Who is more American Lieberman asks anything not to discuss issues!

Dear Obama Supporters:
McSame and his new BFF Lieberman really stepped over the line yesterday. In York ,PA , Lieberman called this election a "choice between one candidate John McCain, who has always put his country first,worked across party lines to get things done,and one candidate who has not." Between Lieberman and McSame they must have mentioned American 15 times and Lieberman in his introduction called McSame the most American of the candidates. Now this is odd, they are talking about this guy(McSame) born in Panama who is accusing a man born in Hawaii(America in case Joe doesn't know it) not being American enough since he spent time in Indonesia when he was 6-9 years old. This idea of Obama being not American enough is scary ,outrageous and bordering on racism. Mark Penn tried to push Ms Clinton into using this type of dirty dealing and to her credit she refused. It is a terrible way to win the White House and a crossing of a line that no candidate should cross. We also have McSame rattling the sabers and using old time "cold war" terminology over Russia's invasion of Georgia. He even quoted something used in 9/11 after we were attacked, "Today we are all Georgians," he said. Give me a break couldn't he think of anything more creative? He is pitiful and sounds like he is taking up the charge and going on a crusade. We all know he is using this cold war rhetoric because of the oil pipe lines that run through Georgia. He is throwing out statements like Russia is attacking Georgia because they are a friend of the West and anyone aligned with the West is Russia's enemy. He is making out like Russia is the evil empire once again and we have to be ready with all of our "might". Has he looked at our "might" lately, since we are in the midst of two wars his BFF in the White House started? One war was started because of lies over WMD's and an affiliation of Saddam with Al Queda. The other is under manned and going very badly. Where is he getting these troops from that he is threatening to put on alert so he can remain strong and ready? He is the definition of fear mongering at its worst. This exploitation for political gain is all about two things oil and Christ said Keith Olbermann last night on MSNBC. Here we have W and McSame who couldn't get enough of Putin. W even said ,"I looked into his eyes and saw his soul". They are not happy with this invasion and neither is Barack Obama. However, Obama on vacation issued a statement, that we need to sit down and talk with Russia and gain support from NATO and show the world's dissatisfaction with this invasion. It would be an intelligent way of handling the situation and one McSame can't even fathom. He has only a few sentences he has practiced over and over again (otherwise he couldn't remember them), drill now and we must remain strong and be ready for all attacks. To McSame diplomacy is somewhat un American and certainly doesn't show leadership as evidenced by watching his hero W.
I am so tired of dumb and watching this absurd angry man continue to run away from the issues. We are as Madhuri Kommareddi mentioned on the Tri State Women for Obama call the ambassadors for Obama. She and Lee discussed the issues and where to find out information on Obama's positons. They pointed out that we have to know the issues and feel comfortable talking about them and directing people to www.barackobama.com . WE talked about Obama's concerns over the economy and his concerns for women working and not getting equal pay. We listened as Madhuri spoke about health care issues and credit card lending (Obama's developed a credit card bill of rights and rating system so the public can easily compare the various credit cards and how they are set up and what they will require of you) . Issues that are all addressed on the web site and available for all to easily access. Obama isn't getting side tracked by this negative name calling and accusations of his not being American enough. He is focused on letting people know who he is and what he stands for. The campaign is in the midst of publishing a book, Change We Can Believe In, showing his policies, experience, and vision for America. The convention will be a great opportunity for the country to find out his platform and who he is! As was said before, we are the ambassadors for this campaign. I for one will not let McSame divert us from getting out Obama's message. WE have to keep fighting and looking up smears on www.snopes.com,factcheck.org www.barackobama.com/index etc. More than this we have to engage people in talking about the issues. My dear friend Toni actually did this at a party recently and told me I would have been so proud of her(not her nature to do this but she did it!) . I was and am proud of an attempt to set the record straight and not let people perpetuate lies (in Toni's case about Obama's stance on Israel). As you know, I think this is the way we will win this election ,person to person and state by state getting the word and facts out. Mr. Lieberman and McSame, I have news for you, you can distract some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time. Yes We Can.
Love,Sunny
A Mama 4 Obama
PS I am going away on Friday until Sunday before Labor Day. I will have e-mail some of the time and will try to keep up with you all. If I can't you'll have to forgive me but can't wait to hear from you after the convention and we nominate the next President of the USA!!! Anne don't forget you and Nancy promised to give us the inside report since you will be there in person!


From Kathy and John in KCMO: Wow this is such great news, we will take MO, you watch us make Harry proud again!!!

I asked John about our canvassing. You will be so proud! Platte County had the most homes visited and contacts made of any of the Western MO counties. We were also 3rd highest in the state! He said we got a special recognition from the state director! This is so awesome. Just a few days before the canvass I was frantically calling people because we only had 4 volunteers. We ended up with 32! Isn't that great? I think we can really make a difference.

From Sue in Hamptons:
Hi--

As we countdown to the convention, we have lots of opportunities to show our support for Obama locally.

Two highlights:

Come to the Recycling and Change Party in Remsenberg on Saturday!

Volunteer and shop at the Shelter Island Yard Sale on Saturday!

Join us for the Pre-Convention Kickoff in Sag Harbor on Sunday! (details for all three below)

In Brookhaven: We’re looking for volunteers to staff the Obama office at Farmingville Dem HQ on Saturday mornings this month, in 2-hour shifts, from 10-12 and 12-2. Help make phone calls and greet other volunteers. Drop by to pick up flyers, buttons, bumper stickers and other items. Or pick up forms and head out to register voters. Contact Jennifer if you’re willing to help out: jennicrouch@hotmail.com or (631) 675-0913.

Women for Obama: I urge everyone to watch the video of Michelle Obama’s speech on women and families. It blossoms into a powerfully heartfelt and inspiring talk about Michelle and her daughters, Obama’s commitment to helping working women and families, and why we need to win in November!
Here’s the link:
http://women.barackobama.com/blueprintvideo
Inspired? Organize a house party to watch Michelle’s video and then discuss Sen. Obama’s Blueprint for Women and Families. Ask each friend to bring an undecided friend along.
Click here to print copies of the Women and Families Blueprint:
http://obama.3cdn.net/2778abe561ba550d40_f7m6bsa2i.pdf).
Email women@barackobama.com to get template fliers and a “how-to” on organizing house parties.

Everywhere: We need help with continuing voter registration and leafleting efforts (Fri nights and Saturdays). Any volunteers please contact Jennifer (North Shore) jennicrouch@hotmail.com, Terri Watkins (Patchogue area) ltwatkin@suffolk.lib.ny.us or Sue at suehornik@aol.com.

At the end of the month: Host a convention viewing party for friends! The Democratic National Convention in Denver starts on Monday, August 25th and culminates with Sen. Obama’s acceptance speech at Invesco Stadium on Thursday night, August 28th.

OTHER UPCOMING OBAMA EVENTS

Here are some upcoming events in the First Congressional District. Please join us!


VOTER REGISTRATION AND LEAFLETING IN PATCHOGUE,
Friday 8/15
Join the Jeffersonian Democratic Club and the Obama team to register voters and hand out leaflets for Obama and local Democratic candidates.
Patchogue Live After Five
Live music, outside dining, vendors, children's activities, Main Street closed to traffic.
August15, 6-10 p.m.
Main Street, Patchogue
To volunteer, contact Terri at ltwatkin@suffolk.lib.ny.us or Sue at suehornik@aol.com or 631-294-9324.

A RECYCLE AND CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN PARTY! on Saturday 8/16
Please join us! These are fun!
Bring your empty bottles and spare change to support Obama and help the environment at the same time!
Here’s all you need to do:
1) Bring a minimum of 40 New York State refundable glass bottles, plastic bottles, and cans as your donation. (If you don’t have a lot of empty containers, bring full ones and share them with fellow Obama supporters!)
2) Or gather all your loose change. Bring a credit card or check made out to Obama for America. We have a change counter to tally your coins, and contribution forms, so you can donate that amount to the campaign. A little change adds up!
Saturday August 16, 3-5 PM
At Nicole’s
37 Rogers Lane
Remsenburg
To RSVP and for info, call Nicole at 631-618-5344 or email Sue at suehornik@aol.com

SHELTER ISLAND YARD SALE: PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT BARACK OBAMA, on Saturday 8/16
Donate! Donate! Donate! We need lots of good items for the sale. And we need volunteers to make this event a success.
Drop off donations on Friday 8/15 afternoon 12 to 6
and Saturday 8/16 at 9:00 A.M.
Thanks for your support!
Saturday, August 16 (rain date, August 17), 10-4
Debi's home
102 South Midway Rd.
Shelter Island (near Wade's Beach)
To volunteer, contact Debi at 631-749-0848 or debim22@optonline.net.

VOTER REGISTRATION IN CENTER MORICHES 8/16
We'll register voters in cooperation with the Brookhaven Southeastern Dems.
NOTE DATE CHANGE! August 16, 9-4:30
Old Ship of Zion Craft and Flea Market Fair
Corner of Railroad Ave. and Frowein Rd.
Center Moriches
To volunteer, contact Sue at suehornik@aol.com or 631-294-9324

CONVENTION KICK-OFF IN SAG HARBOR, on Sunday 8/17
Join us as we gear up for the convention and general campaign! Let’s give CD1 volunteer coordinator Sue Hornik, who is on the Convention’s Rules Committee, a rousing send-off as she heads for Denver for a week. We’ll update everyone on what we need to do as soon as the convention ends, so we can be certain Obama is in the White House in January! Please come and sign up for volunteer activities! Refreshments served.
Sunday, August 17, 1-3:30 PM
Moyer home
4284 Noyac Rd.
Sag Harbor
Please RSVP by August 15 susanmoyerlandscape@mac.com or 631.725.8489

SAGAPONACK FUNDRAISER WITH CAROLINE KENNEDY, on Sunday 8/17
Join a star-studded list of co-hosts, including Alec Baldwin, Isaac Mizrahi, Gwyneth Paltrow and Billy Joel. for brunch with Caroline Kennedy.
August 17, 11 AM
The home of Ross Bleckner & Dorothy Lichtenstein
683 Daniels Lane
Sagaponack
Ticket Price: $2,300 or $1,000 for youth (16-25)
RSVP: Bridget Siegel at (212)763-4850, bridgetsiegel@gmail.com
Or http://my.barackobama.com/EastEnd

Save the date: CAMPAIGN TRAINING FOR VOLUNTEERS! on Saturday 8/23
Long Island volunteer coordinators have tentatively scheduled a campaign training session for August 23. The seminar will cover voter registration, getting out the vote and leadership development. More details soon! If you want to help organize this training session, contact Marvin Kreutzberger, our Congressional District 3 co-coordinator, who is leading the effort at: mkyankee@verizon.net.

BAYLON: RUN FOR OBAMA! on Sunday 8/24
Let’s join our neighbors in CD2 for a 5K walk/run to raise money for Obama and raise his profile on Long Island! BARACK'S RUNNING FOR US! LET'S RUN FOR HIM!! Please walk, run or attend the event in your Obama gear – whether purchased or homemade. We want everyone who see us on the street that morning to know that we are there to support Barack's bid for the Presidency!
Sunday, August 24 at 8 AM
Argyle Park
Babylon Village
Click here for more info and to RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/fundraising/4qlv

CABARET FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF OBAMA, Southampton, on Friday 8/29
“There Is Nothing Like A Dem!” A Political Cabaret Revue
Enjoy sophisticated entertainment with the satisfaction of knowing your admission supports Barack Obama! Bring your friends and make an evening of it! Starring Rhonda Liss, Morgan, Nicholas Rudd, Allan Wieman, Tom Zimmerman, directed by Todd Caporizzo, music direction by Tom Buckley.
Friday, August 29, 7:30
Southampton Inn
91 Hill Rd.
Southampton
Admission: $100 contribution to the Obama campaign
$25 prix fixe dinner will be served at 6 pm, payable separately to Southampton Inn on 8/29. Cash bar.
Print out your contribution form here:
http://thereisnothinglikeadem.com/images/ContributionForm.pdf
Select the number of seats you want and mail the Contribution Form with your credit card information or personal check payable to:
Obama for America
c/o There Is Nothing Like A Dem!
20 Sea Spray Road
Westport CT 06880
Unreserved seats available for sale at the door. For further information, go to:
thereisnothinglikeadem.com
Or write to: info@thereisnothinglikeadem.com

LOOKING FOR THREE VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CABARET!
Volunteers needed for three primary tasks:
- make the entrance look like an Obama event
- admissions (check paid reservations or take contributions and ensure contribution forms at the door)
- offer Obama "stuff" for sale
- take turns watching the show
To volunteer, email Nichoals Rudd at nick@andersonrudd.com (please cc: Sue so we know the slots are filled suehornik@aol.com)

OBAMA AND THE JEWISH VOTE, on Weds. 9/10
This event is geared toward the Jewish voter and community. Rabbi Adam Fisher will discuss Obama’s positions on Israel, issues of concern to Jewish voters and why an Obama presidency is so important for this constituency. Please join us to learn Sen. Obama’s real positions and help refute several disinformation campaigns.
Capacity is 25 people.
Sept. 10 at 7 PM
Host: Shoshana Hershkowitz
10 Tracker Lane, South Setauket, 11720.
RSVP Shoshana at (631) 828-5594 or at this link:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44b7h

SAG HARBOR YARDSALE on Saturday 9/13
We need good stuff, and lots of it!
We need volunteers:
to make great road signs leading to the sale.
to place ads with local radio stations.
to accept donations, help with pricing and set up
Hosts Julia Adams and Grania Brolin
Saturday, Sept. 13
Sag Harbor Village
(exact time and location to be announced)
To volunteer and donate, contact Grania at: 631-537-1428 or brolin@optonline.net

NORTH FORK FUNDRAISER! on Saturday, 9/13
Join us for cocktails and lively conversation on our back porch overlooking beautiful East Creek and Peconic Bay in Cutchogue. Get involved! Stay involved! Do your part while having fun and meeting other supporters! Tell your friends and help us spread the word.

