Obama Holds Big Lead in Montana Poll
By Jonathan Weber, 5-25-08
Barack Obama has a healthy 52%-to-35% lead over Hillary Clinton among likely Democratic voters heading into the June 3 Montana primary, according to a Lee Newspapers poll. That’s not a big surprise- Obama has done very well in the Mountain West and the Pacific Northwest, racking up a massive win in Idaho earlier this year and taking the Oregon primary handily last week.
Obama has also been using his big cash horde to blanket Montana with television and online advertising, an effort Clinton cannot match.
Bill Clinton is stumping the state for his wife again this weekend, asserting that a win in Montana could make his wife the nominee. It’s probably true that an Obama loss here would do some serious damage, calling into question his appeal to independent voters and his ability to redraw the electoral map in the fall by winning in at least some Mountain West states. But such an outcome looks unlikely, with Obama on track to win huge margins in the college towns of Missoula and Bozeman, as well as elsewhere in Western Montana and among Native Americans. That should more than make up for his relative weakness in the older, poorer rural counties of Eastern Montana.
Yet the Lee poll also shows Obama trailing Republican John McCain in a general election. Indeed, McCain, with his military backround and reputation as something of a maverick, is in many ways a perfect candidate for Montana. Obama hopes to be able to tap the same enthusiasm and independent appeal that enabled Sen. Jon Tester to defeat Conrad Burns in 2006 - but McCain promises to be a more formidable opponent than the scandal-scarred Burns.
[End of article]I get the idea if I question Hillary's lies, I'm sexist. This bitter old white guy is voting for Obama.
Comment By crat3, 5-25-08Obviously, the people in Montana are clueless that Obama is all about pie-in-the-sky, hocus-pocus "hope, inspiration, change." Obama will lose to McCain in November and the Democratic Party will be a train wreck. He is a radical left wing liberal, just like George McGovern, who lost every single state except one in the general election.
Wake up, Montana, and get real! Sen. Clinton is the best qualified and strongest candidate to defeat McCain in November hands down and lead our country out of this Bush abyss!
crat3, how many times can Hillary "mis-speak" before you are troubled about her? Obviously quite a few.
Comment By jenny Mcgivens, 5-25-08Wow, forgive me. I ALWAYS thought U Montanians were smart people, tough people. Prove it, vote for the best canidate for President. Barack Obama is the one. U go Montanians. From Oregon, Obama country.
Comment By Sarah, 5-25-08Ericmiami:
If you question everything that Hillary says, always assuming everything she says is a lie, then, yes - you are a sexist. Good you are seeing that! Go ahead, vote for him. Hillary doesn't want bitter old white guy votes anyway.
I, along with most of my friends have never cast a presidential vote in our lifetimes. We never felt represented in the process, so we never had any interest in participating. That has all changed with Obama! What a gift to have him emerge at this time in history to help us find the way forward! We are grateful.
Comment By ericmiami, 5-25-08No, Sarah, I don't question everything Hillary says. What gave you that idea? Read my comment again.
Comment By Paging Crat3, 5-25-08Hey Crat3, see you're out here now spreading your racist crap, and lies. Didn't Rush call back the troops from Op "Dittohead"? Or, did you mis-comprehend the message? Either way, time to buck up and get used to the term President Barack H. Obama. Starting to get scared yet, troll?
Comment By jacksmith, 5-25-08DON'T BE DUPED AGAIN AMERICA !!!
IT'S ABOUT ELECTABILITY !!!
Large numbers of BUSH_McCain Republicans have been voting for Barack Obama in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses from early on with the backing and help of the medical and insurance industry. Under the direction of the George Bush, and Karl Rove vote fraud, and vote manipulation machine. Because they feel Barack Obama would be a weaker opponent against John McCain. And they want to stop Hillary Clinton from fixing the HUGE! American, and Global mess they have created. shocking!!! isn't it. Just gotta love those good old draft dodging, silver spoon Texas boys. Not! :-(
You see, the medical and insurance industry mostly support the republicans with the money they ripped off from you. And they don't want you to have quality, affordable universal health care. They want to be able to continue to rip you off, and kill you and your children by continuing to deny you life saving medical care that you have already paid for. So they can continue to make more immoral profits for them-selves off of you, and your children's suffering.
