Washington Superdelegate for Obama

ap: Seattle attorney and Democratic National Committee member David McDonald endorsed Barack Obama for the party's presidential nomination on Monday, saying Obama has brought "astounding new energy and hope to the Democratic Party nationwide."

McDonald, one of 17 superdelegates in Washington state, had been holding off making an endorsement until after this past weekend's rules committee meeting in Washington, D.C. He was one of 30 members who decided what to do with the disputed delegates from Michigan and Florida.

McDonald said he felt it was important he remain neutral until that decision was made. The states were being penalized for holding their primaries in January when they weren't supposed to vote until Feb. 5 or later.

The panel ultimately ruled to seat the disputed delegations, but gave each delegate only one-half vote rather than the full vote sought by Hillary Clinton's campaign.

"This was not an easy choice," McDonald said in an e-mail statement to The Associated Press. "Both of the candidates who remain in contention are capable of winning the general election and would likely do so if selected as the nominee."

Group of Superdelegates to Endorse Obama June 3

they're waiting until the votes are cast. obama is expected to win both south dakota and montana.

cnn: Most of the 17 Democratic senators who are uncommitted superdelegates will endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president this week, sources told CNN Monday.

The lawmakers will wait until after the South Dakota and Montana primaries Tuesday before announcing their support for Obama, two sources familiar with discussions between Obama supporters and these senators told CNN's Gloria Borger.

Obama supporters have been "pressing" for these superdelegates to endorse early this week, but according to one source, "the senators don't want to pound Hillary Clinton, and there is a sense she should be given a grace period."

Florida and Michigan Superdelegates for Obama

from the obama camp. remember florida and michigan supers count as half-- for now.

Sen. Barack Obama picked up another superdelegate during his visit today to Troy High School.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, who is a superdelegate because of her role with the National Conference of Mayors, said it's time for the Democratic Party to unite behind Obama.

I was undecided, but he's worked hard to show that he's the best candidate," Lawrence said before Obama arrived at the high school, where 2,000 supporters waited in excited anticipation for the probable Democratic presidential nominee.

Michigan Education Association President Lu Battaglieri says he also is endorsing Obama. That gives Obama seven Michigan superdelegates, tying the number rival Hillary Rodham Clinton has in the state.

...DNC member and Florida Democratic Party Secretary Janee Murphy told The Palm Beach Post this afternoon that she would support Barack Obama.

Today I am officially a Florida delegate and I think it is essential now to unite behind Senator Obama to defeat Senator McCain in the fall. I am ready now to pick up the tools that we have been given by coming together and moving forward to secure Florida for the Democrats. With Florida and Michigan a part of the equation that there is no doubt in my mind that we can come together and it is my job now to hit the ground running and help deliver Florida. As a single African American mother, I feel personally about securing a better future for my daughter, and I truly believe Senator Obama will bring the kind of change our country needs.

Va. and Conn. Superdelegates Endorse Obama

44 delegates to go (that includes the primary delegates to be won in montana and south dakota). hillary has 100 plus to go.

Chicago, IL – Today, Virginia superdelegate Democratic National Committee Member Jerome Wiley Segovia endorsed Barack Obama. Obama is now 45 delegates from the nomination.

While sharing the valuable international experience of spending a portion of my formative years overseas in a similar fashion as Senator Obama, I am excited to add my support to a campaign that has clearly demonstrated a commitment to an inclusive national field campaign, has shattered all previous campaign fundraising records, and is supportive of alternative sources of energy to begin to solve our energy crisis. I believe that with Senator Obama's leadership the DNC and all Democratic party groups and programs can continue building upon the amazing progress already begun by Governor Dean and his team.

Connecticut Democratic State Party Chairwoman and superdelegate Nancy DiNardo endorsed Barack Obama today. Senator Barack Obama has helped to energize thousands upon thousands of Democrats in Connecticut and across the country. He has inspired the electorate and won their confidence by demonstrating sound judgment, strength of spirit, dedication to those in need, and belief in the transforming power of community. Although we are blessed to have two outstanding candidates for the Democratic nomination this year, Senator Obama was the choice of Connecticut Democrats on February 5th, and he is my choice to head the ticket in November.

As Chairwoman of the State Democratic Party, I believe not only is it important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, but I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate who will help unite the many voices of our Party in its commitment to change and to building a secure future for generations to come. Senator Obama offers Connecticut and our country a chance for such unity – at healing the divisions caused by years of war, deficits, and partisan wrangling. He shares Connecticut’s and our nation’s concern for building strong communities and re-building our economy ravaged by Republican policies.

