OBAMA CLOSES THE DEAL

I know all my political junkie friends were watching the Democratic Convention tonight. You all saw what I saw. A stadium full of enthusiastic democrats who long for change. A change from the politics of exclusion, elitism and policies aimed to help those of wealth and privilege.

As a long time Hillary supporter, you know I have been hesitant to jump on-board with this movement, but that's what it is…a movement from the ground up, of everyday people who have had enough of the failed policies of the last 7+ years. Yes, Hillary would have won this race had she been chosen, but to see the crowd at Keegan Ales tonight, for the Obama viewing party, I saw an energized grass roots movement willing to work for change.

Obama finally laid out a detailed plan and the means to fund it. The grandiose illusive speeches of the past were replaced by a detailed and sincere speech worthy of a Clinton. For that, I am thankful and have decided to open myself to the possibility of President Obama.

With the big screen behind me and the sound turned off, I got to tell the crowd of 100+ guests, that their enthusiasm shouldn’t stop with just the top ticket in November. I reminded everyone that we cant implement the change Obama is offering unless we vote all of Row A in November.

In the audience were Kevin Cahill, Elliott Auerbach, Tom Hoffay and Peter Laughran. We, and so many fellow Democrats, are on the front line everyday.

The philosophy of the 20th century is embedded in the Republican Party and we damn well better do something to stop the continuation of the Bush/Vader/McCain policies of the last century.

Look for me on Channel 6 news Friday evening for the party coverage Thursday night.

DAY THREE; CAN WE TAKE ANY MORE?

Here I am, writing once again about the Democratic Convention. I cannot begin to express the adoration I have for Bill Clinton. It doesn’t make sense. One thing is sure, I am not alone.

The delegates stood on their feet and roared for over 3 minutes when Clinton walked on stage. Bill basked in their affection for a while, but after several false starts, he finally ordered them to "Sit down!"

Bill Clinton always gives the audience the most bang for the buck and since leaving office in 2000, this was his most compelling speech. With a stadium full of his biggest fans, he had them in his hands, but also sent his message to the rest of the country.

He and Hillary didn’t pull any punches during the primaries this spring. Harping on Obama’s lack of experience, but Bill suggested that on such weighty issues such as the Middle East, Russia, and the threat of global terrorism, Obama would be leaning on his well seasoned vice president, Joe Biden.

Clinton said “With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, insight and good instincts, America will have the national security leadership we need".

Clinton continued while Jabbing a finger at thousands of cheering delegates: "I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November." Thus; continuing the plea by Hillary the night before.

The night ended with the acceptance and speech by Joe Biden himself. His family to support him, a great narrative on his beginnings and the 1 – 2 punch by Bill and Joe gave the frenzied crowd the red meat they longed for.

I will hold my judgment on how this convention helps the campaign until after the Republicans are done this time next week. Obama has his work cut out for him as he takes the title of Democratic Presidential nominee.

There are still unanswered questions regarding Obama’s experience, judgment and policy initiatives. Bill’s endorsement and Bidin’s partnership only carry so much clout. Obama has to sell the message of change himself for the next few months.

Can he do it? There’s no way to tell…but it provides enough substance to sell hours of commercial time on the cable news channels. November cant come soon enough.

DEM CONVENTION DAY ONE: MICHELLE

We have just witnessed the first of four days of the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver.

With appearances from former rivals Jimmy Carter and Ted Kennedy, to Republican Obama supporters, we got to close with a close up and intimate conversation with Michelle Obama.

Another strong woman has taken her place in the Democratic Party; paying tribute to her parents and their work ethic, while acknowledging the hard fought civil rights movement and the tireless leaders who made tonight’s event possible.

Michelle moved me in a surprising way. I don’t know what I expected. I knew she would be well spoken and have great presence, but she made sense as well. She also brought a human side to this equation. Who are these people who wish to lead this nation? How did they get here?

It was nice to mention the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling. Evoking the name Hilary Clinton in her convention speech after all we’ve been through was a nice touch. I’m glad there was a bridge built to the Clinton legacy.

