reposted with permission

obama in cedar rapids, ia

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barack's speech in springfield, missouri

polls

Research 2000 National Poll; Democracy Corps National Poll; Gallup/USA Today National Poll; PPP North Carolina Poll; PPP Michigan Poll; CNN/Opinion Research National Poll; Rasmussen Nebraska and Mississippi Poll; Quinnipiac Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania Poll; Strategic Vision Washington, Pennsylvania Poll; PPIC California Poll; Research 2000/Daily Kos Idaho Poll; Rasmussen Montana Poll; Rasmussen Kentucky Poll; Rasmussen Texas Poll; Pew National Poll; Research 2000 Kentucky Poll; Research 2000 North Carolina Poll; Survey USA Missouri Poll

Kathy Hilton Calls McCain's Celebrity Ad Frivolous, A Waste Of Money, A Waste Of Time
Obama Central: Peace, Harmony and Deep Secrecy
Obama, McCain to meet in September -- but probably not sooner
Thousands of demonstrators expected at GOP convention
Hollywood floods Dems' red carpet
For Obama, Hurdles in Expanding Black Vote
Delicate Obama Path on Class and Race Preferences
Clinton touts her support for Obama
Running While Black

women for obama, luncheon, chicago, il

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McCain and His Negativity Vibe Continues

McCain gained relevancy this week by letting his campaign become hijacked by former Bush/Rove operatives.

"The motor behind his operation now is Steve Schmidt, the shaven-headed strategist who earned his bones running Karl Rove's war room in 2004, Frenchifying and de-war-heroizing John Kerry. What Schmidt and his associates have apparently concluded is that McCain's weaknesses -- on the election's most salient issues and as a candidate -- are so pronounced and Obama's vulnerabilities so glaring that the low road is their guy's best, and maybe only, route to the White House. They've concluded, in other words, that even if McCain may not be able to win the election in any affirmative sense, he might still wind up behind the big desk if he and his people can strip the bark off Obama with sufficiently vicious force."

Yep, that sums it up.

McCain gained relevancy this week by running negative television and web ads, mostly mocking and attacking Barack Obama.

But what about John McCain?   What about the maverick?  What does he stand for?  What does he not stand for?

That is the question.  It is up to the Obama Campaign to not get in the mud with McCain, but go after him, hard and heavy with fact.  And if you ask, icebergslim, every opening should be:

If McCain is such a "maverick", why has he voted over 95% with George W. Bush?

In each ad, define EXACTLY how McCain voted with George W. Bush.

As I expressed to my online comrades:

we don't have to go dirty, just be civil and hard hitting with dirty facts, that's all.

Audio/Video

Obama in Rolla, Missouri; Meet the Press, August 3, 2008; Obama in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Obama in St. Petersburg, Florida; Obama meeting with Economic Advisors in Washington, D.C.; A Message from Maya; A Conversation: How Race Influences Two Voters; Candidates Take Turns At Urban League Podium; Obama Return, McCain Ads Cap Week In Campaign; The Digital Divide Between McCain And Obama; Obama's Technology Outlook; McCain's Technology Outlook; Week In Review: Race In The Race; Barack Obama: We Can't Afford the Bush-McCain Economy; Obama in Titusville, Florida; John Bush McCain's Worst Nightmare: Barack Obama Fights Back

Campaigns spar over drilling as leadership issue
Gergen: McCain Using Code Words To Attack Obama As "Uppity"
Both US presidential candidates rip Bush on record deficit as economy returns to forefront
Obama links McCain to 'reckless' GOP economics
Obama, Bernanke discuss U.S. economic risks
McCain Goes Negative, Worrying Some in G.O.P.

obama in springfield, missouri

Shoutouts, Stuff You Should Read

One of the saddest parts about Mccain's new sleaze strategy by John Aravosis; How Shitty Was McCain? by Andrew Sullivan; Mel Martinez: Race Card Not Played by Marc Ambinder; Which candidate ran an ad calling himself "the president"? by daveweigel; Gotcha! Gallup Commits "Polling Malpractice" Startling New Info/Controversy on Poll by Excelscior1; Obama in MO: SLAPS McCain on Economy (Finally) by dansac; John McCain: Liar by Todd Beeton; McCain's LIES about his (rather dismal) Civil Rights Record by Muzikal203; Sole Black Reporter Booted from McCain Event by thinkbridge; I just got back from the Obama town hall in St. Petersburg by smash artist; Some thoughts on the race card by zenbowl; Women in the military more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire in Iraq. by LaKathie; The Great White Hope by billmon; The DNC/Obama $20 million Latino effort by kos; Andrea Mitchell: McCain's Ad Is "Literally Untrue" by BarbinMD; ExxonMobil is our faithful servant by Jerome a Paris; We Are The War Room We Have Been Waiting For Al G for The Field

