cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama & One Million Strong

                             

                                                                                     obama in austin, texas

                           

                                                  michelle in cleveland, ohio

Endorsements

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) Endorses Obama; Cincinnati Enquirer Endorses Obama; Former Governor Mark White (D-TX) Endorses Obama; Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) OFFICIALLY Endorses Obama; Toledo Blade Endorses Obama; State Representative Senfronia Thompson (D-TX) Moves from Clinton to Obama; DC “Shadow Senators” Paul Strauss & Micheal Brown Move to Obama; Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) Backs Obama; DFL Chairman Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt of Minnesota Superdelegates Back Obama; Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Endorses Obama; Ohio State “The Lantern” Endorses Obama; Houston GLBT Caucus Endorses Obama; Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins Endorses Obama; Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Endorses Obama; Dallas Morning News Endorses Obama

Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama

Texas Early voting Shatters Records, Republicans Scared by FishOutofWater

Obama’s Support Grows Broader

Obama Gets His Green On by kath25

Clinton, Obama have final say on Georgia delegates

Gay Clinton backers defect to Obama, eroding another bastion

                           

                                                                obama and security

Video/Audio

Andy Stern, SEIU President & Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) Video; Obama in Rhode Island; NPR: Obama Volunteers Trained in Organizing; Are you Puro Obama?; Lisa Ling for Obama; Response to the Clinton “Red Phone” Ad, Here; NPR: Obama Seeks to Continue Streak in Ohio; NPR: Texas Women Reflect Shift in Political Sentiments

Samuel L. Jackson Skips Oscars to Campaign for Obama

Brisk Urban Turnout Seen Key for Obama in Texas

Obama Aces the Farrakhan Test

Obama Pounces on McCain Criticism

                       

                                           we are the ones, new video by will.i.am

Obama’s Fate in Texas Hinges on Volunteers

Sen. Barack Obama’s pivotal victories last month in Iowa and South Carolina over Sen. Hillary Clinton were engineered by professional staffers who worked those states for nearly a year. In Texas, the story has been a lot different.

His organization in the Lone Star State, which holds its potentially decisive presidential primary on Tuesday, has been “more like a baling wire and duct tape thing,” says Mitch Stewart, who is running the campaign here. Mr. Stewart and the first dozen paid Obama staffers touched down in this capital city less than three weeks ago.

The uncharacteristic late start has left the Illinois senator relying to an unusual degree on the groundwork of volunteers such as Ian Davis. The 29-year-old Austin community organizer has been laboring for months with no guidance at all from Obama headquarters. When Sen. Obama’s team finally arrived, Mr. Davis handed over laundry baskets stuffed with 20,000 handwritten names of potential volunteers, which Mr. Davis had gathered on his own. WSJ, continue

Obama: The $50 Million Man

Black Delegates Under Pressure to Switch to Obama

Day of Rekoning for Clinton- Signs of Serious Trouble at Clinton HQ

GOP Frets over Democratic Fundraising

                           

                       democratic debate, cleveland, ohio, feb 26th.  video and transcript here

GOTX for Obama! by Kath25

OH–IO, O-BAMA by Albatross

Obama Shoves Iraq down McCain’s throat by Paleo

                             

                                     senator chris dodd endorses obama in cleveland, ohio

Pressure Building for Clinton to “OPT-OUT”

And I am being kind here.  The reality is this, even if Clinton wins Ohio and Texas, the margin of win will not be large enough to move the real count, the delegate count.

Clinton must beat Obama by upwards of 65% from all contests out.  That is not going to happen.  From the latest polling Texas and Ohio is a tossup, with Texas favoring Obama and Ohio favoring Clinton.

It is reality check time.  And the establishment is talking out in the open now.

Mr. Richardson, saying that it was vital to Democrats’ hopes in the general election in November to mount a positive, unifying campaign, said on the CBS News program “Face the Nation” that “whoever has the most delegates after Tuesday, a clear lead, should be, in my judgment, the nominee.”

What Governor Richardson is stating is nothing new.  Since Clinton just conceded 11 elections in a row to Obama, what else can you conclude?  We know obviously it was a money problem that she did not even have the resources to combat on the ground.  She allowed Obama to run the numbers up so great, that it is mathematically impossible for her to catch up.  And finally, if Obama lost 3 to 5 in a row, he would have been OUT.  The case would have been closed.  Yes, she should have been gone after the Potomac Primaries.