With Hillary Clinton you are almost 100% certain to get quality affordable universal health care for everyone very soon. And you are also certain to see major improvements in the economy for everyone.
The American people face even worse catastrophes ahead than the ones you are living through now. It will take all of the skills, and experience of Hillary Clinton to pull the American people out of this mess we are in. Fortunately fixing up, and cleaning up others incompetence, immoral degeneracy, and mess is what the Clinton's do very well.
Hillary Clinton has actually won by much larger margins than the vote totals showed. And lost by much smaller vote margins than the vote totals showed. Her delegate count is actually much higher than it shows. And higher than Obama's. She also leads in the electoral college numbers that you must win to become President in the November national election. HILLARY CLINTON IS ALREADY THE TRUE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE!
Just look at Oregon for example. Obama won Oregon by about 70,000 votes. But approximately 79,000 Bush republicans switched party's back in January to vote for Obama in the democratic primary. They are not going to vote for, or support any Democrat in November. Are you DEMOCRATS going to put up with that. Are you that stupid, and weak. The Bush republicans think you are that stupid, and weak.
As much as 30% of Obama's primary, and caucus votes are Republicans trying to choose the weakest democratic candidate for McCain to run against. These Republicans have been gaming the caucuses, and open primaries where it is easier to vote cheat. This is why Obama has not been able to win the BIG! states primaries. Even with Republican vote cheating help. Except North Carolina where 35% of the population is African American, and approximately 90% of them block voted for him. African Americans are only approximately 17% of the general population.
Hillary Clinton has been OUT MANNED! and OUT SPENT! 4 and 5 to 1. Yet Obama has only been able to manage a very tenuous, and questionable tie with Hillary Clinton. This is even more phenomenal when you consider she has been also fighting against the George Bush, Karl Rove vote fraud machine in the DEMOCRATIC primaries, and caucuses. Hillary Clinton is STUNNING!.
If Obama is the democratic nominee for the national election in November he will be slaughtered. That is crystal clear now. Because all of the Republican vote cheating help will suddenly evaporate. And the demographics, and experience are completely against him. All of this vote fraud and Bush republican manipulation has made Obama falsely look like a much stronger candidate than he really is.
You will have another McGovern catastrophe where George McGovern lost 49 of 50 states. And was the reason the super-delegates were created to keep that from happening again. Don't let that happen to the party and America again super-delegates. You have the power to prevent it. The only important question now is who can best win in November. And the answer is HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. That fact is also now crystal clear.
And YOUNG PEOPLE. DON'T BE DUPED! Think about it. You have the most to lose. As do African Americans. Support Hillary Clinton. She will do her best for all of you. And she will know how to best get it done on day one.
The democratic party needs to fix this outrage. Everyone needs to throw all your support to Hillary Clinton NOW! So you can end this outrage against YOU the voter, and against democracy.
The democratic party, and the super-delegates have a decision to make. Are the democrats, and the democratic party going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee to fight for the American people. Or are the republicans going to choose the DEMOCRATIC party nominee through vote fraud, and gaming the DEMOCRATIC party primaries, and caucuses.
Fortunately the Clinton's have been able to hold on against this fraudulent outrage with those repeated dramatic, and heroic comebacks of Hillary Clinton’s. Only the Clinton’s are that resourceful, and strong. Hillary Clinton is your NOMINEE. They are the best I have ever seen. Probably the best there has ever been. :-)
“This is not a game” (Hillary Clinton)
Sincerely
jacksmith... Working Class :-)
p.s. Cynthia Ruccia - I'm with ya baby. All the way. "Clinton Supporters Count Too."
