sea turtle
2 weeks ago
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The Dreaming Up Daily Quote
“In the forgetting that we, too, are animals, a part of nature, as dependent on its health and balance as any other mammal, we foolishly permit the unrestrained destruction of our Earth habitat that promises to leave mankind as desolate and bereft of hope as a turtle stripped live from its shell.”
Peter Matthiessen
Peter Matthiessen
Geocide
We are the only animal capable of geocide: the killing of a world--that is, the world that made us and nourishes its web of life, as a whole. And in what for us is slow motion, we're doing it.
The extent of the oceans, and the amount of life in it, is incomparable larger than land and its life. Yet little if any life on land would be possible without the living seas. For centuries, we've been slaughtering the mammals of the sea--untold thousands of whales every year for much of the 20th century, driving several species to the point of near extinction. With factory ships and "modern" methods, we've slaughtered many fish species to virtual extinction, and threaten some three-fourths of what's left.
And as a product of our self-involved civilization, we're killing the oceans themselves. There are complete dead zones already, and their existence is being linked to the climate crisis. But the damage is much wider, A study this past week suggests that humanity has damaged 96% of the world's ocean--all but small portions near the inaccessible poles, which of course are becoming more accessible thanks to global heating. At least half the oceans are heavily damaged, principally by climate crisis and overfishing. Overfishing is actually encouraged by government subsidies in many nations, and the World Trade Organization.
This was the first attempt to look at damage comprehensively, and not just the impact of separate effects. Our ability to damage comprehensively was evidently not matched by our ability to think that way. Now the challenge for our species--and our only redemption--is to act that way as well.
The extent of the oceans, and the amount of life in it, is incomparable larger than land and its life. Yet little if any life on land would be possible without the living seas. For centuries, we've been slaughtering the mammals of the sea--untold thousands of whales every year for much of the 20th century, driving several species to the point of near extinction. With factory ships and "modern" methods, we've slaughtered many fish species to virtual extinction, and threaten some three-fourths of what's left.
And as a product of our self-involved civilization, we're killing the oceans themselves. There are complete dead zones already, and their existence is being linked to the climate crisis. But the damage is much wider, A study this past week suggests that humanity has damaged 96% of the world's ocean--all but small portions near the inaccessible poles, which of course are becoming more accessible thanks to global heating. At least half the oceans are heavily damaged, principally by climate crisis and overfishing. Overfishing is actually encouraged by government subsidies in many nations, and the World Trade Organization.
This was the first attempt to look at damage comprehensively, and not just the impact of separate effects. Our ability to damage comprehensively was evidently not matched by our ability to think that way. Now the challenge for our species--and our only redemption--is to act that way as well.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
That Funny Valentinus
It's the day for lovers to declare their love, with jewels (if you believe the TV commercials) or as many valentines as you can collect (if you're in grade school.) Flowers, candy and other industries live off this day.
But like lots of commercial holidays, what it's come to may have little to do with its origin. The original St. Valentine is unknown except as legend--the Catholic Church took him off the calendar of saints because of this. There is a known Valentinus that some believe is the origin of the day's tradition of "valentines." But this Valentine was not a stud or a babe, but a monk and a poet (and no saint. Something of a heretic in his youth.) He didn't declare his love to one favored beloved. He wasn't even young:
Our tradition of sending notes on Valentine's Day originated with an Italian monk, Valentinus, who drifted off in his old age into an unquenchable love of everyone around him...
For enjoyment he began writing notes of appreciation and devotion to more and more people; finally elders at the monastery allowed him to stay in his cell and do nothing but pour out his love by way of his small notes.
But like lots of commercial holidays, what it's come to may have little to do with its origin. The original St. Valentine is unknown except as legend--the Catholic Church took him off the calendar of saints because of this. There is a known Valentinus that some believe is the origin of the day's tradition of "valentines." But this Valentine was not a stud or a babe, but a monk and a poet (and no saint. Something of a heretic in his youth.) He didn't declare his love to one favored beloved. He wasn't even young:
Our tradition of sending notes on Valentine's Day originated with an Italian monk, Valentinus, who drifted off in his old age into an unquenchable love of everyone around him...