Beating Barack Obama at this stage by 5-8 points is not good enough, because the delegate count will be split.  She must win convincingly by more than 30 points, and in these contests it is not going to happen.

Younger members of her campaign team fear she will damage the Democratic Party, as well as her own reputation, if she fights on in vain to deny Barack Obama the presidential nomination.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008, Clinton should get out of the race if she does not perform well.  Take the money raised, pay your debt off, and stand with the party.  If not, you will watch your superdelegates publicly humiliate you by backing Obama, from here on out.  Meaning, no possible way she can win the nomination.

Clinton, the choice is yours.

                               

                                             obama in flight to ohio, march 1, 2008

shoutouts:  Elise; bonddad; jhutson; poblano; Geekesque; Delaware Dem; VirginiaDem; slinkerwink; turneresq

General Election Projections, Beta Version by poblano

this is about all of us by kid oakland

Obama’s National Lead

The Secret to Obama’s Success

                       

                                     students walk seven miles to the polls in texas

Finger-pointing, frustration in Clinton Camp

Obama Seen as Better Democrat to Face McCain, NTY/CBS Poll Says

Debate Unlikely to Change Race

Obama Sets Another 1 Million Goal

                          obama in providence, rhode island, march 1, 2008

icebergslim’s last word:  march 4th

It is extremely important that we continue to use the undeniable tools, at our touch, to reach out to Texas, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Vermont voters.

Yes, it looks good, but nothing is over until the fat lady sings and she is warming up now.

This means that we continue to volunteer, phone bank, donate, and get the good people of these states to the polls and caucus on March 4th, 2008.

Everything you need is provided by clicking on the image below.  Now is not the time to relax and think it is in the bag.  Nothing is in the bag until the votes are counted.  As much as I have on my plate, personally, I picked the phone up today and called Ohio voters.  This is not over, until we KNOW Barack is the Democratic Nominee.

1.5 Million calls need to be made.  Let’s do this, together.

as in all we do, this one is for you.  keep working hard, this won’t be easy, but it will test the sheer will of all of us.  and remember to focus on obama, and not the drama….

::

icebergslim1047 (at) hotmail (dot) com

cross posted @ One Million Strong

Iowa Caucus Center

Nevada Caucus Center

Obama Iowa Mailer

                 

                                   obama at storm lake, ia, december 17th

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

December 26, 2007 – Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Mason City, IA

December 26, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Webster City, IA

December 26, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Fort Dodge, IA

December 26, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Carroll, IA

December 26, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Dallas County, IA

December 26, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Madison County, IA

December 26, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Jasper County, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Nevada, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Marshalltown, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet the Candidate with Barack Obama, Toledo, IA

December 27, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Vinton, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Mt. Ayr, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Creston, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Union County, IA

December 27, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Osceola, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Willamsburg, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Coralville, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Clinton, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Davenport, IA

December 28, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Muscatine, IA

December 28, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Atlantic, IA

December 28, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Avoca, IA

December 29, 2007 – Meet Actors Brandon Routh & Kai Penn, Norwalk, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Burlington, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Fort Madison, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Keokuk, IA

December 29, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Mount Pleasant, IA

December 29, 2007 – Rally with Barack, Ottumwa, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Knoxville, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Newton, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Indianola, IA

December 30, 2007 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Des Moines, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Perry, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Jefferson, IA

December 31, 2007 – Meet and Greet with Michelle Obama, Grinnell, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Boone, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Iowa Falls, IA

December 31, 2007 – New Year’s Eve with Barack, Ames, IA

December 31, 2007 – Meet Michelle Obama, Bedford, IA

January 2, 2008 – Barack’s ‘Stand for Change Tour’, Cedar Rapids, IA

                         

                                                               obama on 527s

Obama Hitting His Stride in Iowa

Obama Says He’s Ready for White House

Obama Describes Faith Amid False Rumors

Selling Obama Door to Door

::

Obama Says Clintons’ Attacks Will Backfire

Guess what?  I believe that too.  We have witnessed the undoing of an inevitable campaign, due to the sheer fact that Team Clinton truly believed the poll numbers, and that Team Clinton underestimated Barack Obama.

Barack Obama, stung by a fresh Bill Clinton attack on him, predicted that the Clinton campaign’s increasingly negative tone will backfire by reminding voters of the bad, old “blood sport” days of the 1990s.