Obama up, McCain on low road
GOP's celeb-Obama message gains traction
McCain Tries to Define Obama as Out of Touch
Obama Tries to Show Missouri Concern for Small-Town Issues
Obama Asks McCain About Paris/Britney Ad: "Is That Really the Best You Can Come Up With?"
The big, bellwether battlefield
Michelle Obama on Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List

                           
                               obama with senator claire mccaskill, union, missouri

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Obama pushes for full Fla., Mich. convention votes
Obama aids American in Mideast custody battle
Obama, McCain to visit Michigan next week
Obama risks voter ire by opposing new oil drilling
Obama to McCain: Your "Juvenile" Tactics Are Fattening Our Campaign Coffers
Obama proposes $1,000 energy rebates for consumers
Clinton reportedly choice as keynote speaker
McCaskill: Obama Didn't Play Race Card

Photo Diaries

Cafferty: McSame is a Jealous Pri*k -- (Plus Amazing Photos and Tasty Snacks) by Al Rodgers; Wanna See Something Way Cool? Click Thru by farmbo; Obama, Yes to 3 Debates...Florida Pictures... by icebergslim; Obama Missouri Pictures by icebergslim; Obama Democratic Caucus Meeting in Washington, DC Pictures by icebergslim; Obama's Economic Meeting Pictures by icebergslim

icebergslim's last word:  organize

While the McCain Campaign is attempting to remain relevant in its negativity, let's not lose focus on organizing in all 50 States.

The best thing that came of the primary battle was Obama's chance to visit all the mainland states.  He was able to organize on the ground and get things moving.

There is much mumble in the McCain Camp of the Obama advantage in doing so.  While Obama has boots on the ground now, organizing, voter registration, canvassing, offices opened everywhere; McCain, not so much.

McCain so far is running a more traditional campaign, targeting perennial tossup states such as Florida and Ohio, sending smaller staffs to those states than Obama, but spending more on television ads. His campaign manager, Rick Davis, said recently that his staff will eventually increase to about 450. By earlier this month, it had opened 11 regional offices in key states and another 84 offices across the country in a joint effort with the Republican National Committee.

Through the McCain attempt of confusing and muddying up the waters, the real deal is the ground game.  We must remember, "We have seen and been through this show".   While the Clinton Campaign thought the battle would be in the air, the reality was that the battle was on the ground.  This is what Obama knows how and what to do, and he did it well in the primary.  Now all this is a massive push for the general election.

"Between the Obama staff and the Democratic Party staff there will be several thousand" paid operatives on the ground deployed across the country, deputy campaign manager Steve Hildebrand said in an interview. "I don't want to get too specific; it gives away strategy."

...Obama and the Democratic Party have about 200 paid staffers working in Florida and more on the way, 90 in Michigan with plans to expand to 200 by August, at least 200 each eventually in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and 50 in Missouri with plans to expand to 150, according to published reports and interviews with Obama campaign officials. Hildebrand said state organizations should be at full strength by the end of August.

Now you get the understanding of going negative, now and early, for the McCain Campaign.  While much hand wringing is going on, the focus must remain on organization.  To be frank, the McCain Campaign must be worried, especially with the lack of enthusiasm gap for its candidate.  As much disdain us have for these negative and frivolous ads, these ads are really targeted to their own base, to get them excited.  Will it work?  The jury is out on that one, you cannot continue to be negative and don't offer folks the reason to pull the lever for you.  That is just common sense.

So, let's continue on with our organizing.  One thing we have learned is that the Obama Campaign knows how to do it.

If you need information on volunteering, click here.  If you need information on conducting or participating in a voter registration drive, read kath25's detailed diary with all the information you need, here.  And if you want to donate, click here.

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weekly slideshow roundup....

well we are in the seaweeds early in this campaign and it stinks.  one good thing i come away with is that obama must be making major inroads for mccain to be proud of touting britney and paris.  sigh.  anyway, keep positive, keep the message straight and keep the peace....focus on obama and not the drama....

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cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama

icebergslim1047@gmail.com

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GO, CUBS, GO....

I would post this here, but the diary is too engrossed with slideshows and it is not easy to post this stuff here.

I attempted but got confused on the slideshows.  It would be helpful if this site is updated for current html coding and tagging.

So here is the link.  Enjoy.

reposted with diarist permission

victory column, berlin, germany

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leaving tel aviv for germany

with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin

gettin' that workout on, before that speech

being driven away after that workout

with the Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit

signed mayor's welcome book....

meets with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Foreign Ministry in Berlin

obama in his hotel elevator

obama for chancellor

entrance to that "speech"

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the german press....

OK, I am exhausted....view the rest here and view the great Western Wall Visit here.

Oh, and the Obama Family on People Magazine...

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from the obama campaign blog, arrival in germany

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cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama
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Barack Obama's Speech, video here.

Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen - a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world.......Barack Obama

posted with permission of diarist

::

I don't know about you, but I thought this weekend would be nice and quiet.

We got to our fishing cabin and I plugged in and all hell had broke loose.

