OBAMA VS. FOX NEWS

I read a couple Blog articles today and some news reports regarding the fact that it appears that Senator Obama is "freezing" out Fox Reporters - See article

I am not at all surprised. Anything he would say to them would be "twisted" to report the way they want to in a negative light, yet Fox News claims that it is Senator Obama's peril not to engage in interviews with their reporters. Now, can someone explain to me just why Senator Obama should be eager to give interviews to Fox News reporters when it was THEY who proclaimed the FALSE report without doing one minute of actual research about Senator Obama's school at the age of 7 years old, hinting that he went to a "terrorist leaning" grade school? This writer does not blame Senator one bit for failing to engage Fox reporters in interviews or conversation. In fact I agree with the writer of the above linked article, that he is better off without Fox News.

I sit here today and picture the staff at Fox News appointing a staff of reporters in a "War Room" totally devoted to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING that they can use to put out as fact that would be a negative report about Senator Obama.

For those not in the know, being from New York I can tell you that the original writer of the piece on Senator Obama's school which was false, as proven by the research done by CNN, happens to be a close friend of the Clinton's. Interesting? Certainly allows Senator Clinton to put out false reports and be "above it all" in order to disclaim any knowledge. But then, those of us in New York are used to the strong arm tactics of Senator Clinton. Her staff strong arms local Democratic politicians and offices to support her, as failure to do so, will ensure she will never appear at one of THEIR fundraisers or events. And I am shocked at Senator Schumer's support of Senator Clinton. I had admired him, voted for him, and am personally shocked he would not wait and take a good look at Senator Obama, but then again, he needs her backing for his next election now doesn't he? I can't deny the fact Senator Clinton through her husband's contacts is quite good at getting huge donors for her campaign.

I believe the massive grassroots support both Internet and Real World for Senator Obama is indicative of the citizens being sick and tired of OLD TIME POLITICS, and want to choose for themselves who they will support. Fox news just hates the fact that there has been a massive grassroots groundswell of support for Senator Obama.

As was talked about on Hardball yesterday, the GOP is sadly lacking for a GOOD candidate to put up against the Democrats in 08, and even in Congress the Republicans are divided. Their party is in disarray, and whose fault is that? You can lay it directly at the feet of President Bush.
Not only has he succeeded in getting most of the citizens of this country against him, he also has been able to make a shambles of his party.

TROOP BUILDUP - WRONG DIRECTION

By HOPE YEN - Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON(AP) The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman on Sunday dismissed criticism a resolution opposing a troop buildup in Iraq would embolden the enemy and estimated perhaps only 20 senators believe President Bush "is headed in the right direction."
"It's not the American people or the U.S. Congress who are emboldening the enemy," said Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., and White House hopeful in 2008. "It's the failed policy of this president _ going to war without a strategy, going to war prematurely."

COMMENT:

I read this article today and it makes me ask the question: "Why won't President Bush heed the advice of others?" Those generals in the field who spoke up and told the President they disagreed with him were replaced by those that would agree with him. Under immense pressure after this past election, he replaced Rumsfeld "the warmonger" after stating prior to the election that Rumsfeld was there to stay. It seems President Bush is "lost" himself.

I had a spot for people to post comments and as you can see that has been removed for the time being due to a very abusive posting by someone, who admittedly has a stake in this issue as he has a son who just deployed to Iraq, yet he accused me of being Anti-American when I am only exercising my constitutional right to express my opinion on all topics that would be pertinent to this blog. He accused me of supporting a candidate, Senator Obama who would cut off funds for the troops. I would like to correct the gentleman who commented, because Senator Obama has NEVER suggested denying funding for the troops already on the ground in Iraq, as to do so would put them in peril. The commentor needs to do more homework and read exactly what Senator Obama's position is on Iraq before condemning me of being Anti-American. The commentor also discussed, WITHOUT DOING HIS HOMEWORK, the FALSE story planted by a Hillary Clinton backed magazine about Senator Obama's schooling at the AGE OF 6 YEARS OLD in a supposed "terrorist" elementary school. (To show I DO do my homework, here is only one article CORRECTING what is falsly being reported on some anti-Obama blogs - OBMA SCHOOL

CNN instead did their reporting correctly, and sent reporters directly to the school Senator Obama attended and spoke directly to the headmaster who had been there when Senator Obama attended. Senator Obama attended that school for a total of 2 years, kindergarten and 1st grade, and at the time, the school was secular in nature and never ever taught extremist views and does not to this day.

People need to do their homework instead of believing "hate Obama" blogs on the internet who take the easy way by copying false reports and not investigating any further before posting this type of slander against Senator Obama.

Hate, in any form is a cancer that spreads, as in the hate between the religioius sects in Iraq. Senator Obama offers a NEW kind of politics, one where one can discuss various issues, whether you agree with them or not, in a civilized manner. The commentor who posted here would rather HATE than discuss, would rather BASH and repeat false reports than discuss anything in a civilized manner.

For this reason I will hold off allowing comments as I would rather follow the lead of an insightful candidate, and respond to civilized comments, instead of receiving hate filled statements without fact.

Now, I will in fact, stand corrected where I stated in a previous posting that 7 soldiers of the 82Airborne died on their first day in Iraq. I was writing my post while reading an article about the deaths of 7, which has since been corrected to 8 troops who died when their helicopter was shot down in Iraq on one day, 3 days prior to the death of the first casualty from the 82Airbord Division. I stand corrected sir and apologize for this error, but it is to be expected when so many of our wonderful fine soldiers, both men AND women are dying in a war that should never have begun due to the lies told by the Administration. I stand behind my statement of those lies. President Bush, Vice President Cheney and Rumsfeld made the case that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction and put out those false reports to instill fear in the citizens of the United States so their effort to invade Iraq would not receive critisizm. Now if you call that Anti-American, you are the one who is crazy. I support our troops and want them home but while they are in Iraq I pray for them every single day. I have volunteered countless hours on many many projects for our troops, including, Operation Phone Home, Operation Care Package, and am currently involved in a New York based group who are gathering supplies for Care packages for our troops. So don't attack me as Anti-American sir.

