have an order on the way with bumper stickers and buttons that Ashley ordered. Our plan is to have a table at the Sidewalk Sale in Rye this Sat. from 11-1

From Randy in Berkeley in response to Susan:

That is just great that Susan is doing this. maybe we could send out an email to all our friends to consider it. I do know that some people will just not contribute to a
campaign even though they support the candidate.

From Fran in Larchmont:

It was wonderful that you came to Bonnie's party on Sunday with THREE
generations of your family! What fun!
I really appreciated your input into the general exchange of views about our
next President (please! Please!). You may want to weigh in on your views on
his FISA vote as suggested below.
Are any of the people you are contacting in the More Friends for Obama
initiative asking for bumper stickers? Buttons? Elizabeth Saenger is
currently the keeper of the goodies -- SaengerEB@aol.com
Thanks so much for your hard work for Obama, for our nation!

Subject: A response to your message to Obama for America

We've built a set of easy-to-use web tools,
http://my.barackobama.com/acmybarackobama, that empower you. At our
website, you can:

- build your own profile and connect with supporters near you
- find or create your own local or national group
- create your own personal fundraising page and track your progress
- find events near you or plan your own
- chronicle your campaign experience on your own blog
- submit policy ideas and video in the "My Policy" section

From Kylie in Australia:

Hi Sunny and all the family!
We hope this finds you well and having a lovely summer.
No doubt you are swinging into high gear for the November Election.
Are you traveling at all during summer, or staying home and working for the campaign?
Our winter is a little on the mild side, but still enough snow to have a giggle.
Maisie has gone back to school this morning after 2 weeks of winter holidays.
We managed to get a fair bit of skiing in and Maisie is quite the demon on the boards this year. Incredible confidence and agility on her skis. Looks like she was born on them!
Must dash as I have to get to the college to sort out the start of the new term. (My aged care course)
It's a 45 minute drive into Cooma, so I had better get moving!
Just wanted to drop a line and keep in touch. We think of you always and your fight for Obama to be President of the USA!

From Sara and Linda in Ohio:

Maybe while he is at it he can check out Wikepedia and figure out that Czechoslovakia no longer exists and that Afghanistan and Pakistan share a damn border....are you smarter than a fifth grader????????


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------







Winner Of The First-Ever National Press Club Award For Humor. July 21, 2008

Breaking News
McCain Makes Historic First Visit to Internet
Will Spend Five Days at Key Sites

In a daring bid to wrench attention from his Democratic rival in the 2008 presidential race, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) today embarked on an historic first-ever visit to the Internet.

Given that the Arizona Republican had never logged onto the Internet before, advisors acknowledged that his first visit to the World Wide Web was fraught with risk.

But with his Democratic rival Barack Obama making headlines with his tour of the Middle East and Europe, the McCain campaign felt that they needed to "come up with something equally bold for John to do," according to one advisor.

McCain aides said that the senator's journey to the Internet will span five days and will take him to such far-flung sites as Amazon.com, eBay and Facebook.

With a press retinue watching, Sen. McCain logged onto the Internet at 9:00 AM Sunday, paying his first-ever visit ever to Mapquest.com.

"I can't get this [expletive] thing to work," Sen. McCain said as he struggled with his computer's mouse, causing his wife Cindy to prompt him to add that he was "just kidding."

Having pronounced his visit to Mapquest a success, Sen. McCain continued his tour by visiting Weather.com and Yahoo! Answers, where he inquired as to the difference between Sunnis and Shiites.

Sen. McCain said that he had embarked on his visit to the Internet to allay any fears that he is too out-of-touch to be president, adding that he plans to take additional steps to demonstrate that he is comfortable with today's technology: "In the days and weeks ahead, you will be seeing me rock out with my new Walkman."