I just read online that Hillary has promised to wear a blue dress for Bill if he will just get her appointed/elected. Could that be true?
Comment By yeske24, 5-25-08Wow, why waste time arguing about Hillary Clinton? She put herself in the position she is in by merely opening her mouth over and over and enough people got turned off. Obama never made sexist remarks about her and now she is complaining that her gender has been ignored! Her campaign is over and I am glad to have seen her blunders BEFORE she could get nominated. The time is too critical to support another blundering idiot.
Wisconsinite
Why are the lying, perverted, numbskull, ditto-heads drones from hell always pretending to know what's best for us, the American People. Wish I could cast a spell to turn each and every one of them into a dog-pile. Perhaps that's too good a wish for these brainless twonks that trolls around stirring up hatred. Perhaps I'll just make them vanish instead, phutt, just like that, raptured.
Comment By Dominic Baragona, 5-25-08I just saw the latest National Gallup poll and it shows Hillary leading Obama among Registered Democratic voters...Could this be true??...What has happened to those millions of new voters Obama has signed up??..Here's where I saw it...http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-nichanian/polls-registered-dems-sti_b_103029.html
Comment By ericmiami, 5-25-08A myopic person would overlook that the poll was for North Carolina and Virginia. Sure wouldn't want to accuse you, Dominic, of being myopic.
Comment By Dominic Baragona, 5-25-08Ericmiami, You are correct, that poll was for NC and VA, but didn't Obama kill Hillary in those two states??...That's why that poll surprised me and has me confused...
Comment By Mr. Unite Us, 5-25-08Great news for Obama and his hard working supporters in Obama
Looking forward to big win in big sky country.
This should be widely reported.
Senators John Kerry and Barack Obama today announced that the Senate passed the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 (The "HEART Act"). The Act would provide tax relief to the men and women in our nation's armed services and others volunteering service on behalf of the United States, including Peace Corps volunteers and AmeriCorps volunteers – and is paid for by the Kerry-Obama tax reform that closed the tax loophole that allowed defense contractor KBR to avoid paying its fair share of taxes.
http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/48747820_senate-passes-kerry-obama-legislation-close-kbr-ta
Did anyone see Liz Trotta or Trotter joke about wanting Obama assassinated? Google "Fox news joke assassination."
Comment By Mr. Unite Us, 5-25-08Great news for Obama and his hard working team of supporters
in Montana.
Obama's conneection to Reverand Wright has put the Democratic party in jeopardy of losing another election. Most of Obama's primary victories came before voters knew about Reverand Wright. Obama has now lost the battleground states of Ohio, PA, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky. We are in BIG trouble with Obama as our nominee. I think that Hillary is fighting so hard because she knows this. Remember that the largest voting block is white without a college degree, and they are not sympathetic to Obama's connection. The other problem for Obama is his connection to Obama's number one supporter, Tony Rezco who is on trial in in Chicago.
Comment By ericmiami, 5-26-08Hillary's lies have done nothing to put the Democratic Party in jeopardy?
Comment By jennifer, 5-26-08I am heartbroken that MONTANA would support BO. How can you be so blind? Why do you allow the media to spin reality into fantasy and fantasy into reality?
BO is a danger to this country. Period. He is also unelectable. Period.
We need a solid GOOD Dem like HRC; in fact, we desperately need her. STOP listening to the media--they are owned by the same corporations that poison your air and water and sell you McDonald's death burgers.
STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY....vote HRC!
Hillary is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from the sniper fire in Bosnia. How can she be a "solid GOOD Dem?"
Comment By joey, 5-26-08Being the person that Hillary says "votes for her," I'm here to say, I will not!
Obama has honesty with courage. Hillary is dishonest.She has shone herself to be a bully, right out of the Rove handbook of how to win an election by hook or crook.
I would NOT want my grandaughter to follow her lead.
America is ready for a woman as President, but not Clinton.