No, I contend it is your racial bias against Senator Obama which brings out the hate in you and you had to sling it at someone, so why not this blog? I pray your son stays safe and comes home before our President escalates it to another war in Iran.

Now if you wish to see the ACTUAL Casulty List here you go! I suggest people read blogs that actually do research and find out the FACTS insteead of those bloggers who pick up "snippits" of information and write about it without the true facts.

I attempt in each post to us FACTS that I have researched but no one can be perfect all the time. I made one error in my post regarding the 82 Airborne and you attack me for making a mistake. So be it.

HILLARY CLINTON 'MASTER OF DISASTER'

Recently the Fox News with John Gibson discussed the "bomb" dropped on Senator Obama by the Hillary Clinton "machine" regarding his days spent in a school at the AGE OF 6 stating it was a Madrassa (which is a radical Islamic form of the Muslim religion). Here is a quote from that show:

"You know, the Clinton team and the machine, make no mistake, it's still in place. They used to call themselves the masters of disaster. And if Barack Obama gets into the race against Clinton, I think that he can count on no small amount of disaster being forced upon him by running against one of the most effective and one of the most negative political machines ever assembled in this country."

Now, through Investigation, the Washington Post has revealed that this in fact is NOT TRUE regarding Senator Obama's schooling.

Their story today in the Washington Post says the exact opposite directly from the Headmaster of the school. Now remember, this is a Clinton attempt to muddy the waters was 40 YEARS ago when Senator Obama was 6 years old. Senator Clinton's operatives are stopping at nothing to discredit Senator Obama and they are striking early. This to me shows she is truly worried about the threat Senator Obama poses in her STRONG ARMED METHODS to get the White House. She is using OLD TIME DIRTY POLITICS in a day when we would hope that civility and honest discussion would be the way to campaign, allowing the citizens to decide for themselves after hearing where each candidate stands on issues.

We could get down and dirty with Mrs. Clinton, if that is what she so chooses. She has so many skeletons in her closet she couldn't begin to explain them all. What is interesting about Senator Obama is the gentlemanly way he responded to her announcement of her bid for the Presidency, the class he showed in his response should be a guideline for the way Senator Clinton should present herself. The way her MACHINE is working now, she comes across as a demanding, shrill, nasty woman, and not one for any woman to emulate. She I believe needs to rethink her approach because it is not going to gain her any friends from the voters.

And she certainly is keeping hubby Bill hidden right now isn't she. If she can't stand the heat the way to handle it is not to attack another candidate but rather answer some questions about HER that the citizens have. Hillary, your hands are not clean on this one, painting Senator Obama as a "terrorist" by hinting at it by putting out a story that he attended a school when he was 6 YEARS OLD that was radical and it wasn't true. Do your homework next time on who Senator Obama REALLY is.

TAKING THE 'REAL' PULSE OF NEW YORK VOTERS

I read a couple polling numbers today in the New York papers as I am located just outside NYC and I sure would like to know where they are getting their figures. They "claim" that Senator Clinton leads Senator Obama 53% to his 41%. But then again, this was published in a pro-Clinton newspaper so you figure it out. I don't think I need to spell it out for you.

Now I have spoken with doctors, teachers, the garbage man, secretaries, financial analysts, well people in all walks of life, the elderly, the disabled, the poor and while Senator Clinton is discussed, the interest is in Senator Obama. Although they do express a desire to get to know more about him, Senator Obama if you read this, heed their request? Come visit New York, they are eager to hear from you. I have found most citizens are NOT READY to throw their support behind Senator Clinton, but would like to take a look at Senator Obama.

There are many reasons given as to why they hesitate to support Senator Clinton, chief among them is the fact they do not trust her. This is a result of her WASTING $50 million dollars to ensure her seat, that there would be no doubt she would keep it, AND she had to show big numbers, thereby giving her a secure launching pad for her Presidential bid. Now the citizens of New York I have personally spoken with do not appreciate her WASTE of donations, and yes folks it was a WASTE as she could have won re-election spending a 10th of that amount due to the fact there really wasn't any interesting candidate running for the job that gained much interest of the citizens of the state.

They also express suspicion on the entire progression of events and the calculated move on the part of the Clintons to move to NY to set a base for Senator Clinton. Allow me to explain. First their choice of where to buy a house nestled among the 'rich elite' who are invested in NYC but live in a wealthy little town, a rich enclave amongst themselves. Then their came President Clinton's positioning himself with an office in New York City and his unending appearances at events where the powerful and elitist also attend. Setting a stage you might say for entree for Senator Clinton to gain initial support among the 'monied elite'. Then her first run for Senate with President Clinton using his contacts in the black communities of NYC to shore up her vote in those areas. There was no mistake my friends that President Clinton would have an office in Harlem, therefore allowing Hillary to claim roots in that community therefore gaining the black voter there.

Due to the power of the black vote, and folks, believe me, Senator Clinton does not care one bit about the needs of the inner city. I have witnessed for myself her visits, and believe me, they are just that, visits, photo-ops for her future use so she can show how she 'cares" about the underpriviledged. She could not get out of there fast enough, spending only enough time to get her video and photos, then getting out of Harlem as fast as she could. With Bill stablizing the black vote, it allowed her to concentrate on upper New York thereby winning her election for first term Senator. This has all been calculated since President Clinton left the White House.
She certainly expected some payback for standing by her man while he played with his ladies at the White House. As a matter of fact, Hilary knew all about it, and I have heard reports she herself strong armed a couple ladies. Yes, she has much to hide, but it will all come out.

Senator Clinton, the one behind Whitewater herself. It was HER demand they purchase that land from her friend, yet she stood back denying any knowledge of that fiasco, keeping her hands clean and allowing the President, her husband to take all the heat.

She has been cold and calculating from day one when they arrived in New York State and the citizens of this state since this past election are realizing it. It was not her likability that re-elected her, rather the desire of the citizens to make sure the Democrats gained control of Congress that ensured her re-election. Many are unhappy with the fact of her waste of $50million dollars and then not fulfilling her promise to do a job the citizens of this state hired her to do, be their Senator for 6 more years. She knew before the election she would not want to stay in that job, and used the citizens to her advantage.

