Hillary In Charlotte

More Obama Baloney from "The Charlotte Observer"

Written Action Needed in Response to this vilifying article in "The Charlotte Observer."

Reaction Needed to This!

Written reaction thus far:

As a former resident of Barack Obama's state Senate district in Illinois,
I fail to understand how 2/3 of NC voters give Barack Obama "high marks
for his ability to connect with voters." Not only did I never meet
Obama when I resided two blocks from his home in Chicago; I know Obama
failed to represent constituents who lacked heating and sanitation
services as a result of the dereliction of Obama's political patron, the
indicted slumlord Antoin "Tony" Rezko. Obama failed to report the actual
amount of money indicted political fixer Rezko raised for Obama when
questioned by the Chicago Sun-Times. Obama said it was "between $50,000 and
$60,000" in December 2006, when a Chicago Sun-Times investigation seven
months later revealed that it was actually $168,308. Now Obama claims
it was $250,000. Obama's shifting explanations force me to question his
trustworthiness, especially as he and Rezko jointly purchased the
mansion in which the Obama family resides in 2005 when everyone in Chicago
knew Rezko was under federal investigation.

_______________________________

> Here's my letter to the CharOb -
>
> Re: NC Voters' top concern: Trust (April 5, 2008)
>
> Who could NC voters possibly trust more than Hillary Clinton? No
candidate has ever been vetted more thoroughly; we know everything there
is to know about her. It is also common knowledge that no other
candidate has ever been treated more unfairly in the media in any presidential
race. I trust Hillary because she has demonstrated her leadership and
ability to make positive changes in the lives of American working
families for 35 years. No other candidate can make this claim. Were the
people being polled the same ones who trusted George W. Bush in 2004? Wake
up North Carolina! Trust the facts, not the hype.

Carmina
_______________________________________________

More from Jyoti
My response:
I don't know why the poll shows that people in North Carolina don't trustHillary.
My woman's intuition tells me that I can trust her. It's the poll that should not be trusted.
Jyoti

Here's my letter. Hope everyone else takes action.
I take exception to Jim Merrill's article on Senator Clinton's supposed lack of trustworthiness. She is vetted, but continues to be trounced upon by the media with a viciousness that most sensitive and intelligent women will never forget. These same women will be cognizant of this when voting. Your hasty generalization of poll results(without giving much detail about which actual polls you are citing)serve only to inflame an audience already pummeled with hasty, careless opinions presented as "news.".
...Trisha

This is what I wrote to the Observer.

North Carolina voters should not be fooled by the media's bias statements against Hillary Clinton.
Hillary is trustworthy and a fierce candidate for the Presidency. It is hilarious that Obama is “considered trustworthy.”
Obama’s response to his association with Rev. Wright and Tony Rezko is an indication of his inability to tell the truth on these matters.
What else does Barack Obama have to hide?

Fran

Hillary In Memphis, Tn., April 4,2008

"...I believe we should appoint a cabinet level position that will be solely and fully devoted to ending poverty as we know it in America. A position that will focus the attention of our nation on the issue and never let it go. A person who I could see being asked by the president every single day what have you done to end poverty in America? No more excuses." Senator Hillary Clinton, April 4, 2008, Memphis, Tn.

No Way to Get Middle America's Vote

Submitted by Chris Flemming, Hillary Supporter, Gastonia,N.C.

Obama and King

By JUAN WILLIAMS, NPR and Fox Commentator
April 4, 2008; Page A13,

Martin Luther King Jr. died at age 39; today, the 40th anniversary of his death, is the first time he has been gone longer than he lived.

Figures such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have tried to claim his place on the American stage. But at most they have achieved fame and wealth. What separated King from any would-be successor was his moral authority. He towered above the high walls of racial suspicion by speaking truth to all sides.

Cont. on Opinion Page

Charlotte4Hillary met for a strategy meeting soon after attending the opening of Senator Clinton's local campaign headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Note the unique T-shirt sported by one of Hillary's greatest supporters!

Rise, Hillary. Rise!