For enjoyment he began writing notes of appreciation and devotion to more and more people; finally elders at the monastery allowed him to stay in his cell and do nothing but pour out his love by way of his small notes.
A Holocaust Stamped "Made in China"
There are celebrities who use their stardom to support causes and candidates they believe in. But rarely has the action of a big name had greater potential impact than the announcement by Steven Spielberg that he will no longer serve as artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics, because China is not doing enough to restrain the government of Sudan from genocide in Darfur.
It is important because the Olympics are very important to China, and Spielberg's action is part of a larger ongoing effort to pressure China on human rights issues, especially Darfur, through the Olympics. Spielberg's name is globally known, both as the creator of internationally popular movies such as E.T., and also of internationally important films such as Schindler's List.
He does so risking that to the public unfamiliar with the situation, his action seems quixotic. But it isn't. According to the Save Darfur Coalition, China is the main supporter of the Sudan regime, and the main barrier to effective international action to stop the genocide. "With China's protection, Sudanese President Bashir continues his brash defiance of the U.N.," their recent newsletter said. "Just last week Bashir appointed a militia leader who helped orchestrate genocide in Darfur as a senior advisor on ethnic affairs."
China is Sudan's biggest trade partner--it buys 2/3 of Sudan's oil--, its biggest foreign investor and arms supplier. It has opposed and weakened international response through the UN. China wants as much oil as it can get, and not many nations will deal with Sudan. Sudan gets the money--and weapons-- to continue its genocide from selling oil to China.
Continuing efforts include possible boycotts of Olympic sponsors, such as Coca Cola and McDonalds. According to The Guardian: Dr James Smith, chief executive of the Aegis Trust, which campaigns to prevent genocide around the world, said: "This is the biggest message to the Chinese that turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Darfur is unacceptable. Spielberg has demonstrated that collective responsibility means everyone's responsibility."
Spielberg has been urged to make this move for a long time, and suggested months ago that he might. As one commentator put it, " Steven Spielberg has finally decided he does not want to be part of a holocaust stamped "Made in China".
It is important because the Olympics are very important to China, and Spielberg's action is part of a larger ongoing effort to pressure China on human rights issues, especially Darfur, through the Olympics. Spielberg's name is globally known, both as the creator of internationally popular movies such as E.T., and also of internationally important films such as Schindler's List.
He does so risking that to the public unfamiliar with the situation, his action seems quixotic. But it isn't. According to the Save Darfur Coalition, China is the main supporter of the Sudan regime, and the main barrier to effective international action to stop the genocide. "With China's protection, Sudanese President Bashir continues his brash defiance of the U.N.," their recent newsletter said. "Just last week Bashir appointed a militia leader who helped orchestrate genocide in Darfur as a senior advisor on ethnic affairs."
China is Sudan's biggest trade partner--it buys 2/3 of Sudan's oil--, its biggest foreign investor and arms supplier. It has opposed and weakened international response through the UN. China wants as much oil as it can get, and not many nations will deal with Sudan. Sudan gets the money--and weapons-- to continue its genocide from selling oil to China.
Continuing efforts include possible boycotts of Olympic sponsors, such as Coca Cola and McDonalds. According to The Guardian: Dr James Smith, chief executive of the Aegis Trust, which campaigns to prevent genocide around the world, said: "This is the biggest message to the Chinese that turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Darfur is unacceptable. Spielberg has demonstrated that collective responsibility means everyone's responsibility."
Spielberg has been urged to make this move for a long time, and suggested months ago that he might. As one commentator put it, " Steven Spielberg has finally decided he does not want to be part of a holocaust stamped "Made in China".
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Momentous Momentum
Barack Obama won Virginia (64%-35%), Maryland
(with 60%) and DC (with 75%) primaries, winning
nearly all demographic categories, including over-60,
blue collar, women and Latino as well as increasing
majorities among young voters, African Americans and
Independents. He now leads in delegates and popular
vote. He's won 21 state contests, including the last
8 in a row. Hillary Clinton has won a total of 10.
More at American Dash.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
One at a Time
Before the news rush about Virginia, Maryland and
D.C. voting today, here is a photo from this past
weekend, from the mostly overlooked contest in the
Virgin Islands, where Democrats can vote in a primary
but not in the general election. But still, they voted.