Minimum contribution is $50 per person -- it's worth it! OK, we'll throw in a Free Obama Button, too! This is the most important election of your lifetime! Show your commitment to change!

Saturday, September 13, 2008
At Anne and Mort’s home
1395 Fleetwood Rd.
Cutchogue 11935
RSVP at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/fundraising/44jjj
For more details, contact Anne at: coho@optonline.net
Directions:
Take the Long Island Expressway East toward Riverhead to Exit 71 (Montauk) Route 24 Hampton Bays/Calverton. At stop sign turn right onto Route 24, toward Hampton Bays/Riverhead. Travel on Route 24 to the traffic circle (4.1 miles). Go through the traffic circle and continue on Route 24 south to the light at Route 105. Turn left. Go to second light and turn right onto Route 25 toward Orient Point. Welcome to Long Island Wine Country! Continue on Route 25 East to the light in downtown Cutchogue (9.9 miles). Continue to Pequash Ave. Turn right on Pequash Ave. at Hertz sign. Continue about 1 mile on Pequash, past Midwood to Fleetwood Road. Turn left. Fleetwood runs along the water on the left. Go to top of the first hill. Our house is set back from the road, on the left (1395 Fleetwood, sign on tree for Cogen/Howard and Commoners Hill).

Thanks to those of you who have hosted such great events over the past couple of weeks! We appreciate your support, dedication and enthusiasm!

Best,
Sue
NY CD1 volunteer coordinator
Obama for America
631-294-9324


From Marla in GA:
i hope all is well in your world!
i was reading this article this morning and wanted to share it with you.
i'm terrified at this point that obama is not going to be tough enough
with the attacks coming his way. while i appreciate him trying to take
the high road i really don't think it works in this country. i would like
to be able to read your blog ... so let me know what i need to do!

Paris Hilton rides a Swift Boat on Lake Obama
Posted by Steven Goldstein August 11, 2008 7:01AM
Categories: Hot Topics, Politics

Mocked by television ads that morph his mass appeal into a celebrity
status as vapid as Paris Hilton's, Barack Obama has had three of the worst
weeks for a Democratic presidential candidate since the Swift Boat
veterans demolished John Kerry in the summer of 2004. The denial that
doomed Kerry back then threatens to doom Obama right now.

It's easy, after all, to laugh off John McCain's first round of
advertising. As progressive thinkers from Montclair to the Upper West Side
declaim, McCain's commercials trivialize the issues and lower the debate.

Of course McCain's ads trivialize the issues and lower the debate. They're
also tactically brilliant and right out of Karl Rove's playbook, now
executed by Rove protege and McCain's new chief strategist, Steve Schmidt.

The formula? Take your opponent's greatest strength - in this case, Barack
Obama's admirable, indeed astonishing, ability to inspire millions across
the country and the world - and turn it on its head into a negative.
Transmogrify Obama into an airhead celebrity who's all words, no depth,
right in the face of his being a Constitutional law scholar who was
president of the Harvard Law Review.

If Hillary Clinton had won the nomination - in full disclosure, I
supported her in the primaries - the McCain campaign would be portraying
her today as the number one enemy of women across America. But does anyone
believe she wouldn't be throwing punch for punch, and more?

Democratic nominees have no other choice. Four summers ago, after a couple
of weeks of Swift Boat commercials, John Kerry went from war hero to war
wimp. Against that backdrop, his military salute at the Democratic
Convention went from clever gesture to desperate gimmick, reminding voters
of Michael Dukakis riding a tank in a Snoopy helmet.

Similarly, the more eloquent Barack Obama becomes, the more it threatens
to ricochet.

When you take away John McCain's commercials, McCain's candidate skills
are as terrible as those of the least appealing candidates who have ever
run for President. This Halloween, children ought to trick or treat
dressed as McCain reading a teleprompter. But voters are not thinking
about that now. They have the image of Obama as Paris Hilton instead. It's
the consequence of effective negative commercials and not straying from
their message on the campaign trail. McCain is doing at least that.

Some Republicans have wanted McCain to define himself further before going
negative. From a strategic standpoint, that's ridiculous. Not since the
1974 midterm elections, in the aftermath of President Nixon's resignation,
have so many people been so eager to vote Democratic. When voters are
asked if they would rather have a Democratic or Republican Congress,
Democrats run away with the lead. The only way for McCain to win the
presidency is to drive up Obama's negatives.

Obama's response has been alarmingly weak. Sticking to the positive, one
commercial is based on the metaphor of people's hands, announcing that
"the hands that built this nation can build a new economy," followed by
images of various hands building sectors of a new economy. It's all too
clever by half - too abstract and too soft - when McCain has admitted he's
clueless on the economy and it's on videotape. What in the world is the
Obama campaign waiting for?

It's too early, say some Obama diehards. It's August, no one's watching.

Nonsense. Mike Dukakis got tanked and John Kerry was Swift Boated during
the early stages of their campaigns. The opposition defined them before
they could define themselves. And if anyone believes that voters aren't
paying attention because all eyes are on the Olympics, what kind of logic
is that? The candidates' commercials are running during the highest-rated
Olympics in years.

If the Obama campaign is going to use hands in a commercial, they should
be throwing punches at John McCain. Take a page from Karl Rove's playbook.
The Washington cognoscenti know, for instance, that McCain's got one of
the most out-of-control tempers ever to find its way into government - a
temper not quite within the range of normalcy. There are countless news
accounts of the McCain Temper, replete with quotes from Republicans who
can't stomach McCain because of it.

Portray this election as the cool and steady Barack Obama running against
a John McCain too hot-headed and irrational to lead our nation. Turn
McCain's greatest perceived strength right on its head - that he's tough
enough to be president - into a negative from which he could not recover.

Get up off the mat, Senator Obama, and do it now. First impressions are
called first impressions because they're just that: Impressions, not
issues.

While you're at it, don't make the mistake at the Democratic convention
that John Kerry made at his convention four years ago. Don't script a week
of positive messaging that doesn't lay a glove on your Republican
opponent. Kerry tried that and gained no ground from his convention.

Sure, voters tell pollsters they want positive campaigns. Throw that
shibboleth out the window. The fact is, whenever the Republicans succeed
in portraying the Democratic candidate as too weak, the Democrat loses. No
- the Democrat gets trounced.

America wants to see that you're tough enough and aggressive enough to be
President, Senator Obama. Show you know how to fight back. To voters, it's
an indication of how hard you'd fight for the country itself.
If you believe otherwise, you're not only on vacation in Hawaii, you're
also on vacation from reality.
#2 From Marla:
i TOTALLY agree with you. strong but not angry...and intelligent (i am so
sick of the tactic that the rove group uses by turning someone's strengths
into weaknesses and also they do this thing where they project the truths
about themselves onto the other candidate.... i noticed this the most on
the kerry campaign). i remember thinking that john kerry should have come
right out and said...that changing your mind in light of new information
(on the iraq war) was the sign of intelligence....not weakness!!! what
was his campaign thinking? anyway....let's just hope that they handle
this properly b/c it's so close!! it's going to be a real nail biting
time the next few months....b/c there is so much at stake!

i am in atlanta and really loving being back home and near family/old
friends. let me know if you find yourself down this way.

p.s
i love the McSame name!!! it's right on.

From Barbara in KS:
Thanks for all of the info that you sent to Mindy-----I am forwarding it to my friends that are "on the fence". Also, thanks so much for the Buttons that you sent to me for Judy and I to wear when we are campaigning. I have the one I got when we were in NY and wear it every day!!! These are bigger and better and I like that!!!!

From Eileen in MO on the road:
on our drive to Rochester we are listening to john deans book you have no idea how bad w is and Cheney until you hear this--UNBELIEVABLE I really blame the press--try to get it for your trip. will send you the name later--it is really unimaginable--written by someone who has been there!!

From Hank in RI:
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 9:01 AM
To: 'letters@nytimes.com'
Subject: To The Editor
“Baleful Bundlers” – Editorial – August 11, 2008

Your editorial correctly states that we need a complete overhaul of the public financing system for presidential campaigns, but does not go far enough to say we also must overhaul the antiquated Electoral College system that begs for big money to be spent in a handful of states with large Electoral totals. Candidates must raise millions of dollars to be seen and heard in New York, California, Texas, Illinois and Florida, as well as other battleground states, leaving voters in smaller, less important Electoral states without much exposure to the contenders. Public financing has not kept pace with the needs of modern day presidential campaigning, but neither has our outdated way of electing a President. Whoever is elected needs to create bi-partisan legislation to completely overhaul our election process and the way in which we finance it.

From Rice in Staten Island:
Hi Sunny and fellow supporters. Hope that all is and will remain well. But I must say, that when I saw that "PANTSUIT" back again, I knew we were in for a bumpy ride. That said, we know our man is smart and he has taken his time off well placed. He is going to come back fired up and ready to go. I feel a bit sorry for those not yet on the bus, especially in DC, The party is over. No pun intended, but I guess it fits.
Keep the faith. Have an interesting fundraiser in town tomorrow, so with every little bit, keeping up the good fight. Keep the faith.

From Eileen in KCMO on a trip :
On our drive to Rochester we are listening to John Dean's book Worse than Watergate ,you have no idea how bad W is and Cheney until you hear this--UNBELIEVABLE I really blame the press--try to get it for your trip. It is really unimaginable--written by someone who has been there!!
From Judy in Mamaroneck:
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Former Republican Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa Tuesday endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president.

The former House member said Obama's platform is one of "old American values that are as much a part of the Republican as the Democratic tradition," ABC News reported.

The Illinois senator's platform is "a call to change," Leach said. "But the change that he so gracefully is articulating is more renewal than departure."

When asked if Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska was planning to endorse Obama, Leach said, "I think we'll wait for Chuck to make that announcement."

Leach made his announcement in a conference call announcing the start of "Republicans for Obama."

Others in the group include former Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee and Rita Hauser, who served on President George Bush's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and the President's Intelligence Oversight Board...(Read rest on line Click here: Republicans come out for Obama - UPI.com )

From Kathy in KCMO:
About the canvassing, it went well. No one yelled at me. No one called us names. It was definitely more friendly than 2004! Many people were not home or were not answering their doors. We canvassed for about 4 1/2 hours. I would say half were not home. The other half had more Obama support than McCain of the people who would answer our questions. Some just said "no" and closed the door. Others stood there and filled out support cards. It was not as positive as my poll watching (which was overwhelmingly Obama) but it was still a good showing for Platte Co! I haven't heard what the totals for the day were although John said we had more support cards filled out than any other team. We were canvassing in the rain so we may have gotten the sympathy vote!

I heard recently that there is a big increase in the Hispanic population in KC and the biggest growth was in Platte Co! We had a 7% increase. We have to find those people and make sure they are registered. There is so much to do, but I am very hopeful for Platte Co and for MO!!!!

Isn't this contraception=abortion movement horrible?????
From Lisa in PA:
Any one thinking of voting for John mcCain needs to read what he did to his 1st Wife!!!! Just Google 1st wife of John mccain

From James in Nantucket:
The Skeletons are coming out of the closet.....again..... This story confirms all we suspected about
Subject: The wife U.S. Republican John McCain callously left behind


FYI: The Edwards affair 20 has resulted in the redistribution on the Internet of this Daily Mail item on McCain with commentary that while the Edwards behavior is tawdry the McCain history 20 is far worse, and he's still running for President.

From Daily Mail,=20= UK,=20 online 11 Aug 2008
The wife U.S. Republican John McCain callously left behind