As, I was reading all this der Spiegel, al Maliki, Obama, Bush, McCain drama, I just could not help but think the following:

But it was McCain who teased, taunted and made speeches of Obama not going to Iraq and never been to Afghanistan...

Now, the McCain Campaign is sitting in its D.C. laden campaign offices, pounding their heads against the desk, asking themselves the only question:  

WHY???  WHY DID WE CHALLENGE OBAMA???  WHY????

I have been in and out today but what I have gathered is that now the Bush White House has something called a time horizons?  On the horizons?

I mean, WTF, this is nothing but a timeline, one that Barack Obama has been talking about for almost two years.  So, in other words, they have decided to follow the lead.  Obama.

And then McCain.  I mean, staying in Iraq is his campaign?  Is it?  Tell me if I am wrong, but isn't this it for him?

I mean, we know that he is not the economy king, unless he is talking about his rich friends economy.  We don't need to look any further, just ask Phil Gramm.

So, if he is not the economy guru, this was it for him.  Right?

Poor, McCain.  He got what he wished for.

He kept whining about Obama not having enough foreign policy/national security experience and now he can not even compete with this:

Poor John, you got just what you wished for....

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cross posted @ This Week With Barack Obama

repost with permission

obama with president hamid karzai at presidential palace in kabul, afghanistan

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obama in kuwait

shoutouts

Obama, one million Germans, and history by by MBNYC; Chuck Todd: GOP panicked, Maliki sticks with "timetable" by JedReport; Dead Black Man Tasered 9 Times by White Cop by by Steven D; 8,500 U.S. banks many will die soon by Stranded Wind; Barack, through a soldier's eyes two roads; Frank Rich SLAMS McCain in the NYT! by   ItsJessMe; Bob Barr at NN! by Jerome a Paris; Republicans Lose 1 Million Registered Voters by lapin; Lunch with Michelle Obama by Governor Chris Gregoire; The McCain campaign declares war on "the Muslims." by Geekesque; Why The GOP Is Seriously Screwed if Obama Wins by thereisnospoon; Simple Credit Card Advice. by Lava2020; Note to media:  John McCain is a disgusting misogynist by Geekesque; Imagine if Michelle Obama said this: by icebergslim; Want to see what Guantanamo torture does to a boy? by Bobs Telecaster; The HUGE McCain Blunder No One Knows About....Yet by slinkerwink; Happy 90th Birthday Nelson Mandela, Madiba by maureen; obama in afghanistan and kuwait with video and pictures by icebergslim

weekly slideshow review.....

al Maliki, Obama, der Spiegel, CENTCOM and the Truth


I wrote about all of this yesterday.  I should have known better, me thinking a slow news day and can just lounge around, but it ended up with a bang and the bang is still coming.

Now we know that al Maliki favors the Obama plan of withdrawing the troops in 16 months.  He stated so to the German magazine, der Spiegel.  In fact, der Spiegel stands by their story and have released the full transcript.  If the White House or CENTCOM continues to press and change al Maliki's statement, I will not be surprised at either an audio or video popping up from der Spiegel.  OUCH to McCain, Bush and the lame CENTCOM.

But let us look at CENTCOM.   First, CENTCOM is a theater-level Unified Combatant Command unit of the U.S. armed forces, established in 1983 under the operational control of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. It was originally conceived of as the Rapid Deployment Forces.  

So, why CENTCOM is used to release statements for al Maliki's retraction is highly suspect?  The so called clarification came from Dr. Ali al-Dabbagh a spokesman for the Iraqi government, via CENTCOM.   You can read the statement, here.  My thing is this, why is any statement from an important Iraqi spokesperson coming from CENTCOM?  Does anyone think this stinks or is not right?  In reading the statement it basically 'attempts' to denounces what al Maliki said, but the verbiage was weak.  Next, it puts the question and suspect back on the U.S. for using their high command post to release a statement on behalf of the government of another country.  Get it?  Oh, Ben Smith gets it and is questioning the use of CENTCOM, along with the power of al Maliki's words.  Also, Chuck Todd of MSNBC/NBC gets it and states on Meet the Press, it is significant that the Iraqi government mentioned "timetables' in its statement walking back the Der Spiegel interview.  Meaning, that is the crux of the Obama argument that is not being removed from the table.

Let's be clear here.  We knew a rebuttal was going to come, it was.  We also knew that it would either be hard hitting and totally discrediting der Spiegel or it was going to be weak.  The rebuttal was weak. (the carpetbagger runs it down here)  This makes the conclusion that al Maliki agrees with the Obama 16 month timetable and puts McCain and Bush in a very bad position.  The position is to rationalize staying in Iraq when the Prime Minister of the country wants you out by a timeline of 16 months.  