Speaking to reporters in this frozen central Iowa city yesterday, Obama said he was less than impressed by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s apology for an aide’s suggestion that he once dealt drugs. Asked if Clinton’s mea culpa was sincere, a stone-faced Obama replied, “I’m not going to characterize it.”

Many have watched in amusement, disbelief, sadness as Bill Clinton, on  Charlie Rose’s Show stated that Barack was not ready for this presidency.  That he was a “roll of the dice”.  Well, wasn’t Bill Clinton that in 1992?  No one knew him from Adam’s Hatrack.  A govenor from a tiny state, that was last in virtually everything, all of a sudden on that national scene.  Much was written about Bill Clinton’s age, inexperience, etc.  But somehow, the country believed it was time for someone new, fresh, not entrenched in Washington, D.C.

Now the quiet, rumblings, anger in the African-American Community is being talked about daily, and it is about the antics of The Clintons.  Whoever is advising Hillary Clinton should be fired.  Her misleading and mishandling of her staff is atrocious.  The outwardly racial baiting from her hench men Joesph Wilson, Bob Kerrey and Bill Shaheen has not bid her well to the African-American Community.

From Bob Johnson’s Diary:

A piece in Sunday’s Washington Post confirms what many people here have been discussing over the last month as Obama has crept up in the polls:

Racial Undercurrent Is Seen in Clinton Campaign

It has unfolded mostly under the radar. But an important development in the 2008 Democratic battle may be the building backlash among African Americans over comments from associates of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton that could be construed as jabs at Sen. Barack Obama’s race.

These officials, including Clinton aides and prominent surrogates, have raised questions or dropped references about Obama’s position on sentencing guidelines for crack vs. powder cocaine offenses; on his handgun control record; and on his admitted use of drugs as a youth. The context was always Obama’s “electability.” But the Illinois senator’s campaign advisers said some African American leaders detect a pattern, and they believe it could erode Clinton’s strong base of black support.

This article is accurate and precise.  Many don’t understand the Black Community and the radio.  teacherken was one of the first to shout out, “hey something is going on here.  The Black Community is livid about The Clintons insinuation of Barack Obama selling drugs and her campaign using racial tactics.” (paraphrasing)  And this was his synopsis by listening to Black Radio.

The Clintons missed a mark here.  The Black Community is angry.  Period.  Many don’t care if Clinton attack Obama on the issues, it is politics, it is hardball.  But to slither to the depths of slimy snakes and use his ethnicity, race, family against him?  Sorry, Hillary, you now have Black Voters who were firmly in your corner, moving to Barack Obama.  And whose fault is that?

If it don’t smell right, it ain’t right.

Video/Audio

New Iowa Ad, Enough; Iowa Ad, Candor; Nashua Telegraph Editorial Board Video; Michelle Obama Video; Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr and Govenor Tim Kaine in Columbia, SC; Barack in Indianola, IA

Obama Fires Up Crowd in Iowa

Obama Touts Rural Plans in Iowa

Second Choices In Iowa

                             

                                                      portsmouth, nh, dec 20

Polls

Yes, coming daily, sometime two and three.  Expect this through January.

Boston Globe NH Poll; Reuters Poll On Clinton’s Negativity; USA/Gallup National Poll; Survey/USA Iowa and General Poll; Zogby National Poll; Washington Post/ABC Iowa and Internals; Insiders Advantage Georgia Poll; Insiders Advantage Iowa Poll; CBS South Carolina Poll; Wall Street Journal Poll; Survey/USA California Poll; Rasmussen South Carolina Poll; Hotline National Poll

Obama for America by Femlaw

Endorsing Barack Obama for President 2008 by GirlZero

Obama Campaigns Comes to Nashville by GoldnI

Populista’s Obama Rising Roundup: Iowa Edition December 6-13

shoutouts:  clinton loses luster; bill clinton downplays wife’s chances in iowa; say goodbye to the fec by adamb; black kos; food pantries turning people away as demand doubles by bink; nyceve; online forum on foreclosure and bankruptcy relief by rep. brad miller; huckabee, my way; john edwards, will you stand up? by adamb

JustAngry has put out a great series broken down into six pieces, focusing on all the aspects you need to know about Barack Obama.  Simply titled, The Only Thing You Need To Know.  This is well worth a read for anyone who is searching more specific information about Senator Barack Obama.