More fundamentally, Senator Obama understands the everyday struggles of Americans and is devoted to realizing the vision of a nation in which we and our families, friends and neighbors can earn a decent wage, secure affordable healthcare and housing, send our children to good schools, heat our homes, and breathe clean air. Senator Obama’s experience as a community activist and his record in Congress demonstrates his focus on these issues and his ability to effect change without becoming ensnared by and beholden to the political establishment.


Senator Obama has built his campaign on an appeal to the deep-seated goodness of America – the goodness that all Americans intuitively understand. I would encourage every citizen of Connecticut to take a close look at Senator Obama’s policies for our State and our great country, and to make the right choice and VOTE OBAMA in November!

Clinton Backer Edward Lewis Switches to Obama

Chicago, IL – Edward Lewis, chairman and founder of Essence Magazine and chairman of Latina Magazine, today endorsed Barack Obama for President. He switched his endorsement from Clinton to Obama, citing Obama's vision for a better America.

Lewis said, "As the founder of a woman's magazine, I acknowledge that Senator Clinton has served as a role model for many women across America and I have great admiration for her."

"However, as the campaign has unfolded, I have witnessed the strength of Senator Obama and both his passion and commitment for new possibilities for a better America. His conviction has led to my conviction that he is the hope for our country. I urge all Americans to support his candidacy for President of the United States."

Mr. Lewis is the chairman and founder of Essence Communications Inc., which he built into one of the country’s largest African-American multi-media organizations. Essence Communications is the publisher of Essence Magazine, the leading lifestyle magazine for African-American women. Lewis is also chairman of the Board for Latina Media Ventures LLC (LMV), which publishes Latina Magazine and is the leading integrated media company for bicultural U.S. Latin women.

Superdelegate Dowdy Endorses Obama

Today, Mississippi Democratic Party Chair, Superdelegate and former United States Congressman Wayne Dowdy endorsed Barack Obama.

Dowdy is the 308.5th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is now 61 delegates away from securing the nomination, and has won a majority of the pledged delegates.

We have two very talented candidates running for the Democratic nomination, but it’s clear to me that now is the time for our party to unite behind Barack Obama and build a strong, winning campaign to beat John McCain in the fall. Obama has shown he has the strength, skills and the leadership to be our Democratic nominee and take on the failed policies of the last eight years. John McCain has proven that on many issues, including continuing the war in Iraq and promoting the failed economic policies of the last eight years, a John McCain presidency will only be a continuation of the failed policies of the Bush presidency. It’s time for a change in leadership, and only Barack Obama can bring the kind of change we can believe in. He won our state of Mississippi decisively on March 11th, and I’m proud to support him today.

United Mine Workers Endorse Obama

The United Mine Workers of America have endorsed Barack Obama for President. Here's UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts...

We are extremely proud to make this endorsement today. Sen. Obama shares the values of UMWA members and our families. He understands and will fight for the needs our members have today and the hopes our members have for a secure future for themselves and their families.

Most of all, Sen. Obama will implement the clear change in direction UMWA members–indeed, all American working people–must have if they are to once again move forward and have a true opportunity to realize the American dream. After eight years of being pushed aside by an administration which neither respects nor values the contributions American working families make to our society, we are looking forward with great anticipation to a new era in our nation starting with the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009...

Warren Buffett Supports Obama

cnn: Warren Buffett, a longtime friend of both Hillary and Bill Clinton, told CNN Monday Barack Obama would be his choice for the next President of the United States.

Speaking with CNN's Becky Anderson, the billionaire investor said he would gladly vote for either candidate, but said it is clear the senator from Illinois will be the party's nominee.

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.

United Steelworkers Endorse Obama

obama's presidency will be the presidency of the worker.

When the presidential primary contests began last year, our Union felt strongly that because of Senator John Edwards’s deep commitment to working people and because of our shared beliefs, he deserved our strong endorsement. His belief that unfair trade policies must be changed, his commitment to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) to restore workers’ rights to freely choose workplace representation, and his proposal for universal health care were widely shared by our members.

Today, by virtue of a unanimous vote of our International Executive Board, we find ourselves once again in agreement with Senator Edwards, this time with his decision last evening to endorse Senator Barack Obama. And thus today, the United Steelworkers enthusiastically endorses Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States.

Senator Obama’s call for a significant change of direction amounts to far more than a compelling rallying cry. It is buttressed by his record of consistent support for workers, by his call for sweeping changes to our health care system, by his unflinching support for Employee Free Choice, and by his insistence that America’s trade policies must, first and foremost, serve the interests of America’s working families.