Lastly, Ezra Klein wraps this up perfectly for justifying the American mindset to leave Iraq and move on:

...They're massively underestimating the psychological impact of Maliki's statement. A lot of voters desperately want to leave Iraq, but feel a sense of responsibility to the Iraqi people, and they're told the Iraqi people need them, and so they reluctantly resign themselves to perpetual occupation. Maliki's comments free them of that responsibility. The political impact of this is tremendous: The long-standing moral blackmail of "we broke it, now we have to fix it" just dissipated. The Crate-and-Barrel theory is finished: The proprietors just told us to leave the store. If we don't want to be there, and the Iraqis don't want us there, what's the point?

Now the ball is in the Bush/McCain court to explain to the public why we should continue to remain in Iraq, when we are being asked nicely to leave.  It is also up to the Obama Campaign to continue to pressure this point that al Maliki want us to leave and that we should honor what this government is asking us to do.  Just as the Obama Campaign is asserting this assimilation of McCain with the premise that McCain is following in Obama's footsteps and not leading anything.

Is your popcorn popping, yet?  

h/t for getting the story straight: VirginiaDem, karpaty lviv, DanK is Back, turneresq, MLDB, and Excelscior1.  Not only did they get it right, but kept it a lively topic all of Saturday and moved it into today, Sunday.  Job well done.  Oh, and clammyc for comic relief!

                                michelle greeted by jeannie ritter, first lady of colorado

audio/video

Obama on his foreign policy experience; jibjab video; NCLR Conference Speech in San Diego; NAACP Speech in Cincinnati, OH; National Security Ad; Obama on Larry King; Obama's Security Speech in Lafayette, IN; Obama's World Tour Stops In Afghanistan, Iraq; 2nd National Security Ad; In Europe, A Fascination With Obama-McCain; Obama addresses Netroots Nation; 'It's All Politics': NPR's Weekly News Roundup; David Pfouffe's Strategy Update

iraq speech, washington, dc, july 15th

icebergslim's last word:  obama is big noise

I don't care what you say or more in fact, what McCain says, Obama is "Big Noise".

I was watching one of my favorite movies last week, Cover Girl, with Gene Kelly and Rita Hayworth.  The premise of the movie is about a Brooklyn girl's quest to become NYC's "Big Noise."  And she did.

This is Obama's quest.  If you outlined this past week it is as follows:

New Yorker's magazine cover
Jesse Jackson's contiuned rhetoric
Obama's Iraq Speech
Obama's Speech on Security and Nuclear Proliferation
Obama's Afghanistan's Trip
Obama in Kuwait and Afghanistan
And the Nouri al Maliki agreement with Obama's timeline of leaving Iraq

See, the McCain Campaign is not a "Big Noise", though they are trying to be, they just can't quite make it.

All the above was followed with intent interest and angst by the McCain Campaign.  The fear of what the international community would think of Barack Obama and how it would be received here, in the United States.

So, far so good.  The al Maliki comments were a godsend to the Obama Campaign.  It made the Bush White House and McCain scramble, justify why we should remain in Iraq when we are being asked to bring this to closure.  The New Yorker magazine cover, which many assailed as the worst satire, butchery ever, also elevated Obama to many.  It kept his name in the news and may just play on the sympathy vote for many towards Obama and against the New Yorker Magazine.  The Jesse Jackson rhetoric is just more dumb Fox News noise that made more angry at Jackson and sympathetic towards Obama.  And the photos and videos of Obama out of Kuwait and Afghanistan could not be more positive.

This is what McCain is up against.  Sure he and his campaign are whining.  They are not getting covered.  Hell, McCain has been to the same countries that Obama is now touring.  Guess what?  They were "little noise."

Barack Obama is being viewed worldwide as the new face of the United States.  With a new face comes new policies and fresh ideas.  All these foreign dignitaries, leaders want to sit down with Obama and meet him, talk with him.  They have already concluded that McCain is the continuation of George W. Bush, who is hated internationally.

So, while we watch the Obama Trip, live and continuous with all the cable desk clerks harping about it, the McCain Camp continues being the "little noise", as they rightfully are.

polls

Rasmussen SD, MN, LA, MI and IA Poll; PPP Poll Colorado;   Rasmussen National Poll;   WAPO/ABC National Economic/Iraq Security Poll; Quinnipiac National Poll; PPP SC Poll; SUSA NC Poll; CBS/NYT National Poll; Reuters/Zogby National Poll; California Field Poll; Rasmussen OR and KS Poll; Rasmussen NC, NV, AR Poll; SUSA Washington State Poll; Obama maintaining support amongst liberals; Rasmussen VA Poll; Pew Research Older Women; Strategic Vision NJ Poll; J Street Jewish Adults Poll; AP/Yahoo "Excitement" Poll; Rasmussen ME Poll; Daily Kos Alaska Poll

obama in kuwait and afghanistan slideshow...a candle to light the way for obama...

this is a reduced diary this week, since i am in a lazy mode, vacation mode.  but had to comment on a few things like, al maliki and the incredible obama foreign trip thus far.  the candle is to light the way for obama, while he is overseas.  we all need light, some of us have been in the dark far too long.  as always remember to focus on obama and not the drama....

