Mitt Romney is So Phony

Juan Williams interviews Mitt Romney for Book TV. Watch it here. It's so apparent to me this guy is such a phony and it's not just because he has anti-Obama views--Mitt says Obama isn't a strong defender of American values. He's just phony. I wish I could pinpoint what it is about him. It's the same thing I saw in John Edwards. I always attribute it to pretty hair, but it's something more than that.

Nice Going Edwards

Elizabeth Edwards writes at dailykos.com. She says she knew. Why don't politicians understand that their affairs will ALWAYS be exposed. This is all I will write on this subject. I'm sure the media will have a field day or a field week. 

John Edwards admits an affair. Perfect timing. Way to bring back memories of Bill. Geez. What's with these guys who can't be faithful to their wives, especially if you're in politics. You're kind of serving as a role model. Not to get all judgmental, but that's just creepy. 

CNN: Speaking to the network for a story to be aired Friday night, Edwards acknowledged the affair with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter, which began after she was hired to make documentary videos for his campaign, ABC said.

He said he has not taken a paternity test, but that the timing of the affair rules out the possibility that he could be her baby girl's father.

Edwards, of North Carolina, had repeatedly called reports of the affair "lies" but refused to discuss them further.

Edwards Serious About Vice President Slot

He says so here.
He's been my pick.
John Edwards' focus on poverty is one of the tenets of an Obama administration. I think they'd work well together. People discount him because he's already been vice president and he's already run for president. But I think people have warmed to him. He got a lot of support in the primaries. His wife, Elizabeth, and her focus on healthcare would be an asset to an Obama administration.
Also, no one votes for a candidate based on the vice president, except maybe the Hillaries. What would those PUMA gals do if she was Obama's vice presidential choice? I suspect they'd really be in a tizzy.

John Edwards and Karl Rove to Debate

I wonder who will win that one-- Man of substance or blowhard who brought us George Bush? 

Buffalo News: GOP strategist Karl Rove and former Democratic vice presidential candidate John Edwards will debate the issues of the presidential campaign Sept. 26 as part of the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series, The Buffalo News has learned.

As surrogates for the parties’ standard bearers, the two also could square off more than once at other locations around the nation.

Hmmm... could we be seeing vice president Edwards debate?

Bayh and Biden Would Say Yes to Veep

It's a switch for Joe Biden, who seemed adamantly opposed to being vice president. Evan Bayh, Hillary's fan, said he's say yes. I say yes to Biden and no to Bayh.

Right now, I'm thinking Obama Edwards. They seem to go together. Obama could then stuff his cabinet with in-the-know military types.

But in the last two weeks, two Senate Democrats have flatly confessed they'd take the position if asked. On Sunday, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden said candidly, "The answer I’ve got to say is yes," if the No. 2 position is offered.

And on Tuesday, Sen. Evan Bayh, a former Hillary Clinton supporter from the potential battleground state of Indiana, also admitted he'd take the job if it is offered.

"I don't think it's the kind of thing you say no to….the answer to that is yes," Bayh said in an interview on MSNBC.

"If you care about serving your country, that is the kind of thing that you do," he argued.

Another thing, it seems the vice presidential process is doing a good job of weeding out the bad democrats, the ones who are still holding their breath.

Edwards and Nunn On Obama's VP List

CNN: There's new information about the hunt for a running mate for Barack Obama.

A member of the Congressional Black Caucus who's met with Obama's vice-presidential screening team says she offered the names of former senators John Edwards and Sam Nunn — and was told they're on the list. Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Michigan says when she mentioned that Al Gore is her favorite, the two members of Obama's team smiled.

Kilpatrick wouldn't say which names Obama's team brought up.

Maybe Al Gore.....

RCP: "We've been brainstorming in the Congressional Black Caucus. Former Senator Sam Nunn's name has come up, as well as John Edwards' name has come up among our CBC members. I reported that to them and they had both of those names on their list," Kilpatrick said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Kilpatrick said she made several suggestions during the 45-minute meeting, including former Vice President Al Gore, Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. Gore endorsed Obama on Monday.

"I asked them what type of person the senator is looking for? And they said in general someone who could help him rebuild the country ... talking about change. How we reinvest in America, get people back to work and reinforce our education system and bring the jobs back," she said.