Senator Obama has shown his commitment to working families by proposing significant investments in the future of American manufacturing, in the revitalization of our nation’s infrastructure, and in 21st century clean energy technologies that will lead to significant growth in domestic jobs. He is clearly the candidate who can best lead our nation out of the dark period of economic decline created by the Bush administration’s allegiance to Wall Street profiteering at the expense of worker prosperity.

We share Senator Obama’s call for significant changes to these bankrupt policies, just as we earlier shared Senator Edwards’ And all of us, including we hope Senator Clinton for whom we have the utmost respect, must now do everything we can to ensure that Barack Obama is the next President of the United States. Now is the time for contention and division to cease, and for us to unite behind the changes for which Senator Obama and our members are calling.

America’s workers cannot afford another four years of rehashed Bush administration policies, another four years in which the National Labor Relations Board shills for corporate misconduct, or another four years of a Secretary of the Treasury who considers it his “job” to bail out Wall Street speculators at the expense of hard working families loosing their homes.

Nor can those of us who are committed to changing the direction of the country afford any more racial profiling of an election, when either Democratic candidate would be far superior to Senator McCain’s lock-step commitment to four more years of the broken Bush economy and the broken Bush foreign policies.

We are proud and honored to join Senator Edwards in endorsing Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States. We commit ourselves to working tirelessly for his election and for a new age of cooperation among Democrats, Independents and thoughtful Republicans alike in which working Americans are restored to a place of dignity in society and in the American economy.

Wisconsin Superdelegate Endorses Obama

that's six today.

Today, Wisconsin Superdelegate State Senator Lena Taylor endorsed Barack Obama, citing his ability to unite Americans for change.

Taylor’s endorsement means that Obama has been endorsed by 289.5 superdelegates. Obama is 133.5 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Taylor said, “After much reflection and soul searching I am pleased to announce my endorsement for Senator Barack Obama. After a review of my recent County Executive race I am more aware then ever of the need to galvanize, motivate and inspire political participation by every member of society. Senator Obama has been a lightening rod in the effort to return citizens to the process. He’s awakened a sleeping giant – the people. He has reenergized those weary of politics as we have come to know it by demonstrating both character and personal strength. He has connected with a cross-section of Americans, with a desire to do things better then we have done before. He has an energy and commitment that is inclusive, thoughtful, contagious and deliberate. Senator Obama has the essential skill set to foster positive changes desperately needed for our nation. His track record on policy, his diplomatic approach to conflict resolution and his keen awareness of the issues have positioned him to be the catalyst for change we need. Visionary, courageous and capable, Senator Obama is not only prepared to answer that 3am crisis phone call, he’s smart and experienced enough to avert it. I’m proud to endorse him today.”

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.”

Four Wall Streeters To Endorse Obama

wsj: Three former chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission will publicly endorse Democratic Sen. Barack Obama's bid for the presidency Wednesday, including one who served under President Bush.

William Donaldson, who was SEC chairman for about 2½ years from early 2003, along with Clinton and Reagan appointees Arthur Levitt and David Ruder, will join former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker in endorsing Sen. Obama, his campaign said. Mr. Volcker endorsed Sen. Obama in January.

In a statement released by the campaign, the four men said they believed Sen. Obama would take a "reasoned approach" to "balanced regulatory reform." As with rival presidential candidates Sens. John McCain and Hillary Clinton, Mr. Obama has advocated revamping financial regulations to head off a repeat of the current credit crisis. Unlike the other two, Sen. Obama has said he would consider raising the capital-gains tax rate from its current 15% -- a move that could have a profound effect on the financial industry.

The endorsements, especially that of Republican appointee Mr. Donaldson, could give a boost to Mr. Obama in the general election this fall. Sen. Obama appears increasingly likely to be confirmed as the Democratic Party's nominee; Sen. McCain is the likely Republican choice.

Mr. Donaldson, a former Wall Street banker, also is a former head of the New York Stock Exchange. In government, Mr. Donaldson's tenure was marked by his push for greater regulation of hedge funds. The SEC eventually passed a hedge-fund-regulation package, in the face of vocal critics. A federal court later overturned the regulation.

In an interview Tuesday, Mr. Donaldson said he was struck by a speech Sen. Obama gave calling for a revamping of regulation for any business that borrows money from the government. Sen. Obama, he said, saw the "need to take a good hard look at how things are organized" and "just exactly what went wrong in terms of the regulatory oversight that we have."

