Jack & Jill Politics

I was watching the local news today, and the response of Trinity to the local news media was, 'you have the letter from Senator Obama, now get off our property or we'll call the police'.


I had to laugh at that.

BAGHDAD (AFP) — French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said on Sunday that the security situation in Iraq was improving and reaffirmed France's willingness to help rebuild the war-ravaged country.


"I have the feeling that things are better. Statistics show a drop in security incidents," Kouchner told AFP after a working lunch with his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari on the last day of his two-day visit to Iraq.



There is "an improvement in the situation in Iraq," he said.



Kouchner also voiced satisfaction at efforts by the Iraqis to take charge of their own country, saying they were making "progress."

Any thoughts on this latest Rassmussen poll?


"When it comes to the economy, 47% of voters trust John McCain more than Barack Obama. Obama is trusted more by 41%. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey also found that, when it comes to the War in Iraq, McCain is trusted more by 49% of voters. Obama is preferred by 37%. McCain has an even larger edge—53% to 31%–on the broader topic of National Security. These results are little changed from a month ago.



Obama enjoys a 43% to 39% advantage when it comes to government ethics and reducing corruption. McCain has a 44% to 38% advantage on taxes."



A majority of voters oppose tax increases, and almost two-thirds oppose an increase in capital-gains tax rates. Both positions have been the central policy of the Obama campaign.



The war is not popular, however, Americans do not favor an immediate withdrawal and apparently don’t trust Obama to get that correct. The 12-point gap on Iraq and the 22-point gap on national security shows McCain how he can defeat Obama, and it shows why the McCain campaign has emphasized Obama’s lack of effort on both Iraq and Afghanistan to get his own information rather than just pandering to MoveOn.



Now that Obama has broken with Trinity United, it will call his judgment into question yet again. How adept would a President Obama be at diagnosing foreign crises? Acknowledging TUCC’s issues this late underscores the growing notion that Obama is lacking the judgment and experience necessary to b president.



Obama and the Democrats have a big problem against McCain.

Craig,


Congrats on your trip to Denver!



I also dropped a message for you at Daily Kos!

If Republicans actually felt that they has a realistic chance to win a significant share of black independents, they would feel more empowered than ever before


...and my opinion, the way to do that is to show that every major "promise" that was made by the dems in the last election cycles-including Obama's, should he win the general- was not kept.



That's the selling point. The dems talk big, but don't/can't follow through.

pamela,


Other than your support of Obama, and immediate wihdrawal from Iraq, we are on the same page.



I would like to see us leave Iraq but in a way that demonstrates to our enemies that the US has the national will and military capability to fight terrorism and state sponsors of terrorism in a theatre that al-Qaeda itself considers to be the central front in the war. I also want the troops to leave knowing that the Iraqi people and government know that we are a force for good and freedom, and that they have an ally dedicated to their stability, freedom and success.



Leaving in this way will improve our credibility in the world and more importantly, prove our resolve to weaken and undermine and defeat those who wish us and our allies harm.



I also agree that both political parties would be improved if the black voters in this country were to become independent. If Republicans actually felt that they has a realistic chance to win a significant share of black independents, they would feel more empowered than ever before.



If Obama wins, the chance of black voters leaving the party is slim to none, and the activist, far left, big government, high taxing wing of the party will be firmly in control.

Congrats, Craig.


Get Clinton in the VP slot for us McCainiacs.



:)

I still can't believe it, y'all.


I just can't.

Congratulations Craig!!


You'll get to make history!!

OMG CRAIG!!!


WOO HOO!!!



THIS ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!!



So thrilled.



You know you're going to have to find a computer to give us those on-the-ground reports.



Craig, this rocks!!!



You are gonna have to take a computer with you. Give us the inside lowdown.

Golden,
Those of us who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are called "baby killers," "rapists," and "murderers" now.



Where's the honor in that?

No matter who becomes President, this person has to be ruthless. It is a necessary component. Frankly, I was worried that Obama wasn't going to be steely enough.


He's going to disappoint more people in the future when, not if, he moves to the "center." That's fine with me.



---



I'm not a Dem or Repub. I honestly believe there should be (mostly black) left leaning and/or conservative alternatives to influence the "main" parties. I feel "we" bargain away our power too easily: behaving like it does not exist. It does. Billary got a taste of it this year.



----



Whether our troops leave Iraq fast or slow they'll be honored.