By Sharon Churcher
Now that Hillary Clinton has at last formally withdrawn from the race for the White House, the eyes of America and the world will focus o n Barack Obama and his Republican rival Senator John McCain.
While Obama will surely press his credentials as the embodiment of the American dream a handsome, charismatic young black man who was raised on food stamps by a single mother and who represents his countryfuture McCain will present himself as a selfless, principled war hero whose campaign represents not so much a battle for the presidency of the United States, but crusade to rescue the nation tarnished reputation.
Forgotten woman: But despite all her problems Carol McCain says she still adores he ex-husband
McCain likes to illustrate his moral fibre by referring to his five years as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam. And to demonstrate his commitment to family values, the 71-year-old former US Navy pilot pays warm tribute to his beautiful blonde wife, Cindy, with whom he has four children.
But there is another Mrs McCain who casts a ghostly shadow over the Senator presidential campaign. She is seldom seen and rarely written about, despite being mother to McCain three eldest children.
And yet, had events turned out differently, it would be she, rather than Cindy, who would be vying to be First Lady. She is McCain first Carol, who was a famous beauty and a successful swim wear model when they married in 1965.
She was the woman McCain dreamed of during his long incarceration and torture in Vietnam infamous Hanoi Hilton prison and the woman who faithfully stayed at home looking after the children and waiting anxiously for news.
But when McCain returned to America in 1973 to a fanfare publicity and a handshake from Richard Nixon, he discovered his wife had been disfigured in a terrible car crash three years earlier. Her car had skidded icy roads into a telegraph pole on Christmas Eve, 1969. Her pelvis and one arm were shattered by the impact and she suffered massive internal injuries.
When Carol was discharged from hospital after six months life-saving surgery, the prognosis was bleak. In order to save her legs, surgeons had been forced to cut away huge sections of=20 shattered bone, taking with it her tall, willowy figure. She was confined to a wheelchair and was forced to use a catheter.
Through sheer hard work, Carol learned to walk again. But when John McCain came home from Vietnam, she had gained a lot of weight and bore little resemblance to her old self.
Today, she stands at just 5ft 4in and still walks awkwardly, with a pronounced limp. Her body is held together by screws and metal plates and, at 70, her face is worn by wrinkles that speak of decades of silent suffering.
For nearly 30 years, Carol has maintained a dignified silence about the accident, McCain and their divorce. But last week at the bungalow where she now lives at Virginia Beach, a faded seaside resort 200 miles south of Washington, she told The Mail on Sunday how McCain divorced her in 1980 and married Cindy, 18 years his junior and the heir to an Arizona brewing fortune, just one month later.Golden couple: John and Cindy McCain at a charity gala in Los Angeles
Carol insists she remains on good terms with her ex-husband, who agreed as part of their divorce settlement to pay her medical costs for life. I have no bitterness, she says. My accident is well recorded. I had 23 operations, I am five inches shorter than I used to be and I was in hospital for six months. It was just awful, but it wasn't reason for my divorce.
MY marriage ended because John McCain didn't want to be 40, he wanted to be 25. You know that happens...it just does.
Some of McCain acquaintances are less forgiving, however They portray the politician as a self-centred womaniser who effectively abandoned his crippled wife to play the .. They accuse= him of finally settling on Cindy, a former rodeo beauty queen, for financial reasons.
McCain was then earning little more than a year as a naval officer, while his new father-in-law, Jim Hensley, was a multi-millionaire who had impeccable political connections.
He first met Carol in the Fifties while he was at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. He was a privileged, but rebellious scion of one of=20 Americas most distinguished military dynasties his father= and grandfather=20 were both admirals. But setting out to have a good time, the young McCain hung outwith a group of young officers who called themselves the Bad Bunch=
His primary interest was women and his conquests ranged from a knife-wielding floozy nicknamed Marie, the Flame of Florida to a tobacco heiress. Carol fell into his fast-living world by accident. She escaped a poor upbringing in Philadelphia to become a successful model, married an Annapolis classmate of McCain and had two children Douglas and Andrew before renewing what one acquaintance calls an old flirtation with McCain.
It seems clear she was bowled over by McCain attention at a time when he was becoming bored with his playboy lifestyle.
=He was 28 and ready to settle down and he loved Carol and the children recalled another Annapolis graduate, Robert Timberg, whowrote The Nightingale Song, a bestselling biography of McCain and four other graduates of the academy.
The couple married and McCain adopted Carol sons. Their daughter, Sidney, was born a year later, but domesticity was clearly beginning to bore McCain the couple were regarded as fixtures on the party circuit before McCain requested combat duty in Vietnam at the end of 1966.
He was assigned as a bomber pilot on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin.
What follows is the stuff of the McCain legend. He was shot down over Hanoi in October 1967 on his 23rd mission over North Vietnam and was badly beaten by an angry mob when he was pulled, half-drowned from a lake.
War hero: McCain with Carol as he arrives back in the US in 1973 after his five years as a PoW in North Vietnam

Over the next five-and-a-half years in the notorious Hoa Loa Prison he was regularly tortured and mistreated.
It was in 1969 that Carol went to spend the Christmas holiday her third without McCain at her parents home. After dinner, she left to drop off some presents at a friends house.
It wasn't until some hours later that she was discovered, alone and in terrible pain, next to the wreckage of her car. She had been hurled through the windscreen.
After her first series of life-saving operations, Carol was told she may never walk again, but when doctors said they would try to get word to McCain about her injuries, she refused, insisting: got enough problems,didn't want to tell him.
H. Ross Perot, a billionaire Texas businessman, future presidential candidate and advocate of prisoners of war, paid for her medical care.
When McCain his hair turned prematurely white and his body reduced to little more than a skeleton was released in March 1973, he told reporters he was overjoyed to see Carol again.
But friends say privately he was appalled by the change in her appearance. At first, though, he was kind, assuring her: look so good myself. Its fine.He bought her a bungalow near the sea in Florida and another former PoW helped him to build a railing so she could pull herself over the dunes to the water.
I thought, of course, we would live happily ever Carol. But as a war hero, McCain was moving in ever-more elevated circles.
Through Ross Perot, he met Ronald Reagan, then Governor of California. A sympathetic Nancy Reagan took Carol under her wing. But already the McCains marriage had begun to fray.Johnstarted carousing and running around with womensaid Robert Timber
McCain has acknowledged that he had girlfriends during this time, without going into details. Some friends blame his dissatisfaction withCarol, but others give some credence to her theory of a mid-life=20 crisis.He was also fiercely ambitious, but it was clear he would never become an admiral like his illustrious father and grandfather and his thoughts were turning to politics.
In 1979 while still married to Carol he met Cindy at a cocktail party in Hawaii. Over the next six months he pursued her, flying around the country to see her. Then he began to push to end his marriage. Carol and her children were devastated. It was a complete surprisesays Nancy Reynolds, a former Reagan aide.
They never displayed any difficulties between themselves. I know the Reagans were quite shocked because they loved and respected both Carol and John.Another friend added: =Carol didn't fight him. She felt her infirmity made her an impediment to him. She justified his actions because of all he had gone through. She used to say, =E2=80=9CHe just wants to make up for lost time.Indeed, to many in their circle the saddest part of the break-up was Carols decision to resign herself to losing a man she says she still adores.
Friends confirm she has remained friends with McCain and backed him in all his campaigns. He was very generous to her in the divorce but of course he could afford to be, since he was marrying Cindy one observed.
McCain transferred the Florida beach house to Carol and gave her the right to live in their jointly-owned townhouse in the Washington suburb of Alexandria. He also agreed to pay her alimony and support. A former neighbour says she subsequently sold up in Florida and Washington and moved in 2003 to Virginia Beach. He said:My impress ion was that she found the new place easier to manage as she still has some difficulties walking.Meanwhile McCain moved to Arizona with his new bride immediately after their 1980 marriage. There, his new father-in-law gave him a job and introduced him to local businessmen and political power brokers who would smooth his passage to Washington via the House of Representatives and Senate.
And yet despite his popularity as a politician, there are those who won=E2=80=99t forget his treatment of his first wife. Ted Sampley, who fought with US Special Forces in Vietnam and is now a leading campaigner for veterans rights, said: have been following John McCain career for nearly 20 years. I know him personally. There is something wrong with this guy and let me tell you what it is .When he came home and saw that Carol was not the beauty he left behind, he started running around on her almost right away. Everybody around him knew it.
Eventually he met Cindy and she was young and beautiful and very wealthy. At that point McCain just dumped Carol for something he thought 20 was better. This is a guy who makes such a big deal about his character. He has no character. He is a fake. If there was any character in that first=20 marriage, it all belonged to Carol.
One old friend of the McCains said:Carol always insists she is not bitter, but I think that a defence mechanism. She also feels deeply in his debt because in return for her agreement to a divorce, he promised to pay for her medical care for the rest of her life.
Carol remained resolutely loyal as McCain political star rose. She says she agreed to talk to The Mail on Sunday only because she wanted to publicise her support for the man who abandoned her.Indeed, the old Mercedes that she uses to run errands displays both a disabled badge and a sticker encouraging people to vote for her ex-husband. a good guy, she assured us.We are still good friends. He is the best man for president.
But Ross Perot, who paid her medical bills all those years ago, now believes that both Carol McCain and the American people have been taken in by a man who is unusually slick and cruel even by the standards of modern politics McCain is the classic opportunist. He always reaching for attention and glory he said.
After he came home, Carol walked with a limp. So he threw her over for a poster girl with big money from Arizona. And the rest is history Additional reporting by Paul Henderson in Virginia Beach and William Lowther in Washington
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/art= icle-1024927/The-wife-John-McCain-callously-left-behind.html


From Judy in Mamaroneck:
August 12, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
The Empty Promise
By BOB HERBERT
Senator John Kerry was on the phone and the words were coming in a rush.“It’s a completely fraudulent argument,” he said. “It’s misleading. It’s snake oil salesmanship of the worst order.”He was talking about the latest smoke screen in the presidential election, the bogus contention that lifting restrictions on offshore oil drilling would somehow, in the foreseeable future, bring down the price of gasoline for American motorists.

This absurd contention is now one of the main issues of the campaign. It’s the latest example of a very real fear (that sky-high energy prices will undermine the average family’s standard of living) being exploited shamelessly for political purposes. Senator John McCain told cheering bikers at a giant motorcycle rally in South Dakota: “We’re gonna drill offshore! We’re gonna drill here, and we’re gonna drill now!” He told an audience in Lafayette Hill, Pa.: “We have to drill here and drill now. ... Drill here and drill now.”

With Senator McCain and the Republicans painting a false portrait of drilling as a method of relief for today’s high prices, and with polls showing the G.O.P. gaining traction on this issue, Senator Barack Obama has eased off his previous opposition to new offshore leases.And so dies the possibility of the presidential campaign offering any real clarification of this important issue.

As Senator Kerry and many others have pointed out, it would be nearly 10 years before any oil at all would be realized from new offshore leases. So your adorable 7- or 8-year-old would be just about 17 and clamoring for a license when this new oil started coming online.

Maximum capacity from these new leases wouldn’t be reached until 2030, when that 7- or 8-year-old is approaching 30, finished with college and graduate school, and very likely married with children. And even then — after more than two decades and who knows how many graduations, weddings, funerals and family cars — even then, the amount of oil expected to come from these leases would have little or no effect on the price of gasoline at the pump.

Assuming that everything over all those years goes all right, it is estimated that an additional 200,000 barrels of oil a day would come from the additional offshore drilling. That’s a tiny share of the world’s daily output of 85 million or so barrels. Here’s what the Energy Information Administration, the statistical agency that provides official data for the federal government, had to say about the anticipated additional output from offshore drilling:

“Because oil prices are determined on the international market ... any impact on average wellhead prices is expected to be insignificant.” Did anyone mention that to the bikers who were so fired up by John McCain’s “drill here and drill now” mantra? Or to the 63 percent of respondents to an ABC News poll who want the embargo on new offshore drilling to be lifted by the federal government?

I wonder how they would have responded if they had been told that lifting the offshore restrictions would risk serious environmental damage to the U.S. coastline over the next several decades while having no significant effect on the price of gasoline at the pump.

Public officials should be disabusing the electorate of its delusions, not encouraging them. The widespread mistaken notions about the potential impact of offshore drilling on gasoline prices reminds me of the large percentages of Americans who were encouraged to believe, and did believe — erroneously — that Iraq and Saddam Hussein had something to do with the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

I wonder if the electorate will ever wise up. We’ve known, or should have known, since the 1970s that the day of reckoning on energy would come. The U.S., blessed with so many resources, is no longer blessed with an abundance of oil. Jimmy Carter, for all his faults, was on the case when it came to energy. He saw the challenge as “the moral equivalent of war,” and dared to ask the public to make sacrifices as part of a coordinated national effort.

Senator Kerry, in accepting the Democratic nomination for president in 2004, said: “Our energy plan will invest in new technologies and alternative fuels and the cars of the future so that no young American in uniform will ever be held hostage to our dependence on oil from the Middle East.”...(Read on line Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - The Empty Promise - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com )

From NY Women for Obama:

Dear Women for Obama:

Here is the latest collection of information to help us keep the momentum going for Senator Barack Obama.

Upcoming Fundraising Events
“Barack and Michelle: The Full Interview” in Ladies Home Journal
Report on the Impact of Obama Economic Plan on Working Women
Fundraising Competition – Show Your Primary Colors
Barack’s VP Choice
Voter Registration in Downtown NYC
Voter Registration in Jersey City
Voter Registration in Philadelphia
Volunteer Opportunities

1. UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:

Tuesday, August 12th - New York City, NY
Hiro Ballroom & Lounge at the Maritime Hotel
7:00pm – Asian American Finance Committee, South Asians for Obama, Generation Obama, DNC Trailblazers Council with Actor Kal Penn, Director Mira Nair and others
Event Host/Sponsor/VIP/Guest: $5,000, $2,500, $250, $100
Contact: Gautam Raghavan, (202)427-1392, RaghavanG@dnc.org
http://my.barackobama.com/nycSA
Sunday, August 17th - Sagaponack, NY
The home of Ross Bleckner & Dorothy Lichtenstein
11:00am – Brunch with Caroline Kennedy
Co-Host/ Ticket Price: $10,000, $2,300
Contact: Bridget Siegel, (212)763-4850, bridgetsiegel@gmail.com
http://my.barackobama.com/EastEnd
Monday, August 18th – New York, NY
Address provided upon RSVP
6:30pm – Cocktail reception with NY Attorney General Andrew Cuomo
Sponsor/Contributor: $2,300, $1,000
Contact: James Pepper, (212) 763-4850, jpepper@barackobama.com https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/Aug18Cuomo
Monday, August 18th – Saratoga, NY
The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY
6:30pm VIP Host Reception, 7:00pm Main Reception with Governor David Patterson
Host/VIP/Guest: $10,000, $1,000, $250
Contact: Vinson Cunningham, (212)763-4850, vcunningham@barackobama.com
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/Aug18Saratoga
Tuesday, August 19th - New York, NY
Address provided upon RSVP
12:00pm – Luncheon with Jason Furman and Ingrid Ellen
$5,000 per person
Contact: Hildy Kuryk, (212)763-4850, hkuryk@barackobama.com
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/August19NYC
Thursday, August 21st - Hoboken, NJ
Monroe Gallery at Monroe Center for the Arts
6:00pm – Reception with Mayor Corey Booker and Mayor Jerramiah Healy
VIP/Attend/Generation Obama: $500, $250, $150
Contact: Vinson Cunningham, (212)763-4850, vcunningham@barackobama.com
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/HobokenAug21

Tuesday, September 9th – Shea Stadium, Flushing, NY
Mets Game with Governor Howard Dean in the Managers Box
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Host(raise or write)/Guest: $10,000, $2,500
Contact: Celeste Wolter, (212) 763-4850, WolterC@dnc.org

http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/Sept9MetsGame



2. “BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA: THE FULL INTERVIEW”:
Ladies Home Journal sat down with Senator Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. The couple spoke candidly about navigating tough times in their marriage, their dreams for their daughters, and his crucial message to women voters. LHJ: Upstairs at the press conference, you were introduced as a power couple. Ladies' Home Journal's motto is "Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman." Could you each comment on what that phrase means to you? MICHELLE OBAMA: Well, for me, I think of all the things that women are capable of balancing -- even starting as young children. We have two daughters, and when I think about the complexity and level of detail of their thought and their emotional empathy -- people do note that there is a difference in girls in that respect. And I think that begins to arm us with the tools to be able to juggle all that we have to juggle. Those skills turn out to be pretty amazing resources that can and should be harnessed in society for the benefit of many. LINK

3. REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF OBAMA ECONOMIC PLAN ON WOMEN:
Please be sure to check out the Report on the Impact of the Obama Economic Plan for America’s Working Women: http://obama.3cdn.net/fa6127179d2b5a86dc_lym6bhdat.pdf

4. FUNDRAISING COMPETITION - SHOW YOUR PRIMARY COLORS:
With only 18 days until the Primary is over, we need EVERY PRIMARY DOLLAR now! After August 28th when Senator Obama officially accepts the nomination, we can only raise General Election funds. So, we challenge you to find at least $5,000 in Primary money by August 27th. (Reminder: the limit for Primary contributions is $2,300.)