Only about 2,000 of them, with each of the 3 islands
getting one delegate. Obama won 90% of the votes, and
3 delegates. Elections news at American Dash.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sweep
Barack Obama swept contests in Louisiana,
Nebraska, Washington state and the Virgin Islands
Saturday, more than 2 to 1 in Nebraska and Washington,
by more than 20 points in Louisiana--and 90% in the V.I.s.
Or as this report put it: "Obama's winning margins ranged
from substantial to crushing." Sunday afternoon update:
Add the Maine caucus to Obama's sweep, by a 60-40 margin.
Details at American Dash.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Focus the Nation on the Climate Crisis
I got so absorbed in the Democratic presidential campaign leading up to Super Tuesday (and not to worry, I'm still following it fitfully at American Dash) that I neglected quite a bit else here, including a big Climate Crisis event called Focus the Nation. Over 1500 colleges, universities and high schools, as well as some cities and towns (like my current hometown of Arcata, CA) took part in two days of webcasts, teleconferences and local events: teach-ins, panel discussions, film screenings and both theatrical demonstrations and demonstrations of clean energy technologies.
Here in Arcata there was a little of all of that, both at Humboldt State University and Arcata City Hall. But here--like a lot of places--focusing on the Climate Crisis and clean energy isn't new. The discussions on energy technologies are often very practical, because there are ongoing efforts--the students themselves started a fund a few years ago to participate in designing and installing the kind of changes that will further the university's goal of off-the-grid, clean renewable energy for 100% of the university's energy use. Arcata's Town Hall Meeting is online.
But this isn't all that unusual for campuses, even though it may not be generally known how much work has already been done and how committed faculty as well as students are and have been on this issue for a long time. An impressive example is the University of Vermont, which had over 80 teach-ins and 30 events involving 16 academic departments over five days. During that time, the president of the university announced a new Office of Sustainability, to coordinate efforts and planning. If you know anything about universities, you know that's a powerful commitment, though of course it depends on the follow-through.
Still, this sort of thing is great for spreading the word, getting people to see each other and renew or deepen or even begin their commitment. And it's good for synthesis--for people who've been working on their piece of the solutions, who can share what they're doing, cross-fertilize ideas and get new ones. Plus it gives everyone an idea of how far along we are as a whole, and where we need to get to next.
These events happened on January 30 and 31, and though they escaped my mentioning them because of the campaign, they didn't escape Barack Obama's. He was a principal endorser of the event, and told students at Clemson University in South Carolina where he was campaigning,"There is an organization called Focus the Nation, which is going to have the largest campus teach in on global warming in United States history right here on the Clemson campus," Obama said. "This is an important issue and I want everyone to be involved with it, everybody to be paying attention. I hope all of you choose to participate, because this is a terrific issue."
But even though the event has passed, the Focus the Nation website suggest continuing efforts, and stresses the importance of voting for leaders--and voting for a President--who will address this issue: The new President and Congress will be setting their agenda—and that agenda will determine if the climate can stabilize at a heating of 3-4 degrees F, or instead 5-10 degrees F... Between now and the end of 2008, we can move this country from a fatalistic acceptance of business-as-usual global warming. We can end the paralyzing sense that our children must accept from us an impoverished planet. We can embrace a determination to act, and hold global warming to the manageable low end.
Here in Arcata there was a little of all of that, both at Humboldt State University and Arcata City Hall. But here--like a lot of places--focusing on the Climate Crisis and clean energy isn't new. The discussions on energy technologies are often very practical, because there are ongoing efforts--the students themselves started a fund a few years ago to participate in designing and installing the kind of changes that will further the university's goal of off-the-grid, clean renewable energy for 100% of the university's energy use. Arcata's Town Hall Meeting is online.
But this isn't all that unusual for campuses, even though it may not be generally known how much work has already been done and how committed faculty as well as students are and have been on this issue for a long time. An impressive example is the University of Vermont, which had over 80 teach-ins and 30 events involving 16 academic departments over five days. During that time, the president of the university announced a new Office of Sustainability, to coordinate efforts and planning. If you know anything about universities, you know that's a powerful commitment, though of course it depends on the follow-through.