Great discussion going on in the comments here about an anti-racist white blogger: "avoid the topic of race, especially whiteness." I like his blog's insights. Anyone else read it?

So sorry. Make that separates.

Friends, I also love the kitties. Cats are my #1 favorite animal, & lucky me, I own the most beautiful cat in the world.


Pamela, thank you for your honest & sincere response to my query. I asked because I'm shopping for a new political affiliation, & because I don't really have an opportunity to talk to any Black republicans.



Even though we are not a monolithic people, I think your sentiments reflect those of a majority of AA's (of a certain class). I can't disagree with a majority of what you said. My personal exception would be that I prefer gov involvement in certain circumstances, & I think the military should be for defense rather than to try to take over the world (I'm not saying you said the military should take over the world-k?). Like yourself, I have been to 20+ countries & our gov support really seperates us from 3rd world nations, imo. In 3rd world countries you can really get the idea of what "you're on your own" means. I know so many immigrants who appreciate so much about our country. I have been to countries without compulsory education & I'm glad that we have it. I'm glad that my tax dollars help rebuild towns that have been devastated by natural disasters. If we could get socialized medicine, I wouldn't have much else to complain about. I also believe that people must pursue education or else they won't get one. It's all about self-determination. Yet I wouldn't want the educational resources to be doled out based on tax base alone.



I would also discourage abortion, but I believe in personal choice. I believe in marriage, though close to 75% of Black females are unmarried. To me, it seems like many repubs don't know any black people. My stereotypic image of them is someone like Mitt Romney, who would refer to the whole race as "you people," because, even as a politician, businessman or organizer of a large event, he wouldn't have met or gotten to know any people outside of his demographic. Yeah, he knows they exist because he's seen them on tv or heard others talk about them, but he isn't in the least bit curious to get to know about the diversity that exists among God's children. They have no interest in anything outside of their white world, unless it involves finding the cheapest labor pool in a Brown country. Am I wrong?

@ S.


You failed to mention that the article you posted is an EDITORIAL.

Pamela,
Support for Obama and willingness to consign our country to surrender aside, God bless you.

Texas girl, thank you.


Reposted per your suggestion:



Teacher to answer your questions as to why I am a Republican....



Everyone assumes that because I am black I should be a Democrat. I never liked the idea that no one considered what issues actually affect me or which parties values may align better with my personal values. It's always you are black so you must be a Democrat.



But why?



I'm not a big fan of social programs. I believe that people can succeed by working hard, getting the best education possible and believing in themselves, and taking personal responsibilty for their actions.



I am conservative. I am Catholic. I have strong family values. I don't believe in divorce. I believe a child raised in a home with two parents is better then one. I don't believe in abortion (for myself, although I think a woman should be able to do what she wants with her body). I want lower taxes. I want less government intervention. I'm a military brat, have tremendous respect for our men and woman in uniform and think that this country should have big defense organization. However I think we should get the hell out of Iraq and knowing what I know now I don't think we should have ever gone in. But I admit in the beginning I was cheering the war. Yep, I feel stupid for that one.



The Republican party aligns with a lot of my interests and beliefs, although not all of them. And there are many extreme right-wing members of the party that I can't stand, Hannity comes to mind. But people really fit into more then two groups so you are going to run into extremists no matter what party you affliate with.



I have never seen the Democratic party, who has 90% support from our community, really worry about listening to what black people are really saying and really, why should they, they are going to get 90% of the vote no matter what.



Imagine the voting power if people actually thought about why they were Democrats and more found that they are more Independent then they originally thought or even more Conservative. If the Republican party thought they had a chance to win a significant part of the black community then voices would be heard. If the Democrats thought they would lose a significant part of the black community then voices would be heard.



And I always hear, Republicans don't like black people. I don't think Republicans are any more racists then Democrats, we can see that from this election. Hell, the Clinton's are the ones that are suppose to be down with us so imagine what everyone else is thinking. I'm not sure where that argument started but it's pointless. Some people are just idiots and they come in all shapes, sizes and affiliations..



At the end of the day I vote for the best candidate and right now I think that is Obama. I disagree with some of his policies and am dreading my taxes going up but the war is a big issue for me so I'll suck it up. I also think his ability to inspire people of all races young and old is what our country needs right now because it's been a rough couple of years. And on top of it all I do want to see a black President. And I think he is going to be great in the position.

Hi Pamela,


I read your article on the other thread and I think you should re-post it here on the open thread. It was well written with many good points.