This is only part of what I have been hearing. They are unhappy with the way her opinions flipflop according to public outcry. She voted FOR THE WAR, and now puts out a half-hearted demand for withdrawal. She does not take chances, and every single word she utters is "scripted" by her handlers. Her Internet chats should be interesting as I can picture her staff, sitting behind the cameras furiously scribbling replies for her to question posed.

Senator Clinton is OLD POLITICS and do we really want President Clinton sitting in the White House with nothing to do? Hmmmmm should be interesting with a husband you don't know what to do with, with time on his hands to roam around looking for the pretty ladies.

This I DO know. The citizens of New York State are not ready to give her wholehearted support and the state is RIPE for Senator Obama to take away her little prize. I for one will be right there to campaign for him, among thousands of others already signed up to take Senator Clinton's so-called "locked up state" away from her.

AFRICAN AMERICAN SUPPORT FOR OBAMA - A CHALLENGE

Jesse Jackson: 'All of my heart leans toward Barack'from Alexander Mooney-->
WASHINGTON (CNN) --

Rev. Jesse Jackson, a leader in the African-American community and two-time presidential candidate, told CNN Thursday he is all but certain to endorse Sen. Barack Obama's, D-Illinois, likely bid for the White House."All of my heart leans toward Barack," Jackson said. "He is a next-door neighbor literally. I think he's an extension of our struggle to make this a more perfect union.""I will talk to all of them, but my inclinations are really toward Barack," he added. Jackson also spoke highly of others seeking or likely to seek the Democratic nomination, and said Obama cannot take the African-American base of the party for granted."It will be a feisty, competitive campaign," he said. "I don't think it will be hostile, or nasty, but it will be a very competitive campaign."

COMMENT: In the process of reading many many articles on the issue of Senator Obama's ability to gain the support of the African American citizens, it has been noted that John Edwards is proclaiming that "these are my people" and many southern Black ministers DO support John Edwards but this I believe is due to the fact that Senator Obama has yet to visit and engage with the leaders of the southern communities and allow them to get to know him and where he stands. It is interesting to note, that many well to do WHITE southern voters are more interested in Senator Obama. This is a key issue that Senator Obama needs to address. There does tend to be a discrimmination factor also in play in that Senator Obama is of "mixed race" and African Americans tend to consider this a "minus" factor. Perhaps this is due to predecessors of Senator Obama of mixed race who fail to point with pride of their African heritage, witness golf pro who tells Oprah he is "claynasian", ie, white, asian descent rather than pointing out his African blood. I am speaking of Tiger Woods who fails to embrace his African heritage alienating the Black community.

Yet I feel certain, as Senator Obama visits these states and speaks about how proud he is of his Kenya roots, his journey there to discover his heritage, and his embracing of his African heritage, he can overcome this disadvantage. Southern black ministers do admit that many of their congregation would be likely to vote for Senator Obama, being proud to vote for an African American for President. It is up to Senator Obama to make his case to the African American community. He has a good headstart in that direction and should embrace and instill in the African American communities his pride of heritage, emphasizing his work in poor neighborhoods and his concerns for the working poor. This will go a long way to increasing his odds over Senator Edwards in the South. The Northern Black communities that know more about Senator Obama are more willing to embrace his campaign. The message also needs to be made clear in the South of Senator Obama's pride in Martin Luther King, Jr. and that he considers him a role model. Many in the south know little about Senator Obama and it is key that he spend time in these communities, allowing them to gain confidence in considering voting for him for President.

TEN THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT BARACK OBAMA

By Monica Ekman
Posted 1/16/07
Related Links
More from Inside Washington

Compiled by the U.S. News library staff.

1. Obama was born on Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu. His first name, Barack, means "blessed" in Swahili and was also his Kenyan father's name.

2. He says he hasn't liked ice cream since working at Baskin-Robbins as a teenager.

3. His childhood nickname was Barry.

4. Obama is the third African-American senator since Reconstruction.

5. He married Michelle Robinson, also a Harvard Law School graduate, who supervised him while he was working as a summer associate in a Chicago law firm. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

6. As an Illinois state senator, he sponsored a bill to require the police to videotape interrogations in capital crime cases. Illinois was the first state to do this.

7. A school in his father's hometown near Lake Victoria in Kenya has been renamed the Senator Barack Obama Secondary School.

8. He loves playing Scrabble.

9. Obama and his wife bought a house on Chicago's South Side in June 2005 for $1.65 million. It has four fireplaces.

10. His heroes are Martin Luther King Jr., Mohandas Gandhi, Pablo Picasso, and John Coltrane.

Sources:
Current Biography
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Tribune
Associated Press
Politics in America 2006

COMMENT: I thought this would be an interesting set of new facts about Senator Obama. He doesn't like ICECREAM? Who knew.

HILLARY CLINTON- STANCE ON IRAQ SWINGS THE WAY VOTERS ARE FEELING

In doing some research on voting records of potential candidates for the Presidency, I came across Senator Clinton's record on the Iraq war compared to her statements today on CBS News. I will post both for you and YOU decide if Senator Clinton is now backtracking on her original vote. Interesting to note also, I found a ton of NO votes on Energy saving votes which I will go into at another time which Senator Obama states is key to our independence on foreign oil in the future.

Use of Military Force Against Iraq
Bill Number: H J Res 114Issue: Military IssuesDate: 10/11/2002
Sponsor:Rep Hastert, Dennis [IL-14]
Roll Call Number: 237Joint Resolution Adopted (Senate)How members voted
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton voted YES.
Read statements Senator Clinton made in this general time period. (note: could find no comment made at the time of the vote by Senator Clinton)

Official Title of Legislation:H J Res 114: To authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq.Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:Vote to adopt a joint resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq. Highlights: - Authorizes President to use United States Armed Forces against Iraq- Requires President to report to Congress no later than 48 hours after military action has started with his determination that diplomatic efforts alone could not protect U.S. national security nor enforce United Nations resolutions regarding Iraq- Requires President to submit a progress report to Congress every 60 days on matters relevant to this resolution House Passage Vote: 10/10/2002: Passed: 296-133 (Roll No. 455)Senate Passage Vote: 10/11/2002: Passed: 77-23. Record Vote Number: 237Presidential Action: 10/16/2002: Signed by President. Became public law #107-243.