Native Americans Endorse Obama

The Obama campaign announced today the endorsements of the Crow Nation and the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Ft. Peck Reservation. Tribal leaders cited Sen. Obama’s commitment to Indian Country and to the issues facing its residents.

Sen. Obama’s leadership qualities and commitment to issues of importance to Indian country distinguish him from his opponents” said Chairman A.T. Stafne of the Ft. Peck Tribes“ Our twelve voting members in the Tribal Council passed this endorsement resolution unanimously. I was personally impressed with his commitment to a true government-to-government relationship and his promise to appoint a Native American policy advisor in his White House. ”

“Senator Obama understands the challenges facing Native Americans in Montana,” said Crow Nation Chairman Carl Venne. “His record as a US Senator shows that he cares about Indian communities. He respects Indian sovereignty and is a strong advocate for Indian healthcare and education.

some wonderful west virginian obama supporters:

Tom Hanks Winning Endorsement of Obama

this is actually a good one. hanks says we need a "seismic shift." yes we do.

No Way, No How Can Hillary Win
Hillary’s Impossible Chances of Winning
It’s Still Over for Clinton
The Clintons’ Fraud Case

29 NC Legislators Endorse Obama

Today 29 members of the North Carolina state legislature endorsed Senator Obama, citing his ability to inspire and bring people together to move our country forward, and put an end to the divisive politics of Washington that have stalled progress on the great challenges facing our nation. The legislators’ endorsements are the latest addition to Obama’s grassroots movement for change, which has come to encompass a broad spectrum of North Carolinians – from the grassroots level to representatives in United States Congress – who will vote for change on May 6.

“Barack Obama is the best candidate to put North Carolina in play in the general and help downballot candidates in November,” said Senator Majority Leader Tony Rand. “Obama’s commitment to loosening the grip of the special interests and big corporations and investing in the middle class while bringing Democrats, Republicans and Independents together make him the best candidate to win here in the primary, and put North Carolina on the map for Democrats in the general election.”

“The American people have had enough of the game-playing and the politics that says you should say or do anything to win,” said former House Speaker Dan Blue. “They want something new, and that’s what this campaign is all about. That is why I’m supporting Senator Obama.”

“I am proud to have such a diverse group of leaders join our grassroots movement for change here in North Carolina. Together, we will work to keep America’s promise and pass universal health care, provide a world-class education for all children, put a tax cut into the pockets of middle class families, and stand up for hardworking Americans,” said Senator Obama.

Last week, Obama welcomed other notable North Carolina legislators – and Democratic superdelegates – to his campaign, U.S. Congressmen David Price and Mel Watt. He has also been endorsed by U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield.



North Carolina legislators endorsing Obama include:

Tony Rand, Senate Majority Leader, Cumberland
Doug Berger, State Senator, Franklin
Charlie Dannelly, State Senator, Mecklenburg
Katie Dorsett, State Senator, Guilford
Anthony Foriest, State Senator, Alamance
Linda Garrou, State Senator, Forsyth
Malcolm Graham, State Senator, Mecklenburg
Clark Jenkins, State Senator, Edgecombe
Edward Jones, State Senator, Halifax, Perquimans
Eleanor Kinnaird, State Senator, Orange
Vernon Malone, State Senator, Wake
Floyd McKissick, State Senator, Durham

Dan Blue, State Representative, Wake
Alma Adams, State Representative, Guilford
Angela Bryant, State Representative, Nash
Jean Farmer-Butterfield, State Representative, Wilson
Becky Carney, State Representative, Mecklenburg
Bill Faison, State Representative, Orange
Richard Glazier, State Representative, Cumberland
Larry Hall, State Representative, Durham
Ty Harrell, State Representative, Wake
Pricey Harrison, State Representative, Guilford
Sandra Hughes, State Representative, New Hanover
Marvin Lucas, State Representative, Cumberland
Grier Martin, State Representative, Wake
Annie Mobley, State Representative, Bertie
Henry Michaux, Jr., State Representative, Durham
Edith Warren, State Representative, Pitt
Michael Wray, State Representative, Warren

Filmmaker Michael Moore Endorses Obama

Friends,

I don't get to vote for President this primary season. I live in Michigan. The party leaders (both here and in D.C.) couldn't get their act together, and thus our votes will not be counted.

So, if you live in Pennsylvania, can you do me a favor? Will you please cast my vote -- and yours -- on Tuesday for Senator Barack Obama?