I have been a registered Independent for some time now.

Time for a challenger for Alcee Hastings


Hastings boycotting Democratic convention

Teacher, if you are reading through this open thread I wanted to let you know that I responded to your question about why I am a Republican in the the Rules and Bylaws open thread. I logged off before you asked the question and did not see t till this morning.

I worry about HRC supporters like this one:


http://youtube.com/watch?v=KACQuZVAE3s



Thanks Billary and Harold for helping divide the party.

rikyrah,


I stole your photo and emailed it to my mother.



I told her I found the kitties and put them in a cup. Ok..just kidding.



Their too cute. Thanks for the smile.





Hey everyone,



If you can, please try to attend an Obama watch party in your area on Tuesday. It will be the last one for this primary. Should be something exciting.

CPL,


Pomeranians are just adorable too!



But I still love the kitties more!

Anon 9:19,


The WaPo ain't exactly a bastion of conservative thought.



Maybe when the NYT and NBC acknolwedge a turning of the tide, other liberals will too.

I agree, those kittens are mad cute. I just hate to think about them growing up into cats who say "It's my world and I'm allowing you to hang in it."


Give me a Golden Lab or a cute toy dog like a Bison Frieze. They act like they're glad to see you and are more loyal than cats.



Anyone else notice the more Harold Ickes opens his mouth, he's usually inserting more of his foot into it? I didn't think a human being could eat that much of his own foot, but man, Tim Russert is demonstrating how hungry Harold is for the taste of his own feet. Jesus!

Hillary will not be on any ticket. Her cavalier suggestion that America could "obliterate" Iran raised eyebrows around the world and was the beginning of the end for her as VP.


Obama wants to engage in diplomacy. I can't see his administration accomplishing that with a vice President who casually threatened to obliterate a nation? He would be a laughing stock.



Furthermore, Hillary & Bill would not submit to, or pass vetting. She can try to force her way onto a ticket but Barack would have to fight it.



Of course, there's also the RFK statement. I don't think Obama wants to subject his family to that trauma or any of her future "misspeaking"...neither his personal family, nor the American family.

"Iraq passed a turning point last fall"


Sigh:: Republicans keep using this phrase "turning point" or "turning points" I do not think it means what they think it means...after all, this is what? Turning point number 100 and when taken together all those turning points amounts to a hill of beans? And all it cost us was the lives of a few thousand soldiers, trillions of dollars in debt, the reputation of the United States, and the future security of the United States and the world. Yeah, well done sirs.

Go away Hillary!


Go away Bill!



Go away Harold Ickes!



Just go the f%%% away!

Sepia,


Yes he is!



ahahahahahaha

Russert is serving up "You sound mad stupid, son" hot cakes to Harold Ickes this morning!

RASMUSSEN POLL: McCain Trusted More Than Obama on Economy, Iraq, National Security.

There is a big difference between our troops returning home with honor, having achieved success and them being withdrawn to appease the anti-war activists.


As success in Iraq is more widely acknowledged, Obama's position will become untenable.



When he becomes the party's nominee

will he find it politically expedient to alter his position?

Rikyrah,


I love the kitties! Just too cute!

Nard,
...and with the Iraqis beginning to take the lead, we're that much closer to being able to do just that.

Turn or not in Iraq, we still need to leave as soon as possible.

S,
You beat me to it.



How many other people/organizations have to acknowledge the turn in Iraq before Obama does?

THE WASHINGTON POST: The Iraqi Upturn: Don't look now, but the U.S.-backed government and army may be winning the war. "Iraq passed a turning point last fall when the U.S. counterinsurgency campaign launched in early 2007 produced a dramatic drop in violence and quelled the incipient sectarian war between Sunnis and Shiites. Now, another tipping point may be near, one that sees the Iraqi government and army restoring order in almost all of the country, dispersing both rival militias and the Iranian-trained 'special groups' that have used them as cover to wage war against Americans. . . . When Mr. Obama floated his strategy for Iraq last year, the United States appeared doomed to defeat. Now he needs a plan for success."


Do tell.

Here's my long ass comment on Obama and the Dem. Primary/Gen. Election:


I really am not going to worry about this. They can have the appeal but by then Obama will have hit the new magic number and the two to four delegates in the balance won't really change the outcome.



Hillary and Bill really need to come out for the Democratic party. Some of her supporters were utterly classless. They made her look bad (although sometimes I think they are a reflection of their candidate who has at times acted as 'klassy').