::

Obama: I’ve Fought Harder Against Special Interests

Obama Makes Big Gains in California by Femlaw

Appealing to Indy Voters

Obama Finds His Address

                           

                                                    happy holidays from the obamas

Big Battle For South Carolina

In barely more than a month, the political attention now focused on the early voting in Iowa and New Hampshire will turn southward, to a Georgia neighbor with a proven record of helping decide presidential nominations.

South Carolina’s first-in-the-South primaries are set for Jan. 19, and tracking is already well under way. CNN released an Opinion Research poll Friday that showed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee claiming support from 24 percent of the state’s Republican voters, surging eight percentage points ahead of one-time front-runner, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), former Sen. John Edwards (center) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) are locked in a close race in South Carolina.

Aong Democrats, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York was holding on at 42 percent against the rising Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, who had moved up seven percentage points since a July poll to 34 percent.

CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider predicted an “all-out fight” among candidates well aware of South Carolina’s potentially pivotal role. On the Republican side, South Carolina has picked the eventual party nominee in every primary contest since 1980. In 1992, Bill Clinton used a South Carolina win to solidify his claim on the Democratic nomination after being upset by rival Paul Tsongas in New Hampshire.  AJC

Winning Friends Among Former Rivals

Clinton Trying to Wrestle the Change Mantle from Obama

Change We Can Believe In

Obama’s Hoop Buddy

                         

                                               obama in exeter, nh, dec 20th

Endorsements & Announcements

Nashua Telegraph Endorses Obama; Portsmouth Hearld Endorsement for Obama; Dallas Morning News Endorsement; Sioux City Journal Endorsement; Iowa City Press Citizen Endorses Obama; Reka Basu for Obama; State Representative Wayne Ford for Obama; Daily Iowan Endorses Obama; Woodbine Twiner for Obama; Illinois Black Legislators for Obama; Idaho Democratic Lawmakers for Obama; U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack, D-IA, Backs Obama; U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah Endorses Obama; U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott Endorses Obama; Former Rep. Bedell Backs Obama; Blue New Hampshire Bloggers Endorse Obama; Documentary Filmmaker Ken Burns, Endorses Obama; Ministers Endorse Obama; Obama Opens Nashville Office; Obama Files to Caucus in Kansas; Obama Enters New Mexico Caucus; Texas Primary

February 5th Could Decide Between Clinton and Obama

The Obama-Clinton Issue

Law Student Gave Obama Big Thumbs Up

Did Clinton Worker Blow it with Obama Drug Comment?

Obama Talks Foreign Policy

Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday the nation’s foreign policy challenges call for a new leader who will worry more about doing the right thing than how it will look.

“There are moments in history when it is not enough to fall back on conventional ways of doing things, because the threats we face are unconventional,” Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery. “There are moments when new challenges demand new American leadership.”

He said that for too long the conventional way of thinking about foreign policy has valued “time spent in Washington over timely judgments, posturing over pragmatism and fear of looking weak over the conviction to get things right.”

He said he hasn’t been afraid to buck Washington thinking when it comes to foreign policy, including his opposition of going to war with Iraq while he was a state senator in Illinois. He said he’s the only Democratic nominee his Republican opponent won’t be able to challenge on that point.  AP

I Can’t Stop Wondering About Obama’s Mother

Job Loss A Plea for Help

Obama Proposes U.S. Ban on China Toys

60 Foreign Policy Experts Endorse Obama

::

icebergslim’s last word:  closing

Right now all the candidates are running around and doing the closing line.

Good, they should finalize their position with the voter and hope for the best.

But my closing is this, take a look at this map.

It is interactive.  See all the dark blue patches?  Those are the states with offices or upcoming offices to open for Obama, prior to February 5th.

How important is this?  Very important.

While all the candidates are pitching their closing argument, the real argument is who will win on February 5, 2008.  That is the question.  Meaning, who has the staffing, money, organization, etc., to win decisively on February 5th.

We know Hillary is running a chit driven campaign.  She has called the chits in and expects them to perform.  Edwards has no presence in these states, at all.

So, what should Iowans look for?  Electability?  Yes, all candidates are electable.  They all have issues but they can be elected.  The key word is viability.  Which candidates are viable?  Which candidates have the strength now and can move people through this process?  Which candidate can fund the massive February 5th primary/caucuses and win?