The person who collects the most money will get 2 tickets to our next event with Senator Obama! The 2nd runner up will get 2 tickets to any of our upcoming surrogate events!

Contributions must be given via this link or the attached donor form. All contribution amounts are welcome! https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/OVFTriState

One of the biggest reasons we need the contributions is our 50 State Strategy. Senator Obama pledged to compete in every state and no where is that more evident than Nevada. Right now, Democrats have a registration edge of 60,000 voters, many of them signed up by our campaign! Since last month the campaign has trained 600 precinct leaders statewide, joining the more than 1,000 who were trained for the caucus. Thousands of others are making phone calls and knocking on doors. By the end of August, the campaign expects to have 20 field offices and 75 paid staff members statewide! (LINK)

6. BARACK’S VP CHOICE:
No, he hasn’t announced his choice yet but it will be any day between now and the start of the Democratic Convention on August 25. You can be the first to know by signing up here http://my.barackobama.com/vp to receive an email the moment Barack makes his decision, or you can text VP to 62262 to receive a text message on your mobile phone.

7. VOTER REGISTRATION IN DOWNTOWN NYC:
Wednesday, August 13th, 1:00pm - 7:00pm
14th St. & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003

Voter registration. Visibility. Volunteer recruitment.

Come when you can, stay as long as you can.

http://newyork.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/44qvl
(Include your EMAIL and PHONE # when you RSVP)

8. VOTER REGISTRATION AT JERSEY CITY PRIDE FESTIVAL:
On Saturday, August 23rd, from 11:00am-8:00pm (in shifts)
1 Exchange Place, Jersey City, NJ (PATH and NJ Transit go to Exchange Place)

This Pride event attracts over 10,000 people - a perfect venue to communicate Barack Obama's positive LGBT message.
They are going to need volunteers assigned to different shifts throughout the day - unless you really want to be there for 10 hours.
When you respond indicate which shift(s) - (1) 11am-2pm (includes set-up) (2) 2pm-4pm (3) 4pm-6pm (4) 6pm-8:30pm (includes tear-down)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/prideevent/4gskx (Include your EMAIL and PHONE # when you RSVP)
9. VOTER REGISTRATION IN PHILADELPHIA:
Pennsylvania is a key swing state in November's election, and Philadelphia is a fantastic place for those in neighboring states to make a positive impact on the outcome.
Saturday, August 16th, 8:00am to 8:00pm

Depart from Brooklyn and Manhattan locations 8:00am

Spend the day in Northeast Philly (near the Frankford Transportation Center)

Depart Philly 6:00pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44vpb

10. VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CAMPAIGN:
Last week the campaign announced Dave Pollak as our New York State Director. Dave joins Tricia Mueller, our NJ State Director, in the Tri-State Region. We hope to round out the team with a Connecticut State Director soon. Volunteers are using the on-line campaign tools to organizer their communities.

a. Go to the barackobama.com website and sign up for the Women for Obama newsletter. Use this link: women.barackobama.com

b. Go to your state page to receive updates from the campaign specific to your state.



Click here for Connecticut for Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/cthome

Click here for New Jersey for Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/njhome

Click here for New York for Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/nysignup
c. Here is a general list of volunteer activities you can do for the campaign on your own:
- fundraising, reaching new donors
- organize house parties and gatherings to speak to friends and family
- travel to see friends in other states to speak to them about Senator Obama
- participate in the Vote for Change initiative to register voters http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/vfchome

- participate in volunteer activities in other states
- write letters to the editor in support of Senator Obama
- call in to radio stations in support of Senator Obama
- write blog posts in support of Senator Obama

From Prisiclla on the Vineyard:

Greetings from Martha's Vineyard Sunny!
We went to a fascinating panel discussion in Oak Bluffs the other day. Charles Ogletree of Harvard Law School had organized it, with David Gergen, Al Sharpton, Alan Dershowitz, Roland Martin, Lani Gunier, Ted Shaw, other very sharp minds, all talking about race, gender and politics in this election.
Points I took away:
1)Women can not be allowed to sit out this election. There are hurt feelings all around. We have to acknowledge that they are valid and real but look forward and not backward. What if black people said they were going to sit out an election? That is not a productive way to fight for the values and ideals we share
2) The issue of race is real and we have to acknowedge it. The panelists thought it could make a difference of up to 10 points! What people say and what they do when they get inside the voting booth can be quite different. We can't hide it. We have to bring it out into the open, and the person who is nost eloquent on the topic is Barack.
3) In terms of race, people must understand that there is not a monolithic black vote. There is a huge range of experiences and viewpoints within the black community. Barack is not the first black candidate to be embraced by the white electorate and he can't be stereotyped (nor can anyone!)
4) We have a wonderful opportunity to repair and heal the relationship between Jews and blacks, which has historically been so close and powerful, especially re the civil rights movement. Alan Dershowitz is working hard, in states like Florida, to inform Jewish voters that Barack is truly a friend to them and Israel
5) We have to make sure that young people, so enthused about Barack, do not sit on their dorm rooms or living rooms on election day as many have in the past. They can make the difference. Register young people and make sure they vote!
6) Mainstream media does not do a good job of covering the most important issues and gets sidetracked easily. We must demand more of them...don't underestimate the intelligence of the American people. We cannot allow the media to allow Barack to be swiftboated by covering the microstories that are meaningless to the big picture.
7) Barack must tell his story to all of America. They all need to know his powerful narrative. Raised in Kansas and born to an African father. Editor of Harvard Law Review and community organizer, he is the classic American dream, and not an exotic elitist..
Go Barack!!!



From Judy in Mamaroneck:
August 13, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
Eight Strikes and You’re Out
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
John McCain recently tried to underscore his seriousness about pushing through a new energy policy, with a strong focus on more drilling for oil, by telling a motorcycle convention that Congress needed to come back from vacation immediately and do something about America’s energy crisis. “Tell them to come back and get to work!” McCain bellowed.

Sorry, but I can’t let that one go by. McCain knows why.

It was only five days earlier, on July 30, that the Senate was voting for the eighth time in the past year on a broad, vitally important bill — S. 3335 — that would have extended the investment tax credits for installing solar energy and the production tax credits for building wind turbines and other energy-efficiency systems.

Both the wind and solar industries depend on these credits — which expire in December — to scale their businesses and become competitive with coal, oil and natural gas. Unlike offshore drilling, these credits could have an immediate impact on America’s energy profile.

Senator McCain did not show up for the crucial vote on July 30, and the renewable energy bill was defeated for the eighth time. In fact, John McCain has a perfect record on this renewable energy legislation. He has missed all eight votes over the last year — which effectively counts as a no vote each time. Once, he was even in the Senate and wouldn’t leave his office to vote.

“McCain did not show up on any votes,” said Scott Sklar, president of The Stella Group, which tracks clean-technology legislation. Despite that, McCain’s campaign commercial running during the Olympics shows a bunch of spinning wind turbines — the very wind turbines that he would not cast a vote to subsidize, even though he supports big subsidies for nuclear power.

Barack Obama did not vote on July 30 either — which is equally inexcusable in my book — but he did vote on three previous occasions in favor of the solar and wind credits.

The fact that Congress has failed eight times to renew them is largely because of a hard core of Republican senators who either don’t want to give Democrats such a victory in an election year or simply don’t believe in renewable energy.

What impact does this have? In the solar industry today there is a rush to finish any project that would be up and running by Dec. 31 — when the credits expire — and most everything beyond that is now on hold. Consider the Solana concentrated solar power plant, 70 miles southwest of Phoenix in McCain’s home state. It is the biggest proposed concentrating solar energy project ever. The farsighted local utility is ready to buy its power.

But because of the Senate’s refusal to extend the solar tax credits, “we cannot get our bank financing,” said Fred Morse, a senior adviser for the American operations of Abengoa Solar, which is building the project. “Without the credits, the numbers don’t work.” Some 2,000 construction jobs are on hold...(Read rest on line:Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - Eight Strikes and You’re Out - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com )

#2 From Judy and the NY Times:

August 13, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
Yes, She Can
By MAUREEN DOWD
WASHINGTON

While Obama was spending three hours watching “The Dark Knight” five time zones away, and going to a fund-raiser featuring “Aloha attire” and Hawaiian pupus, Hillary was busy planning her convention.

You can almost hear her mind whirring: She’s amazed at how easy it was to snatch Denver away from the Obama saps. Like taking candy from a baby, except Beanpole Guy doesn’t eat candy. In just a couple of weeks, Bill and Hill were able to drag No Drama Obama into a swamp of Clinton drama.

Now they’ve made Barry’s convention all about them — their dissatisfaction and revisionism and barely disguised desire to see him fail. Whatever insincere words of support the Clintons muster, their primal scream gets louder: He can’t win! He can’t close the deal! We told you so!

Hillary’s orchestrating a play within the play in Denver. Just as Hamlet used the device to show that his stepfather murdered his father, Hillary will try to show the Democrats they chose the wrong savior.

Her former aide Howard Wolfson fanned the divisive flames Monday on ABC News, arguing that Hillary would have beaten Obama in Iowa and become the nominee if John Edwards’s affair had came out last year — an assertion contradicted by a University of Iowa survey showing that far more Edwards supporters had Obama as their second choice.

Hillary feels no guilt about encouraging her supporters to mess up Obama’s big moment, thus undermining his odds of beating John McCain and improving her odds of being the nominee in 2012.

She’s obviously relishing Hillaryworld’s plans to have multiple rallies in Denver, to take out TV and print ads and to hold up signs in the hall that read “Denounce Nobama’s Coronation.”

In a video of a closed California fund-raiser on July 31 that surfaced on YouTube, Hillary was clearly receptive to having her name put in nomination and a roll-call vote.

She said she thought it would be good for party unity if her gals felt “that their voices are heard.” But that’s disingenuous. Hillary was the one who raised the roll-call idea at the end of May with Democrats, who were urging her to face the math. She said she wanted it for Chelsea, oblivious to how such a vote would dim Obama’s star turn. Ever since she stepped aside in June, she’s been telling people privately that there might have to be “a catharsis” at the convention, signaling she wants a Clinton crescendo.

Bill continues to howl at the moon — and any reporters in the vicinity — about Obama; he’s starting to make King Lear look like Ryan Seacrest.

The way the Clintons see it, there’s nothing wrong with a couple making plans for their future, is there? That’s the American way and, as their pal Mark Penn pointed out, they have American roots while Obama “is not at his center fundamentally American in his thinking and in his values.”

The Clintons know that a lot of Democrats are muttering that their solipsistic behavior is “disgusting.” But they’re too filled with delicious schadenfreude at the wave of buyer’s remorse that has swept the Democratic Party; many Democrats are questioning whether Obama is fighting back hard enough against McCain, and many are wondering, given his inability to open up a lead in a country fed up with Republicans, if race will be an insurmountable factor.

Some Democrats wish that Obama had told the Clintons to “get in the box” or get lost if they can’t show more loyalty, rather than giving them back-to-back, prime-time speaking gigs at the convention on Tuesday and Wednesday. Al Gore clipped their wings in 2000, triggering their wrath by squeezing both the president and New York Senate candidate into speaking slots the first night and then ushering them out of L.A.

Wednesday will be all Bill. The networks will rerun his churlish comments from Africa about Obama’s readiness to lead and his South Carolina meltdowns. TV will have more interest in a volcanic ex-president than a genteel veep choice.

Obama also allowed Hillary supporters to insert an absurd statement into the platform suggesting that media sexism spurred her loss and that “demeaning portrayals of women ... dampen the dreams of our daughters.” This, even though postmortems, including the new raft of campaign memos leaked by Clintonistas to The Atlantic — another move that undercuts Obama — finger Hillary’s horrendous management skills.

Besides the crashing egos and screeching factions working at cross purposes, Joshua Green writes in the magazine, Hillary’s “hesitancy and habit of avoiding hard choices exacted a price that eventually sank her chances at the presidency.”

It would have been better to put this language in the platform: “A woman who wildly mismanages and bankrupts a quarter-of-a-billion-dollar campaign operation, and then blames sexism in society, will dampen the dreams of our daughters.” Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - Yes, She Can - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

From Victory for Obama:

John McCain and the Republican National Committee are trying to convince you that you've been swept up and tricked into wanting change.