Watch Clip HRC Headquarters

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Senator Hillary Clinton Agrees to CBS News Debate
No confirmation from Obama camp, debate would be CBS' first of the campaign.
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/3/2008 4:45:00 PM

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) has accepted CBS News’ invitation for a debate on April 27 in North Carolina, her campaign confirmed Thursday.

The network has yet to get a confirmation from Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

The Democratic contenders will meet April 16 in Philadelphia for an ABC News debate moderated by Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos. It will be the 21st debate of the longest primary season on memory.

If Obama agrees to the CBS News debate, it will be the first for the network. CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric and Face the Nation’s Bob Schieffer are scheduled to moderate.

Key Republican Gives Clinton an "Electability" Boost
April 01, 2008 03:25 PM ET | Permanent Link

Hillary Clinton's campaign has pounced on a statement by a key Republican in order to undermine the "electability" claims of her Democratic rival, Barack Obama.

Clinton strategists are pointing to the remarks of Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, in the New York Times Magazine on Sunday in which he said Obama would be an easier target in the fall campaign if he becomes the Democratic presidential nominee. Clinton strategists are using Cole's remarks as part of their effort to persuade "superdelegates" to side with Clinton because Obama would supposedly be a risky choice. In addition, the Clinton forces argue that many Democratic candidates would need to "disown" Obama's liberal policies in order to survive in their states or districts.

Cont. USN

Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are battling for every vote in Pennsylvania's presidential primary.

With the state's crucial primary slated for April 22, gay and lesbian voters in Philadelphia have drawn attention from the battling candidates. By one count, those voters makes up five percent of the city's Democratic electorate. In a tight race, even such a small demographic could make a big difference.

NPR On Winning The LGBT Vote

Phone Banking for Clinton: Just Do It

by anna belle, Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 09:55:26 PM EST

Evening folks! I'm just back from my first phone banking at Hillary Clinton's New Albany Headquarters in Indiana. What a trip! I talked to all sorts of people tonight, including one memorable conversation I had with a non-supporter who was pissed about Kyl-Lieberman, and whom I had the pleasure of setting straight (in the friendliest of terms, of course!), and who I think might just take the second look at that vote as I encouraged.

These are the trenches, people, and it's where YOU need to be. Why? Because it's where she (and we) needs you! Join me below the fold for the details of why.

The biggest reason Hill needs you is that you are one of those in the know about her record. I volunteered tonight with some amazing people, including a 75 year old woman from NA, a couple of 50-ish ladies from NA and Corydon, as well as the grown son of one of these women. Lovely, lovely people who will work tirelessly, but not exactly up to snuff when fielding the question about Kyl-Lieberman, like I did tonight. Here's how it went:

Read On...

Obama Speech Fails to Assuage White Indiana Voters

Heidi Przybyla Tue Apr 1, 10:00 AM ET

April 1 (Bloomberg) -- Andrea Helmer was interested in Barack Obama until she heard sound bites of his fiery pastor's sermons. Last week, she volunteered for Hillary Clinton's campaign in Indiana.

``As things came out regarding some of the things his pastor has said, I got concerned,'' said Helmer, a 36-year-old respiratory therapist and mother of two in Evansville, Indiana.

Interviews with dozens of Democrats in this overwhelmingly white region -- where voters will go to the polls in the May 6 primary -- suggest residual concerns over the controversy involving Obama's former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright.Read more...

On tonights' CNN news, Lou Dobbs asked viewers the following question.
Do you believe there is a media bias against Hillary Clinton and in favor of Barack Obama? So far the results are:
Yes 72% 13789
No 28% 5397
Total Votes: 19186

CNN Poll

Be sure and quick vote on site!

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise. ....Maya Angelou

continued...

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Quote of A Lifetime

"If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Abigail Adams, in a letter to John Adams, March 31, 1776

courtesy Nate...
According to an article published today on CNN.com, "Clinton maintains
a 243-212 advantage among super delegates -- 800 or so elected
officials and party activists who are free to cast their vote how they wish --
in the most recent CNN count...Clinton's count would be greater -- but
the party has not resolved the thorny question of how to seat the
Florida and Michigan delegations..."