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Tip the Obama Jar, Here

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Get Involved Here
For Inspiration:  Yes.We.Can!!!

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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @This Week With Barack Obama

obama on capitol hill

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obama in fairfax county, virginia

polls

Rasmussen's Mood of America Poll; Obama Ties McCain Among Less-Educated Voters; PPP Missouri Poll; Rasmussen New Jersey Poll; Rasmussen Illinois and North Dakota Poll; Pew Poll National; Zogby Arizona Poll; Rasmussen Wisconsin Poll; Newsweek National Poll; Rasmussen Washington State Poll;  Post Dispatch/R2000 Missouri Poll      

Party leads GOP in registrations by 55,560: NEVADA
Obama's Turnout Could Sink Us In The South
McCain Plan to Aid States on Health Could Be Costly
McCain's 'Deficit Reduction' Plan Would Cost Trillions
McCain, Obama pitch economic plans to Hispanics
McCain has no national service plan

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Jesse Jackson, Time to Let Go?  Yes.

Well, when the good reverend let his "loose lips, sink his ship", my phone started to ring off the hook.

See, here in Chicago we are used to Jackson's rhetoric.  Whether you agree or not, you are used to it but this time it was different.

After watching and listening to Jackson's statements on the O'Reilley Factor, my conclusion was that this would not hurt Obama, but it would diminish Jackson in many eyes, especially in the African-American community.

Jackson's statements sent (eyerolls) all over the place.  His statement that Barack is talking down to Black people is not only ridiculous but straight up crazy.  And wanting to take Obama's manhood from him?  What was THAT about?  Barack Obama has been consistant in speaking about personal responsibility and men in the Black Community being committed fathers is nothing new here, in fact many agree with his position.  So, there is a sure disconnect in what Jackson is angered about and what the public's agreement with Obama's is on this issue.

Sure, Jackson apologized and his son, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. gave him a tongue lashing, via press release, but it still does not answer why he even said this stuff.

My take, Jackson, Sr. is from a different era.  Many try to lump black folk in one bin, but we are not a monolithic group, as you heard from Jackson's lips himself.  Though Jackson has done much for the civil rights, voters rights, women's rights in this country and is still doing so, his luster on his star has dimmed much.

Living in Chicago, many of us know that Jackson does not do anything without it benefiting Jesse Jackson, Sr. or family.  Whether is it protesting Anhauser-Busch for all the liquor stores in African-American neighborhoods and then putting those picket signs away when the Beer Company gives your family a distribution deal.  Or being vocal about parenting and father's being father's, but you had hidden your own indiscretion and fathered a baby on your wife.

So, to lump Barack Obama or even me, in the Jesse Jackson mode is well, ridiculous.  Those examples above have moved many PAST Jesse Jackson.  Again, we respect the good reverend and understand it is hard to move past the national stage when you have always been a player or had a hand in it, but your time is UP.

Thank you for paving a way and giving many generations hope, but it really time for you to take a seat and let the new generation, march on.  Thank you.

                             
                                                           michelle in michigan

Obama Addresses His Faith
5 presidential campaign cash myths
Obama Says Forcing Russia to Leave the G-8 Would Be a `Mistake'
The Times Interviews John McCain
Obama Won't Commit to Event at Military Base
Cashing In on Obama and McCain
Corzine says he's ready to stump for Obama
Michelle Obama ties black, white women?

McCain Battles a Nemesis, the Teleprompter

Senator John McCain was performing relatively smoothly as he unveiled his energy plan.

He managed to limit the mechanical hand chops and weirdly timed smiles that can often punctuate his speeches. He delivered his lines with an ease that suggested a momentary peace with his longtime nemesis, the teleprompter. (He relied on a belt-and-suspenders approach, with text scrolling down screens to his left and right, and on a big TV set in front of him.)

But when Mr. McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, came to the intended sound bite of his speech -- the part about reducing America's dependence on foreign oil -- he hit a slick.

"I have set before the American people an energy plan, the Lex-eegton Project," Mr. McCain said, drawing a quick breath and correcting himself. "The Lex-ing-ton Proj-ect," he said slowly. "The Lexington Project," he repeated. "Remember that name."

In a town meeting in Cincinnati the next day, Mr. McCain would again slip up on the name of the Massachusetts town, where, he noted, "Americans asserted their independence once before." He called it "the Lexiggdon Project" and twice tried to fix his error before flipping the name ("Project Lexington") in subsequent references.  NYT continue

