DNC Rules To Seat 50% of Florida & Michigan's Delegates

As 12 committee members voted for 100% seating of the Florida Delegates, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters cheered on the members who approved the motion on the floor. However, 15 members voted to not seat the delegates 100% and Obama supporters then took the floor with cheers and applause.

Members gave reasons for both sides of the argument. A Filipina congresswoman stated as a child, she was raised by rules, but in the event that the rules damage the unity within the family--the rules would be re-evaluated and changed.

Alice Huffman, a committee member who opposed the seating of Florida by 100% stated, "when we leave here, we will be more united than when we came." Clinton supporters bursted out in laughter as the member went on to cast her argument and a male observer shouted out, "'This isn't unity.'' 'Huffman pressed on as the shouts kept coming "You just took away votes,'' another woman yelled

The second motion on the floor was to seat 50% of Florida's delegates and passed with 27 votes, and later, Michigan passed with 19 votes to seat 50% and 8 votes against. Obama picked up a total of 32 delegates in Michigan, including superdelegates who have already committed, and 36 in Florida. Clinton picked up 38 in Michigan, including superdelegates, and 56.5 in Florida.

Obama's total increased to 2,052, and Clinton had 1,877.5.

The resolution increased the number of delegates needed to clinch the nomination to 2,118, leaving Obama 66 delegates short but still within striking distance after the three final primaries are held in the next three days.

The debate continues as I submit this post so please feel free to update this article and please visit my main page for other articles at http://barackandhillary.blogspot.com/

DNC Rules Committee, Florida and Michigan delegates, Michigan and Florida delegates

Obama Resigns from Trinity United Church of Christ

According to Chicago blogger, Monroe Anderson, Sen. Barack Obama sent a letter to Trinity United Church of Christ yesterday resigning his membership. His resignation comes on the heels of a controversial video clip of Father Michael Pfleger speaking in a guest appearance at Trinity. Here is the full article.

In the wake of the Father Michael Pfleger controversial sermon last Sunday at Trinity United Church of Christ, Barack Obama sent a letter yesterday resigning from his place of worship for the past 20 years.

I sort of, kind of, understand why he did it. But I’m also sort of, kind of, concerned about what this might portend for an Obama presidency. Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Trinity are community building blocks that the right wing has turned into bricks to be thrown at presidential candidate Obama from now until the general election ends in November—and perhaps beyond.

So in an attempt to turn manufactured right-wing ammo into blanks, Obama has completely separated himself from his minister and his church. What worries me is this: Can we expect a President Obama to cave in to the whims and will of the right on policies and issues he knows are important, if this nation is to move forward in a progressive and compassionate manner? Can we expect him to genuflect to negative reports by an uninformed, misinformed or ill-willed media? Is the candidate of change willing to go-along in a willy-nilly get-along fashion?

I hope not, but I’m not sure.

Obama knows what Trinity is about. I’ve only set foot in the church twice in my life and I know what it’s about. It’s nothing like it’s being portrayed in the national media. Nor is Rev. Wright. Obama knows that Rev. Wright and his church and Father Pfleger have been forces for good on Chicago’s South Side for three decades. Both Trinity and Father Pfleger should have known the Catholic priest’s racially-tinged mocking Hillary Clinton performance would only be perceived as another weapon to use against Obama. They should know, as I know, that they ultimately left the Illinois senator with little political choice.

I also know that perception can become reality in our media-defined world. But reality is not always perception. And, the reality is that Obama cannot let the right-wing dictate his principles.

Should this become his practice as president, then for those who have invested so much hope in him, his victory will only be a pyrrhic one.

Please feel free to reply to this article

Trinity Church, Obama resigns from church, United Trinity Church of Christ

Hillary Clinton Gets Florida & Michigan and Wins Primary

Imagine:

Saturday, June 1

2pm

After a long, hard fought battle from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to get Florida and Michigan delegates seated, the fight is now over. The Rules and Bylaws Committee for the Democratic Primaries has elected to seat the delegates according to the voter results.