Barack Obama credits a Kennedy administration program for bringing his father to the United States, an event which eventually led to Obama’s conception.

Not quite, says The Washington Post’s Fact Checker.

Check Out On Fox...

Our Editorial Gang

Here's a copy of a letter I've sent to Q-notes today.

-----Original Message-----
From: Nathan
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 5:30pm
To: editor@q-notes.com
Subject: Clinton Endorsement?

Hey Jim / Matt / David:

I was reading about the Donnie McClurkin controversy and the editorial
on Obama as published in Q-Notes. So, I thought I would write to ask if
you intend to endorse Hillary Clinton for President, now that Edwards
has bowed out?

I am working with a grassroots campaign here in Charlotte:
Charlotte4Hillary , http://www.charlotte4hillary.com -- and while many in
mainstream media seem to think Obama has this tied up, and that all
gays/lesbians are supporting him, the fact is that his support is fractured. In
listening daily to OutQ on Sirius Radio, it seems that nationally there
are MANY supporters for Hillary. The growing theme is one that Clinton
has stated emphatically: That there is a big divide between giving a
speech, and actually delivering for the Democrats in the November Election.

Sen. Clinton has been instrumental on many fronts in support of GLBT
issues. During the Clinton-Gore White House there were "OUT" members of
the staff, including many on Mrs. Clinton's staff.

Read more from Nathan...

McCain's health plan fails her test

Neither Elizabeth Edwards, whose cancer is incurable, nor the presumptive Republican presidential nominee would be covered by his policy, she asserts.
By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 30, 2008
ARLINGTON, VA. -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, said she and John McCain have one thing in common: "Neither one of us would be covered by his health policy."

Edwards lodged her criticism of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's proposal Saturday at the annual meeting of the Assn. of Health Care Journalists.
Under McCain's plan, insurance companies "wouldn't have to cover preexisting conditions like melanoma and breast cancer," she said.
McCain has been treated for melanoma, the most serious type of skin malignancy. Edwards in 2004 was diagnosed with breast cancer, and announced a year ago that it had returned and spread into her bones, meaning it no longer could be cured.
McCain's plan focuses on offering new tax breaks for individuals who buy their own health insurance. But critics say the Arizona senator's proposal avoids giving insurers requirements on whom they must cover and how much they may charge.

more from L.A. Times

Senator Clinton has been knocking herself out visiting communities in Indiana, and now Kentucky.

These visits show why Senator Clinton will make a great candidate to defeat John McCain. First, there is Senator Clinton's incredible energy and stamina. Second, the visits reveal Senator Clinton's attitude that every vote is worth fighting for and fighting for in person. Third, the content of what she says to people is encouraging, not because it is full of jingoism or bravado masquerading as patriotism. In the tradition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt - himself an inveterate in-person campaigner, Senator Clinton talks about the better reality that is the United States some of the time and how to make that reality more robust and more available. She does not kid herself or the voters about the difficulty of achieving a better economy, better health care, better foreign relations. But she is optimistic. Senator Clinton believes - and demonstrates - that with hard work, truly unexpected triumphs can be had.

That's a message that resonates with me. It appears to be playing well with the voters in the remaining primary states too.
Posted by Heidi Li Feldman, J.D., Ph.D.

... from NYT Politics Blog

October 29, 2007, 8:46 am
Obama’s Gospel Concert Tour

By Katharine Q. Seelye
Obama's Gospel Concert Tour Protesters marched silently outside the Township Auditorium, in Columbia, S.C., during a gospel concert that featured Donnie McClurkin. (Photos: Brett Flashnick/Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. — At Barack Obama’s gospel concert here last night, more than 2,000 black evangelicals were singing, waving their hands and cramming the aisles — most enthusiastically when Donnie McClurkin, the superstar black gospel singer, decried the criticism he has generated because of his views that homosexuality is a choice.