She declined to say which names were put forth by Kennedy and Holder. The prominent Democratic attorneys have been meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to receive feedback on Obama's potential running mate. Obama has said he won't discuss the process until he's made his choice.

When Kilpatrick said Gore was her personal choice, "they had a smile on their face. They have a list of candidates. I think I may have been the first to do that. They didn't say one way or the other."

But she wasn't the only one to mention Gore.

Robert Byrd Endorses Obama

take note west virginia. while many of you decided to vote for clinton and edwards (7%), your leaders are endorsing obama. sen. robert byrd of west virgina:

As people all across this great nation know, I have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush Administration’s misguided war in Iraq and its saber rattling around the globe."

With the Bush Administration's latest request to fund this on-going war in Iraq without any attempt to start bringing our troops home, the issue of the upcoming presidential contest has been weighing heavily on my heart. The loss of life continues and the sons and daughters of tens of thousands of American families remain in harm’s way every day.

This Democratic primary campaign has been tough and competitive. I had no intention of involving myself in the Democratic campaign for President in the midst of West Virginia's primary election. But the stakes this November could not be higher."

After a great deal of thought, consideration and prayer over the situation in Iraq, I have decided that, as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention, I will cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama for President. Both Senators Clinton and Obama are extraordinary individuals, whose integrity, honor, love for this country and strong belief in our Constitution I deeply respect."

I believe that Barack Obama is a shining young statesman, who possesses the personal temperament and courage necessary to extricate our country from this costly misadventure in Iraq, and to lead our nation at this challenging time in history. Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support.

John Edwards Endorsement Video

obama's character and strengths

John Edwards Endorses Obama

update: edwards gives big kudos and kind words to hillary first. "brothers and sisters we must come together as democrats." then he goes on, "now, what brought us all here..." chants of obama....big speech about taking back government and improving our image in the world. all the world sees now is a bully, he said.

edwards announced an initiative recently to cut poverty in half and he says obama stands with him on that. he goes on to say obama is the person to bring bold change.
there is talk that edwards might be attorney general or some other position in obama's cabinet. look out republicans. a fiery speech it was.


i knew it! john edwards is a good man. he has said he was going to endorse the person he voted for and now we know who that is. the endorsement will come at the campaign rally tonight!

cnn: Edwards dropped out of the Democratic race in January 30 after poor showings in the early contests, in which he racked up just 26 delegates to the party's August nominating convention in Denver.

He told NBC last week that Obama, the Democratic front-runner, is the party's likely nominee. Both Obama and the his rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, had sought Edwards' blessing.

Edwards said last week that it was "fine" for Clinton to continue making her case but expressed concern that a continued campaign could damage the party's prospects in November.

Wednesday's endorsement could help Obama reach out to white blue-collar voters, a demographic that Obama has failed to capture, most notably in the recent Pennsylvania and West Virginia primaries.

here's another:

Today, Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, who is a designated superdelegate for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing Obama’s strong commitment to uniting our country for the change America needs after eight years of a divisive political climate and the help he will give to down ballot candidates this fall.

Morgan’s endorsement means that Obama has been endorsed by 288.5 superdelegates. Obama is 134.5 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Morgan said, “Senator Obama embodies the character of a leader that I believe all Oklahomans and all Americans want—principled and strong and ready to change the way business is done in Washington. He understands bringing people together and giving everyone a seat at the table will move our state and our country forward, and I deeply admire that about Senator Obama.”

Morgan, who serves on the board of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee whose mission it is to elect Democrats in all 50 states, said key to his decision to support the Illinois Senator was Obama’s electability and how having Obama at the top of the ticket will help down ballot candidates this fall.

Morgan added, “The job of the DLCC is to ensure Democrats are positioned to win in legislatives races throughout the United States. Senator Obama’s message is spreading like wildfire and creating enthusiasm from voters unlike anything we have seen in our lifetime. I believe that enthusiasm will affect down ballot races—helping elect Democrats to legislative seats in record numbers and ultimately lending a voice to the causes about which all Americans care deeply.”

Senator Obama said, “I am grateful for Senator Morgan’s support. He has been in the trenches as a Democratic legislator in Oklahoma, and has worked hard to bring two parties together to create real change in his home state. This November, we have a chance to win in so-called “red states” like Oklahoma and unite Americans for change. That change happens in state houses all across this country and I am proud to have his support.”