4pm

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton wins in Puerto Rico by 23 points and passes Senator Barack Obama in Delegates as 23 Super delegates pledge their support for Senator Clinton.

6pm

Our top story tonight--Democrats gone mad. On capital hill today, some Democrats are furious with the decision of the Rules and Bylaws Committee to allow Florida and Michigan to be counted while others shout back that the two states must be counted. Senator Edward Kennedy called it an "outrage" and demanded another vote on it. Demonstrators have swarmed the streets and thousands have been arrested in 5 major cities including Washington DC, Detroit, Portland, Oregon, Baltimore and Cincinnati.

June 3rd

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has won Montana and the nomination as 32 more Super delegates pledge their support for the Senator . Obama supporters are outraged and have filled the streets in every major city asking for Senator Clinton to step down. Many claim they will ban the elections and others are throwing their support behind Ralph Nader. 11 Senators, including Senator Ted Kennedy, have also threatened to join the Nader Campaign if Senator Clinton continues with the nomination.

July 3rd

Senator Barack Obama has just announced his candidacy in the Green Party as 16 Senators and 82 Congressman throw their support behind Obama. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton a "divider in the Democratic party" and has joined Senator Obama as his running mate. From University Hospital, Senator Ted Kennedy has accused the Clinton's of "destroying the Democratic party" and eradicating all credibility and faith in the party. Pollsters show that John McCain is leading the race with 68% of the vote compared to Clinton's 24%.

September 3rd

We have a race. In today's Gallup Poll of over 2500 voters across the 50 states, Senator Barack Obama has just come from behind, once again, with an estimated 31% of the vote, while Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has 19% and John McCain 33% with 12% undecided. As we head into October, Obama supporters seem optimistic that their candidate will win over the hearts of Senator Clinton supporters and undecided voters.

And Finally, November 2nd.

John McCain is the next President of the United States of America.

See Liz Trotta Call for the Death of Obama Video Here:

http://barackandhillary.blogspot.com/2008/05/fox-news-contributor-liz-trotta-wants.html

Please feel free to write out your own version of this type of scenario.

Florida and Michigan Primary, Florida Delegates, Michigan Delegates, Montana Primary

Fox News Contributor, Liz Trotta, Wants Obama to Die

Watch the full video of Liz Trotta calling Obama, Osama, and then goes on to suggest that (?) should assassinate them both. I put a question mark there because it's not clear as to who Trotta is suggesting kill Obama. She says "well, both, if we could."

To me, "we" would suggest her and her kind. Who is Liz Trotta and what is she all about? Please respond if you know anything about her other than she worked for the Washington Post and is now with Fox News.

It's not just about the slip up, it's also about the facial and body exspressions she places upon us when making the comments. She seems to pause and side play the comment as if whispering to someone on her left (maybe right) as she talks out of the side of her mouth.

Watch the video and let me know what you think.

Liz Trotta Video, Liz Trotta Obama Video

Fox News Analyst Wants To See Obama Assassination

Yesterday, Fox News analyst Liz Trotta joked when asked in an interview with Fox host Eric Shawn about Hillary's Robert F Kennedy controversial remark and called for the assassination of both Osama Bin Laden and Barack Obama.

Trotta who is a former Washington Times editor and three-time Emmy winner clearly wasn't thinking (or was she?) when publicly stating "And now we have what some are reading as a suggestion that somebody knock off Osama, uh Obama. Well, both, if we could."

Fox and Trotta came out today and made a public apology after a major uproar occured from Obama supporters.

"Yes, I am so sorry about what happened yesterday and the lame attempt at humor. I feel all over myself, making it appear that I wished Barack Obama harm or any other candidate, for that matter, and I sincerely regret it and apologize to anybody I have offended. It is a very colorful political season, and many of us are making mistakes and saying things we wish we had not said." Said Trotta.

As we head into the end of this primary, one wonders if the slip up of Osama and Obama is just the beginning. Is this the igniting of what is to become? As the republicans gear up for a hard fighting campaign will the new Swift Boaters be a ploy to associate Barack Obama with Muslim Extremists?