He said his past statements about homosexuality had been twisted and he had been unfairly maligned. He segued into a hymn about standing up for one’s self and thrust a defiant fist toward the ceiling. This led to a short pitch for Mr. Obama, who, he said, stands for change. “But the greatest change a person can have is not in politics,” he said. “There is only one king.”...

go to nyt politics

February 08, 2008
Obama Snubbed Newsom During S.F.'s Gay Marriage Fight

During his Senate run for Illinois, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is said to have declined to have his picture taken with San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, who at the time was in the center of a national turmoil over his decision to allow same-sex marriage in the city.

read more

Reverend Meeks, one of Obama's spiritual advisors and an Illinois
superdelegate who supports Obama, is staunchly homophobic

I quote World Net Daily:Meeks has reportedly campaigned for Obama and allowed Obama to
campaign at his church during the presidential candidate's 2004 senatorial
run.

A recent Meeks endorsement of Obama is touted on the presidential
candidate's campaign website.

In a 2004 interview with Cathleen Falsani of the Chicago Sun-Times,
Obama described Meeks as an adviser who he seeks out for spiritual
council.

Obama told the Sun-Times that the day after he won a 2004 senatorial
primary, he stopped by Meeks' Salem Baptist Church for Wednesday-night
Bible study.

"I know that he's a person of prayer," said Meeks of Obama. "The
night after the election, he was the hottest thing going from Galesburg to
Rockford. He did all the TV shows, and all the morning news, but his
last stop at night was for church. He came by to say thank you, and he
came by for prayer."...

Meeks is also notorious for his strong anti-homosexual platform,
which is in contrast to Obama who has been campaigning for the "gay" vote.
Meeks has routinely voted against pro-homosexual legislation and has
been quoted during sermons referring to same-sex attraction "an evil
sickness."

Obama receives endorsement from George Bush's spiritual advisor,
Kirbyjon Caldwell, whose ministry believes gays can be cured.

I quote CBS News: the same time as Obama’s Sunday speech, gay bloggers were
digging into the background of the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, a spiritual
adviser to President Bush who endorsed Obama a day earlier. They turned up a
page on his Houston church Web site promoting a ministry to cure
homosexuals, sparking outrage among the same bloggers who were extolling him
only a few hours earlier.

Summary: While Obama makes public statements in support of the LGBT
community, his actions and affiliations are those of someone who is not
only homophobic but wary of the LGBT community. Obama lacks the trust
of the Advocate and other major LGBT outlets, and he admits in his
text entitled the Audacity of Hope that he personally does not approve of
gay marriage.

go to cbs news

Obama Blew It; Clinton Makes Headway"

But now two months have passed since Edwards dropped out—tempus
fugit!—and still no endorsement. Why? According to a Democratic strategist
unaligned with any campaign but with knowledge of the situation
gleaned from all three camps, the answer is simple: Obama blew it. Speaking
to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and
aloof. His response to Edwards’s imprecations that he make poverty a
central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by
contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was
solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in
North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she
even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama
dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health
care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a
crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton’s plan (and by extension
Edwards’s) for its insurance mandate.

continue to read...

Opinion April 4,2008

Submitted by Chris Flemming, Hillary Supporter, Gastonia,N.C.

Obama and King

By JUAN WILLIAMS, NPR and Fox Commentator
April 4, 2008; Page A13,

Martin Luther King Jr. died at age 39; today, the 40th anniversary of his death, is the first time he has been gone longer than he lived.

Figures such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have tried to claim his place on the American stage. But at most they have achieved fame and wealth. What separated King from any would-be successor was his moral authority. He towered above the high walls of racial suspicion by speaking truth to all sides.

Cont. on Opinion Page

Strategy Meeting 4-03-08, Charlotte4Hillary

Charlotte4Hillary met for a strategy meeting soon after attending the opening of Senator Clinton's local campaign headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Note the unique T-shirt sported by one of Hillary's greatest supporters!

Rise, Hillary. Rise!