They want you to believe that everything is just fine -- that we need to stay the course and elect someone who's voted with George Bush 95% of the time.

To sell this ridiculous idea, McCain and the RNC are using huge checks from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs to run negative ads attacking Barack Obama and the millions of volunteers and donors who have joined this campaign for change.

While supporters like you are out knocking on doors, registering new voters, and organizing in your local communities, our opponents are not even trying to match your efforts. Instead, they're spending millions to spread the smear that Barack is just a "celebrity" and that our grassroots movement is just a bunch of mindless fans.

So who is John McCain really attacking? Real people like Brandon, a carpenter from McCall, ID. Stephanie, a registered nurse from Phoenix, AZ. And Pamela, a retired teacher from Franklin, WV.

These are actual people who have made donations to our campaign this week.

Join supporters like Brandon, Stephanie, and Pamela in fighting back against McCain's negative attacks. Please make another donation, and give $500 or more today.

From Kathy in MO:


Click here to sign an emergency message to the Department of Health and Human Services: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."


Sign the petition


In partnership with:





Dear family and friends,

Please sign this petition and forward on to others. Bush and his right wing crazies are trying to get abortion redefined by the government to include birth control! I am outraged by this and sick of this administration interfering with women's rights. Their little "redefinition" that contraception = abortion could make it so many forms of birth control would be unavailable and even illegal!!! Families are already struggling, we don't need these crazies making things harder!
Kathy
Can you imagine living in a place where birth control is considered an "abortion" and health insurers won't cover it? Where even rape victims are denied emergency contraception?


It seems unbelievable, but the Bush Administration is quietly trying to redefine "abortion" to include birth control. The Houston Chronicle says this could wipe out dozens of state laws that protect women's reproductive freedom and protect rape victims.1 Access to basic health care for millions of women would be jeopardized. And it's being pushed as a "rule change"—meaning, it doesn't need congressional approval.


Can you sign an emergency message to Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, whose department is considering this rule change right now? Tell him: "Contraception is NOT abortion. The Bush Administration's proposal to change the definition of abortion and reduce women's access to birth control must be stopped."

Clicking here will add your name to this message:
http://pol.moveon.org/contraception/o.pl?id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=4

The best way to beat back this proposal is to show Secretary Leavitt massive public outrage—that's why today we're launching this petition jointly with Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Together, we'll deliver every signature to Leavitt. You can help add to our momentum by forwarding this message to friends.


Here's what some others are saying about this proposal:

The draft regulation would define birth control as abortion...it could deny access to critical family planning for women across the country.—Letter signed by Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators.2

The draft rule could void laws in 27 states that require insurance companies to provide birth control coverage for women requesting it [and] laws in 14 states requiring that rape victims receive counseling and access to emergency, day-after contraceptives.—Houston Chronicle editorial3

The administration needs to stop playing word games with women's health and state clearly they will reject any regulations that will undermine women's access to basic health care.—Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.4


[It's] a spectacular act of complicity with the religious right... —RH Reality Check, Information and Analysis for Reproductive Health5

The birth control pill, the IUD, and emergency contraception might all become unavailable—illegal—as a result.—Brigid Riley, executive director of a Minnesota teen pregnancy prevention organization6
Can you help send a loud message to Secretary Leavitt that birth control is NOT abortion? Clicking here will sign your name:
http://pol.moveon.org/contraception/o.pl?id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=5

Thanks for all you do.

–Nita, Laura, Patrick S., Adam G., and the rest of the team


Sources:

1. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html

2. Letter to Secretary Mike Leavitt from Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and 26 other senators, July 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4042&id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=6


3. "Redefining abortion; Federal officials considering a rule allowing health care workers to refuse to provide contraceptives," Houston Chronicle editorial, August 10, 2008
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/5935532.html

4. "Birth control: is administration backing down—or not?" Los Angeles Times blog, August 8, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4043&id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=7

5. "HHS Moves to Define Contraception as Abortion," RH Reality Check, July 15, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4041&id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=8

6. "White House Considering Contraception Restrictions," Public News Service, August 11, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4040&id=13468-4506833-D7yer8x&t=9

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 3.2 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

From Marla in Atlanta GA:
#1 e-mail:
i wanted to make sure you saw this today!

this is the kind of thing that i think can turn the voters (those who are
on the fence) against mccain. people are really struggling and are sick
of the special interests running things.

campaign finance watchdog group that has been going after John McCain's
campaign and its lobbyist connections reported this morning that his
staffers, advisers, and top fund-raisers have received nearly $1 billion
from domestic lobbying clients over the past decade.

Campaign Money Watch, analyzing data from the nonpartisan Center for
Responsive Politics, also said that employees and political action
committees of the clients have donated nearly $12 million to McCain's
campaigns over the years.

“The McCain campaign relies on big money lobbyists, and they’ll rely on
him,” David Donnelly, director of Campaign Money Watch, said in a
statement. “In the ‘you-scratch-my-back, I’ll-scratch-yours’ world of
Washington, $931 million gets the special interests the best government
money can buy. But just think of the payday these lobbyists might expect
in a McCain Administration.”

The group launched a website today to focus more attention on McCain's
lobbyists. “How can John McCain say he’ll reduce the influence of special
interests in Washington, when he’s so fully dependent on lobbyists and
their clients to finance his campaign?” Donnelly asked. “All candidates
need to raise money, but is this exemplary of a candidate who claims he’ll
tackle the special interests?”

While McCain has had to dismiss several top campaign aides because of
their lobbyist ties and Democrat Barack Obama has eschewed campaign money
from Washington lobbyists, independent observers say that lobbyists play
an important role in how the federal government works.


#2
I hope you all will forward this to as many people as you know.
Even billionaire oilman T.Boone Pickens says more off shore drilling will
not solve our problem. We need to think progressively and not ruin any
more of our environment...we need it to survive.
Many thanks
Are McCain and Obama playing politics with our environment?
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=1139&id=701-1650260-p_fvwDx&t=8
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=1140&id=701-1650260-p_fvwDx&t=9

In 1969, an offshore rig spilled 3 million gallons of oil off the coast of
Santa Barbara. Oil-drenched sea birds and beaches galvanized concerned
citizens, who worked to institute a moratorium on offshore drilling.
However, in June of this year, President Bush demanded that Congress lift
the ban on offshore oil drilling that's been protecting our beaches for 27
years.

Why? It comes down to fearmongering and oil company profits. Economists,
environmentalists, and energy experts agree that this plan would have zero
effect on gas prices in the next six years, let alone the next six months.

Unfortunately, the presidential candidates are now playing politics with
our beaches. Senators McCain and Obama were both against oil drilling
before they were running for President, but times have changed.

In June, McCain did a complete 180 on his original position, and his
switch has left him awash in oil industry donations. As a leading voice on
campaign finance, his position is also hypocritical. McCain knows the
right position on drilling -- he supported it in the past. No new drilling
off our coasts.

Click here to tell Senator McCain to reverse his flip flop on offshore
drilling.
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=1139&id=701-1650260-p_fvwDx&t=12

Obama hasn't done a 180 on this issue like McCain. But he is flirting with
allowing some drilling, even though he knows that it couldn't help relieve
gas prices until 2014 at the earliest. Obama shouldn't compromise on
offshore drilling just because it's become a central front in the battle
for the presidency. He needs to do what's right and oppose all new
offshore drilling.

Click here to tell Senator Obama not to cave in to fearmongering on
offshore drilling.
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=1140&id=701-1650260-p_fvwDx&t=13

After you sign the petitions, please be sure to tell a few friends.

Kate Stayman-London, Campaign Manager
CREDO Action
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=12&id=701-1650260-p_fvwDx&t=14
from Working Assets

From Women for Obama:

Wednesday, August 13, 2008


Watch the new TV ad



NEWS FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

Platform Reflects Barack Obama's Commitment to Women and Families

Last weekend in Pittsburgh, PA, the Democratic Party finalized the platform in advance of the upcoming DNC Convention. The new platform takes strong positions on issues of particular importance to women that have been major campaign themes and lifelong priorities for Barack Obama. The Platform process was led by an impressive group of women including Governor Janet Napolitano, Chair of the Platform Drafting Committee, Judith McHale and Patricia Madrid who co-chaired the Platform Committee, and the Platform Author Karen Kornbluh.

The platform states its explicit support of Roe v. Wade:

The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.

The party reinforces Senator Obama's insistence on equal pay for equal work:

When women still earn 76 cents for every dollar that a man earns, it doesn't just hurt women; it hurts families and children. We will pass the "Lilly Ledbetter" Act, which will make it easier to combat pay discrimination; we will pass the Fair Pay Act; and we will modernize the Equal Pay Act.

Building on Barack Obama's commitment to helping victims of domestic violence, the party lays out a strong stance on domestic violence:

Ending violence against women must be a top priority. We will create a special advisor to the president regarding violence against women. We will increase funding to domestic violence and sexual assault prevention programs. We will strengthen sexual assault and domestic violence laws, support the Violence Against Women Act, and provide job security to survivors.

The party is committed to expanding the Family & Medical Leave Act:

We will expand the Family and Medical Leave Act to reach millions more workers than are currently covered, and will enable workers to take leave to care for an elderly parent, address domestic violence and sexual assault, or attend a parent-teacher conference. Today 78 percent of the workers who are eligible for leave cannot take it because it's unpaid, so we will work with states and make leave paid.

And the platform recognizes that there is no place for sexism in our party:

We believe that standing up for our country means standing up against sexism and all intolerance. Demeaning portrayals of women cheapen our debates, dampen the dreams of our daughters and deny us the contributions of too many. Responsibility lies with us all.




Ike's Granddaughter Calls Obama "Future of America"

By Sridhar Pappu
August 11, 2008 - The Washington Independent

This race is very similar to the 1952 campaign that brought my grandfather to power," Eisenhower said, continuing the comparison. "He was an outsider who was nominated by the Republican Party -- but it was not an easy process at all. He was an outsider who threatened to shake up the party itself."

"I can't speak for my grandfather," Eisenhower said, but clearly felt she could speculate. "First of all, what's not to love? This is one of the great American stories. About a year-and-a-half ago, I said to Sen. Obama, 'I really welcome you into this race, because it helps underscore to people at home and abroad that in America anything is possible. I was beginning to worry that we were a country that were beginning to look at the political process as something for the select few.' And he said, 'Oh Susan, you must never worry about this country. This is a great country.'"


From the DCCC:

Here is my theory on what to do in politics if your opponent is sinking: throw him an anvil.

That's just what we're doing right now to the Grand Oil Party by exposing all their sleazy ties to those Big Oil companies lining their pockets and sticking it to average folks at the gas pump. How would you like to help?

The Republicans are so desperate to hide their ties to Big Oil that they enlisted none other than the shadowy Karl Rove-backed Freedom's Watch to try and change the subject and promote John McCain's 100 Year Plan in Iraq. Right now, Freedom's Watch is spending millions on attack ads of the worst kind against any Democrat who dares to oppose their Big Oil agenda.

It's up to us to decide whether they get away with this trash.

My friends at the DCCC have launched an all out campaign including radio ads that started running on Friday to defeat these Republicans and their oil soaked campaign coffers. These Republicans have accepted millions and protected oil profits in the billions while we're left with nothing but empty wallets at the gas station.

Help spread the word far and wide about the GOP's big ties to Big Oil - check out the DCCC's latest radio ads.

Even worse, The Washington Post reported that Republican Leader John Boehner has spent the last week doing a series of golf outings while a small band of House Republicans remain in Washington to call for "drill only" legislation that does nothing to bring immediate relief to Americans paying high gas prices.

Changing the subject with their Karl Rove campaign of distraction is what Republicans do best. The only way we're gonna win this fight is by getting the word out, which is just what the DCCC is doing.

They're going up on the radio with response ads and doing whatever it takes to make sure everyone knows how hard Republicans are working to protect those same Big Oil companies who earned a whopping $44 billion in profit last quarter alone.

Help spread the word far and wide about the GOP's big ties to Big Oil - check out the DCCC's latest radio ads.

The last thing those Big Oil Republicans want is for word to leak out about how much money they're taking from those oil companies who are profiting off the pain of America's families. So let's tell everyone all about it.


James Carville

P.S. Last week, we asked for your help to support the 45 strong Democrats in the DCCC's Red to Blue program who are running to replace Roadblock Republicans in Congress. We're only $97,500 away from our goal - contribute today to help put us over the top and spread the word about the GOP's big ties to Big Oil.





IN THE NEWS
Hillary Clinton Campaigns in Nevada for Senator Obama

Last Friday, Hillary Clinton stumped for Senator Obama in Henderson, NV. Speaking in front of a boisterous crowd, Senator Clinton explained why she, and all of her supporters, should support Barack Obama. She spoke about the equal pay benefits as well as improving healthcare and raising the minimum wage.
"Anyone who voted for me or caucused for me has so much more in common with Sen. Obama than Sen. McCain. Remember who we were fighting for in my campaign." She continued, "we may have started on two separate paths, but we are on one journey now."

Like Senator Clinton, Obama has been a champion for pay equity. In the Illinois State Senate, Obama cosponsored and voted for the Illinois Equal Pay Act, which provided 330,000 more women protection from pay discrimination. In the U.S. Senate, Obama joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Fair Pay Restoration Act, a bill to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's recent 5-4 decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Obama is also a cosponsor of Senator Tom Harkin's (D-IA) Fair Pay Act which requires employers to provide equal pay for equivalent jobs and disclose their pay scales for all job categories, and Senator Clinton's (D-NY) Paycheck Fairness Act which provides greater protections for women who suffer discrimination. As president, Obama will continue to promote paycheck equity and work to close the wage gap between men and women.