I haven't spoken publicly 'til now as to who I would vote for, primarily for two reasons: 1) Who cares?; and 2) I (and most people I know) don't give a rat's ass whose name is on the ballot in November, as long as there's a picture of JFK and FDR riding a donkey at the top of the ballot, and the word "Democratic" next to the candidate's name.

Seriously, I know so many people who don't care if the name under the Big "D" is Dancer, Prancer, Clinton or Blitzen. It can be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Barry Obama or the Dalai Lama.

Well, that sounded good last year, but over the past two months, the actions and words of Hillary Clinton have gone from being merely disappointing to downright disgusting. I guess the debate last week was the final straw. I've watched Senator Clinton and her husband play this game of appealing to the worst side of white people, but last Wednesday, when she hurled the name "Farrakhan" out of nowhere, well that's when the silly season came to an early end for me. She said the "F" word to scare white people, pure and simple. Of course, Obama has no connection to Farrakhan. But, according to Senator Clinton, Obama's pastor does -- AND the "church bulletin" once included a Los Angeles Times op-ed from some guy with Hamas! No, not the church bulletin!

This sleazy attempt to smear Obama was brilliantly explained the following night by Stephen Colbert. He pointed out that if Obama is supported by Ted Kennedy, who is Catholic, and the Catholic Church is led by a Pope who was in the Hitler Youth, that can mean only one thing: OBAMA LOVES HITLER!

Yes, Senator Clinton, that's how you sounded. Like you were nuts. Like you were a bigot stoking the fires of stupidity. How sad that I would ever have to write those words about you. You have devoted your life to good causes and good deeds. And now to throw it all away for an office you can't win unless you smear the black man so much that the superdelegates cry "Uncle (Tom)" and give it all to you.

But that can't happen. You cast your die when you voted to start this bloody war. When you did that you were like Moses who lost it for a moment and, because of that, was prohibited from entering the Promised Land.

How sad for a country that wanted to see the first woman elected to the White House. That day will come -- but it won't be you. We'll have to wait for the current Democratic governor of Kansas to run in 2016 (you read it here first!).

There are those who say Obama isn't ready, or he's voted wrong on this or that. But that's looking at the trees and not the forest. What we are witnessing is not just a candidate but a profound, massive public movement for change. My endorsement is more for Obama The Movement than it is for Obama the candidate.

That is not to take anything away from this exceptional man. But what's going on is bigger than him at this point, and that's a good thing for the country. Because, when he wins in November, that Obama Movement is going to have to stay alert and active. Corporate America is not going to give up their hold on our government just because we say so. President Obama is going to need a nation of millions to stand behind him.

I know some of you will say, 'Mike, what have the Democrats done to deserve our vote?' That's a damn good question. In November of '06, the country loudly sent a message that we wanted the war to end. Yet the Democrats have done nothing. So why should we be so eager to line up happily behind them?

I'll tell you why. Because I can't stand one more friggin' minute of this administration and the permanent, irreversible damage it has done to our people and to this world. I'm almost at the point where I don't care if the Democrats don't have a backbone or a kneebone or a thought in their dizzy little heads. Just as long as their name ain't "Bush" and the word "Republican" is not beside theirs on the ballot, then that's good enough for me.

I, like the majority of Americans, have been pummeled senseless for 8 long years. That's why I will join millions of citizens and stagger into the voting booth come November, like a boxer in the 12th round, all bloodied and bruised with one eye swollen shut, looking for the only thing that matters -- that big "D" on the ballot.

Don't get me wrong. I lost my rose-colored glasses a long time ago.

It's foolish to see the Democrats as anything but a nicer version of a party that exists to do the bidding of the corporate elite in this country. Any endorsement of a Democrat must be done with this acknowledgement and a hope that one day we will have a party that'll represent the people first, and laws that allow that party an equal voice.

Finally, I want to say a word about the basic decency I have seen in Mr. Obama. Mrs. Clinton continues to throw the Rev. Wright up in his face as part of her mission to keep stoking the fears of White America. Every time she does this I shout at the TV, "Say it, Obama! Say that when she and her husband were having marital difficulties regarding Monica Lewinsky, who did she and Bill bring to the White House for 'spiritual counseling?' THE REVEREND JEREMIAH WRIGHT!"

But no, Obama won't throw that at her. It wouldn't be right. It wouldn't be decent. She's been through enough hurt. And so he remains silent and takes the mud she throws in his face.
read the rest

Bill's Former Secretary of Labor Endorses Obama

The formal act of endorsing a candidate is generally (and properly)limited to editorial pages and elected officials whose constituents might be influenced by their choice. The rest of us shouldn't assume anyone cares. My avoidance of offering a formal endorsement until now has also been affected by the pull of old friendships and my reluctance as a teacher and commentator to be openly partisan. But my conscience won't let me be silent any longer.