There are people out there who believe Obama is not who we believe him to be and no matter how hard we try to convince them--they won't budge. Some believe is has ties to the Muslim faith while others believe his is a Muslim. The best antidote for all of this is campaigning. Obama can inspire and has proven over and over that given enough time--he can win over voters. Shame on Liz Trotta and shame on Fox News.

If you would like to see the video, please click to my main blog here: http://barackandhillary.blogspot.com/

Please feel free to comment on this post.

Liz Trotta, Fox News Analyst, Fox News Jokes About Killing Obama

Clinton Blames Obama For Kennedy Assassination Controversy

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has publicly stated that the Obama camp has taken her statements on the Kennedy assassination out of context and used it for political advantage. Senator Clinton used a reference to Robert F Kennedy's assassination as one reason why she continues to stay in the race in a statement made earlier.

"The Obama campaign ... tried to take these words out of context," Clinton campaign chairman Terence R. McAuliffe said on "Fox News Sunday." "She was making a point merely about the time line."

At one point, Obama did say that he realizes this has been a long campaign and that things are said that shouldn't be said. He then stated he doesn't blame Senator Clinton for her comments or hold her to it. Although it appears Obama is supporting Senator Clinton, Hillary appears to rebuke the idea that she needs to be forgiven and that there is nothing to blame her for. She believes her comments were taken out of context and were not intended to insult anyone.

"If Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesn't find offense to it, why is it that everybody else should?" McAuliffe said. "They shouldn't. They ought to take Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- he did not misinterpret it or misjudge it" said McAuliffe.

As the race heats up, Clinton supporters are encouraging her to remain in the race. McAuliffe has stated she may remain in the race past June 3rd. "We are prepared to fight this so that all 50 states are included, that the delegates be seated. Let's have no questions about that. This race is still very close," McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe said Clinton is staying in the race to give hope to the millions of women who have voted for her and "she is winning races." And the campaign chairman made clear that his boss would strongly consider pressing on if the Democratic National Committee does not allow Florida and Michigan delegates to vote at the party's convention this summer -- a decision that would boost Clinton's delegate total. The DNC's rules and bylaws committee is scheduled to meet Saturday to discuss the issue.

As we get ready to wrap up the primary, one has to wonder if we are headed into a legal battle to get Florida and Michigan counted. Senator Clinton seems to be steadfast in her rigourous attempt to win this election. However, if one's argument was this primary has been good for the Democrats--that argument will not stand if this goes past June 3rd.

Please feel free to comment on this post

References taken from http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-talk/2008/05/clinton_camp_stokes_rfk_flap_b.html?hpid=topnews

kennedy assassination, clinton blames obama, florida and michigan primary

Is Barack Obama the Clone of John F Kennedy?

MIDDLETOWN. Conn--Barack Obama sounded a call to public service in the tradition of the Kennedy family as he took the place of Sen. Edward Kennedy today to deliver a commencement address at Wesleyan University.

The speech, given to an audience that included the Massachusetts senator's wife and stepdaughter, who is a graduating senior at Wesleyan, deepened the barrier-breaking presidential candidate's connection to the Kennedy mystique.

Senator Kennedy, who anointed Obama a worthy heir to his brothers John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy early in the presidential campaign, now is diagnosed with a possibly fatal brain tumor and asked Obama to substitute for him at the ceremony.

Obama paid tribute to the Kennedy family, particularly the youngest brother whose place he took on the podium, and seized the opportunity to promote the call to service that has thematically connected his presidential campaign to the spirit of Camelot.

"Our individual salvation depends on collective salvation," Obama told the graduating seniors."Because thinking only about yourself, fulfilling your immediate wants and needs, betrays a poverty of ambition," he continued. "Because it's only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential and discover the role you'll play in writing the next great chapter in America's story."

A candidate whose campaign has been animated by his life story as the child of a mixed-race marriage and an Ivy League graduate who chose a first job as a poorly paid community organizer, Obama also offered a biographical link to Edward Kennedy's family.