COMPARE THE ABOVE TO SENATOR CLINTON'S STATEMENTS TODAY:

By Douglas Stanglin, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, fresh from a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan, said today that she opposes sending more troops to Iraq and supports instead the phased redeployment of U.S. troops out of Baghdad.

Clinton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a potential candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, appeared on morning television programs in making her first comments since President Bush announced plans to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq.
"I am for redeploying our troops out of Baghdad and eventually out of Iraq so that we can make sure that they're not in the midst of a civil war," she said on CBS' Early Show.
The senator said that Bush, in his call for U.S. troops to support Iraqi troops in stemming sectarian violence, "failed to put any leverage" on the Iraqi government.
"I don't think begging a government that has shown no willingness to make tough decisions is a strategy," she said on NBC's Today. She said Washington should threaten to cut off funds for Iraqi troops and for the protection of Iraqi leaders if they do not do make political compromises to win broad support.
She said the United States should make it clear to the Iraqi government that "we're not going to fund an army that doesn't show up half the time, that is more aligned with their sectarian position than with the national identity."
She said the Iraqi government is "waiting us out."
"They intend to do everything they can to impose a particular brand of dominance over the Sunnis, and there's no reason for the Sunni insurgency, therefore, to stop," Clinton said.

EDITORIAL NOTE: Senator Clinton belatedly makes a 2 day trip to Iraq, which Senator Obama did long ago, and now is "a seasoned World Affairs expert? Note to Senator Clinton, you didn't need to make a trip to Iraq, except for your photo "ops", to know the Iraq situation is a mess. I look at this opportunistic trip as just that. You needed photos of you in Iraq because you were sadly lacking in understanding and knowledge of what is REALLY happening over there.
One hopes you will give more in depth consideration before saying YES to the President.

YOU voted FOR the invasion, remember? An invasion that cost us in lives of our soldiers, and cost the Iraqi people, common citizens, to be engulfed in a civil war that shows no sign of abating no matter how many troops President Bush sends over there to die.

DEBUNKING THE MYTH - LIEBERMAN 'NOT' MENTOR

I happened upon comments on the "Huffington Post" where people were stating that Senator Joe Lieberman was a "MENTOR' of Barack Obama, receiving damning comments because of it. This inaccurate information is being spread on the internet by BLOGGERS and is in fact not a factual statement at all. Perhaps they were mislead due to the fact that Senator Obama appeared in Connecticut at a fundraiser for Joe Lieberman's run for the Senate this past election. To understand Senator Obama's appearance, you first need to understand the dynamics occurring in this past election, and the importance Democrats put on winning majority in the House and Senate.

It is common practice for Senators and Representatives alike in BOTH parties, not up for re-election to make appearances in support of the campaigns of those affiliated with their party as they would ask the same when they are running for re-election. In this past election all Representatives were up for re-election, however, the Senate was KEY for the Democrats to win a majority in order to gain control of Congress. There were many key states where funding from the Democratic National Committee was focused, and Senators not up for re-election hit the campaign trail to bolster the campaigns of those they deemed were important Senate races and in need of support.

Unlike Hillary Clinton, Senator Obama was in HIGH demand as a speaker at many fundraisers (which incidentally I feel was important for him to garner support for his Presidential bid). Most Democrats running for Senate lobbied to have Senator Obama come to a fundraising event in their states. Why was he in demand? His popularity and ability to gather larger crowds, thereby raising more money than another speaker would. Connecticut was an important state, one where the Democrat on the ticket was not considered by the majority of Democrats to be their choice, so they elected to help shore up the campaign of Senator Lieberman, as his voice would be an important one in key Senate votes on issues important to us. Senator Lieberman's campaign manager lobbied Senator Obama to appear in Connecticut at a fundraiser. Therefore Senator Obama, on the camaign circuit, did appear and speak at an event in support of Senator Lieberman.

Now I ask you, does a campaign speech therefore conclude that Senator Lieberman is a MENTOR to Senator Obama? Senator Obama has repeatedly stated his willingness to work WITH ALL SIDES on any issue up for discussion in the Senate.

If you research, and read who REALLY is close to Senator Obama (his inner circle), nowhere will you find Joe Lieberman's name. Senator Obama IS cooperating with 2 Republicans and 2 Democrates, Joe Lieberman an Independent is one of them, on the committtee for ethics reform in Congress. This only shows Senator Obama's ability to work within Congress with both parties. He may disagree with them on many issues, but his willingness to hear all sides is a POSITIVE when you look at it and read the facts. But some bloggers seem to take short snippets out of news reports and insert them into their blogs and use it against Senator Obama, as if a campaign stop for a candidate THEY don't like is such a black mark on the reputation of Senator Obama.

As good a tool the Internet is in these days to communicate, witness Senator Obama's announcement being done on the internet, it can at times spread false information which some that read it would believe without doing one second of research in to the facts.

Senator Obama appeared in many states to help campaign and raise funds for Senators running for office this past campaign. You may not like the politics of a Senator who was elected, even though a democrat, but the agreement under the National Democratic Election Committee for sitting Senators to assist the campaigns of others running for office in a KEY election is part of the game and failure to help support a crucial election by failing to help others in your party running for office will leave you adrift next time you are up for re-election, or in this case your campaign for the Presidency.

I suggest that those that would make hasty conclusions based on a bloggers comments, should in fact do their research and find out for themselves more about Senator Obama before believing what is posted by uninformed bloggers.

Editorial note: I have yet in ALL of my research or that of our website team to find a single comment by Senator Obama that he considers Joe Lieberman a "mentor". IF he ever was a mentor, perhaps it was when Senator Obama arrived in Washington as a brand new Senator and wanted to find the bathroom?