Still, this sort of thing is great for spreading the word, getting people to see each other and renew or deepen or even begin their commitment. And it's good for synthesis--for people who've been working on their piece of the solutions, who can share what they're doing, cross-fertilize ideas and get new ones. Plus it gives everyone an idea of how far along we are as a whole, and where we need to get to next.
These events happened on January 30 and 31, and though they escaped my mentioning them because of the campaign, they didn't escape Barack Obama's. He was a principal endorser of the event, and told students at Clemson University in South Carolina where he was campaigning,"There is an organization called Focus the Nation, which is going to have the largest campus teach in on global warming in United States history right here on the Clemson campus," Obama said. "This is an important issue and I want everyone to be involved with it, everybody to be paying attention. I hope all of you choose to participate, because this is a terrific issue."
But even though the event has passed, the Focus the Nation website suggest continuing efforts, and stresses the importance of voting for leaders--and voting for a President--who will address this issue: The new President and Congress will be setting their agenda—and that agenda will determine if the climate can stabilize at a heating of 3-4 degrees F, or instead 5-10 degrees F... Between now and the end of 2008, we can move this country from a fatalistic acceptance of business-as-usual global warming. We can end the paralyzing sense that our children must accept from us an impoverished planet. We can embrace a determination to act, and hold global warming to the manageable low end.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Super Obama
On Super Tuesday Barack Obama won at least 13
states, overcoming a 19 point deficit two weeks ago
to win Missouri, a 14 point deficit to win Connecticut,
a 15 point deficit in Alabama, etc. He came up short
but won many delegates in Massachusetts
(where he was behind by 37 points two weeks ago,)
and California (a 25 point deficit), though he won
my county, 53.7% to 38.4%. He broke many barriers
in an historic election. "Our time has come," he said
last night, "our movement is real, and change is coming
to America."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Hey Primary Voter, Still Undecided?
If you are a Democrat: Have you heard John McCain lately? He will make you pine for G.W. Bush. McCain is all about fear and violence. We have wasted close to a trillion dollars that could have fixed so much that needs to be fixed in America on a needless war in a little country, and have written our name in blood. Barack Obama not only opposed this war and has the credibility to end it, he will not get us into more needless and destructive conflicts, and he will lead us back into the world community, so it can be a good thing to be an American again. The polls show that Barack Obama is the candidate to beat McCain or any Republican, instead of the candidate that half the public consistently says they don't like. Obama will do what he has done in the primaries--he will grow the party and bring people together in the service of principle and needed change. He alone can lead the ticket to get the kind of majority in Congress and support in the country to get things done.
If you believe the Climate Crisis is the greatest threat to the future: then you know the transformational change that will be necessary to address it in all its aspects, to fix the problems it causes as they happen, to stop even worse consequences in the future. Barack Obama--his skills, his message and how it is resonating in this country already, as well as his philosophy and pragmatism--is our best hope for leading this transformation. And he will do it in the right way--not with fear or fiat, not with top down power but with active participation and common sense.
If you are an independent, or independently minded: as Maria Shriver said Sunday, if you want to bring people together to get things done, it requires a commitment from the very beginning--and that's what Obama's campaign has been about, when he was down in the polls, and when he won elections. Obama is not beholden to Washington politicians or lobbyists like another candidate we could name. He brings something new.
And a bit of California housekeeping--If you are registered as a no-preference voter, and you want to vote for Obama in the primary, you must ASK FOR A DEMOCRATIC PARTY BALLOT, or you will be given a ballot that only has the state and local propositions.
To all the people I told in 2000 that George Bush would be a worse disaster than they could imagine: listen to me this time. These primaries matter, this election matters, and Barack Obama is not just the better of two choices--he is the best choice. This is the time to step up.
Today I will be casting my vote for exactly the right leader for these times, and for the future: Barack Obama. Please join me in doing so. A better world is possible. Yes. We can. Make it so.
The Democratic Primary in California and 21 other states is TODAY!
Latest election news by your compulsive correspondent will be at American Dash.
If you believe the Climate Crisis is the greatest threat to the future: then you know the transformational change that will be necessary to address it in all its aspects, to fix the problems it causes as they happen, to stop even worse consequences in the future. Barack Obama--his skills, his message and how it is resonating in this country already, as well as his philosophy and pragmatism--is our best hope for leading this transformation. And he will do it in the right way--not with fear or fiat, not with top down power but with active participation and common sense.