That is the question.  And the candidates better have answers for these caucus goers.  Because right now, I only see two candidates positioned for this task.

Finally, the two best article read of the week, “Why Did Clinton Overlook Obama?”  Good question.  Why did she?  And Michelle Obama, The Closer in the Family.

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; The Populista Report; Relentless Liberal; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama; Netroots for Obama;  Economists for Obama

If you appreciate the weekly Obama Roundup, then Tip My Obama Jar!!  Minimum five dollars.  This contribution goes directly to the Obama Campaign.  We are in the last stretch of fundraising, Quarter 4, it ends December 31st.  Remember to make your contribution.

                             

well, it is cold out there.  here at my home in the chicagoland area, the wind or “hawk” is whipping through here, as I finalize my last Christmas gifts.  as, i look forward to chatting with my family the next few days, i hope that you are spending the time with your loved ones.  and while you are at it, remember the biggest fight is coming soon, january 3rd.  many of us will be in iowa, many of us will be mounting to new hampshire for the january 8th showdown.  the blogs can be brutal now, just remember to stay focus on obama and not the drama.  i am in iowa on the 27th through the caucus.  i will post a short version of ‘this week’ next sunday, and try to post updates.  keep your head up and let’s win this thing.

::

contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com

This Week With Barack Obama

cross-posted @ One Million Strong

 
  barack in cedar rapids, ia this morning

December 1, 2007 – Des Moines, IA, Brown & Black Forum
December 1, 2007 – Des Moines, IA, Heartland Presidential Forum
December 4, 2007 – Des Moines, IA, NPR News/Iowa Public Radio Debate
December 10, 2007 – Los Angeles, California, CBS
December 13, 2007 – Johnston, Iowa, Des Moines Register Democratic Debate
January 15, 2008 – Las Vegas, Nevada
January 31, 2008 – California

 
  obama, jefferson jackson dinner, des moines, ia

Obama Goes for the Capillaries
Hillary Clinton Suddenly Vulnerable as Bruises Start to Show

Obama Stands Out in Night of Speeches

In the space of an hour this weekend, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, using some of their most pointed and forceful rhetoric of the campaign, framed the choice for Democrats deciding their party’s presidential nomination.

Clinton gave a strong speech at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner late Saturday. But Obama, criticized for occasional lackluster performances, delivered one of his most focused and powerful addresses.

In the view of many watching, he emerged as the oratorical winner at the biggest Democratic political event in Iowa before the state’s January caucuses.

His candidacy, Obama said, could produce a new Democratic majority capable of breaking the gridlock and polarization that have plagued Washington for a decade or more.

“The same old Washington textbook campaigns just won’t do it in this election,” he said.  Seattle Times

 
  las vegas debate, november 15th

Obama Apperances and Campaign Events

November 19, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Clarion, IA
November 19, 2007 – Town Hall Meeting with Barack, Fort Dodge, IA
November 20, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Alton, NH
November 20, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Conway, NH
November 20, 2007 – Meet the Candidate, Barack Obama, Laconia, NH
November 20, 2007 – Michelle Obama, Orangeburg, SC
November 20, 2007 – Michelle Obama, Columbia, SC
November 30, 2007 – Barack Obama and Former Sec of Navy, Richard Danzig, Washington, D.C.
December 2, 2007 – Countdown to Change, Boston, MA

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?  Why It’s Barack Obama
Obama Shows Off Organizational Strength at JJ Dinner
Transcript of Obama Apperance on Meet the Press

 
  obama on meet the press with tim russert, november 11, 2007, des moines, ia

Audio/Video

Obama on Meet the Press; Get to Know Barack; Las Vegas Democratic Debate, here; Audio Analysis Here; Michelle Obama on Morning Joe

In Iowa, Party Rivals Sharpen Jabs at Clinton
It is all about Iowa

 
  google interview, pt 1

 
  google interview, pt 2

Obama as the Red-Blue Uniter
Obama Stirs Up San Francisco Crowd
Republicans Crossin’ Over
Lessig Endorses Obama: Why You Should Care by AdamB
Obama Sister Hit the Campaign Trail

Obama:  Tax More Income for Social Security

Democrat Barack Obama said Sunday that if elected he will push to increase the amount of income that is taxed to provide monthly Social Security benefits.