FEB 10 ANNOUNCEMENT TO TAKE PLACE IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLNOIS WHERE LINCOLN LIVED AND WORKED

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.(AP) Barack Obama plans to formally launch his campaign for president in Springfield, the city where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked before being elected the nation's 16th president.

The announcement would come around Lincoln's birthday and help underscore Obama's hope of positioning himself as a uniter who can rise above partisan bickering. Obama, like Lincoln, served in the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield.

Obama said Tuesday that he has formed an exploratory committee to study a presidential bid and will announce his final decision on Feb. 10.

Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, an early advocate of Obama's candidacy, said he has been told the formal announcement is planned for the capital city.
"There's a clear, very significant symbolism there," Hynes said.

Obama, a Democrat, lives in Chicago but may want to avoid reminding voters of that city and its long history of corrupt, insider politics.
An announcement in Springfield would emphasize his legislative experience there and the parallels to Lincoln, who turned a slim political record into a successful presidential campaign and then led the nation through the Civil War.

The city offers several potential backdrops to a presidential announcement: Lincoln's home, his presidential library and the former state capitol where he delivered the famed "house divided" speech.

Obama served eight years in the Illinois Senate before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004.

OBAMA ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL BID

By NEDRA PICKLER - Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON(AP) Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Tuesday he is taking the initial step in a presidential bid that could make him the nation's first black to occupy the White House.
Obama announced on his Web site, http://www.barackobama.com/, that he was filing a presidential exploratory committee. He said he would announce more about his plans in his home state of Illinois on Feb. 10.

"I certainly didn't expect to find myself in this position a year ago," Obama said in a video posting. "I've been struck by how hungry we all are for a different kind of politics. So I've spent some time thinking about how I could best advance the cause of change and progress that we so desperately need."

Obama, a little more than two years into his Senate term, is the most inexperienced candidate considering a run for the Democratic nomination, but nonetheless ranks as a top contender. His appeal on the stump, his unique background, his opposition to the Iraq war and the fact that he is a fresh face set him apart in a competitive race that also is expected to include front-runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Other Democrats who have announced a campaign or exploratory committee are 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd and Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich.

Obama tried to turn his biggest weakness _ his lack of experience in national politics _ into an asset.
"The decisions that have been made in Washington these past six years, and the problems that have been ignored, have put our country in a precarious place," he said.
"America's faced big problems before," he said. "But today, our leaders in Washington seem incapable of working together in a practical, commonsense way. Politics has become so bitter and partisan, so gummed up by money and influence, that we can't tackle the big problems that demand solutions."

OBAMA - WITH A MOVIE CREDIT? IT'S TRUE

Wow, it is an interesting experience learning about Senator Obama. Did you know he actually has a movie credit? I didn't. Yep, he appeared in a documentary called "Tanner on Tanner". The following is a list of other well known names who also were in the documentary in 2004. You can find the DVD here . Listed are the names of those who appeared and the parts they played.


Tanner on Tanner (5-Oct-2004)
Director: Robert Altman
Writer: Garry Trudeau
Keywords: Comedy, Mockumentary

Madeleine Albright
Government
15-May-1937

Bill Clinton's Secretary of State
Harry Belafonte
Singer/Songwriter
1-Mar-1927

Calypso singer
Carl Bernstein
Journalist
14-Feb-1944

Broke the Watergate story
Joseph Biden
Politician
20-Nov-1942

US Senator from Delaware
Tom Brokaw
Journalist
6-Feb-1940

Former anchor, NBC Nightly News
Steve Buscemi
Actor
13-Dec-1957

Reservoir Dogs
Jimmy Carter
Head of State
1-Oct-1924

39th US President, 1977-81
Max Cleland
Politician
24-Aug-1942

US Senator from Georgia, 1997-2003
Bill Clinton
Head of State
19-Aug-1946

42nd US President, 1993-2001
Mario Cuomo
Politician
15-Jun-1932

Governor of New York, 1983-95
Gray Davis
Politician
26-Dec-1942

Governor of California, 1999-2003
Howard Dean
Politician
17-Nov-1948

Chairman of the Democratic Party
Michael Dukakis
Politician
3-Nov-1933

Former governor of Massachusetts
Al Franken
Comic
21-May-1951

Bow-tied pundit and ex-SNL player
Janeane Garofalo
Comic
28-Sep-1964

Actor, Comedian, Author, Activist
Dick Gephardt
Politician
31-Jan-1941

Congressman from Missouri, 1977-2005
Al Gore
Politician
31-Mar-1948

US Vice President under Clinton
Ed Helms
Comic
24-Jan-1974

Senior correspondent, The Daily Show
Jesse Jackson
Activist
8-Oct-1941

Rainbow Coalition
John Kerry
Politician
11-Dec-1943

US Senator from Massachusetts
Joseph Lieberman
Politician
24-Feb-1942

US Senator from Connecticut
Chris Matthews
Talk Show Host
17-Dec-1945

Hardball with Chris Matthews
John Cougar Mellencamp
Singer/Songwriter
7-Oct-1951

Jack and Diane
Dina Merrill
Actor
9-Dec-1925

EF Hutton heiress and actress
Michael Moore
Film Director
23-Apr-1954

Fahrenheit 9/11
Michael Murphy
Actor
05-May-1938

An Unmarried Woman
Dee Dee Myers
Government
1-Sep-1961

Bill Clinton's press secretary
Cynthia Nixon
Actor
9-Apr-1966
Miranda (the redhead) on Sex and the City

Barack Obama
Politician
4-Aug-1961

US Senator from Illinois
John Podesta
Government
?

Ex-Clinton Deputy Chief of Staff
Ron Reagan
Relative
28-May-1958

Son of Ronald Reagan
Robert Redford
Actor
18-Aug-1936

The Sundance Kid
Charlie Rose
Talk Show Host
5-Jan-1942

60 Minutes, Charlie Rose Show
Martin Scorsese
Film Director
17-Nov-1942

Taxi Driver
Al Sharpton
Activist
3-Oct-1954
Reverend, Presidential hopeful

OBAMA 'GOSSIP'

List this under "gossip"

Inside sources say Senator Obama is expected to announce this week, maybe as soon as tomorrow his formation of his exploratory committee. Interesting to note, Oprah still has not posted who her guest will be on her website, (see, www.oprah.com) She has made no secret of the fact she fully supports his campaign and it would be an interesting way for Senator Obama to announce he is a candidate, and provide for some question and answers from the audience. It would be a great way for him to show his ability to communicate with an audience and "hit the trail running" as Senator Clinton's politico's here in New York are poised to attack him on all fronts.