If you are an independent, or independently minded: as Maria Shriver said Sunday, if you want to bring people together to get things done, it requires a commitment from the very beginning--and that's what Obama's campaign has been about, when he was down in the polls, and when he won elections. Obama is not beholden to Washington politicians or lobbyists like another candidate we could name. He brings something new.
And a bit of California housekeeping--If you are registered as a no-preference voter, and you want to vote for Obama in the primary, you must ASK FOR A DEMOCRATIC PARTY BALLOT, or you will be given a ballot that only has the state and local propositions.
To all the people I told in 2000 that George Bush would be a worse disaster than they could imagine: listen to me this time. These primaries matter, this election matters, and Barack Obama is not just the better of two choices--he is the best choice. This is the time to step up.
Today I will be casting my vote for exactly the right leader for these times, and for the future: Barack Obama. Please join me in doing so. A better world is possible. Yes. We can. Make it so.
The Democratic Primary in California and 21 other states is TODAY!
Latest election news by your compulsive correspondent will be at American Dash.
The Dreaming Up Daily Quote
"We are the ones we have been waiting for."
end of a Hopi prayer, quoted by Maria Shriver
Sunday, in her appearance endorsing Barack
Obama for President
end of a Hopi prayer, quoted by Maria Shriver
Sunday, in her appearance endorsing Barack
Obama for President
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Mrs. Governator Endorses Obama
Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy, Maria
(Mrs. Ahnold, First Lady of California) Shriver
and Oprah at a huge rally in Los Angeles for
Obama Sunday. Shriver: "IF OBAMA WAS
A STATE, HE'D BE CALIFORNIA."
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Obamamentum
Second Sunday update: Obama endorsed by Mrs. Governator--Maria Shriver, wife of the Republican governor of California--at a Los Angeles rally with Oprah, Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy.
Sunday update: Reuters/Zogby poll has Obama ahead in California for the first time, 45% to 41%. The two are virtually tied in former Clinton stronghold of New Jersey, and in Missouri.
Saturday update: Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, endorsed Barack Obama today:
Barack is so like Bobby, who struggled for the rights of the poor in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia, traveled to California to stand in solidarity with Cesar Chavez and farm workers and fought to end another war that cost so many lives.
Today, we crave a leader with vision who can help us regain our lost humanity and rekindle our inherent generosity. With courage, caring and charisma, Senator Obama is leading us toward a kinder, gentler world.
Senator Obama's candidacy sends out "ripples of hope" that can build a "current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." I am proud to support Barack Obama, and look forward to him leading this country toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
After an online vote of its membership, MoveOn.org endorsed Barack Obama. He got more than 70% of the vote. According to the Nation magazine, "MoveOn, which has never endorsed a presidential candidate before, boasts that it has 1.7 million members in Super Tuesday states. The group has over half a million members in California alone – roughly one out of ten primary voters in Tuesday's largest state... Organizers said they would "immediately" begin mobilizing on behalf of Obama, leading turnout programs and phone-banking members of MoveOn in targeted states. The group made seven million "GOTV" calls for Democrats in the mid-term elections, and it has an extensive voter file database."
Several unions which had been backing John Edwards moved to Obama, including -the Service Workers Union which endorsed Obama on Friday. Said the San Jose Mercury News: "It's one of California's largest unions: The 650,000-member union's backing could help Obama cut into Hillary Rodham Clinton's lead in the polls among Democratic base voters, many of whom are union members. The SEIU includes city, county and state employees, as well as in-home support and health care workers."
Obama is moving up in the latest round of polls. The Obama campaign raised $32 million in January, and signed up a quarter million new donors. The more than 1 million a day "is the largest haul ever by a presidential candidate during a competitive primary." Unlike the Clinton campaign, many of whose big donors aren't allowed to give more than they have, Obama donors are largely small and first time donors.
Here in California, the LA Times and the Oakland Tribune endorsed Obama Friday, bringing the total of California newspapers who have endorsed him to 29--with the addition of the Los Angeles Spanish language newspaper, La Opinion. Said the LA Times:
The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge of foreign relations and of this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He's a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.