But Day two is just hours away. Senator Clinton will have her time as keynote speaker on stage for the world to view. Hanging on every word and study her every nuance. You can expect the best performance from the woman who came so close in 2008.

Will the three royal houses of the Democratic Party, Kennedy/Clinton/Obama come together to wrestle the White House from John McCain? We shall see.

Ill be by my television for this one.

GEN. CLARK PICKS ON McCAIN

Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a former Democratic presidential contender, said some comments recently regarding McCain’s military record.

As a supporter of Obama for President, he was speaking about the qualifications of either candidate and where military experience plays a part.

Pointing out that that McCain spent a considerable amount of time in a POW camp during the years of service isn’t the same as leading troops into combat, managing the war funding and being responsible for the lives of thousands of soldiers in war and peace time.

As a still bitter supporter of Hilary Clinton, I figured I would just watch the national race and work on the locals, but this is where I defend Wesley Clark.

We got to see his credentials twice, in two prior attempts at this race, and through poor management in both cases, he was eliminated early. However, with 38 years in the Army and significant experience through the ranks, Clark has the right to say McCains experience in the military doesn’t necessarily qualify him for Commander-in-Chief.

I like General Clark, had he been a choice and not Hilary, I would have campaigned for him. Obama may still pick him as VP, we don’t know. But I might get involved if Hilary or Wesley were on the ticket.

The Freeman has a similar take on this issue in Monday’s edition. They quoted Obama “Sen. McCain endured physical torment in service to our country and no one should ever devalue that service”

I agree with the editorial staff, that DEVALUE is a strong interpretation, but I suppose Barack had to attempt to squelch this potentially hazardous attack from the right. The instant reaction from McCain supporters, with the feigned shock and exaggerated dismay is fun to watch. Considering the military experience they touted with George AWOL Bush Jr. BACK IN 2000.

HOUSE PROPOSED FISA BILL: JUST SAY NO

Sometime this week, Senators Schumer and Clinton will vote on the revised FISA Bill that passed in the House last week.

The House of Representatives caved and overwhelmingly passed a bill that creates loopholes for this administration to continue spying on US citizens with impunity and cuts off lawsuits against telecom companies that broke the law.

Imagine; The president simply has to claim his request was legal for immunity to be granted to telecom companies that illegally handed over personal information to the government. These are your records people!

With barely a whisper, the President can offer immunity to the Telecom Companies who engage in these spineless practices. All he has to do is give the company a note claiming their behavior was legal, and they're completely off the hook.

Our Representative, Maurice Hinchey voted against this un-American legislation, now we can only hope this bill dies in the US Senate.

My question would be, what did this administration offer for those affirmative votes? What amount of additional pork will the taxpayers shell out to accommodate the spending whims of elected officials across the country, simply to turn away from the daunting reality of these freedom-stealing proposals coming out of the White House?

We all have followed the news on this issue as the debate rages on, I am still shocked that the House caved in at this final hour before recess. We wouldn’t want them to stay after class and get some real work done. What do you think?

McCAIN vs CLINTON 2012

Donations being accepted for the Clinton campaign for President in 2012 againt John McCain!

With the few remaining primaries ahead and little chance that Hillary will convince the SDs to award her the nom, Obama is sure to be the Democratic challenger to John McCain.

I suspect, McCain will win this November for the very reason I supported Clinton for the nomination. Obama is not quite ready for prime time.

To the left is a picture of Obama with Rev Wright back in less troubled times. I took down the PhotoShop picture of Obama because it skates to close to racism. Even with my history of Human Rights support, it was too much for some readers. Sorry.

So why is Hillary still in this? To make it quite clear that she will be the nominee in 2012.

I agree with this strategy. "Keep On Keepin On", as they say. Women will look back for years to come and see how far she got, and have a sense of pride. All the negative feelings will fade and like in, "The way we were" we will only remember the happy times. Well thats the plan anyway.

Unless the impossible happens and Obama picks Clinton as VP, this long distance prediction is how I see it.

I only wish I were wrong.