OPINION

I have personally seen Senator Clinton in person "attempting" to be "real" and communicate with we "normal middle class" sort, and I can attest that she comes across as unapproachable and "cold". The contrast between the two is easy to see and their first debate will most certainly be an interesting one. The classy gentleman, gently trying to discuss issues, and Senator Clinton coming across as "hard" and unyielding in her views.

That is the issue I have with Senator Clinton. She is not one to want to listen to others, but rather she has her point of view on issues and sticks to scripted "talking points" while Senator Obama's style is more casual, and he doesn't like to use scripted "talking points", but rather discusses issues in sessions with his team, accepting input from all sides of an issue, forms his opinions, and talks without a script.

I listened yesterday to the news networks and focused in on a discussion on MSNBC about the differences between Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. One "pundit" offered up that Senator Obama has yet to be "vetted". Now, exactly what does THAT mean. They did not explain themselves but showed a hint of where they will attack Senator Obama, the fact he has only been a Senator for 2 years You can be sure the "bloodletting" will begin hard, fast and furious once he makes his announcement, but I have faith in Senator Obama's ability to forthrightly handle any question and I suspect he will respond to attacks with truth and let the people decide.

The only issue I have is the fact, many voters do not read information and true fact about a candidate and pay more attention to "dirty political ads" and as they would a gossip rag, think it is the truth. That is what dirty politics does. They don't want the citizen to find the truth of any attack, they would prefer you believe "sound bites" of 30 or 60 second ads. It is already spreading on the web that Senator Obama is a Muslim, which he is NOT, but his father was who has since passed away. Senator Obama has had an interesting past which he lays out truthfully in his two books.

We in New York know a few dirty little secrets of Senator Clinton, but as Senator Obama says, it is time for a more civil and clean campaign rather than the old time politics of attack. I could post all the info I know about Mrs. Clinton on the web and get the gossip started, but I prefer to take a higher road and discuss her stance on the issues, and the fact I hate the way they have moulded her to fit what they consider a "cookie cutter" candidate. Everything down to the type of shoes she wears is carefully "vetted" to make sure it is in line with "photo op" situations.

You may ask then why did I vote for her re-election as a Senator? Well, they really didn't offer an alternative candidate I agreed with on some issues, and I have to admit, she does make a good senator, exactly because she is so hard and down and dirty. She can go head to head with any man in the Senate which is what we need to get bills passed. However, her weakness is the fact she does not come across as "real" or truly concerned about the neediest of our citizens and to this writer, this is a HUGE weakness I see so far. She does her "photo ops" but she truly does not really seem to bridge the gap between her wealthy lifestyle and a true understanding of the needs of the lower middle class and the poor and homeless.

BARACK OBAMA: READY FOR CLOSE-UP

I found this interesting article while browsing the web. I thought it might be interesting reading. Edward Norton is reported to be a huge supporter of Senator Obama and has reportedly stated he would campaign vigorously for the candidate. Expect to see him on the campaign trail along with other high profile Hollywood types. The article was written on 12/21 but hits the mark in their speculation of a Senator Obama run for President. An interesting read.

Barack Obama: Ready for Close-Up

By Roger Friedman (Fox News)

Barack Obama is a senator, a bestselling author and a possible candidate for the presidency of the United States.

So it only makes sense that movie star is the next career he has to conquer.

Sources tell me that Obama has been filmed for months and will continue to be, all part of a project to make him the star of a documentary about himself.

The filmmaker, I’m told, is Amy Rice, a freelance cinematographer who’s been following Obama around for some time.

The filmmaker, I’m told, is Amy Rice, a freelance cinematographer who’s been following Obama around for some time.
Rice, from Oklahoma City, lost her brother David, an investment banker, in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Her brother Andrew Rice worked for the BBC out of Canada at the time.
But after Sept. 11, according to published reports, Andrew Rice became politicized. This year he ran as a Democratic candidate for the Oklahoma State Senate District 46 seat vacated by Sen. Bernest Cain — and won. His campaign was helped because the Rices’ father, Hugh, is a prominent Oklahoma City attorney.

What kind of makes Amy Rice’s story even more interesting is that apparently the knockout blonde’s backer on the project is said to be actor Edward Norton, the Oscar nominee and current star of "The Painted Veil."
Norton isn’t her only actor friend. Last year, Rice was photographed at a red carpet premiere as the date of Ron Eldard, former boyfriend of Julianna Margulies.
Amy’s New York friends have also kicked in for her brother. Last March, Norton and a bunch of New York-based “next generation” actors including Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo and Fred Weller held a fundraiser for Andrew Rice at a Manhattan watering hole.
It’s good to have friends in the right places, since few would-be Oklahoma state senators get such treatment in either party. Or, make that none.

So stay tuned, because Barack Obama may yet get his own “Inconvenient Truth.” And thanks to his filmmaker, he may pick up a whole cadre of Hollywood types at the same time

SCOOP - OBAMA TO ANNOUNCE THIS WEEK

MSNBC is reporting that "inside" sources are stating that Senator Barack Obama will be announcing the formation of his "exploratory" committe for his run for the Presidency this week. ( Filing of these papers are a requirement so that Senator Obama may begin accepting donations for his campaign.)

With his speech today in the suburbs of Chicago at a Baptist church celebrating MLK day, this looks like a lead up to Senator Obama's announcement. Where and when the announcement will be made is still unknown. Curious to note, the Wednesday Oprah show still shows a TBA for who will be her guest on that particular show. Being that Oprah is a huge supporter of Senator Obama and has encouraged him to run it would not surprise this writer if she invites the Senator on her show this week while he is in Chicago. A more likely scenerio would be an announcement at the location of where his campaign headquarters will be located in Chicago.