Obama and other Democratic presidential candidates previously have signaled support for this idea.

But during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Obama said subjecting more of a person’s income to the payroll tax is the option he would push for if elected president.

He objected to benefit cuts or a higher retirement age.

“I think the best way to approach this is to adjust the cap on the payroll tax so that people like myself are paying a little bit more and people who are in need are protected,” the Illinois senator said.

“That is the option that I will be pushing forward.”

Currently, only the first $97,500 of a person’s annual income is taxed. The amount is scheduled to rise to $102,000 next year.  more

Democratic Caucus Goers Pick Obama, Edwards as JJ Winners

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan called it “the most successful Jefferson Jackson Dinner in history,” but it was more successful for some candidates than for others.

After discussions with party insiders and people in attendance, the early consensus seemed to be that the candidates who have generally polled in the top three — Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama — all did well, with Edwards and Obama excelling in particular. Among the other three candidates — Joe Biden, Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson — the crowd seemed to be moved the most by Dodd and Biden, but not enough to significantly affect their chances in January, interviews Saturday night suggested. Candace Opstvedt of Story City was an undecided caucus-goer, but not any longer.

“I am definitely leaning toward Barack after tonight,” she said after the long night of speeches and Democratic fundraising, including an auction. Undecided caucus-goer Jordan Oster, a Drake University student and a Des Moines native, thought Obama and Edwards made a definite impression on the crowd.

“It is yet to be seen if tonight can be considered a moment of shakeup, but I think it really goes to show that Edwards and Obama cemented their importance in the race,” he said. “Neither made direct reference to Senator Clinton, but without mistake many references were aimed her way.”

Oster said he thought Biden, Dodd and Richardson did well, but didn’t stand out.  Iowapolitics.com

Can Obama Rock the Nomination?
What kind of question is THIS???  One word, yes.  He showed it last Saturday night, at the JJ Dinner.  The debate performance is now past and will forever be plagued with innuendo.  He is stronger than ever in Iowa.  And if people are fed UP, with partisian politics, gridlock, the same old thing.  Then you know for sure, what time it is.  It is change time.

 
  youtube interview

Will Obama Turn Out Young Voters in Iowa
All Tied Up in Iowa
Obama Photo Blog Lebanon, NH
Obama on Net Neutrality

UAW Region 4, Endorses Obama

UAW Region 4 Delegates Throw Support to Obama’s Campaign for PresidentDUBUQUE – Delegates of United Auto Workers Region 4, which includes 30,000 members and retirees in Iowa, voted today to support Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The group announced its overwhelming support at the close of a weeklong conference where seven of the major Democratic presidential candidates addressed the group earlier this week.

“There are many talented Democrats in the presidential field this year, but Barack Obama is the leader who will bring the kind of change to Washington that America’s working men and women can believe in,” said UAW Local 442 (Webster City, IA) President Paul Erickson. “For the last two decades, working families have been able to count on Barack Obama to stand up for us and our values. We are supporting him, because we know he’ll do the same thing in the White House.”  Time, DemDog

kos, on Obama’s Plan for Open Government
Stoller Leaning Obama
Chris Bowers, Ok, it is Still a Close Campaign
Barack Obama and the Illinois Death Penalty by AdamB

 
  obama @ google

Blogs and Websites

One Million Strong; This Week With Barack Obama; Washington State; Obama Dallas; NYC4OBAMA; NewYork4Obama; Texans for Obama; Republicans for Obama; Vermont for Obama; Independents for Obama; Seattle for Obama; Idaho for Obama; Asians for Obama; Bay Area for Obama; Sacramento for Obama; Families for Obama; Irish Americans for Obama; D.C. for Obama; Obama NH; Obama L.A.; Obama News Vine; Black Women for Obama; Obama Santa Cruz; Think on These Things; Iowa Republicans for Obama; Another Democratic Woman for Obama; RENObama!; Go Barack Obama

Clinton Camp, Sure Do Not Care About Nor Believe in the Youth Vote
Yep.  The Clinton Campaign has to be one of the more out of touch campaigns running.  For the Clinton Campaign to tout the inevitability meme, this campaign does not understand what drives the youth.  And to totally dis’ them as unimportant is even more laughable.  I am sure no dissin’ will be going on in an Iowa barn on January 3rd, if these Facebook Caucus Goers decide to show up.  Respect the youth.  Respect the ones who are disenfranchised.  Respect the lost Democratic Voters who want in again.  Just respect the voters.  Ok?

 
  obama in austin, tx

Obama to Clinton, Don’t ‘swift boat’ Me”
Clinton Must Spend More Time in Iowa
Obama, Durbin Targets VA Care

shoutouts:  food prices up, by bink; i am starting to detest hillary clinton, the british observer; read, dengre; why an edwards fan thinks obama took jefferson-jackson; dl’s take on democrats preferring dems on iran; update on marlboro marine; foreclosures record high

icebergslim’s last word:  obama and his supporters advocates.