Women will make the difference for Obama

By Speaker Nancy Pelosi
August 11, 2008 - Detroit Free Press

I've been in Michigan twice in the last two weeks, and each time I come back I am reminded how beautiful the state is and how wonderful the people are who call it home. Being in Michigan you see everything that is great about America.

The spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work that built America are fundamental to the history of Michigan, and that spirit is alive and well today.

Unfortunately, you can also see the hurt that is facing America. Families are struggling under the burden of the failed policies of the Bush administration, and no one is shouldering that burden more than women.

Read the rest of Speaker Pelosi's Op-Ed



Obama Supporters Rally in Woodstock

By Josh O'Gorman
August 12, 2008 - Rutland Herald

About 70 people turned out for the United for Change Potluck Supper at the Woodstock Firehouse, where Madeleine Kunin, former governor, and Gaye Symington, democratic gubernatorial candidate, urged the crowd to back Obama's bid for the White House.

"The whole idea is to unite the Barack-Clinton wings of the party and get somebody in Washington who will bring change and end the war," said event organizer Bob Williamson.

As democrats piled their plates with pasta, meats and salad, Symington circulated with potential voters and discussed her newfound support for Obama...

Kunin noted that after the Clinton campaign there was a period of mourning, "and I think we were entitled to that," she said, but it was now time to back Obama.

Read the rest of the article here



Women Leaders on the Campaign

Check out our profile of Senior Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes, the second in our series of highlighting key women staff on the campaign.



WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP


How you can help Barack this week:

-- Send us 5 names to add to our WFO list. Have them sign up at www.women.barackobama.com and email us at women@barackobama.com to let us know who you've signed up!

-- Go to your local field office and help register people to vote. Voter registration will be key to Barack's victory in the fall. Click here to find out where your local Obama campaign office is located. Or you can find or host a Vote for Change event by clicking here.

-- Forward this newsletter to all of your friends!




















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Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read

Drill Drill all McSame can talk about is drilling!

Dear Obama Supporters:
I was sitting outside in beautiful downtown NYC eating dinner with my college roommate Toni visiting from LA, Renee,and my family and we were talking about Obama ,what else? Anyway, Toni mentioned she was surprised age hasn't come up and Brad said it is a big problem. We all chimed in about our concerns over his obvious memory difficulties. Kathy from MO sent a terrific e-mail below *** on just this subject and it is very concerning to many of us. It is confusing to say the least that more has not been made of this issue. McSame is showing himself to be forgetful , misspoken, angry ,and most of all he repeats himself all the time. I was amazed and pleased by Gail Collins Oped column, The Energy Drill, yesterday . She said all the things we have been talking about here in our group on line. It is JM's constant repeating of the same words and focusing only on offshore drilling that gets me. McSame seems to have embraced offshore drilling as if it is the only solution to our energy problems. IF this were the case we'd be in big trouble since this drilling wouldn't produce result for ten years at least. Collins says," ...he sees this as the key to salvation. Really, it's a little scary. You can't help wondering if he's been captured by some kind of drilling cult". McSame goes on to say as only he can, "We are not going to pay $4 a gallon for gas because we're going to drill offshore." He goes into his script over and over again, "We're going to drill here. We're going to drill now!" I am telling you he sounds like an angry crazed man who has to stay on program or he will get in trouble. Next up he rants ,my opponent doesn't want to drill . He wants to inflate your tires. Well, my gas station suggests this as well. It is a fact if you keep your tires inflated it could save as much oil as we could gain from off shore drilling. I don't get his point and again I worry that he is not capable of answering questions and remembering speeches and that his age is showing.
Two wonderful things occurred yesterday. I hopped in a taxi and was met by a terrific upbeat driver who saw my button(can't miss it) and started talking about Obama. He was outraged after eight years of losing jobs, and the pain of paying for gas now that anyone could vote for McSame. Every time McSame opens his mouth said he, he sounds almost as dumb as W and is just like him. He presents nothing tangible. When Obama talks it is easy to understand him and the way he answers questions with practical solutions is so impressive. I just sat there listening to this 50 year old African American taxi driver and wanted to shout bravo. He talked about the European tour and the respect shown Obama, and how well liked he was over there. I wish I had a longer ride but we were only going to Grand Central. When I was about to get out, I handed him a button and he was so thrilled he put it on then and there. I asked him if he talks about Obama with his customers. He said it is often his main topic and he would proudly wear his button. I must say he made my day. Then I cam home to about 58 e-mails and was a little taken aback.
I opened one from Val in Ohio(see below*** and then I was back on a roll again and feeling good. I am so proud of her and those other protestors in front of John Boehner's offices. They went to his conservative district to protest his energy solutions. They held up signs and had a reporter with them. This is what is called creative campaigning. They made their voices heard and he wasn't there but you know he will read about it in the paper. Also, it shows others that people have concerns about McSame's/GOP policies and they want to talk about this with him and get Obama's solutions across (if they can get him off the golf course) Note from Val, Did you see Boehner on Olberman tonight? Seems he was pushing to shut down the House insisting Congress should not be on vacation when they discovered he was playing golf in his district. Actually someone at the protest mentioned the country club where Boehner spends most of his time.. I believe this is how we can win this campaign small steps in pointing out the flaws, inconsistencies,hypocrisies ,lies, and political benefits of McSame and the GOP but no results for the public. I say you go girl to Val( a new grandma to Noah who will grow up to be very proud of his grannie for helping to get Obama elected!)
When asked how people can get involved in this campaign I answer immediately be creative, join a group like ours on line, e-mail your friends, learn the issues, and go out there and sell Barack Obama a man we believe in. To quote my taxi driver, Obama is a man who has tangible suggestions for change! I also suggest you take a lesson from Val and their group. You don't have to make a huge impact tiny steps are fine. Just make your voice heard in protest against McSame and the last eight years and help get Barack Obama's wonderful practical and caring ideas out there. Remember, one vote a day keeps the guy who wants to drill and is over the hill away!
Love,Sunny
A Mama 4 Obama



***From Kathy in KCMO:
I am worried about McCain's age. No one wants to talk about it...that would be ageism! I think we need to talk about it. The presidency is the most stressful job in the world, and we see how much every president has aged under the pressure. If you really watch and listen to him, he is not always tuned in. He has to read everything off of cards, even the price of milk and his stupid jokes! He can't remember his own voting record. He often responds when asked how he voted with "I'll have to get back to you on that!" He doesn't know his own policies to such an extent that his own surrogates had to say that McCain doesn't always speak for the McCain campaign! He mispoke several times last week on taxes, social security, and affirmative action and his own campaign said he did not speak for them! How can this not be reported in the mainstream media? They try to create "gaffes" and "missteps" for Obama and completely ignore that this man is losing it! The public needs to know what McCain is like mentally! Whether you agree or disagree with his policies, we need to ask if he is up to the job physically and mentally. The media also likes to point out how "fit" he is. Have you noticed that he almost never campaigns on the weekends and most sources say he does just one event per day. The presidency would be a part time job for him if these are his working hours! Also complicating the situation is we know he has had cancer. He was very secretive and gave limited access to his medical records. Remember, it was only certain reporters in a locked room for a short time, no copies to be made, and hundreds of pages to review. What else are they hiding?

Have you seen this video of him a few days ago at a press conference in FL? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfkKk2C1W1c&eurl=http://www.americablog.com/ He generally is confused and can't even keep straight what question was asked. This is scary. He is looking older and more out of it all the time. The press ususally edits this so you don't see all of the pauses and missteps. This was filmed from several angles making it more difficult to edit. We don't need this old man with his finger on the button. We don't need him at a time when our country is in crisis domestically and internationally. Whoever he picks for VP is truly a heartbeat away if he is elected.

Below are some good points made by Americablog on this subject.
This isn't a joke, and it isn't an attempt to mock McCain or elderly people. There's a reason that 72 year old men aren't professional football players or even commercial airline pilots (commercial pilots are required to retire at age 60). And there's a reason that there's no great uproar over the fact that senior citizens don't work in those professions. It's the height of political correctness to suggest that the presidency of the United States during war time requires less skill, stamina, and mental acuity than flying the friendly skies.

I've gotten feedback from some readers asking if McCain has had a "cognitive impairment" test. I'm told that everyone should get them as they get older, and that it's not clear from the medical records released (you'll recall that McCain only let a select group of reporters review his medical records in a sealed room for a few hours). I hope some reporters out there have the gumption to ask the McCain campaign for a specific answer to the question - has he recently taken a cognitive impairment test and what were the results?

We all need to be asking is this man physically and mentally up to the demanding job of the presidency! I am just sick that the country is not discussing this important issue. Oops, I forgot...we can't ask any questions about his fitness for office because he was a POW!

From Judy in Mamaroneck:
All I can say is Remember Reagan in his mental decline? We all saw it but nobody acknowledged it.. it was like watching The Emperor and His New Clothes. I think we are seeing that now with Mc Cain not knowing the difference between Shias and Sunnis and Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan borders.. and his mocking what he doesn't know and understand.... Very scary!

From Susan in North Carolina:
Susan here in NC. Well today saw McCain now admitting the tire gauge is actually quite useful - wonder what they will do with all those tire gauges!

Although I am out of the country until Sept 3rd our local group has plans. We believe right after Labor Day is perfect. Our group of 50 is meeting in September at our house for an "ENERGY NITE". So what is an "ENERGY NITE"?

Two things:

1. Saving energy........a.k.a. Green

2. Building energy - team energy to bring in the win for Obama in North Carolina.

SAVING ENERGY - we have a local expert on Conservation who does surveys in your home and advises how much each appliance is costing you for example (down to the light bulb). A complimentary Energy Review is offered via a draw for a donation to the Obama campaign. The main focus of the evening is to build a sense of team, belonging to a smaller group is very helpful as you likely know.

RNC Rep was in town today, "We haven't forgotten North Carolina", he was quoted as saying on local television. "We are here in force." [So when are they setting up local offices? Or more of them? In the coming weeks.]

So who is going to lose their Senate seat? Dole. Why? Great ads...how ineffective she is. Why is it resonating? Her record for the last 40 years - branded "ineffective. She was ranked 95th.

North Carolina is a battleground but should soon move to the Obama column.

Missed opportunity for the Obama campaign with women - McCain at the biker convention - offering Cindy for the Miss (whatever) contest. Sexist! So Hillary supporters - THIS is your alternative?

For the next few weeks, I will be 'reporting' in from Scotland.

From Judy in Mamaroneck:

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

August 7, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
The Energy Drill
By GAIL COLLINS
“Tell them to come back and get to work!” John McCain yelled out. “Tell them to get to work!”

This was at a biker rally in South Dakota where McCain was wooing the crowd by demanding that Congress return to Washington and do something about the energy crisis. Demanding that Congress come back from vacation to do something is a time-honored political gambit. But is it the best line of attack for a senator who last showed up for a vote himself back in early spring? Perhaps not.

Also, there was the problem of tone. McCain has sometimes been charged with sounding like a cranky neighbor yelling at kids to get off the lawn. This time, he turned into a cranky neighbor who hires you to cut his grass and then follows you around, pointing out blades that you missed.

This is energy week on the campaign trail. In honor of the critical nature of the debate, let’s try to clear our heads of all thoughts of Paris Hilton ads, and questions of whether McCain knew, when he expressed a yen to see his wife compete in the bikers’ Miss Buffalo Chip beauty contest, that the contestants frequently went topless.

Issues. It’s all about issues.

Both McCain and Barack Obama have spent the last few days wandering around the country, scowling at gas pumps and talking up their energy plans. McCain dubbed his The Lexington Project. Obama’s seems to be called New Energy for America. If these guys really cared, wouldn’t they have come up with better names? But we digress.

Much of the debate has focused on offshore drilling. This is not actually all that critical a concern, but it has the advantage of being fairly simple. The alternative is trying to figure out whether Barack Obama’s promise to wean us from Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil in 10 years is more prone to breakage than McCain’s vow to build 45 nuclear power plants by 2030.

Obama was against ending the current ban on offshore drilling, but now he’s sort of open to it, if it’s part of a bigger energy-independence deal. This has upset a number of his supporters who desperately want a president who will adhere firmly to his positions, even when they become totally irrational.

While McCain was never violently opposed to offshore drilling, he has now embraced it as if it is not only the solution to our energy problems, but also the key to eternal salvation. Really, it’s a little scary. You can’t help wondering if he’s been captured by some kind of drilling cult...Read the rest on line:Click here: Op-Ed Columnist - The Energy Drill - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com

From Val in Ohio:

Yesterday, I attended a book signing for a book written by Bryant Welch. The author is the Executive Director of Professional Practice for the American Psychological Association. The book entitled, State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind, is a must read for this political season.

The author grew up in a suburb (Kettering) of Dayton, OH where his dad served as the first city manager. It's a conservative community so I knew many of the people in the audience would not be Obama supporters. I sat next to an older lady who started a conversation about the PBS program that recently aired on the topic of the brain. She shared her concerns about being diagnosed with Alzheimer's as some point in her life. Since just the other day, I read Sunny's blog and viewed some You Tube speeches delivered by Mc Cain, I suggested to the lady that McCain might be showing some early signs. That led her to tell me how she could not vote for Obama because he was too far to the left. I asked what led her to that opinion and she said she had been reading a book about him. Without asking her to name the book I cautioned her to be careful about drawing conclusions from what someone writes without getting verification of the book's accuracy. I did recommend both books written by Obama. She went on to voice her belief that people needed to help themselves without relying on the government. I asked if she had heard any of Obama's speeches about personal responsibility. She had heard him speak on this topic and she was impressed. Her next rant was about our failing education system. I reminded her that education systems serve the students from the community and poor communities present very challenging products. That observation seemed to resonate with her. While I would have enjoyed going toe to toe with her for a full evening, the book discussion began.