This writer eagerly awaits the announcement. Stay tuned folks......

(I found this wonderful video by a great organization which I think is appropriate to showcase today)

WHAT I SEE IN OBAMA'S EYES

WHAT I SEE IN OBAMA’S EYES

I once read an article Barack Obama wrote called “What I see in Lincoln’s eyes”. This article stayed in my thoughts and I began to think about what I saw in Barack Obama’s eyes.

His face when serious has a thoughtful look in his eyes. At times, hours of work show the tiredness etched in the lines of his face. It is an entirely different look then when he smiles. The serious Barack has a faraway look in his eyes, showing him deep in thought as he measures his words as if he was thinking about his words as he said them.

When he smiles, the twinkle springs up into his eyes, showing joy and happiness in his work. The smile is broad, crinkling up his face into a look of happiness and may I say it, fun? Is there such a thing as a serious minded man, in a position of political power who can be fun? Barack Obama can. I am beginning to think he can be anything he wants to be.

This serious minded man is one who looks to understand all sides of an argument, deeply exploring all aspects before speaking. You see it in his serious face, the one with the thoughtful eyes.

When I looked at the serious minded man, I gain a sense of trust for this is not a man to act hastily or without deep thought. It reassures and at the same time instills hope. When he speaks it is as if he is speaking directly to you and not to the multitude giving you a sense of what ever walk in life you belong, he would sit down with you and answer your questions in a direct truthful way.

I see honesty and integrity in these eyes of this man, yet in his smile I see the joy in his work and family and his life.

There is a sense about this man of future greatness. An instinct one feels when you look in those eyes that here is a man for the time.

What I see in Obama’s eyes? I see hope, hope for all of us in the future of our country. This brings excitement to my soul and a sense we are witnessing another chapter in our glorious history in this country.

The comparison between Lincoln and Obama is profound. Though Obama is a highly educated man, they both had that ability to instill in others a feeling of trust and integrity. They both faced a country in turmoil, yet thoughtfully examined each issue, hearing from all before making a decision. This is democracy in action. As I compare the two pictures of Lincoln and Obama, you can see the same lines in the face, and the same serious eyes,

I look to the future of our country and feel the promise on the horizon that awaits us with Obama as our President leading us to work together to solve our country’s problems and restoring the reputation of our country in the world community. This is the promise I see in Obama’s eyes. The promise of our future.

OBAMA ATTRACTS BIG-BUCKS FUNDRAISER

Obama attracts big-bucks fund-raiser
January 14, 2007
BY CAROL MARIN Sun-Times Columnist

In star-struck, political America where Barack Obama is a supernova, other superstars can slip by unnoticed. See the guy in the picture? The one with the white hair and the Walter Matthau eyes?
Superstar.
If you want to be president of the United States, he is the one you want to call before you even talk it over with your own mother.
Louis Susman is his name. He lives in Chicago. And at this moment, he is ready to do whatever Illinois Sen. Barack Obama needs him to do to take the White House in 2008. If Obama is running (and he is), then Susman will be pivotal to raising the cash.

READ MORE......... Chicago Sun Times

MEET OBAMA'S INNER CIRCLE

Meet Obama's inner circle
Ahead of likely presidential campaign, senator relies on core of trusted advisers

By Mike Dorning and Christi Parsons Tribune staff reporterJanuary 14, 2007 WASHINGTON --

The gravitational pull around Sen. Barack Obama grows stronger day by day, as he and his advisers seek commitments from political operatives and donors in preparation for a likely run for the presidency.The existing core of advisers around the Illinois Democrat simultaneously anchors him in the pragmatic sensibility of his urban Midwestern home base and encompasses the world of ideas of his Harvard Law School classmates.The political professionals who are Obama's closest formal advisers are careful, deliberate counselors, wary of unnecessary risks and no strangers to campaign street fights. The informal coterie is a multihued collection of high achievers, men and women who are friends and intellectual peers.There's David Axelrod, the strategist at Obama's right hand, perhaps the best-known Democratic consultant working outside of Washington, D.C., equally adept at sensing the right metaphor for high-minded aspirations and at finding the vulnerable spot to savage an opponent.Then, Robert Gibbs, communications director, a campaign veteran described by one Democratic operative--approvingly--as "Northern ruthlessness and Southern charm combined."Key players also include friends of Obama's, among them a straight-talking veteran of Chicago Democratic circles, Valerie Jarrett, and a group of South Side professionals.

Perhaps most influential is his wife, Michelle, a formidable daughter of the South Side who is an alumna of the Ivy League and Chicago's rough-and-tumble City Hall. She may not be in on all the conference calls or offer her own health plan in the style of former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton but no one else in the inner circle denies that she would be a driving force in any presidential campaign.

At the center is a 45-year-old political phenomenon who close associates say is prepared both to challenge the views he hears from advisers and to be challenged by them."He really wants to know all the points of view in the room. He doesn't want to shut people down or force a consensus," said Michael Froman, an informal Obama adviser who was a Harvard Law classmate and chief of staff to former Treasury Secretary Bob Rubin.Obama "pushes back" in those conversations, said Jarrett, a friend of both Obamas whose dining room table in Hyde Park has sometimes been the setting for consultations. He's intent on thinking through ideas thoroughly, she said.

The senator periodically assembles informal advisers and his senior Senate staff for freewheeling evening sessions to set strategy and appraise his performance. In November, it was a four-hour gathering with stacks of takeout pizza boxes on a conference room table to talk over the senator's future.Obama and Axelrod speak almost every day. But Obama also often reaches out directly to friends for advice, by e-mail or telephone. Sometimes, the conversations are leisurely. But lately they are mostly quick and compressed, snatched by cell phone as he moves between committee hearings or during downtime in a car traveling from event to event.Though Obama hasn't announced a run for the White House, he and his advisers are working so intently to put the pieces in place that operatives are starting to tell Obama's likely rivals they are unable to work for those candidates because they are otherwise engaged.Associates say Obama has settled on Chicago as the headquarters for a national campaign. Donors and fundraisers are being asked to make commitments, and the nascent operation is pulling in staffers and consultants from throughout the nation.