Watch Clip HRC Headquarters

A Message to N.C.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Senator Hillary Clinton Agrees to CBS News Debate
No confirmation from Obama camp, debate would be CBS' first of the campaign.
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/3/2008 4:45:00 PM

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) has accepted CBS News’ invitation for a debate on April 27 in North Carolina, her campaign confirmed Thursday.

The network has yet to get a confirmation from Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).

The Democratic contenders will meet April 16 in Philadelphia for an ABC News debate moderated by Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos. It will be the 21st debate of the longest primary season on memory.

If Obama agrees to the CBS News debate, it will be the first for the network. CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric and Face the Nation’s Bob Schieffer are scheduled to moderate.

What We Dwell On

Once Again, "Electability"...from USN

Key Republican Gives Clinton an "Electability" Boost
April 01, 2008 03:25 PM ET | Permanent Link

Hillary Clinton's campaign has pounced on a statement by a key Republican in order to undermine the "electability" claims of her Democratic rival, Barack Obama.

Clinton strategists are pointing to the remarks of Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, in the New York Times Magazine on Sunday in which he said Obama would be an easier target in the fall campaign if he becomes the Democratic presidential nominee. Clinton strategists are using Cole's remarks as part of their effort to persuade "superdelegates" to side with Clinton because Obama would supposedly be a risky choice. In addition, the Clinton forces argue that many Democratic candidates would need to "disown" Obama's liberal policies in order to survive in their states or districts.

Cont. USN

Battling For Every Vote in Pennsylvania

Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are battling for every vote in Pennsylvania's presidential primary.

With the state's crucial primary slated for April 22, gay and lesbian voters in Philadelphia have drawn attention from the battling candidates. By one count, those voters makes up five percent of the city's Democratic electorate. In a tight race, even such a small demographic could make a big difference.

NPR On Winning The LGBT Vote

Just Do It

Phone Banking for Clinton: Just Do It

by anna belle, Tue Apr 01, 2008 at 09:55:26 PM EST

Evening folks! I'm just back from my first phone banking at Hillary Clinton's New Albany Headquarters in Indiana. What a trip! I talked to all sorts of people tonight, including one memorable conversation I had with a non-supporter who was pissed about Kyl-Lieberman, and whom I had the pleasure of setting straight (in the friendliest of terms, of course!), and who I think might just take the second look at that vote as I encouraged.

These are the trenches, people, and it's where YOU need to be. Why? Because it's where she (and we) needs you! Join me below the fold for the details of why.

The biggest reason Hill needs you is that you are one of those in the know about her record. I volunteered tonight with some amazing people, including a 75 year old woman from NA, a couple of 50-ish ladies from NA and Corydon, as well as the grown son of one of these women. Lovely, lovely people who will work tirelessly, but not exactly up to snuff when fielding the question about Kyl-Lieberman, like I did tonight. Here's how it went:

Read On...

Indiana Voters Not Happy With Obama

Obama Speech Fails to Assuage White Indiana Voters

Heidi Przybyla Tue Apr 1, 10:00 AM ET

April 1 (Bloomberg) -- Andrea Helmer was interested in Barack Obama until she heard sound bites of his fiery pastor's sermons. Last week, she volunteered for Hillary Clinton's campaign in Indiana.

``As things came out regarding some of the things his pastor has said, I got concerned,'' said Helmer, a 36-year-old respiratory therapist and mother of two in Evansville, Indiana.

Interviews with dozens of Democrats in this overwhelmingly white region -- where voters will go to the polls in the May 6 primary -- suggest residual concerns over the controversy involving Obama's former pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright.Read more...

Hope!!

From Fran, Charlotte4Hillary

On tonights' CNN news, Lou Dobbs asked viewers the following question.
Do you believe there is a media bias against Hillary Clinton and in favor of Barack Obama? So far the results are:
Yes 72% 13789
No 28% 5397
Total Votes: 19186

CNN Poll

Be sure and quick vote on site!

......"Rise, Hillary. Rise"

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise. ....Maya Angelou

continued...