I believe that Barack Obama should be elected President of the United States.

Although Hillary Clinton has offered solid and sensible policy proposals, Obama's strike me as even more so. His plans for reforming Social Security and health care have a better chance of succeeding. His approaches to the housing crisis and the failures of our financial markets are sounder than hers. His ideas for improving our public schools and confronting the problems of poverty and inequality are more coherent and compelling. He has put forward the more enlightened foreign policy and the more thoughtful plan for controlling global warming.

He also presents the best chance of creating a new politics in which citizens become active participants rather than cynical spectators. He has energized many who had given up on politics. He has engaged young people to an extent not seen in decades. He has spoken about the most difficult problems our society faces, such as race, without spinning or simplifying. He has rightly identified the armies of lawyers and lobbyists that have commandeered our democracy, and pointed the way toward taking it back. more at his blog

Pennsylvania's UFCW Endorses Obama

Plymouth Meeting, PA – The 23,000-member United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 has endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for President in the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary election.

Wendell W. Young, IV, President of Local 1776, said the endorsement by the union’s Executive Board was “overwhelming.”

Young said that while Local 1776 has “the highest respect” for Senator Hillary Clinton, “our Executive Board is convinced that Senator Obama is the best candidate to unite our country and move it forward for good jobs, affordable health care, retirement security, worker rights and worker safety.” He said:

“Senator Obama leads in the popular vote. He leads in the Democratic delegate count, and he leads in the head-to-head match-up against John McCain. Americans want a change very badly. Barack Obama is a fresh-thinking leader who will create that change.”

UFCW Local 1776 represents 23,000 members throughout southeast, northeast and central Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland and southern New York who work in supermarkets, drug stores, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities, nursing homes, professional offices and Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirits Shops.

Oregon Union Endorses Obama

Oregon AFSCME has endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. The union’s executive board made the endorsement today (March 15) in Portland.

“The union took action prior to the upcoming Oregon primary because Obama has a history of standing up and fighting for working people,” said Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Ken Allen. “In Illinois, Sen. Obama fought alongside AFSCME to keep vital public services open, including mental hospitals and prisons. He also worked to help organize thousands of workers at Resurrection Hospital, and supported card check recognition for other workers seeking to unionize in their workplace.

“He is a candidate organized labor can proudly stand behind and support.”


Several members of the Oregon AFSCME Executive Board explained their support for Obama.


“I think he’s a uniter, not a divider,” said Becky Steward, President of AFSCME Local 88, which represents Multnomah County employees. “I believe his record better reflects how my members feel in Multnomah County.”

“I believe Obama has a proven track record of fighting for our members,” said Jack Tucker, President of AFSCME Local 2067, which represents City of Salem workers. “I also believe Obama has a much better chance of winning in November against John
McCain.”

Dal Ollek, President of AFSCME Local 1724 that represents City of Eugene employees, said Obama brings a message of change.

“We need more collaboration at the national level,” said Ollek. “I believe this vote in support of Obama represents the best choice for the American people.”

Tina Turner-Morfitt of Salem is a Corrections Counselor and president of a statewide local that represents Corrections employees in the state prison system. Obama’s ability to unite people is what led her to support the endorsement.

“I believe Obama can unite Democrats, Republicans and independents alike, which is what our membership within Corrections looks like,” she said. “This endorsement best reflects the thinking of our members and leaders.”

Matt Hilton is 27 years old and works at OHSU, where is he active in AFSCME Local 328. Hilton also participates in Oregon AFSCME’s “Next Wave” program, which is geared toward bringing up new union activists from those 35 and under.

“I’m proud that AFSCME Council 75 has an independent voice and leaders that are willing to listen to our Oregon members’ opinions,” said Hilton.

“I’m proud of our progressive Council,” added Jaimie Sorenson, 30, another Local 328 member and another Next Waver. “Our union stands for what we believe in, and our candidate is Barack Obama.”

With the Obama endorsement, Oregon AFSCME joins the other biggest unions in Oregon supporting Obama in the Oregon primary, including the Oregon Education Association, the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union, the United Food and Commercial Workers and others. Allen said AFSCME plans to mail to its members and participate in other get-out-the-vote activities both for Obama and for Jeff Merkley for U.S. Senate.