Obama Will Be in Boise on Saturday

Rare visit from presidential candidate

By Jill Kuraitis, 1-28-08

UPDATE: Sen. Obama will speak at the Taco Bell Arena on the Boise State University campus at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1. Entrance #3 will open to the public at 7 a.m., and the event is free. Bags will not be allowed, so leave them in the car. An RSVP is strongly encouraged. RSVP by visiting www.idaho.barackobama.com/boise or call 345-6210.

Barack Obama, Democratic candidate for President, will travel to Boise on Saturday to campaign and give a boost to his supporters, New West has learned.

State lawmakers and other Democratic officials have been receiving phone calls since midday alerting them to Sen. Obama’s visit.

Just four days before “Super Duper Tuesday” when 24 states including Idaho will hold caucuses and primaries, Obama will make an appearance somewhere in Boise Saturday morning. Time and place are not yet arranged.

Idaho House Democratic Leader Wendy Jacquet, D-Ketchum, who has endorsed Obama, said, “ I think it’s totally exciting! I can’t wait, I can’t wait - it’s really cool.”

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By Jill Kuraitis, 1-28-08 | comments (42) | email story | print story

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By Julie in Boise, 1-28-08

Brilliant! Pundits will be wondering WHY Obama is going to Boise in one of the smallest states up for grabs next Tuesday. Of course, it's because it'll send an unambiguous message that if he can win HERE, he can win everywhere.

By Kitt, 1-28-08

This give me time to do laundry, brush up the burnish on my snow boots, and maybe get a haircut.

By Mama4Obama, 1-28-08

It's too, too exciting. I want my children to see him and hear him speak. This is a great moment in history for Idaho Democrats.

By Julie in Boise, 1-28-08

Mama4Obama, too funny. I told my 13-year-old and she said she'll go if she doesn't have to wake up too early. (There's still talk this may be a morning event instead of evening ... I'm sure Jill will keep tabs on it.) She's way too blase after getting to sit in the second row for Al Gore last year.

Seriously, though, this will definitely be a day for the Boise history books. We get so few candidates here to begin with, never mind someone poised to bring a much-needed generational change to our politics.

This mama's for Obama, too. I very much want my daughter to see him.

By Papa4Obama, 1-28-08

It's not just Mamas, but also Papas who are for Obama. I'm a lifelong Republican disillusioned by the last 7 years of abandonment of GOP principles. More than party, we need unity in this country and Obama is clearly a once-in-a-generation leader who can do it. If Dems want to continue to be marginalized in Idaho politics they should vote for Billary. If they want to get some more crossover GOPers, Obama is the man. If Iowa can go for Obama, I sure hope Idaho can too. What a message that would send!

I like what Obama had to say about voters. He said in a general election that he could get every voter who supported Billary but that the reverse wasn't true. I know many Obama supporters who wouldn't even give Clinton a second thought.

By Diana Rowe Pauls, 1-28-08

That's what I'm running into around here as well, Papa... conservatives who would rather slit their wrists than vote for Hillary have told me that they pretty much anticipate that Obama will be our next President... and they're okay with it. I've talked to liberals who will not vote for Hillary under any circumstances... she is REALLY not very well liked in my region...

By Mark, 1-29-08

Obama is coming to Boise? Yes! I cannot wait for Saturday. Hopefully he'll hold his speech in the BSU Pavillion,(sorry I just can't bring myself to plug a fast food conglomerate), and it will be packed just like when Al Gore came to town. I feel that Billary is just too polarizing. Go Barack!

By judyth roberts, 1-29-08

I love Obama and would love to vote for him. However, because he is a democrat I am uncertain as the party raises taxes and overspends. I only wish obama was a republican. Hey I can ask for the moon and the sun together can't I? In any event, I want to meet him and shake his hand. He is a marvel, no doubt. One of a kind. I believe he means what he says. For now, until he may be corrupted by washington.

By Sisyphus, 1-29-08

Judy Judy Judy. What does George Bush have to do to rid yourself of this party loyalty that inhibits your ability to make the proper choice. Yes Bush and Congress cut taxes but he spent like a drunken sailor. We've had to borrow from foriegn countries like Saudi Arabia and China, debts that your children will have to pay, with interest. Going into to debt to give the rich a tax break doesn't sound fiscally responsible to me. Have another look and vote your conscience.