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Quote of A Lifetime

"If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation."
Abigail Adams, in a letter to John Adams, March 31, 1776

Quote from CNN

courtesy Nate...
According to an article published today on CNN.com, "Clinton maintains
a 243-212 advantage among super delegates -- 800 or so elected
officials and party activists who are free to cast their vote how they wish --
in the most recent CNN count...Clinton's count would be greater -- but
the party has not resolved the thorny question of how to seat the
Florida and Michigan delegations..."

Tall Tales

Barack Obama credits a Kennedy administration program for bringing his father to the United States, an event which eventually led to Obama’s conception.

Not quite, says The Washington Post’s Fact Checker.

Check Out On Fox...

Words of Action from Charlotte

Our Editorial Gang

Here's a copy of a letter I've sent to Q-notes today.

-----Original Message-----
From: Nathan
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 5:30pm
To: editor@q-notes.com
Subject: Clinton Endorsement?

Hey Jim / Matt / David:

I was reading about the Donnie McClurkin controversy and the editorial
on Obama as published in Q-Notes. So, I thought I would write to ask if
you intend to endorse Hillary Clinton for President, now that Edwards
has bowed out?

I am working with a grassroots campaign here in Charlotte:
Charlotte4Hillary , http://www.charlotte4hillary.com -- and while many in
mainstream media seem to think Obama has this tied up, and that all
gays/lesbians are supporting him, the fact is that his support is fractured. In
listening daily to OutQ on Sirius Radio, it seems that nationally there
are MANY supporters for Hillary. The growing theme is one that Clinton
has stated emphatically: That there is a big divide between giving a
speech, and actually delivering for the Democrats in the November Election.

Sen. Clinton has been instrumental on many fronts in support of GLBT
issues. During the Clinton-Gore White House there were "OUT" members of
the staff, including many on Mrs. Clinton's staff.

Read more from Nathan...

Both Would Be Out of Luck With McCain Health Plan

McCain's health plan fails her test

Neither Elizabeth Edwards, whose cancer is incurable, nor the presumptive Republican presidential nominee would be covered by his policy, she asserts.
By Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
March 30, 2008
ARLINGTON, VA. -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, said she and John McCain have one thing in common: "Neither one of us would be covered by his health policy."

Edwards lodged her criticism of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's proposal Saturday at the annual meeting of the Assn. of Health Care Journalists.
Under McCain's plan, insurance companies "wouldn't have to cover preexisting conditions like melanoma and breast cancer," she said.
McCain has been treated for melanoma, the most serious type of skin malignancy. Edwards in 2004 was diagnosed with breast cancer, and announced a year ago that it had returned and spread into her bones, meaning it no longer could be cured.
McCain's plan focuses on offering new tax breaks for individuals who buy their own health insurance. But critics say the Arizona senator's proposal avoids giving insurers requirements on whom they must cover and how much they may charge.

more from L.A. Times

Clinton and Her Fighting Spirit

Senator Clinton has been knocking herself out visiting communities in Indiana, and now Kentucky.

These visits show why Senator Clinton will make a great candidate to defeat John McCain. First, there is Senator Clinton's incredible energy and stamina. Second, the visits reveal Senator Clinton's attitude that every vote is worth fighting for and fighting for in person. Third, the content of what she says to people is encouraging, not because it is full of jingoism or bravado masquerading as patriotism. In the tradition of Franklin Delano Roosevelt - himself an inveterate in-person campaigner, Senator Clinton talks about the better reality that is the United States some of the time and how to make that reality more robust and more available. She does not kid herself or the voters about the difficulty of achieving a better economy, better health care, better foreign relations. But she is optimistic. Senator Clinton believes - and demonstrates - that with hard work, truly unexpected triumphs can be had.

That's a message that resonates with me. It appears to be playing well with the voters in the remaining primary states too.
Posted by Heidi Li Feldman, J.D., Ph.D.

Gay Community Wary of Obama...