Obama Rally in Grand Rapids May 14

update: john edwards to endorse obama tonight!these are usually live streamed at cnn.com or try c-span.org

Join Barack Obama at a rally in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, May 14th.

Rally with Barack Obama
Van Andel Arena
130 Fulton West
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
Doors Open: 5:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 7:00 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For security reasons, do not bring bags and limit personal items. No signs, umbrellas, or banners are permitted.

John Edwards' Campaign To Endorse Obama

ABC News has learned that David Bonior, the campaign manager for the 2008 presidential race of Sen. John Edwards, D-NC, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, today.
Bonior, a former Michigan congressman, was once the second highest ranking Democrat in the House, and is influential with labor unions.

Tuesday night's results were said to be key to Bonior's decision -- specifically the fact that Obama's lead over Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, appears insurmountable.

Bonior is also said to like Obama's general positive tone, as well as Obama's message of change and stance against taking money from federal lobbyists.

Elizabeth Edwards on The Shallow Media

john edwards' wife elizabeth says vote responsibly and demand better from the news media.

nyt: Watching the campaign unfold, I saw how the press gravitated toward a narrative template for the campaign, searching out characters as if for a novel: on one side, a self-described 9/11 hero with a colorful personal life, a former senator who had played a president in the movies, a genuine war hero with a stunning wife and an intriguing temperament, and a handsome governor with a beautiful family and a high school sweetheart as his bride. And on the other side, a senator who had been first lady, a young African-American senator with an Ivy League diploma, a Hispanic governor with a self-deprecating sense of humor and even a former senator from the South standing loyally beside his ill wife. Issues that could make a difference in the lives of Americans didn’t fit into the narrative template and, therefore, took a back seat to these superficialities.

News is different from other programming on television or other content in print. It is essential to an informed electorate. And an informed electorate is essential to freedom itself. But as long as corporations to which news gathering is not the primary source of income or expertise get to decide what information about the candidates “sells,” we are not functioning as well as we could if we had the engaged, skeptical press we deserve.

And the future of news is not bright. Indeed, we’ve heard that CBS may cut its news division, and media consolidation is leading to one-size-fits-all journalism. The state of political campaigning is no better: without a press to push them, candidates whose proposals are not workable avoid the tough questions. All of this leaves voters uncertain about what approach makes the most sense for them. Worse still, it gives us permission to ignore issues and concentrate on things that don’t matter. (Look, the press doesn’t even think there is a difference!)

The Audacity of John Edwards

just when you think it couldn't get any sillier. this article suggests that "obama blew it" (john edwards endorsement) during his sit down with john edwards and his wife, elizabeth, by disagreeing on a healthcare issue and not putting poverty at the center of his campaign, just like edwards-- just like edwards whom not very many voted for, relatively speaking.

if anyone is for alleviating poverty, it's obama. his entire bottom-up democracy lays the groundwork for helping move more people out of poverty. at least obama's still in the running and can actually do something about it, as opposed to edwards who put off a lot of folks. unlike edwards, who foolishly laid the blame solely on business. that was my beef with edwards.
ny magazine:

But now two months have passed since Edwards dropped out—tempus fugit!—and still no endorsement. Why? According to a Democratic strategist unaligned with any campaign but with knowledge of the situation gleaned from all three camps, the answer is simple: Obama blew it. Speaking to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and aloof. His response to Edwards’s imprecations that he make poverty a central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton’s plan (and by extension Edwards’s) for its insurance mandate.

the article goes on to say that obama needs diplomatic skills. perhaps, he's just not going to be bullied by anyone: if you don't do this then i won't do that. what kind of mentality is that? perhaps, obama really is a president for the people. perhaps, these so-called "elders" ought to stop viewing him as a young senator and start seeing him for the leader that he is. i think that's what's really going on here. obama, in his campaign alone, has done more to change politics than any of these goons, who've spent years trying to matter.