We have 8yrs of dishonesty in the White House, we cannot afford to put more of the same there, again. Not this time!
Bravo, Joey!
Comment By Don Brown, 5-26-08Memorial Day,
On this day I can only think that Obama is Anti-Military, won't honor our flag or pledge of allegance. He is Anti-America and he is married to an Anti-White wife. We don't need him.
Hillary is a Liar and a thief. We don't need her either.
Obama is not Anti-American. He is not Anti-military. He will honor our flag and pledge. Please check out these internet rumors before you spread them. Hillary certainly is a liar; I agree with you there.
Comment By Jimbo, 5-26-08I ask all people politely who spread lies about Obama:
JUST SHUT UP!
BTW, the media is on McCain side as the Wright scandal and the complete ignorance of McCain's hatepreacher Hagee shows.
Oh my God, I think at least half the people commenting here need to be medicated. Do half of you even know ANYTHING about Montana? As a fourth-generation Montanan who has lived on boths sides of the state and someone with reason, I just need to point a couple things out.
1) You could call Hillary whatever you wanted and it would not be considered and it isn't necessarily sexist. If I think she's an idiot for not quitting in February, that's my right. It's not sexist because if it were Edwards instead Clinton then it would be HE who was the idiot.
2) crat3 - The west voting overwhelmingly for Obama has less to do with his messege of hope than you think. That rallies his base, but the rest of the state doesn't care. Let's just say that the Clintons are very, very unpopular here and have been for years. For God's sake, Montana voted for Dole! It's not a democrat thing, it's a Clinton thing. Since you're not from here, you wouldn't understand.
3) jenny - thanks for the compliment, but it's MontanANS, not MontanIANS.
4) Jacksmith - please try to keep your conspiracy theories logical. Think for a moment: If Rove et al could so easily rig elections, would it really matter which democrat got the nominee? (sorry, didn't bother to read the rest of the rant)
5) Polls in May mean nothing (How far ahead of Bush was Gore at this time)
6) Only rednecks and hillbillies care about Rev. Wright. I'm really not offended by the guy. Hell, I went to the same church for most of my life (the UCC) in small-town Montana with a 100% white congregation. Are you going to try and tell me that I hate white people?
7) jennifer - so I am only standing up for democracy if I vote how you tell me to? Funny, that doesn't sound very democratic. Voting for Obama isn't dangerous. He's the only one who has a prayer of winning this state.
8) Believe it or not, we have local elections too! If you put Hillary at thet top of the ticket here, all the Republicans will come out instead of staying home and guess what happens to all the democratic candidates. McCain has a 75% of winning Montana if Obama is on the ballot and a 100% chance if it is Clinton. I'm not worried about that. However, if Obama is on the ballot, the other democrats on the ticket have a fighting chance. Who's naive?
It's funny...people are so fast to forget. When the Clinton's were in the Presidency, our economy was the best it's ever been. Doh! Am I talking out of my nose? Nope. If you're too young to remember, look it up. For those who are old enough to remember, why are you letting yourselves forget? Because it's a woman? Because she laughs funny? Is it because Obama has better skin and a deep voice, that wide grin? Why are you forgetting his associations with a church and pastor that hate white people? What about his steady barrage of lies? His constant statements that he was "the only candidate to not vote for the war"...when he wasn't even able to vote yet? When at that time he actually said he can't say what he would have done, had be been privy to the intelligence reports?
You know, I could write here everything bad about Obama, and I could write everything bad about Clinton. But the truth is...it's the good points that make or break me. Obama is always giving those broad speeches, as if the sky truly is going to open. But when push comes to shove, he is not quick of mind. Clinton is. When it comes right down to it, he's not ready to deal with international relations. Clinton is. When truth is told, his healthcare 'plan' is in no way universal. Clinton's is. Obama isn't ready to deal with our war. Clinton is. Obama doesn't have the necessary experience to help our economy. Clinton does.