Here's a brief summary of what the book addresses:

There are a myriad of differences from which people construct reality.

The mind is a chaotic enterprise

If and when one allows the mental state to become fragmented, mental illness occurs

For that reason, people integrate events into a reality that they can comprehend

There are 3 areas that can challenge ones mental state:

(1) The politics of fear can be utilized when ones physical space is invaded by a foreign force. It's a violation of our boundaries that can trigger paranoid mechanisms of the mind. That is why 9-11 continues to be a powerful influence in shaping our politics.

(2) Our nation maintains a state of sexual perplexity. The gay marriage agenda was exploited in the 2000 election with pictures of gays kissing in public that proved nauseating to the heterosexual community. The Republicans portrayed their party as the "protector" of our value system.

(3) A generalized sense of deprivation can lead to expressions of resentment. Adulation can lead to envy particularly if the adulation is perceived as undeserved. Maureen Dowd's column, Green Eyed Monster, addressed this very point. Negative campaign ads have been developed to subtly tap into our subconscious human envy.

The author went on to discuss other means of manipulating voters. He made the observation that Democrats have not been players in this game but they serve as "default candidates." Rove & Co. do not wait to assess which way the wind is blowing but they determine which way the wind is going to blow so they can get out in front of it.

There's a chapter in the book on religion and how religious experiences have now reached an ecstatic fervor with Messianic overtures.

There's a chapter about Fox News and how Roger Ailes, who runs Fox News, was George Herbert Walker Bush's public relations man. He's famous for the Willie Horton ads when the other Bush was running for office.

During the Q&A session, the older man in the audience admitted to a visceral hatred toward the Clintons asking if his views were a product of the manipulation cited in the book. While the author didn't defend Bill's sexual proclivities, he did point out his focus on policy during his tenure in the White House and how the country, as a whole, had benefited from his intelligence. He aborted on the country's upward mobility during the Clinton era when another questioner attempted to diminish the two candidates (McCain/Obama) to Tweedle-dee vs. Tweedle-dum. Through a non partisan lens, he was able to diffuse that argument.

I think we need to increase our awareness of how the political process has been molded and shaped so we can become players. The influence of the media is also discussed in an article I read this morning with the worrisome title: Why Obama Could Be In Trouble (View this story on line at:http://www.alternet.org/story/94030/) I also think it's important to find ways to plant ourselves in "mixed company" so we can engage the Rethugs and undecideds in civil conversation to point out the errors in their thinking. Thanks to all of you who contribute to Sunny's blog. It's one of my best sources of information.

#2 ****I went to a protest at John Boehner's office today. It was a gathering in an ultra conservative district but we did get news coverage and a few honks when we held up signs along the road. The organizer had researched alternative energy processes and she came armed with info on a major discovery from MIT on solar energy (http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/oxygen-0731.html). There was another lady in the group who was an MIT alum so she added her 2 cents for the benefit of the press. We had one reporter who went into Boehner's office with us and she was asked to leave. Boehner wasn't even there because he was somewhere promoting the McCain energy proposal.

I'll keep you posted on happenings in Ohio. Keep on keeping on

Did you see Boehner on Olberman tonight? Seems he was pushing to shut down the House insisting Congress should not be on vacation when they discovered he was playing golf in his district. Actually someone at the protest mentioned the country club where Boehner spends most of his time.

I just got this:Dear Val, Thanks so much for participating today at Boehner's office. The woman who organized it was Carol Stewart and her email address is carolst@one.net if you want to have her get in touch with you directly the next time something comes up quickly. I went to the McCAin event at the country club in Mason and they had a little over 30 people there. Several camera crews so that was a great thing to be a part of also. The 30 people at the country club were protestors. It was great to be with that protest group as well as our earlier gathering at Boehner's office.


From Susan in Rye:

Sunny,
As usual, your blog has tons and tons of great links and information. I particularly enjoyed Hank's assessment of the Bush "legacy." At least we can keep our sense of humor. However, I am also very troubled by the wackiness of McSame after watching the youtube video of him at the Sturgis bike rally. He is really scary. Why are people saying they're scared of Barack Obama? McSame is a totally confused person with anger management issues and someone like that is NEVER ready to be President. I know that the Obama campaign can't attack him on his age and they are trying to keep to the issues and stay on the high road, but this is seriously scary stuff.

The David Brooks op-ed was so backwards and I think today's letters in response were excellent because they addressed the whole point of who this special once-in-a-lifetime candidate is. He's not an empty celebrity or a person who is "in but not of." He is brilliant and the sheer fact that he is not allied to any one special interest group is what makes him a unique candidate. Maybe that is why he is drawing huge crowds and has raised so much money from small donors. He is truly more "of the people," than any candidate has been.

# 2 From Susan:
You are the energizer bunny with all your activities. I hope you'll take a few days off before the convention and relax a bit. After that, it will be a sprint to Nov. 4th and non-stop motion. Thanks for your complement about my writing. When I am passionate about a topic, I like to write about it and I am so passionate about this election. I thought the Huffington Post's blog yesterday by Drew Westen was excellent regarding Obama's message and how his personal narrative must be emphasized in contrast to McSame's narrative: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/drew-westen/why-voters-say-they-dont_b_117238.html. The best part is:
"The average American actually doesn't know Barack Obama, despite all the media attention. They know that he's a gifted, charismatic man with a winning smile, a keen mind, and a tendency to alternative between RFK on the stump and Michael Dukakis in interviews and debates. Most people haven't read Dreams from my Father or The Audacity of Hope, and their only exposure to either will be in Republican attack ads using his words against him. Most white people who worry that he doesn't share their values don't know that he grew up in a family much like theirs, with a white mother and blue collar white grandparents. Most people don't know that he cares so much about the absence of black fathers from the lives of their children not only because he understands the destructiveness, particularly to boys, but that he understands it firsthand, and was only saved from its more destructive impact by the presence of a loving (if sometimes overly fun-loving) maternal grandfather..."

"While getting smacked repeatedly with the charge of elitism, the candidate with the humble roots hasn't mentioned that perhaps McCain is so out of touch with the concerns of everyday Americans because he was born with a silver spoon in his hand, is a poster child for affirmative action for the wealthy and well connected (having both gained admittance to and barely survived the Naval Academy at the bottom of his class as the son and grandson of four-star admirals), and that maybe he should speak more with the servants in his eight homes if he wants to know what the energy crisis or health insurance crisis or mortgage crisis he's been part of the problem in creating in the Senate for three decades actually feels like to everyday Americans."

When you talk to people involved with the campaign, do they discuss this? I know all of us are frustrated that so many people in this country still don't really know Obama. His books should be required reading for every American this summer!
Take care,

From Hank in NYC:

Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 7:35 AM
To: 'letters@nytimes.com'
Subject: To The Editor

“The Energy Drill” – Op/Ed – August 7, 2008

John McCain’s outburst to the biker’s group sounded strangely reminiscent of Howard Dean’s primal scream during the 2004 presidential campaign. Like Governor Dean who felt John Kerry pulling away from him, Senator McCain is ranting and whining because Senator Obama is more popular and has better judgment. Drilling for more oil, offshore or anywhere else is exactly the opposite of what America and the rest of the world needs to do. Barack Obama is willing to accept offshore drilling only as part of a broad, comprehensive plan to develop alternative sources of clean and sustainable energy. Even T. Boone Pickens, the oilman’s oilman, has started to drink the Koolaid and understands we cannot drill our way to energy independence.

Senator McCain would be thrilled to drill, but it would yield almost nil. John McCain is simply over the hill.

From Ohio Joe:


I am doing all grassroots this election........we just got back from Portland, Maine attended some Obama meetings there.....this country must get better...things are so bad in Maine that lobster is $4.90 per pound.

When I emailed you about the numbers in Ohio this came from an Obama campaign person.........and I am shocked at the DEMS who supported Hillary who have McCain signs....this makes me mad as hell. From past experience I can do more good as grassroots


I will be in touch....Hope all is well with you. I sat here yesterday and thought.....HOW F_____ will we be if the day after the election McCain is president. Just think about it........really.......ask those who question Obama, can they stand FOUR MORE YEARS ???
PS......there are days that I could shake my parents for moving from Brooklyn to Ohio......but I guess my dads job.......there is a reason for everything.
There are even blacks who support McCain because they feel Obama is too WHITE....this is OHIO. OSU FOOTBALL, FASTFOOD and STUPID PEOPLE.

From Susan in North Carolina off to Edinburgh:

I am involved in a smaller group of about 100 folks, not working directly with the offices. This is allowing us to work in our own neighborhoods. After we have our 'meeting' at our place, we will be ramping up to helping folks get to the polls. As I cannot vote, I can be of most help making sure Obama gets EVERY vote.

Thanks for keeping in touch Sunny, I know you are super busy!

On to Edinburgh!



From Kathy in KCMO:

Below is a great MoveOn Ad that the public needs to see. Please pass it on! McCain is good at accusations and falsehoods that he repeats over and over. Remember: he is operating with the Rove crew on the assumption that if you repeat a lie enough times, it becomes the truth. Pretty ironic that he is telling Congress to get back to work when he has missed more votes than any other senator. Many of these were votes on key issues that he supposedly supports! People need to know the truth about this guy. I hope MoveOn keeps hammering McCain on his record and hypocrisy! I also would encourage everyone to keep writing to the TV networks and newspapers with the truth about McCain. Whether they print it or not, it gives them an idea of what the public is thinking and can affect the way they cover this campaign.



Dear MoveOn member,
At the world's largest motorcycle rally, John McCain angrily accused Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi of skipping out on votes to solve the energy crisis. "Tell 'em to get to work!" he shouted.


This from the man who has skipped more votes than any other senator.

McCain even missed two key votes to repeal Big Oil tax breaks and ramp up solar and wind power—both of which lost by a single vote!


We put together a short video overnight to call McCain's bluff. Please check it out, then pass it on.



Watch the video

If you like this video, it'd be great to donate so we can keep countering McCain's false attacks on Obama.


John McCain and the Republicans think demonizing Obama and the Democrats over high gas prices is their ticket to victory. We need to get the word out—when it comes to the energy crisis, McCain is all talk.

Thanks!

–Noah, Justin, Daniel, Marika and the rest of the team

P.S. Here's the link to the video:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=4015&id=13424-4506833-iwc8yFx&t=3

From Vicki in KCMO:

Hey gang!
I have been invited to be on the pundit panel on Nick Haines' KC Week in Review on the PBS channel KCPT Channel 19 (11 on Cable) tomorrow night - Friday, Aug. 8, at 7:30pm. It re-airs on Sunday at 11am. They will be talking politics, elections, and voting. I'm scared poopless - so if you want a great laugh! Tune in. I'll be with Mike Mahoney, Steve Kraske and Jack Cashill.



Vicki Walker
KC Media Watchdogs
90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio
Read me on eKC - www.kcactive.com
From Lee in NYC in order to find out how to work in campaign and where to go to find headquarters and people in charge:

All the offices are listed on the campaign's website. The information is really easy to find.

Go to the website: www.barackobama.com

Go to the state section: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

Choose the state you want.
Each state has a link for either "Visit our Campaign HQ" or "Find Your Local Field Office"

That's where you find the list of offices. All the information is available for people. They just need to go get it.


From Women for Obama:

Women for Obama Newsletter

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Countdown to Election Day: 90 DAYS!

WIN A COPY OF THE “BLUEPRINT FOR WOMEN & FAMILIES” SIGNED BY MICHELLE OBAMA!

Michelle Obama has been traveling the country, talking with families and leaving behind copies of the comprehensive Blueprint for Working Women and Families (which you can read by clicking here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/4194155/Barack-Obamas-Plan-to-Support-Working-Women-and-Families)

YOU have the opportunity to win a copy of the Blueprint personally inscribed by Michelle Obama! The first 50 women to recruit and sign up FIVE new women to join Women for Obama will receive a signed copy in the mail. All you need to do is have them sign up at http://my.barackobama.com/womenforobama, then send your completed list of names and contact info to us at women@barackobama.com.

In case you missed it, you can check out a video of Michelle’s remarks at the Chicago luncheon, the day the Blueprint was launched, by clicking here: http://women.barackobama.com/blueprintvideo. Please take a moment to watch, and to share the video as well as the Blueprint with everyone you know – men and women!



Check out our profile of IN State Director Emily Parcell, the first in our series of highlighting key women staff on the campaign! http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/annebrewer/gG58VH



NEWS & VIDEO
* READ: Connie Schultz’s column in the Plain Dealer about her interview with Michelle Obama (8/3/08): http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/annebrewer/gG5zzx. The Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist sat down with Michelle and talked at length about how life in the national spotlight has impacted her and the Obama family – and how she balances her first priority (her daughters) with the demands of “auditioning for first lady.”
* WATCH: Barack Obama’s new campaign ads highlighting his New Energy for America Plan:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nationalpriority_ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJPo5IGTd0A
You can also read Sen. Obama’s remarks to launch the Plan in Lansing, MI below…

WHAT YOU CAN DO

How YOU can Help Barack This Week:

· JOIN the National Women for Obama MYBO group and become a part of the nationwide Women for Obama movement: http://my.barackobama.com/womenforobama

· Volunteer in your local field offices on WOMEN’S WEDNESDAYS! Bring a friend along! You can go out and canvass, register voters, or make phone calls. Click here to find out where your local Obama campaign office is located: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages. If no campaign office exists in your area, you can search grassroots groups in your area by clicking here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actioncenter

SEN. OBAMA TAKES A STAND ON ISSUES IMPACTING WOMEN

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the 15th Anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act

Chicago, IL -- “Fifteen years ago today, working families everywhere achieved a victory when the Family and Medical Leave Act went into effect. This groundbreaking law helps guarantee that America's workers shouldn't have to choose between their jobs or their health and the health of their families.