In the language of metaphor, Clinton is an essay, solid and reasoned; Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility. Clinton would be a valuable and competent executive, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing far too long -- a sense of aspiration."
The Obama campaign announced that a rally Sunday in Los Angeles will feature Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey. On Monday, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead will reunite for an Obama fund-raising concert in San Francisco.
Sunday update: Reuters/Zogby poll has Obama ahead in California for the first time, 45% to 41%. The two are virtually tied in former Clinton stronghold of New Jersey, and in Missouri.
Saturday update: Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, endorsed Barack Obama today:
Barack is so like Bobby, who struggled for the rights of the poor in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia, traveled to California to stand in solidarity with Cesar Chavez and farm workers and fought to end another war that cost so many lives.
Today, we crave a leader with vision who can help us regain our lost humanity and rekindle our inherent generosity. With courage, caring and charisma, Senator Obama is leading us toward a kinder, gentler world.
Senator Obama's candidacy sends out "ripples of hope" that can build a "current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." I am proud to support Barack Obama, and look forward to him leading this country toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
After an online vote of its membership, MoveOn.org endorsed Barack Obama. He got more than 70% of the vote. According to the Nation magazine, "MoveOn, which has never endorsed a presidential candidate before, boasts that it has 1.7 million members in Super Tuesday states. The group has over half a million members in California alone – roughly one out of ten primary voters in Tuesday's largest state... Organizers said they would "immediately" begin mobilizing on behalf of Obama, leading turnout programs and phone-banking members of MoveOn in targeted states. The group made seven million "GOTV" calls for Democrats in the mid-term elections, and it has an extensive voter file database."
Several unions which had been backing John Edwards moved to Obama, including -the Service Workers Union which endorsed Obama on Friday. Said the San Jose Mercury News: "It's one of California's largest unions: The 650,000-member union's backing could help Obama cut into Hillary Rodham Clinton's lead in the polls among Democratic base voters, many of whom are union members. The SEIU includes city, county and state employees, as well as in-home support and health care workers."
Obama is moving up in the latest round of polls. The Obama campaign raised $32 million in January, and signed up a quarter million new donors. The more than 1 million a day "is the largest haul ever by a presidential candidate during a competitive primary." Unlike the Clinton campaign, many of whose big donors aren't allowed to give more than they have, Obama donors are largely small and first time donors.
Here in California, the LA Times and the Oakland Tribune endorsed Obama Friday, bringing the total of California newspapers who have endorsed him to 29--with the addition of the Los Angeles Spanish language newspaper, La Opinion. Said the LA Times:
The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge of foreign relations and of this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He's a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.
In the language of metaphor, Clinton is an essay, solid and reasoned; Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility. Clinton would be a valuable and competent executive, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing far too long -- a sense of aspiration."
The Obama campaign announced that a rally Sunday in Los Angeles will feature Michelle Obama, Caroline Kennedy and Oprah Winfrey. On Monday, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead will reunite for an Obama fund-raising concert in San Francisco.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Historic Debate in Hollywood
The last two contenders for the Democratic Party
nomination for President debated in Hollywood
Thursday, before 22 states hold primaries and
caucuses on Tuesday, including California.
Some pundits called it a love-fest but differences
emerged, and many gave the debate to Obama
for his answers on Iraq and immigration, for his
humor, for taking on McCain and Romney and on
looking and sounding presidential. (For summary
and links: American Dash.)
More Obama Endorsements
Barack Obama at the Thursday
debate. He picked up several
new endorsements, including former
Fed chair Paul Volker, and the
Nation magazine. See below.
From The Nation editorial endorsement
Barack Obama picked up the endorsement of The Nation magazine, which said in part:
The question of who can best build popular support for a progressive governing agenda is related to, but distinct from, the question of electability. Given a certain ceiling on Clinton's appeal (due largely to years of unhinged attacks from the "vast right-wing conspiracy"), her campaign seems well prepared to run a 50 percent + 1 campaign, a rerun of 2004 but with a state or two switching columns: Florida, maybe, or Ohio. Obama is aiming for something bigger: a landmark sea-change election, with the kind of high favorability and approval ratings that can drive an agenda forward.