The fact of the matter is, yea, she's a lady, yes, she looks funny sometimes, and yup, her laugh gets sort of grating at times, but is that what I need to care about? Are we looking for a poster-person, or a President? And actually...I can count a few times when Clinton has annoyed me, but for the most part, I find her gracious, amusing, tender, and thoughtful. She gets my vote, most definitely. Maybe if Obama had said "uh" a few less times, I'd have better faith in him. But I don't. I do not think he's ready, and I don't this is his appropriate time.
I strongly feel that Clinton is the one that America needs at this time. We need some serious help.
From Dreams of My Father: "I never emulate white men
and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It
was into my father's image, the black man, son of
Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought
in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm,
DuBois and Mandela."
Well it seems to me that some of you have selective memory syndrome when it comes to Hil and Bill---this way too early primary was started by the Clinton Company and I for one do not think it did anything other than waste huge bundles of money and distract the country from insisting on Congress charging the motley crew in DC with at least something for their 8 years of criminal activities. This race should have followed the rules not the wishes of those who felt a coronation was due Hil for standing by her man. I worked for Clinton/Gore on both campaigns but held my nose the second time--not for the Monica Gate but because of the DLC and their middle of the fence views and their Big Business ties--those of you who want change in DC had better be thinking a bit about the Pandora's Boxes that Bill opened in the 90's and asking some questions about who Hil's big contributers are (including her own loans of some 20 million bucks--which I think seems so far right--since when do we Dems buy our way into office???) We on the true left have questions about the 90's--which is why we want real change --at this point that means we go for the candidate that promises change and that ain't Hil.
Comment By Jim Davis, 5-27-08I hope I can be forgiven for letting one Lisa Aug from Waddy, Kentucky speak for me. She says, more succinctly than I ever could, what I feel about Hillary. The myth of her (Hillary) being a "liberal", is just that, but then the American people are so easily fooled, eh, I mean they thought George Bush was a Christian. The quote is from Mother Jones magazine's letter to the editor section. Without progressives there can be no progress, and who in their right mind could be against progress. It's much like driving, R. for backwards and D. for forward.
Forget what Hillary says and what other people say about her. Look at her voting record.
Pro-war? Check. Pro-tax-cuts? Check. Pro-torture? Check. Pro-corporations? Check.
Anti-choice? Check. Anti-privacy rights? Check. Anti-gay marriage? Check.
Anti-immigrants? Check. Anti-working class? Check. Anti-unions? Check.
Anti-environment? Check. That's why true progressives hate her.
Lisa Aug
Waddy, Kentucky.
It's disgusting that folks continue to bring up the minister of Sen. Obama's church, particularly when they don't know whereof they speak. Have these people heard the ENTIRE sermon from which a couple sentences were lifted and played over and over again by our "liberal media"? It's my opinion that the minister may have been correct - his message was that God has a right to be pissed at the way we're behaving. Rev. Wright stated God should damn us for ignoring the Ten Commandments, especially the one about not killing each other (there are no exceptions in the commandments for killing black people or for Bushies who want to kill Iraqis for oil). What, you think God should BLESS us for killing other people???
Another clip making the rounds is Rev. Wright stating that white, rich men run this country, and Obama doesn't fit the mold that these white men approve of to run "their" country. So? Which part of that isn't true? The part about the rich, white men running everything? Obama not being what the rich, white men want?
What are these folks afraid of? That, OMG, a black man [or a woman] might get something that is the God-given RIGHT of only white men to have? Grow up, people. The times they are a changin'!
I'm an older white woman originally from Chicago. I'm a UCC member and have been several times to Obama's church. It's an amazing church, filled with amazing people, most of whom are active in the community, some are active in politics and almost all are interested in making this world a better place. Rev. Wright encourages this activism as an obligation. It's true that the minister sometimes says comments that make us uncomfortable. We SHOULD be uncomfortable with the injustices in this country and the world. His comments force us to THINK - and hopefully to act.