Gore and Edwards Cowards?

are john edwards and al gore simply cowards? or do they have a strategic purpose for staying out of the muck? or are they just being wise?
i think there is a larger strategy at play here and i think it could benefit obama. this is my hunch. only a hunch. but i think they'll both announce support for obama at a strategic time. this could be right after pennsylvania. i doubt it would be before.
they must be interested in seeing what kind of new voters obama picks up in a territory that clearly is not his. they must be interested in seeing how he deals with each new accusation that comes his way.
their support could follow north carolina and indiana, depending how much more of the kitchen sink is coming. if the clintons unload, then perhaps the big guys will step in sooner.
on jay leno, edwards suggested that obama is the exciting candidate, able to energize people but he said he liked clinton as well.
gore has been really busy trying to save the planet so perhaps he's just really busy. perhaps he doesn't want to wield his influence? this could be the case if he supports clinton. maybe he doesn't want to discourage new voters. nah.

this article seems to suggest that gore is not interested in being the heavyweight:

Of the prominent, still-uncommitted Democrats, Mr. Gore is probably in the best position to call for cessation of hostilities, if not actually to deliver a deathblow to the wounded-but-potent Clinton campaign.

Uniquely among the fraternity of failed Democratic nominees, Mr. Gore has regained his standing within the party, and then some. His early opposition to the war in Iraq and tireless advocacy for combating global warming—a cause he basically personifies—made him a liberal supernova. He won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Nobel Peace Prize. He shed his suit and tie, started dressing in black shirts and jackets and cowboy boots, and took a job with Apple. His resistance to impassioned pleas leading up to the elections in 2004 and 2008 to run again only further cemented his reputation among Democrats as the unflappable Goracle.

Mr. Gore declined, through a spokeswoman, to comment for this article.

“There is no Democrat who can dictate the nominee,” said Robert Zimmerman, a former fund-raiser close to Mr. Gore who is now supporting Mrs. Clinton. “However, Al Gore can play a unique role in uniting the party and bringing an end to the fighting after the primary and caucuses have concluded.”

“Certainly, if anybody has earned the right to do whatever he wants in political life after 2000, he certainly has earned that right,” said Alan Kessler, a former Gore fund-raiser who is supporting Mrs. Clinton for president. He added that an endorsement “might be perceived as a little bit unfair for him to do, because he is so influential.” more

Bill Richardson to Endorse Obama

update: text and video. "barack obama will be a great and historic president"
clinton has proven herself politics as usual.

let's just keep the endorsements and the superdelegates coming for obama and get on with it. be brave supers. john edwards was on leno last night he hedged, calling obama the nominee who could inspire and bring in new voters and clinton, one who is tenacious. here's new mexico governor and superdelegate bill richardson, who alas, is supporting obama.

CNN: Richardson plans to join Obama at a rally in Portland, Oregon, at 12:30 p.m. ET Friday.

In an e-mail to supporters, Richardson said Obama will be a "historic and a great president, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad."

Richardson also said in the e-mail that he was touched by Obama's recent speech on race in America, saying he "understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans."

the text of richard's endorsement:

My friends,

Earlier this week, an extraordinary American gave a historic speech.

Senator Barack Obama addressed the issue of race with the eloquence and sincerity and decency and optimism we have come to expect of him.

He did not seek to evade tough issues or to soothe us with comforting half-truths.

Rather, he inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility.

Senator Obama could have given a safer speech.

He is, after all, well ahead in the delegate count for our party's nomination.

He could have just waited for the controversy over the deplorable remarks of Reverend Wright to subside, as it surely would have.

Instead, Senator Obama showed us once again what kind of leader he is.

He spoke to us as adults.

He asked us to ponder the weight of our racially-divided past, to rise above it, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

Senator Obama reminded us that cynicism is not realism, and that hope is not folly.

He called upon us not just to dream about a less racially-divided America, but also to do the hard work needed to build such an America.

He asked every American to see the reality and the pain of other Americans, so that together we can rise above that which has divided us.

He appealed to the best in us.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words.

I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country.

Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences—and place blame on others not like them.

We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race.

He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

And, after 8 years of George W. Bush, we will desperately need such a leader.

Our national security and our global standing have been gravely damaged by the divisive partisanship of recent years.

We need a President who can bring us together as a nation so that we can face urgent global challenges and repair the damage done in the last 7 years.

Barack Obama will make the historic and vital investments into renewable energy, to help create clean energy jobs and fight global warming.