AP/Yahoo Poll:  McCain represents "old"; Obama represents "change"
Protesters gearing up for the political conventions
Obama's convention speech disrupts network plans
Obama Slaps McCain on Bankruptcy Laws
The Facebooker Who Friended Obama
Obama Denies Shifting to Reach Political Center
Obama Outlines Plan for Bankruptcy Reform
Road still bumpy for McCain's retooled bandwagon

shoutouts

Fellow Kossack Advice needed: my Obama grassroots problem by krwlngwthyou; Michelle Obama in Kansas City - photos by paradocs; If you read Frank Rich, you should demand impeachment hearings by teacherken; The "audacity" of fake friends. by The Field Negro; Beware of Clinton Opportunists! by B-Serious; LA Times: McCain's adultery may be a problem by Drdemocrat; Bush Pressures Berlin Over Obama Visit by psericks; 50 Flip Flops Of John McCain by davefromqueens;  Barack Obama Slams McCain On Gramm! by slinkerwink; I just had breakfast with Barack and Hillary by casperr; McCain Aide Says U.S. is "Nation of Whiners" in a "Mental Recession" (w/VIDEO of Obama's response) by dansac; Campaign-ending McCain Quote: Social Security is a Disgrace by Upper West; What's $2300 Buy These Days? Not Much Unity. by wizinit

Spike Lee takes Jackson to task for Obama comments
Obama plans unprecedented campaign staff numbers in Missouri
America Gets to Know Obama, and Vice Versa
"The Politics Of Fear"....Tasteless and Offensive
Obama: Iranian missile tests call for more talks
Obama Assails McCain on Immigration Before Latino Audience
Obama Says His Critics Haven't Been Listening

we got the mo

audio/video

Obama speech in St. Louis, MO; Good Morning America - Michelle Obama; "New Energy" Ad; Obama speech at LULAC; McCain speech at LULAC; The Obama Family Interview; DNC Web Ad, "When"; 'Bush Hispanics' Say Goodbye To GOP;  AFL-CIO Ad; Representin' Obama; Obama Appeals To Latino Voters; McCain, Obama Lay Out Economic Plans; Obama on Economy in Powder Springs, GA; What The Arab World Is Saying About Obama; How Do We Define A Political Flip-Flop?; Tough Moments On The Campaign Trail

 
Obama Vastly Outspending McCain On Ads At Jesse Helms' Old TV Station
Democrats take Obama shift in stride
Obama and Clinton Launch Their 'Rogers and Astaire' Act
Obama has Georgia on his mind
Obama Seeks to Register 151,000 Voters in 86 Days:  VIRGINIA
Listening to America: the Democratic Platform for Change

                                 
                                        obama in san diego, ca at the la raza conference

icebergslim's last word: birth control, viagra, and gaffes

This campaign season is mired under a microscope.  Any little thing said on either side is diced, sliced, and put on a platter for the public to consume.

I state this because I see both campaigns running to the "safety net", really not being bold or challenging but just safe.

I guess that is fine.  Both, Obama and McCain want to be elected, but it makes one wonder where is the fire, when we see a bunch of smoke.

This past week offered some funny "you know whats" on various levels.  First, as I already commented on the Jesse Jackson remarks, which at the end of the day was some crazy crap.  Now we move to McCain and his viagra moment.

There is something to say about surrogates.  They have become the love/hate messenger of this campaign season.  They either stay on topic or just snap and let it all hang out.  We have witnessed it over and over again.  And we have seen the denouncement like a broken record, with the usual surrogate getting kicked out of the limo as the candidate drives off.

Well, that is what happened to McCain on various levels this week.  First, Carly Fiorina (and I will disclose I don't like her.  never did like her.  and knowing her history at hp, many will agree) and her stance or her stating McCain's stance on birth control.

This is a touchy subject on many levels.  Why?  It has displayed McCain voting against insurance companies covering birth control, while many companies cover, (cough, cough) viagra.

Now, this is truly a HELL TO THE NAW moment for women.  And Fiorina supplies ample juice by stating: "There are many health insurance plans that will cover Viagra but won't cover birth control medication. Those women would like a choice."

Correct Fiorina, it is a woman's choice.  Again, why any woman would vote for John McCain need to look this man's record up, which is horrific on women's issues.

Then we have the snide, snub, rollin' in the dough former senator from Texas, Phil Gramm.  Whose notorious statement referring to the citizens of the United States of America as "whiners" have moved the McCain Campaign to slam the brakes and kick Gramm to the curb, as the candidate and limo proceed off to the continuous campaign clouds.

Gramm's statement which can be viewed here, truly the most outrageous gaffe I have heard in a very long time.  Sure, McCain did not make the statements, but this is a man who is his trusted advisor for over 20 years.  Which makes my assessment of "birds of a feather, flock together" very true about John McCain.  Remember, McCain has been running around here, also, telling us that the recession and parts of it is psychological.

To insult the American Public that all this recession is a figment of our imaginations or psychological is truly over the top.

I wish Gramm, McCain and crew can go to South Bend, Indiana, Gary, Indiana, parts of Pennsylvania, parts of the West and Southside of Chicago, Los Angeles, etc.  There are areas in this country hit hard and where communities are not only devastated but have been destroyed.  Where folks are biting on their fingernails in Michigan for the job they have or wonder if they will keep.

No, this is the most elitist statement ever mentioned in this campaign.