“Because of the FMLA, more than eighty million people have been able to take needed time off work to care for themselves or family members. Because of the FMLA, mothers and fathers can take time off work to care for a new baby without fear of being replaced by their employer…”

Click here to read Barack Obama’s plan to expand the FMLA, as part of his broader work-family balance agenda: http://obama.3cdn.net/c44c41eb942c97377b_u1pwmvnfl.pdf

Senator Obama Praises the House of Representatives’ Passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, a measure that would strengthen women's ability to fight pay discrimination in the workplace. Senator Obama commented:

“Throughout my life, I have seen first-hand how women struggle with balancing work and family and issues of fairness. I saw my grandmother, who helped raise me, work her way up from a secretary at a bank to become one of the first women bank vice presidents in the state. But I also saw how she ultimately hit a glass ceiling - how men no more qualified than she was kept moving up the corporate ladder ahead of her. And throughout my time in public service, I have heard from women who are struggling to make ends meet and still seeing their male colleagues make more than they do. Those stories reflect the fact that women still make just 77 cents for every dollar men make - black women and Latinas make even less. That doesn't just hurt women, it hurts families who find themselves with less income, and have to work even harder just to get by. In 2008, a time when more and more women are supporting their families, we should all hope that the pay gap would be a thing of the past. But it's not. And that's why today's vote in the House is so important.”

Click here to read more on this: http://women.barackobama.com/page/community/post/ellenblogs/gG5kRM

SENATOR OBAMA UNVEILS PLAN TO END THE AGE OF OIL
New Energy for America

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama (as prepared for delivery)
Lansing, MI – Monday, August 4th, 2008

We meet at a moment when this country is facing a set of challenges greater than any we've seen in generations. Right now, our brave men and women in uniform are fighting two different wars while terrorists plot their next attack. Our changing climate is placing our planet in peril. Our economy is in turmoil and our families are struggling with rising costs and falling incomes; with lost jobs and lost homes and lost faith in the American Dream. And for too long, our leaders in Washington have been unwilling or unable to do anything about it.

That is why this election could be the most important of our lifetime. When it comes to our economy, our security, and the very future of our planet, the choices we make in November and over the next few years will shape the next decade, if not the century. And central to all of these major challenges is the question of what we will do about our addiction to foreign oil . . .

Now, increased domestic oil exploration certainly has its place as we make our economy more fuel-efficient and transition to other, renewable, American-made sources of energy. But it is not the solution. It is a political answer of the sort Washington has given us for three decades.

There are genuine ways in which we can provide some short-term relief from high gas prices - relief to the mother who's cutting down on groceries because of gas prices, or the man I met in Pennsylvania who lost his job and can't even afford to drive around and look for a new one. I believe we should immediately give every working family in America a $1,000 energy rebate, and we should pay for it with part of the record profits that the oil companies are making right now.

Click here to read the full remarks and Senator Obama’s Plan: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5zCW

WHAT’S AT STAKE!
Senator McCain’s health care plan would make health benefits taxable for the first time ever, representing a huge tax increase for working families and giving an incentive to businesses to cut benefits or end insurance altogether. Senator Obama’s plan would cut the cost of health care by $2500 per family on average.

Did you know? – Women tend to have higher healthcare costs than men: nearly 40 percent of women report struggling with medical bills, compared to 29 percent of men, and one-third of women spend more than 10 percent of their income on out-of-pocket health costs, compared to 18 percent of men.

Women for Obama:

An interview with Michelle Obama will air tomorrow morning (Thursday, Aug. 7) on ABC’s Good Morning America during the first half hour of the show, and an extended version of the interview will air on ABC’s Nightline tomorrow evening.

Check local listings for times and stations: http://abc.go.com/site/localstations.html?lid=ABCCOMGlobalFooter&lpos=STATIONS

And check out a preview of Michelle’s interview here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Vote2008/story?id=5529046-----------

Visit our website: women.barackobama.com

Join the National Women for Obama group: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/WomenforObama

From Brave New Films Team:




1. Watch the video
2. Teach O'Reilly a lesson
Dear sunny,

It's back-to-school time! Parents are starting to shop for their children's school supplies: notebooks, pencils, crayons, and of course, Bill O'Reilly's book, "The O'Reilly Factor for Kids." Talk about one of these things being NOT like the others!

O'Reilly thinks he can teach our children proper behavior, and we can't think of a worse father figure than an angry, hate-filled shock jock notorious for telling guests to "Shut up!" We wondered what would happen if kids read O'Reilly's book and then saw the real O'Reilly for themselves. So we put together a video to illustrate O'Reilly's duplicity.

Watch the video.

O'Reilly's bullying antics show he never learned the lessons the rest of us were taught in school. Send this video to all the teachers, parents, parents-to-be, and anyone who has contact with kids, and don't forget to Digg it! Tell us what your teachers taught you that O'Reilly should have learned about how to be a responsible grown-up, or what your kids' teachers have taught them. We'll put all your suggestions together and send the list to O'Reilly at FOX News.

It's bad enough O'Reilly spews hate-filled lies on his shows to grown-up audiences, do we really want our children to be exposed to the same behavior? Do we really want this angry adult influencing our kids? While we only subjected the kids in our video to a few minutes of O'Reilly in order to prevent permanent damage, imagine the harm his children's book could do!

Yours,

Robert Greenwald
and the Brave New Team


From Heather Hussein F in DC(both she and Justy changed their middle names in honor of Barack!:

Top Ten Crooked Things About McCain From This Phoenix Alt-Weekly ArticleDo you have time to read a 45-page-long first-person alt-weekly newsfeature about John McCain’s long life of being a political crook in Arizona and how everyone there fears and hates him? Of course not! Lucky for you, Wonkette has a team of offshore article readers, in Bangalore, who go through this stuff and whittle it down to a simple Top Ten list. You are welcome for this Service Journalism.
1. Back in 1994 when this reporter was doing a feature on McCain, she went to his house before dawn, for some reason, and Cindy was doing a whole fake routine of cooking eggs for the kids, even though it was still nighttime.
2. Sometimes John McCain would be a guest host on talk radio, and he’d be polite to the callers but then say terrible stuff about them, off the air.
3. Before that whole campaign-finance reform stunt, McCain was totally against any changes to the campaign-finance system, and in fact repeatedly voted against reforms in the 1980s.
4. This is because he got all his money from lobbyists and corporations, especially the crooked Savings & Loan run by McCain’s best friend, Charles Keating, who would also take McCain on sexy free vacations to the Bahamas, which Keating owned.
5. Ha, nobody even remembers the Keating Five scandal anymore, even though the GOP candidate for president was one of the Five senators deeply involved in the crooked Savings & Loan scandal,which almost destroyed America forever and wound up=2 0costing taxpayers $125 billion dollars.
6. Cindy’s dad the Budweiser Brewery kingpin also has special dealings with Keating.
7. When Rose Mofford, a nice old Democrat lady who was Arizona’s secretary of state, wound up serving out Ev Mecham’s term as governor — the whackjob Mecham was forced out of office in 1988 — McCain conspired to shame Mofford during a brief appearance before Congress. Asked why, he cackled and said, “I’ll embarrass a Democrat any time I get the chance.” Minutes later, he swears to reporters that he’d “never do anything like that.”
8. McCain is always mentioning Arizona’s political greats, as if he’s one of them, too. But Arizonans say McCain shouldn’t even be allowed to talk about Barry Goldwater, beloved conservative senator, and Mo Udall, beloved liberal congressman. “It drives some people here nuts. Particularly those who know, or knew, all three men.”
9. Goldwater distanced himself from McCain once it became clear that Arizona’s new senator was a conniving little crook. After being scammed into attending a McCain fundraiser disguised as a “tribute” to Reagan, Goldwater insisted that McCain give half the take to the state GOP party, but of course it didn’t happen. “You will recall during my speech at the dinner for the president in Phoenix, I announced that you were going to give half of the funds you raised to the State Republican Party,” Goldwater wrote to McCain. “I am told by the Party, that you still owe them $35,000, and unless you pay all20of it, or most of it, they cannot meet their payroll next Wednesday.”
10. The guy who worked for Cindy’s charity and caught her stealing a million pills wrote this in his journal, at the time: “During my short tenure at AVMT, I have been surrounded by what on the surface appears to be the ultimate all-American family. In reality, I am working for a very sad, lonely woman whose marriage of convenience to a U.S. Senator has driven her to: distance herself from friends; cover feelings of despair with drugs; and replace lonely moments with self-indulgences.”
Baker’s Dozen Bonus No. 11. And now RNC private investigators are chasing that guy, Tom Gosinski, even though he long ago moved to another state and started a totally different career and has had nothing to say about the McCains since the pill-addict scandal, which he only told the DEA about because he was scared of going to prison if he covered up Cindy’s opiate scandal.
Postmodern John McCain: the presidential candidate some Arizonans know — and loathe [Phoenix New Times] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/justin-frank/put-your-john-hussein-han_b_89358.html
From Judy in Mamaroneck:

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

August 8, 2008
Op-Ed Columnist
Know-Nothing Politics
By PAUL KRUGMAN
So the G.O.P. has found its issue for the 2008 election. For the next three months the party plans to keep chanting: “Drill here! Drill now! Drill here! Drill now! Four legs good, two legs bad!” O.K., I added that last part.

And the debate on energy policy has helped me find the words for something I’ve been thinking about for a while. Republicans, once hailed as the “party of ideas,” have become the party of stupid.

Now, I don’t mean that G.O.P. politicians are, on average, any dumber than their Democratic counterparts. And I certainly don’t mean to question the often frightening smarts of Republican political operatives.

What I mean, instead, is that know-nothingism — the insistence that there are simple, brute-force, instant-gratification answers to every problem, and that there’s something effeminate and weak about anyone who suggests otherwise — has become the core of Republican policy and political strategy. The party’s de facto slogan has become: “Real men don’t think things through.”

In the case of oil, this takes the form of pretending that more drilling would produce fast relief at the gas pump. In fact, earlier this week Republicans in Congress actually claimed credit for the recent fall in oil prices: “The market is responding to the fact that we are here talking,” said Representative John Shadegg.

What about the experts at the Department of Energy who say that it would take years before offshore drilling would yield any oil at all, and that even then the effect on prices at the pump would be “insignificant”? Presumably they’re just a bunch of wimps, probably Democrats. And the Democrats, as Representative Michele Bachmann assures us, “want Americans to move to the urban core, live in tenements, take light rail to their government jobs.”

Is this political pitch too dumb to succeed? Don’t count on it.

Remember how the Iraq war was sold. The stuff about aluminum tubes and mushroom clouds was just window dressing. The main political argument was, “They attacked us, and we’re going to strike back” — and anyone who tried to point out that Saddam and Osama weren’t the same person was an effete snob who hated America, and probably looked French.

Let’s also not forget that for years President Bush was the center of a cult of personality that lionized him as a real-world Forrest Gump, a simple man who prevails through his gut instincts and moral superiority. “Mr. Bush is the triumph of the seemingly average American man,” declared Peggy Noonan, writing in The Wall Street Journal in 2004. “He’s not an intellectual. Intellectuals start all the trouble in the world.”

It wasn’t until Hurricane Katrina — when the heckuva job done by the man of whom Ms. Noonan said, “if there’s a fire on the block, he’ll run out and help” revealed the true costs of obliviousness — that the cult began to fade.

What’s more, the politics of stupidity didn’t just appeal to the poorly informed. Bear in mind that members of the political and media elites were more pro-war than the public at large in the fall of 2002, even though the flimsiness of the case for invading Iraq should have been even more obvious to those paying close attention to the issue than it was to the average voter...(Read rest on lineClick here: Op-Ed Columnist - Know-Nothing Politics - Op-Ed - NYTimes.com)

From Herb in KCMO:

To: cablefilms@kc.rr.com
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 1:14 PM
Subject: We did it!




We did it!

Dear Friends,

Last week, Congressman Dennis Kucinich delivered a petition bearing more than 100,000 names to the Speaker of the House urging that impeachment proceedings begin into the conduct of President Bush. In a special video message, Dennis is asking for your help to deliver an even more powerful message to Congress when it reconvenes in September.

With new disclosures that the Administration tried to "cook the books at the CIA" by creating a phony, forged link between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, "We cannot step back and let this President escape accountability."

If you have already signed the impeachment petition at www.kucinich.us, thank you. If you haven't, please do. And, in the next few weeks, please ask just one more person to sign so we can let the members of Congress hear our collective demand that they meet their obligation to uphold the Constitution.

Thank you.
The Re-Elect Congressman Kucinich Committee





From Eileen in KCMO:

just got this

Planned Parenthood Action Fund wrote:
Subject: New rule: don't tell the truth

Trouble viewing images? Read our e-newsletter on the web instead:
http://www.ppaction.org/network/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=14609045




Dear Eileen,
We've heard the rumors for weeks, but newly surfaced documents have confirmed the unthinkable — the Bush administration is considering a politically motivated new rule that deliberately confuses contraception with abortion, allowing providers to cherry pick the information they give women and cut off access to some of the most commonly used forms of birth control. In less than 48 hours, Planned Parenthood supporters sent more than 25,000 messages to President Bush voicing their opposition. Thank you! And if you haven't done so already, please take a moment now to give the White House a piece of your mind.
While we battle the current administration's dangerous decisions, we are also working harder than ever to make sure the next U.S. president believes in women's health. When Sen. McCain was asked whether he believes insurance companies that cover Viagra should also cover birth control, he reacted like he'd been hit by a stun gun. See our ad with actual footage of this interview.
Stay tuned — we won't stop asking McCain about his position on birth control until he has an answer for us.
Sincerely,

Cecile Richards, President
Planned Parenthood Action Fund











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