Why should we think he can do it? The short answer is that Obama is simply one of the most talented and appealing politicians in recent memory. Perhaps the most. Pollster.com shows a series of polls taken in the Democratic campaign. The graphs plotting national polling numbers as well as those in the first four states show a remarkably consistent pattern. Hillary Clinton starts out with either a modest or, more commonly, a massive lead, owing to her superior name recognition and the popularity of the Clinton brand. As the campaign goes forward Clinton's support either climbs slowly, plateaus or dips. But as the actual contest approaches, and voters start paying attention, Obama's support suddenly begins to grow exponentially.
In addition to persuading those who already vote, Obama has also delivered on one of the hoariest promises in politics: to bring in new voters (especially the young). It's a phenomenon that, if it were to continue with him as nominee, could completely alter the electoral math. Young people are by far the most progressive voters of any age cohort, and they overwhelmingly favor Barack Obama by stunning margins. Their enthusiasm has translated into massive increases in youth turnout in the early contests.
Finally, there's the question of coattails. In many senses there's less difference between the two presidential candidates than there is between a Senate with fifty-one Democrats and one with fifty-six. No Democratic presidential candidate is going to carry, say, Mississippi or Nebraska, but many Democrats in those states fear that the ingrained Clinton hatred would rally the GOP base and/or depress turnout, hurting down-ticket candidates. Over the past few weeks a series of prominent red-state Democrats, most notably Ben Nelson, Kent Conrad and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, have endorsed Obama. When I asked a Democratic Congressional candidate in the Deep South who he preferred at the top of the ticket, he didn't hesitate: "Obama is absolutely the better candidate. Hillary brings a lot of sting; he takes some sting out of them."
For other endorsements, news and post-debate chatter: American Dash.
The question of who can best build popular support for a progressive governing agenda is related to, but distinct from, the question of electability. Given a certain ceiling on Clinton's appeal (due largely to years of unhinged attacks from the "vast right-wing conspiracy"), her campaign seems well prepared to run a 50 percent + 1 campaign, a rerun of 2004 but with a state or two switching columns: Florida, maybe, or Ohio. Obama is aiming for something bigger: a landmark sea-change election, with the kind of high favorability and approval ratings that can drive an agenda forward.
Why should we think he can do it? The short answer is that Obama is simply one of the most talented and appealing politicians in recent memory. Perhaps the most. Pollster.com shows a series of polls taken in the Democratic campaign. The graphs plotting national polling numbers as well as those in the first four states show a remarkably consistent pattern. Hillary Clinton starts out with either a modest or, more commonly, a massive lead, owing to her superior name recognition and the popularity of the Clinton brand. As the campaign goes forward Clinton's support either climbs slowly, plateaus or dips. But as the actual contest approaches, and voters start paying attention, Obama's support suddenly begins to grow exponentially.
In addition to persuading those who already vote, Obama has also delivered on one of the hoariest promises in politics: to bring in new voters (especially the young). It's a phenomenon that, if it were to continue with him as nominee, could completely alter the electoral math. Young people are by far the most progressive voters of any age cohort, and they overwhelmingly favor Barack Obama by stunning margins. Their enthusiasm has translated into massive increases in youth turnout in the early contests.
Finally, there's the question of coattails. In many senses there's less difference between the two presidential candidates than there is between a Senate with fifty-one Democrats and one with fifty-six. No Democratic presidential candidate is going to carry, say, Mississippi or Nebraska, but many Democrats in those states fear that the ingrained Clinton hatred would rally the GOP base and/or depress turnout, hurting down-ticket candidates. Over the past few weeks a series of prominent red-state Democrats, most notably Ben Nelson, Kent Conrad and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, have endorsed Obama. When I asked a Democratic Congressional candidate in the Deep South who he preferred at the top of the ticket, he didn't hesitate: "Obama is absolutely the better candidate. Hillary brings a lot of sting; he takes some sting out of them."
For other endorsements, news and post-debate chatter: American Dash.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Obama in Arizona
Barack Obama in Phoenix, with Arizona Governor
Janet Napolitano (who has endorsed him) and
Caroline Kennedy. Obama was also endorsed by
80 volunteer attorneys representing prisoners at
Guantanamo. Campaign news at American Dash.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
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