Obama Campaign, this should be shoved down Americans throats until the words BUSH=MCCAIN=ENOUGH is recited off of every American's lips.

And some people have the audacity to want to vote for John McCain?  What are you smoking?  Because whatever it is, you need to stop now and wake the hell up.

Slide Show, Drum Roll, Please....

well, i am not going to lie.  i am prejudice, because i am a woman and i don't like how the press is trying to slime michelle obama.  yes, some of it is racist, but much of it is sextist.  this is a woman who did not have a silver spoon in her mouth, a woman who made her accomplishments through hard work.  isn't this supposed to be respected as the american way?  she is a woman, a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister and the democratic nominee's wife.  all democratic women should be outraged and if you have not gotten your rage up yet, view this, then get pissed.  i am.

oh, look below.  our hope dog.  well, i guess i can call him something else, but he is a dog, standing on hope!!  hope is nothing to belittle.  you will be surprised and amazed how hope has gotten many of us to the point of where we are in this life.  remember that.  as always, remember to focus on obama and not the drama...

                   

Get Involved Here
For Inspiration:  Yes.We.Can!!!

and tip the obama jar, here

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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama

reposted with permission and cross-posted at Daily Kos

                 
                                           obama family in butte, montana, july 4, 2008

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I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.  Since, I am late posting "This Week" and just getting back in town, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.  A few things first:

If you have not given to the DNC for the Convention or to the Obama Campaign, between arguing, please do so.  The DNC is running on empty now, due to the ridiculously, long primary season and money mismangement, in my view.  The money is low, don't believe it, read it all here.  Barack is also in full fundraising mode.  We all know what this is about.  If you want to win, you need money to do that.  Barack would not be able to run ads in almost 1/2 the country if he did not have the money to do so.  Remember Kerry, and the swiftboat ads and the slow response because he did not have the money to combat the ads?  Just sayin', don't let anger get in the way of winning this thing in November.

Right now funding the DNC and the Obama Campaign is top priority.  It has to be, the primary ran too long, we got a very late start on everything and the Convention is right around the corner, as well as the General Election.  You know not only what to do, but what this is about in November, WINNING.

Barack is accepting the nomination in front of over 75K people at the Invesco/Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado.  Sorry, I am from the old school and refuse to process companies names on sport stadiums, so it will always be Mile High to me.  Just as Cominsky Park will always be THAT to me, from the Southside of Chicago.  Anyway moving on, for a donation as small as $5.00 your name just may be picked from one of ten to enjoy the convention up close and personal in Denver.  This also includes meeting Barack Obama.  More information is here.

Lastly, please give to the DNC.  Donate to the DNC here.

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Double lastly, please give to the Obama Campaign, by DONATING HERE.

Thank You.

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obama with kids from east community ministry, zanesville, ohio

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Missed Obama's FISA position, read it here.

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patriotism speech in independence, missouri, june 30, 2008

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Obama is live on ipod.  You can retrieve and listen to all his speeches, townhall meetings, special events.  You can get all the information, here.

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                                     obama's laid back, enjoying his daughter's soccer game

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The Obama Girls (Melia and Sasha, respectively) were promised, come hell or high water, a dog after going through this grueling campaign season.  The girls deserve it 360 percent.  Anytime you take a parent away from their children it is tough.  You are reducing the home to basically a one parent home, which is what happened.  So, for all the strife of the Obama Girls there now is a pet poll for which dog the girls should get.  I know the family is interested in a "shed free dog" and will like to turn their attention to this list.

And for personal experience, I have had two of the dogs on the list.  The bichon frise and havanese.  Both dogs don't shed, both are loyal to the owners, both are sweet, both are small dogs and both are fun to have around.

One caveat, the bichon frise is a breed that has been over bred.  The havenese is still a newer breed to this country, originating in Cuba.  The bichon is a stubborn dog, have not met one that is not.  The havenese is extremely loyal, easy to train and totally fun.  I love both breeds and hope the Obamas investigate well before picking the right dog for their family.

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call to service, colorado springs, colorado

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List of missed Obama speeches, talks, briefings and all of the et cetera...

Barack Obama Addresses A.M.E. Church General Conference
Barack Obama on Veterans in Fargo, ND
Barack Obama Reiterates his Stance on Iraq
Fourth of July Parade in Butte, Montana
Barack Obama at 4th of July Picnic
Barack Obama in Zanesville, OH
The Obamas at Melia's Soccer Game in Chicago, Illinois

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                                       obama with jerry orvin in colorado springs, colorado

shoutouts

The Long, Long List Of McFlip/Flops (McCain that is) by StuHunter; Unfit for duty:  McCain physically assaulted foreign official in 1987 by Geekesque; Elizabeth Edwards to Headline $40 million Health Care Coalition. by GlowNZ; The Obamas, Mortgages and Creditworthiness by SusanG; John "I Didn't Say What I Said" McCain by Todd Beeton; Cool Obama Family Campaigns & Celebrates by maureen; John Edwards to Debate Karl Rove by MLDB; Judge Requires YouTube to Turn Over User IP Addresses by ohmproject; Countdown to $200 oil: International Energy Agency says current prices justified by Jerome a Paris; Cleaning Up After the Worst Presidency in History by mcjoan

the slideshow, drumroll please....

i will be back in form next sunday.  remember to donate, volunteer and focus on obama, not the drama...