... from NYT Politics Blog

October 29, 2007, 8:46 am
Obama’s Gospel Concert Tour

By Katharine Q. Seelye
Obama's Gospel Concert Tour Protesters marched silently outside the Township Auditorium, in Columbia, S.C., during a gospel concert that featured Donnie McClurkin. (Photos: Brett Flashnick/Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. — At Barack Obama’s gospel concert here last night, more than 2,000 black evangelicals were singing, waving their hands and cramming the aisles — most enthusiastically when Donnie McClurkin, the superstar black gospel singer, decried the criticism he has generated because of his views that homosexuality is a choice.

He said his past statements about homosexuality had been twisted and he had been unfairly maligned. He segued into a hymn about standing up for one’s self and thrust a defiant fist toward the ceiling. This led to a short pitch for Mr. Obama, who, he said, stands for change. “But the greatest change a person can have is not in politics,” he said. “There is only one king.”...

go to nyt politics

February 08, 2008
Obama Snubbed Newsom During S.F.'s Gay Marriage Fight

During his Senate run for Illinois, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is said to have declined to have his picture taken with San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, who at the time was in the center of a national turmoil over his decision to allow same-sex marriage in the city.

read more

Reverend Meeks, one of Obama's spiritual advisors and an Illinois
superdelegate who supports Obama, is staunchly homophobic

I quote World Net Daily:Meeks has reportedly campaigned for Obama and allowed Obama to
campaign at his church during the presidential candidate's 2004 senatorial
run.

A recent Meeks endorsement of Obama is touted on the presidential
candidate's campaign website.

In a 2004 interview with Cathleen Falsani of the Chicago Sun-Times,
Obama described Meeks as an adviser who he seeks out for spiritual
council.

Obama told the Sun-Times that the day after he won a 2004 senatorial
primary, he stopped by Meeks' Salem Baptist Church for Wednesday-night
Bible study.

"I know that he's a person of prayer," said Meeks of Obama. "The
night after the election, he was the hottest thing going from Galesburg to
Rockford. He did all the TV shows, and all the morning news, but his
last stop at night was for church. He came by to say thank you, and he
came by for prayer."...

Meeks is also notorious for his strong anti-homosexual platform,
which is in contrast to Obama who has been campaigning for the "gay" vote.
Meeks has routinely voted against pro-homosexual legislation and has
been quoted during sermons referring to same-sex attraction "an evil
sickness."

Obama receives endorsement from George Bush's spiritual advisor,
Kirbyjon Caldwell, whose ministry believes gays can be cured.

I quote CBS News: the same time as Obama’s Sunday speech, gay bloggers were
digging into the background of the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, a spiritual
adviser to President Bush who endorsed Obama a day earlier. They turned up a
page on his Houston church Web site promoting a ministry to cure
homosexuals, sparking outrage among the same bloggers who were extolling him
only a few hours earlier.

Summary: While Obama makes public statements in support of the LGBT
community, his actions and affiliations are those of someone who is not
only homophobic but wary of the LGBT community. Obama lacks the trust
of the Advocate and other major LGBT outlets, and he admits in his
text entitled the Audacity of Hope that he personally does not approve of
gay marriage.

go to cbs news

Simply Put: Why We are Voting for Hillary

"New York Magazine on the Edwards Endorsement"

Obama Blew It; Clinton Makes Headway"

But now two months have passed since Edwards dropped out—tempus
fugit!—and still no endorsement. Why? According to a Democratic strategist
unaligned with any campaign but with knowledge of the situation
gleaned from all three camps, the answer is simple: Obama blew it. Speaking
to Edwards on the day he exited the race, Obama came across as glib and
aloof. His response to Edwards’s imprecations that he make poverty a
central part of his agenda was shallow, perfunctory, pat. Clinton, by
contrast, engaged Edwards in a lengthy policy discussion. Her affect was
solicitous and respectful. When Clinton met Edwards face-to-face in
North Carolina ten days later, her approach continued to impress; she
even made headway with Elizabeth. Whereas in his Edwards sit-down, Obama
dug himself in deeper, getting into a fight with Elizabeth about health
care, insisting that his plan is universal (a position she considers a
crock), high-handedly criticizing Clinton’s plan (and by extension
Edwards’s) for its insurance mandate.

continue to read...