By jedediah redman, 1-29-08

If you want a dreamer, Barack is your boy.
I suspect any dreams he has will end up as effective as those dreamt by JFK or Jimmuh.
Oh Lord, deliver us into the hands of a third party in 2008...

By Steve, 1-29-08

Chris Mathews recently said something like "If young people want to know what it was like during the Kennedy years in the 60's, you can tell them it was like this." I never thought we'd get a chance to see another JFK in my lifetime, but he's coming to Boise. And Judy, I met several Republicans at the Obama rally in Elko who came up to me and said that they were lifetime Republicans but they were going to vote for "that guy" pointing to Obama. You will be in great company along with tons of independents. Obama's the only one speaking to all Americans at this point, he's gone beyond the primary.

By Sisyphus, 1-29-08

Jed. JFK's dream no. 1, that man will walk on the moon and returned safely to earth. In that decade. And it happened. Unless you think that was a studio shot.

He helped bring civil rights for all people to the South.

He faced down an aggressive Soviet premier yet prevented WWIII.

He created a corps of Americans to bring knowledge to third world countries in order that they can help themselves. If you don't think that is part of his legacy I challenge you to find a capitol in a third world country, or any country for that matter, that doesn't have an important landmark named for him.

And he inspired not just one generation.

And might I suggest you spend less effort praying for deliverance and more time educating yourself on the candidates.

By Randy - Boise, 1-29-08

A chance to end the madness? I said in 2004 that I gave up on the people of this country. Now we have a chance to make this nation great once again by electing a GOOD leader. Will people fight against lies and innuendo this time? Go Obama!!!!

By Tim, 1-29-08

Obama supporters in Idaho... Keep an eye on http://www.idahoforobama.org for all the information you'll need about Obama's visit and the caucuses being held across the state! Go Obama!!!

By Dave Skinner, 1-29-08

Snrk.
I really like Obama's speaking voice. It's great. But he doesn't ever really say anything of substance.
The comments here illustrate something....
Liberals feel,
Conservatives think.

By Dean, 1-29-08

IT'S JOHN McCAIN FOR ME. LETS GET SOMEONE IN THERE WITH EXPERIENCE,A VETERAN, WHO WILL STOP PORK,AND SUPPORT NATIONAL SECURITY. CONGRATULATIONS ON FLORIDA JOHN.

By Diana Rowe Pauls, 1-29-08

Um... Dave...

Then what in the h*** have been the conservatives been thinking about for the last 8 years? Cuz I'm not seeing much at all... except for thinking about their own egos, their investments, and their power...

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot... they think a lot about how to punish the people who disagree or challenge them... those who want out of Iraq, those who support gay rights, etc...

Feel free to enlighten me... what IS it that conservatives think about??

By Dean, 1-30-08

Are you flipping a coin Diana Hillary or Obama? "Punish"? Do you mean the enemy that kills and wounds our brave men and women in unform? Typical liberal thinking you must be from Missoula Diana.

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

Dean, you aren't paying attention to how the Republicans have operated, have you? Do you really want Diana, Sisyphus or myself to make a giant fool of you for your uneducated post?

I suggest you calmly apologize and maybe these "liberals" won't totally humiliate you with the facts.

By Dean, 1-30-08

HAHAHAHA you made my day!!

By jdj, 1-30-08

This is just an observation but it took less than 20 comments to move this discussion from optimistic about the future to mindless bickering using talk radio talking points. Obama can't overcome this, McCain can't either. You can beg for leadership all you want but the childish behavior expressed in these comments, and it is nationwide, will need to stop before any progress in political leadership can take hold.

The Bush administration has been successful at one thing - they have managed to instill fear in virtually every voter - liberal and conservative alike.

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

Ok Dean, lets take a look at how "punishment" of those that challenge the Bush Administration has worked out for them:

1) US Attorneys fired for not prosecuting Democrats and/or pursuing Republicans.
2) Valerie Plame/Joe Wilson
3) Joe Nacchio

And how about bin Laden? Still free and killing Americans? Check. And those that are getting "pursued" in Iraq? Most never even thought about harming Americans until March 2003.

I can slap you around all day with facts, Dean, but the attitude of Americans will do that for me in November when they vote in Democrats overwhelmingly. They'll vote for change, for an end to useless wars, for protecting the American people. Any Democrat is better than any Republican at this point, unless you think Mr. "More war" McCain's stance of following in Bush's footsteps will somehow win the day in November.