Get Involved Here
For Inspiration:  Yes.We.Can!!!

::

icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com
cross-posted @This Week With Barack Obama

reposted with permission

cross-posted @ This Week With Barack Obama

                               
                       michelle and barack leaving after watching their daughter's soccer game

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Ahhh, this read from politico, made me remember that one song from the wonderful musical, Music Man.

McCain got trouble, though not in River City, but say, his base or supporters or organizers or everyone?

While we watched the longest primary ever, one thing is true, during this time we built a great ground game in all 50 states.  And that is the gold standard from the primary going forward.

As we sloughed through each state, McCain had his "presumptiveness" in February.  Those that challenged him, Romney and Huckabee, bowed down and got the hell out.  They should have since Romney was paying for each primary and Huckabee was on a wing and a prayer.  But nonetheless, they turned out to be good Republicans and made up with McCain, publicly, and have been campaigning for him since.

So, why is McCain in a funk?  Various reasons.  I think he watched the Democratic Primaries and thought beating up on each other was enough to skate in, but now he has found out that Barack Obama is "that formidable candidate" that he just can't quite figure out.

It starts with Ed Rollins on morning joe last week, the video is here, not only did he blast McCain's Campaign but compared it to the failed campaigns of Phil Graham and Bob Dole.  OUCH.  Yes, this campaign is being run by that crew.

"McCain's campaign seems not to have a game plan. I don't see a consistent message," said Ed Rollins, a veteran of Republican presidential campaigns. "As someone who has run campaigns, this campaign is not running smoothly. But none of this matters if they get their act together."

Indeed, some Republican officials who spoke to Politico noted that there is still time for the campaign to find its footing and that no campaign is without its detractors. But the bulk of those interviewed expressed serious concern about what has appeared to be an aimless campaign so far, one that has failed to take advantage of a four-month head start on Democrats and has showed little sign of gaining traction.

I think this is why we see the McCain Campaign jump on Obama over this "Wes Mess", and continuing to whine about it, while his campaign is running on lack of money and lack of the basics, like grassroots organization?

"Here is where the problem is: We had a nomination gap between when McCain was nominated and the Democratic race completed," a swing state Republican Party chairman said. "I think [campaign manager] Rick Davis and his team did not have an understanding of how the grass-roots, organizational part of the party works. They did not use what the [Republican National Committee] had done, or how groups like the [National Rifle Association] could have helped the McCain campaign locally.

"They are just now opening up campaign operations in most states. The RNC was ready to go in most states in March," the state chairman continued, listing off grievances ranging from the campaign's "dictating" the members of various RNC committees to the state party's having been "threatened" that, though McCain "couldn't afford not to play in our state," the campaign would not "recommend us for resources" if the state party did not abide by its requests.

Ummmm.  When you are perceived to not knowing what to do and you come in and tell or threatened seasoned grassroots workers what the deal is, of course, you are getting no harmony.

Another thing, McCain had four months on us.  You mean to tell me they  are just opening up statewide offices?  McCain could have used this time to energize his base, listen to grievances, etc.  The only thing I can surmise is the lack of money to not move ahead, and this should have started when Huckabee got OUT.

"What's the political strategy when you allow your opponent, who has just had a grueling four months, time to catch their breath, regroup, fundraise and start to define himself?" asked a Republican strategist who helped lead a past presidential campaign. "It's politics 101."

So, what has McCain been doing?  Taking weekends off, of course, when he should have been organizing, campaigning vigorously, raising money and shoring up his base.  All that leisure is starting to anger the troops.

"Rather than trying to pull me in and make me an intricate part of the team they just told me what they wanted done, and said if you don't play ball we won't play ball," one state chairman said.

Those chairmen noted that the conservative base is far less riled, and significantly smaller, than its liberal counterpart. For this reason, GOP leaders generally believe they will have to be more efficient to overcome Obama's advantages.

"You are going to hear a lot of complaints from state party chairmen," one chairman said of his colleagues. "They are used to the Rove-Mehlman model. They were very good at finding the place they needed to win, down to the county they needed in Ohio.

Well, as much as we are in dissention, we are nowhere close to all that is going on with McCain.

If McCain can not energize his base, understand the basic fundamentals of grassroots organizing, underwhelming in the money game, what is his message to get folks not only to the polls but to vote for him?

Keep our eyes on the final PRIZE, in between arguing, that is.

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Tip the Obama Jar, Here
Get Involved Here
For Inspiration:  Yes.We.Can!!!

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icebergslim1047 (at) gmail (dot) com