"I was born the year that his brother called a generation of Americans to ask their country what they could do, and I came of age at a time when they did it," said Obama, who was born in 1961, the year John Kennedy was inaugurated.

The speech, delivered on a picture-perfect day under a clear blue sky, came at a dramatic moment for both the Kennedy family and Obama's presidential campaign. Kennedy's cancer inevitably raises the question of political succession while Obama is on the verge of clinching the Democratic presidential nomination, a turning point in his campaign at which he is again enveloped in the Kennedy legacy.

At the same time, Obama rival Hillary Clinton is trying to move past an awkward and ill-timed remark on Friday that connected her determination to press on with her long-shot presidential campaign to the traumatic June 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.

She cited Robert Kennedy's assassination at a celebration of Kennedy's victory in the California primary as an example of the kind of unforeseen external event that can change the outcome even late in a political campaign, a reference that immediately provoked an uproar and for which she apologized within hours.

Obama's address, which was full of references to members of the Kennedy family, included mention of a Robert Kennedy quote.

"All it takes is one act of service - one blow against injustice - to send forth that tiny ripple of hope that Robert Kennedy spoke of," Obama said.

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/05/obama_steps_in_for_kennedy_wit.html

obama & kennedy, ted kennedy, senator kennedy, obama commencment address, wesleyan university

Obama Campaign Outclasses Clintons

This has got to be one of the biggest upsets when you consider where Obama started and how this election is about to end. In the beginning, they said Obama had no chance. Clinton was a clear winner. It was once rumored that Obama considered canceling his run for the Presidency before it even started--what a bad idea that would have been. From the Iowa Caucus to Obama's win in Oregon--this primary is over (although Clinton hangs on tough).

As reporters, bloggers, and analysts talk about why Obama has done so well--they can't ignore how Obama has campaigned. The Clintons have used many strategies, but once they began the attack mode, we saw a lot of politicians, actors, and once friends and Allys of the Clintons start to endorse Obama. For me, the attacks were OK because it ensured me that Hillary was tough, wouldn't back down from a fight, and most of it was legitimate differences that she would point out. However, to others, it was a deliberate attempt to muddy the waters in the Obama camp and downgrade the Obama name. Another thought is these people wanted to endorse Obama, but didn't want to upset the Clintons, and this gave them the excuse they needed. Whatever the reason--they thought Obama to be the better candidate.

As we look at Oregon, Clinton was once up in the polls a year ago. Obama came back strong and simply outclassed the Clintons with passion, wit, and enthusiasm. Oregon is highly educated and has three large universities. Obama simply did a better job appealing to this class of people and organized his camp like no others. The Associated Press goes on to endorse the idea that the Clintons were the clear favorite a year ago, "The band of Obama loyalists who imagined that could happen have stunned even themselves with their success against Hillary Rodham Clinton, who appeared to have wrapped up the nomination last year, before any votes were cast."

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iYXS7gLdbJi5wlOJIrk29wsNRSoAD90S3K980.

This election is over and unless Obama is truly a closet Muslim (laugh here) or has multiple wives in Texas with 43 children--we can start thinking about how to beat John McCain.

Please feel free to express your ideas and opinions on this matter.

Obama Campaign, Obama For President

Over 75,000 Come To See Obama In Portland, Oregon

The Washington Post Reports

Sen. Barack Obama has seen his share of large crowds over the last 15 months, but his campaign said they have not approached the numbers gathered along the waterfront here right now.

The campaign, citing figures from Duane Bray, battalion chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, estimated that 75,000 people are watching him speak.

The scene suggests this is not an exaggeration. The sea of heads stretches for half a mile along the grassy embankment, while others watch from kayaks and power boats bobbing on the Willamette River. More hug the rails of the steel bridge that stretches across the water and crowds are even watching from jetties on the opposite shore.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/18/obama-draws-record-crowd_n_102337.html

Obama in Portland, Obama in Oregon, Obama Crowd