By jedediah redman, 1-30-08

I guess one could call sisyphus a dreamer--if one is not unwilling to call a nightmare a dream.
Despite reality, most Americans do still think of JFK in terms of those romantic notions of Camelot, I suppose; but it was LBJ who made any dreams begun under JFK realities.

But mostly they remained dreams:

He helped bring civil rights for all people to the South.
Good propaganda, sis, but poor history. No real changes occurred between Ike's kicking Faubus's ass and LBJ's signing The Bill.

He faced down an aggressive Soviet premier yet prevented WWIII.
He traded American missiles in Turkey for Soviet missiles in Cuba.
Ask yourself why there were missiles in either country. JFK was the guy who moved us into Nam.

He created a corps of Americans to bring knowledge to third world countries in order that they can help themselves...
And now we have a president who created a coalition of the willing to bring democracy to the third world.
Both men were/are neo-colonialists.

And he inspired not just one generation.
Inspired them to do what?

Somebody has to elect somebody who will inspire homo sapiens to move away from the madness which has possessed it for millienia toward governance which recognizes a responsibility for any continued existence on this planet...

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

And now we have a president who created a coalition of the willing to bring democracy to the third world.
Bad news, Iceland withdrew their soldier.

By Sisyphus, 1-30-08

Gee Dave you sound like a typical Republican voter, shooting off his mouth when it ain't loaded. Could you give an example of a speech with lack of substance? Did you watch any of his speeches? Have you visited his website and looked at his plans for the future. Or are you going to rest on whatever Fox News feeds you.

Nice slogan by the way. Kinda like the four legs bad, two legs good that Orwell warned us about in Animal Farm. And as for conservatives thinking, well, I guess that sums it up. But look around and see what you've done. Unprecedented debt, recession, inflation, rapidly increasing homelessness, disaster victims unhelped, massive deficits, unbridled corruption, no accountability for wrongdoers, undermining an entire branch of government, and a disastrous foriegn policy. I'll take a little of that compassion you conservatives offered up. Or was that just your lips moving again.

And Jay, not sure Dean's worthy. But be my guest.

By Sisyphus, 1-30-08

Oh goody Jed, I thought you flitted away like your notions of history. Propaganda? Seems to me that sending 30,000 federal troops so James Meredith could attend college seemed like the proper support of a brave and noble act to me. The Civil Rights Act was the accomplishment of the dream but the dream began with the courage of Kennedys.

I spent many college hours studying the Cuban Missile Crisis. I know why there were missiles in both countries. And there were still missiles in Turkey after the Cuban Missile Crisis. And yes JFK inherited a Vietnam policy from Ike. But it was hardly his dream. But you argue like containing communism was a bad thng.

I just don't know where to start laughing on the coalition of the willing. You guys actually eat this crap up don't you? The paper today had an article on how Iraq has received a pittance of the promised aid from your coalition. You think the Peace Corps was for colonization? Does that label help you somehow?

Yes continued existence on this planet would be good. Let's start with a rational policy on population control. Abstinence only programs don't work yet all federal money for birth control is mandated to carry that message as is the billions dedicated to control AIDS abroad. Lets start by agreeing to do away with this ludicrous requirement so we can begin the process of problem solving instead of allowing a bunch of Bible thumping loonies dictate from the irrational parts of the good book. Or is funneling money to faith based programs just a cynical way to increase the coffers of good Bush contributors?

jdj. Before Bush I was as apathetic as the next guy. I'm not sitting idly by while others mouth bs anymore. One of the biggest gripes on my party is that we don't fight back. Jay and I want to change that. And also I'm really tired of Republicans now saying they wish for more bipartisanship. If you don't like the tenor of the political discussion then you need look no further that Ann Coulter and Jonah Goldberg who hawk books with knee jerk platitudes to willing suckers like some who post here. Labeling Democrats as traitors and fascists isn't going to make me want to get all bipartisan. Right now you're either with us or with the lunatics.

By Bob, 1-30-08

Just watch a so called 'civil debate' between Obama and Hillary tonight or Thurs. So far their images have not been admired by many in this country not even liberal Sharton and his remarks to 'Slick Willie'. Sharton told 'Slick Willie' to "shut up" and he was right. Slick Willie still spouting off like he is a candidate. He wants back in the WH more than Hillary. Months to go and more dirty politics and democrats will lead the charge on dirty politics.