‘It will only serve to steel our resolve’.

That describes us.

This week has been, ummm, quirky.

It has.

Barack came from the Iowa JJ Dinner, with a speech that people are still talking about.

Then the debate.

Well, it was a sham.  My opinion, as I do not speak or write for Obama Supporters Advocates.  But, it was.  Then we got the blistering report from an Obama supporter advocate who called them all out in her diary, no stone unturned, not off the beaten path, but blunt and precise.  LV Pol Girl’s diary of the events surrounding the debate was simply titled, Las Vegas Disgrace.  Was it Pulitzer Prize writing?  No.  Rhetorical Rhetoric?  No.  It was four simple paragraphs with an ending sentence that summed it all up what happened in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the CNN Debate.  So, simple, that everyone has read this diary, passed it on, shaking their heads.  And those that did not want it out had to sit, squirm, and take it.

Then Bob Johnson, comes on the scene.  You really don’t know what to expect with him, but he ripped Steny Hoyer a new one with this diary, Hey, Steny… Butt out.  I don’t know who Bob supports, but he was absolutely correct in this assessment of Hoyer going after Obama:

Oh, no. Steny thought it best to single out a candidate who he felt was bashing the current frontrunner:

“I’ve been disappointed,” Hoyer, 68, said in an interview on Bloomberg television’s “Political Capital with Al Hunt,” scheduled to air tonight. “I think it will hurt the party.”

He took particular exception to Illinois Senator Barack Obama’s assertion in a Las Vegas debate yesterday that Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton hadn’t given “straight answers” on “a host of issues.” Hoyer said that comment is “likely to get used by Republicans” in the general election.

What is this you ask?  It is what politicians refer to as, “calling your chits in.”  The old, “I helped you, raised money for you, now you need to help me.”  In other words, the Clinton Camp needs to dirty up Barack Obama.  The Clinton Camp need to reinforce that Obama is inexperienced, not ready.  Obama should not challenge, nor question anything on Hillary Clinton.  The GOP could use this against her.  As if “girlfriend” has already been anointed and appointed.

Then your keepin it real voice of icebergslim, rolls into a Saturday with an aw, hell naw diary on our best friends at CNN.  I don’t like to write on the weekends because I am usually compiling ‘This Week’, but when you get articles from NYT and L.A. Times sent to you about the debate, but more importantly how it is all connected up?  What are you to do?  I had to do what I do best.  Clinton News Network = CNN.

Of course, Obama Supporters Advocates then had to read insinuations of a whisper campaign, against our candidate.  Remember, it is all about making him dirty.  But, we took solace to what Barack said in his statement.

“The item did not identify these ‘agents,’ nor did it reveal the nature of the charge. It was devoid of facts, but heavy on innuendo and insinuation of the sort to which we’ve become all too accustomed in our politics these past two decades. If the purpose of this shameless item was to daunt or discourage me or supporters of our campaign from challenging and changing the politics of Washington, it will fail. In fact, it will only serve to steel our resolve.

That paragraph, for me, said it all about Barack Obama.

It will only serve to steel our resolve.

That is what the other campaigns don’t get.  But they will, starting in Iowa.

Yes, we are supporters of Barack Obama, but you are correct in your assessment, we are his ADVOCATES, first.

 
  michelle in dewitt, ia

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Lastly, a magnificent diary by femlaw titled, “Obama’s Field of Dreams (California & Iowa Edition)”  This is a must read for all.  If you don’t understand strategy and Obama’s passion for building from ground up, peep this.  After the read, you will get it.

 
well, barack was in austin, texas telling them to get ready for change.  and i am here to ask you, are you ready for it?  always, remember to focus on obama, and not the drama….

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contact me @ icebergslim1047@hotmail.com
This Week With Barack Obama