Barack knows that the safety and future of every American child requires that we restore our shared sense of national purpose, so that we can then set about the hard work of rebuilding our alliances and rehabilitating our image in a dangerous world.

By uniting our nation, we can reverse America's global decline.

We need a realistic, principled, and bipartisan foreign policy again.

We must restore our international reputation, our influence and our capacity to lead others.

America must become the beacon for the world again.

We need a foreign policy based upon American ideals, and not upon the mere ideology of a President.

A foreign policy of diplomacy and respect for international human rights.

We prospered and prevailed in the Cold War because both our friends and our enemies knew that containment of the Soviet Union and the promotion of democratic values was not a Democratic or a Republican policy – it was an American policy--the very essence of what America was.

Senator Obama understands the importance of realism, principle, and bipartisanship in foreign policy.

He opposed the Iraq war from the beginning because he knew that, despite what the Administration claimed, this war would not be easy.

He also opposed the war because he saw President Bush's rush to employ military force, and to do so without the support of most of our allies, as dangerous and unwarranted.

And he saw the war also for what it so quickly became – a terrible source of partisan political division -- and a catastrophic distraction from the war that had united us against the real threat posed by Al Qaeda.

Now, I trust him to do what is so long overdue—End the Iraq war and bring our troops home!!

I know Senator Obama well.

I first got to know him when I chaired the last Democratic National Convention, where he gave that wonderful keynote address.

And then, last year, as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, I came to fully appreciate his steadfast patriotism and remarkable talents.

I also felt a kinship with him because we both had one foreign-born parent and we both lived abroad as children.

In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.

Barack Obama, you are an extraordinary leader who has shown courage, sound judgment and wisdom throughout your career.

You understand the security challenges of the 21st century, and you will be an outstanding Commander in Chief.

Above all, you will be a President who brings this nation together and restores American global leadership.

You will make every American proud to be an American, and I am very proud indeed to endorse your candidacy.

Before concluding my remarks, I would like to say that we are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President.

My great affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver.

It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the Fall.

The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward.

Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

I know that all Democrats will work tirelessly to get him elected.

It is my distinct honor and privilege to introduce to you the next President of the United States, my friend, Barack Obama.

obama on bill richardson

Who Can Beat McCain?

Context to Pastor Wright’s Sermon

What's on the Minds of Superdelegates

Edwards to Endorse Obama?

obama reportedly took a side trip to north carolina to meet with sen. john edwards. i'd love to see an edwards endorsement.

maybe vice president, but most certainly part of the new obama administration. i'd say edwards is definitely more aligned with obama.

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Edwards Drops, Giuliani, Who Cares

why in the world would john edwards drop out of the race just a few days before the big one? what kind of populist message is that? i feel bad for all those passionate edwards supporters. if obama dropped out i'd be madder than heck.
here's a great and entertaining analysis.
but perhaps edwards will join with obama, and perhaps edwards' voters will back obama. don't just vote for edwards anyway.
here's info on obama, for all you left without a candidate.

and giuliani ick. while all the others were in the snow and freezing rain, doing the work, giuliani was sunning himself in florida with the audacity (not of hope) of thinking he could win in that manner. giuliani voters should take a good hard look at themselves. harsh.

here's the obama news of the day:
Clinton gains Florida fillip after bruising by ObamaAFP -
Obama strikes gold in KansasNational Post
Obama Returns More Rezko-Linked CashABC News
Tony Rezko stays jailed despite explanation about $3.5 million ...Chicago Tribune
Obama explains, Clinton doesn't complain MLive.com - MI,
Clinton Wins Fla.; Obama Uses Life StoryThe Associated Press
Obama, Clinton and the warSan Francisco Chronicle
2004 speech made Obama a starKansas City Star -
Obama begins courting disenchanted RepublicansKansas City Star -
California dreaming: Clinton's grip shaken by Obama's young gunsGuardian Unlimited
Barack Obama draws overflow crowd at Denver rally
Ted Kennedy's Endorsement Changes EverythingBy Fred Soto
BARACK OBAMA UNITY RALLY
Is Barack Obama just a superstar?By con.coughlin@telegraph.co.uk
hilary clinton, john mc cain, barack obama or… us-election 2008