By Bob, 1-30-08

Sorry that's Mr. Sharpton. Forgive me Mr. Sharpton.

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

Did you have a point, Bob? Or was it just to spout more b-b-b-b-but Clinton points and accuse Democrats of dirty politics?

As for their images being admired by many in this country, you must not pay much attention to polls. Obama might as well run unopposed given the lead he has over EVERY Republican. Democrats are favored by this country in numbers not seen in decades, and yet you spout off Fox News talking points like their a second language for you.

America is forming up behind Mr. Obama and his charismatic capabilities. The rumblings of "Camalot, camalot" aren't your local nerds quoting Monty Python anymore, they are real hopes and real dreams that Obama is the real thing, that finally we all have a candidate that speaks to something fundamental in all of us.

Except for the Fox News people, of course. The only language they understand must be couched in fear, violence and sex.

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

Sheesh, I can't believe I made the their vs. they're mistake. I guess I'm still laughing about the coalition of the willing bit up above.

By the way, thanks jed, I haven't laughed like that in quite awhile.

By Bob, 1-30-08

Thanks Jay for mentioning Fox News. Yes, I watch Bill O'Reilly nearly every evening between 6-7 and can also be seen again at 10-11PM. Yes, it's the "fair and balanced reporting" I like most about Fox News. Did you know they received the highest rating of all news media for "fair and balanced reporting". I would never watch Ted Turners CNN however. From what I understand our fighting military pefer Fox News as well and that's good enough for me.

By Jay Kanta, 1-30-08

Wow, no punchline required. Thanks for another laugh Bob

By Bob, 1-30-08

Thanks again Jay. I will hold my laughter for the Hillary vs. Obama debate. Should be a real knee slapper Jay, 'surgar daddy' govenment will take care of everyone and I can hardly wait for my taxes to increase two-fold if either get in but I don't think either will. The debate will be funny for sure Jay and you will get a kick out of it to.

By BoiseNick, 1-30-08

Edwards was my first pick , but now it's Go Barak , GO !

I can't wait to feel the Democratic energy here on our RightWing orb , the past times I've been at Howard Dean things in Boise were great , this Obama rally Saturday should (imho) top those .

And OMG , the historic value of a black Presidential candidate coming here in triumph just brings a happy lump to my throat 'n heart .

IDAHO HAS GROWN UP !

Imagine , , , THAT !

By BoiseNick, 1-30-08

(something I'm slowly learning)

Republicans who FLAME the debate are known as an internet "TROLL" . see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_troll

the BEST way 2 deal with a Bomb-Throwing Troll is to IGNORE them . It's hard but , , , They will disappear without attention in the form of replies . Kinda like a a transverse TinkerBell .

it may take a while , but I hear it works . So , DON't slap your forehead and give 'em energy !

Peace I AM , Peace I AM , PEACE I AM !

Now , if "they" wanna honest debate , COOL , , ,

By jedediah redman, 1-30-08

By Craig Moore, 1-30-08

I believe Barak Obama is a uniquely important voice of our lifetime. He has the ability to get conservatives to be conservative, liberals to be liberal while sending a vary clear message that we have a shared destiny that requires cooperation and mutual support. The last time our country was this polarized it was another Illinois lawyer, new-comer politician that came to the front. I hope everyone that has the opportunity goes to his speech and is energized to get involved and make a difference moving our nation forward while extending a helping hand to their neighbor and political opposite. It doesn't matter who you vote for to appreciate his worth to our nation in these turbulent times.

By jedediah redman, 1-30-08

It sounds to me as though you may have recently had some life-changing experience, Craigie.

I have examined your post carefully for sarcasm and am convinced--at least for the moment--that you're sincere.

Its almost as though Nixon had joined the Peace Corps in 1961...

By Craig Moore, 1-30-08

Jed-E-Bare, there is an Irish toast that goes:

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been,
The foresight to know where you are going,
And the insight to know when you have gone too far.

By Daryl L. Hunter, 1-31-08

I recommend Obama as the better of the two socialist candidate choices!

By jedediah redman, 1-31-08

Run out of something to say, eh, craigie..?

By Shravan, 2-01-08

I am so excited to meet Obama in person. I'm so elated. My whole family's very happy to see such a world-class presidential candidate.

May you succeed the race and become President of the United States of America.

I've listened to your talks, Truly Remarkable!!

I love you Obama!
Shravan

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Rare visit from presidential candidate