Yesterday was a frustrating day. As a Floridian, I'm glad this dumb issue has been settled. I'm tired of people treating us as a political football while trying to make it into some sort of noble crusade for the Constitution.



I'm peeved off at Obama over the TUCC resignation. I think it was a dumb move because the GOP attacks over this will not stop (it's one of the only things they've got). It makes no sense to cave in under the pressure. I bet JFK was under intense scrutiny as the first Catholic. You didn't see him resigning from his parish or bullshit like that.



Obama should have stuck to the issues. I am really loving how he isn't afraid to challenge McCain on the only issue that is supposedly his strength. Obama is showing that McCain has no strength on the issues, and when the economy becomes the #1 issue McCain will be totally destroyed.



I also think his campaign is brilliant. They've been linking McCain with Bush for a while and I think it's finally catching on. I was listening to the pundits and I've heard the phrase "Bush-McCain" more than a few times.



McCain is already on the defensive--they're trying their hardest to hide Bush away in the shadows but it's really not working.



I have to say though, I forgot who it was but I thought their comment was very insightful.



If race had a lot to do with why you were voting for Obama, then I understand why the TUCC resignation would have disappointed or angered.



I'm not going to lie, I am slightly disappointed here. But I still remain convinced that Obama is the best candidate. For me, he isn't the lesser evil, I will happily vote FOR him.



Why?



Because people like Lou Dobbs hate his guts. Sounds weird but hear me out.



I became a strong supporter of Obama when he called out the nasty rhetoric surrounding the issue of immigration at a debate. I truly believe him when he says he wants to get America out of the mindset that got us into the war in the first place because he has shown by his actions and his words that soundly rejects this mindset.



It's letting people like Lou Dobbs going unchecked, letting him spew his xenophobic nonsense to an audience who expects the news to be "fair and balanced", letting people point at scapegoats instead of focusing on the actual problem, that is slowly destroying our country.



Obama and America can't let the GOP focus and win on distractions this election season.

Ickes and Flournoy statement that 4 Clinton delegates were hijacked is wrong. Clinton had 55% of the vote, which translates to 71 of the 128 delegates. That would give everybody else 57 delegates. So a case can be made that 2 delegates were hijacked.


But for some reason, the Michigan Democratic Party proposed the 69/59 split instead of 71/57. I do not know the reason. If the MI Democratic Part think 69/59 is a fair reflection of the Michigan Democratic vote, a challenge by Clinton/Ickes/Flournoy is based on their campaign's needs, not preserving a fair reflection of voter preference.

I actually have a little more respect for Jessie Jackson now that I know he was responsible for drawing up delegate allocations. I certainly didn't see him as a person to hold on a moral pedestal though. He was just part of that Civil Rights Industrial Complex and I really didn't see him as being effectual. Now I know I was wrong! Perhaps we can lay some groundwork like Jackson did to ensure future Black candidates are not held to double standards.


********

I want to talk about why there was a need for the Rules Committee to have met AT ALL. FL & MI broke the rules and should have gotten nothing. Here we have Hill & Bill trying to give all of us the big F-U and even now they insult the candidate and the voters. This was from Maggie [Mammy] Williams:



"Harold Ickes and Tina Flournoy made the following statement:



Today’s results are a victory for the people of Florida who will have a voice in selecting our Party’s nominee and will see its delegates seated at our party’s convention. The decision by the Rules and Bylaws Committee honors the votes that were cast by the people of Florida and allocates the delegates accordingly.



We strongly object to the Committee’s decision to undercut its own rules in seating Michigan’s delegates without reflecting the votes of the people of Michigan.



The Committee awarded to Senator Obama not only the delegates won by Uncommitted, but four of the delegates won by Senator Clinton. This decision violates the bedrock principles of our democracy and our Party.

We reserve the right to challenge this decision before the Credentials Committee and appeal for a fair allocation of Michigan’s delegates that actually reflect the votes as they were cast. "

******************



Does this sound like a concession in the works or enthusiastic support? It just seems like Obama is damned if he does or damned if doesn't do something.

This afternoon my wife was on the bed watching TV, our great big tabby Roscoe was streched out next to her. A commercial for Petco came on. A woman walks into her bedroom, her dog is laying on the bed, and she says 'Oh Roscoe'. My cat jumped up and fixed his stare on the TV. Cats are way smarter than we give them credit for.


mikefromtexas