Chicago Tribune - read more of this article

SENATOR OBAMA ON EDUCATION ISSUES

While most of our attention at this time is focused on "Bush's Folly" in the step up of troops to Iraq and the serious issues related to what is happening currently in Iraq, and rightly so, It is also extremely important for all of us in examining a candidate for serious consideration for your vote to be President of the United States to examine their record and stance on issues that affect the lives of all US citizens. I will attempt between all the other news, and discussion, to provide information on Senator Obama's record and his stated opinions on issues of concern to all of us. Education is of course a major concern not only to families across the country, but also to college students and soon to be teachers who want to know how he feels on issues of concern to them. I chose Education to begin with but you can also download a "position paper" on Iraq from our Website at CitizensforBarackObama.com. We will attempt to provide additional position papers as we work on the website for you to download and read.

IN BRIEF:

Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education. (Jun 2006)
Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers. (Sep 2004)
Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism. (Jul 2004)
Address the growing achievement gap between students. (May 2004)
Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas. (May 2004)
Supports charter schools and private investment in schools. (Jul 1998)
Free public college for any student with B-average. (Jul 1998)
Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)




Barack Obama on Education
Democratic Jr Senator (IL); previously State Senator

Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education We've got a story to tell that isn't just against something but is for something. We know that we're the party of opportunity. We know that in a global economy that's more connective and more competitive that we're the party that will guarantee every American an affordable, world-class, life-long, top-notch education, from early childhood to high school--from college to on-the-job training. We know that that's what we're about.
Source: Annual 2006 Take Back America Conference Jun 14, 2006

Sponsored legislations that recruit and reward good teachers Obama co-sponsored legislation to create a National Teaching Academy of Chicago that recruits, prepares and develops quality teachers for high-need urban school districts. He co-sponsored legislation that created the Future Teacher Corps Scholarships to provide financial aid for undergraduate & graduate students studying to become teachers. He was chief sponsor of a bill creating the Certified Teacher Retention Bonus Program that provides grants to reward high quality teachers in low performing schools.
Source: Campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.org, "On the Issues" Sep 28, 2004

Provide decent funding and get rid of anti-intellectualism I try to avoid an either/or approach to solving the problems of this country. There are questions of individual responsibility and questions of societal responsibility to be dealt with. The best example is an education. I'm going to insist that we've got decent funding, enough teachers, and computers in the classroom, but unless you turn off the television set and get over a certain anti-intellectualism that I think pervades some low-income communities, our children are not going to achieve.
Source: Meet The Press, NBC News Jul 25, 2004

Address the growing achievement gap between students Our public education system is the key to opportunity for millions of children and families. It needs to be the best in the world. Of particular concern is the growing achievement gap between middle and low-income students, which has continued to expand despite some overall national achievement gains.
Source: Campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.com May 2, 2004

Will add 25,000 teachers in high-need areas Obama will fight for full funding for Head Start and expanded pre-school, so every child starts school ready to learn.ÿ He has proposed a national network of teaching academies to add 25,000 new teachers to high-need urban and rural schools. And, he will work to send deserving students to college through loan programs that help middle-class families instead of banks.
Source: Campaign website, ObamaForIllinois.com, ?On The Issues? May 2, 2004

Supports charter schools and private investment in schools
Principles that Obama supports on education:
Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
Favor charter schools where independent groups receive state authorization and funding to establish new schools.
Increase state funds for school construction and facility maintenance.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Free public college for any student with B-average
Principles that Obama supports on education funding:
Fund public school education in Illinois by increasing certain state taxes and decreasing local property taxes.
Provide state-funded tuition and fees to any Illinois student who attends a public college or university as long as they maintain a B average.
Source: 1998 IL State Legislative National Political Awareness Test Jul 2, 1998

Voted YES on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". To increase appropriations for after-school programs through 21st century community learning centers. Voting YES would increase funding by $51.9 million for after school programs run by the 21st century community learning centers and would decrease funding by $51.9 million for salaries and expenses in the Department of Labor.
Reference: Amendment to Agencies Appropriations Act; Bill S Amdt 2287 to HR 3010 ; vote number 2005-279 on Oct 27, 2005

Voted YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. To provide an additional $5 billion for title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Voting YES would provide:
$2.5 billion for targeting grants to local educational agencies
$2.5 billion for education finance incentive grants
Reference: Elementary and Secondary Education Amendment; Bill S Amdt 2275 to HR 3010 ; vote number 2005-269 on Oct 26, 2005

Voted YES on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. Vote to adopt an amendment to the Senate's 2006 Fiscal Year Budget Resolution that would adjust education funding while still reducing the deficit by $5.4 billion. A YES vote would:
Restore education program cuts slated for vocational education, adult education, GEAR UP, and TRIO.
Increase the maximum Pell Grant scholarship to $4,500 immediately.
Increases future math and science teacher student loan forgiveness to $23,000.
Pay for the education funding by closing $10.8 billion in corporate tax loopholes.

OBAMA,CLINTON MAKING 2008 MOVES

NEW YORK - Democratic Sens.
Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record), a pair of front-runners in waiting, have shown fresh signs in recent days of joining the 2008 race, hiring senior aides while they court potential supporters in Iowa, New Hampshire and other key states.

Obama has hired policy, research and press staff for a campaign to be run from Chicago, according to several Democrats. And a senior aide to the senator, Steve Hildebrand, recently told potential Iowa supporters that word of his plans could come early next week, state party spokeswoman Erin Seidler said Friday.

Obama also has held several conversations with Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., according to the congressman's spokeswoman. Clinton also has spoken to the influential South Carolina Democrat. Read More - Yahoo news AP story by BETH FOUHY

BARACK OBAMA LIKELY TO RUN

Barack Obama Likely to Run for President
Special from the OpinionJournal.com's Political DiaryBy John Fund, 1/12/2007 8:29:52 AM

It looks as if Barack Obama is likely to run for president. Given the choice between backing their junior senator and Hillary Clinton, who grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois Democratic pols are clearly lining up behind Mr. Obama -- and are even trying to change the date of the state's primary to help him. Read more: Hawaii Reporter