I keep wondering about the people calling for Obama to leave his church. Are any of you Catholic? Did you leave your church when it was discovered that the priests were bonking little boys, and the Pope and all his men were covering it up? Methinks this was probably worse than Wright stating that rich, white men rule our country.
And, finally, don't we really have more important issues to worry about than Rev. Wright?
Thanks for letting me speak my mind.
Deborah
Deborah: Very nicely said. You are not afraid to speak the truth.
Comment By Laurel, 5-27-08You all need to listen to me. Hillary is the old Washington. Whether or not you like her, you must realize that she and Bill have ties to some pretty powerful lobbying groups. Now, if you have received huge sums of money over the years, from drug companies, and insurance companies, whom are you going to pay back first? It will be a choice between them and we the people. Do you ever wonder why Hillary was never able to give the American people a comprehensive health plan? Well maybe it had something to do with the people who were lining the Clinton's pockets. Obama may be the new kid on the block, but believe me he will become jaded soon enough. So, while we have him in this fresh, eager stage in his life, why not let him bring some prosperity and dignity back to the American people? My husband & I are huge supporters, and will do all we can to see that he is elected. He will be strong on National Security, and he will rebuild our reputation, and make us once again a proud strong nation.
Comment By Laurel, 5-27-08AND Please don't let the polls frighten you. Obama will be a strong candidate against McCain. McCain is making up his policies as he goes along. One day he says one thing, and then if it sounds too much like George Bush, he does a flip flop. It is difficult to know whom we are going to see from day to day: McBush, or McCain. And, if he is really serious about keeping this campaign civil, then why the nasty remarks about Obama not having the right to comment on the GI bill because he didn't serve in the military. Are we going to have to hear about his POW status forever? I mean, we know he is totally POed about coming back from the war to find a country that was not supporting the war, and was treating the returnees like dirt. It was not what he expected after giving so much of his life to the cause. But that was the way it was. And now, we have an angry man with a huge chip on his shoulder. He even remarked about servicemen being treated with respect. I agree that this country failed its Vietnam vets, and it was shameful. The war was just a terrible mistake, but the men deserved better than they got. John McCain is an old man who is trying to fight Vietnam in Iraq. Don't let him fool you or drag you into his bitterness. (Sorry about that word)
Comment By Amber, 5-28-08Now is not the time for a freshman senator. he preaches change with grace and eloquence. However he doesn't have a clue.
His voting record is parse with a good majority of his votes stating no position.
He tries to exude confidence on foreign policy but he has only been to Iraq once in 2006. How dare he make uninformed decisions about our men and women serving with their lives for our freedom.
Of course he didn't vote for the war he wasn't in office.
His economic ideas are solidly based in Hillaries foundation sometimes I wonder if she could sue for copy-write infringement.
His capital gains tax increase will bankrupt your retirements in his pursuit for marxist redistribution of wealth.
His supporters for the most part are blind and desperate they can't see the truth even when smacked in the forehead with it.
Yes the same old politics suck but at least we know what to expect.
Like lambs to the slaughter Obama supporters will follow down that hazardous path.
Barack Obama represents the future! We are so sick and tired of the same Washington insiders touting their "experience" and yet all they seem to have learned is how to win elections by cutting down their opponent and then spend their time in office fighting off their enemies and serving the special interest that funded their campaign!
I am one of the more than 1.5 million individual donors that are supporting Sen, Obamas run for office! I give $25 whenever I can... yes I am happy that he has used the money wisely, not wasted it in frills like some others. They say you can tell a lot about how a president will be by the way he runs his campaign... think about that when you make your decision this Tuesday!
Hillary for President!
I only want HER.
I cannot vote for Obama.
He is too far left radical!
His 20 years of marxist black liberation theology is anti-american and anti-white hatred and he should be no where NEAR the White House. Obama should not even be a US Senator.
If Obama and his racist filled church are our future, then we are in big trouble. They refuse to acknowledge the huge strides made by black Americans in the last twenty-five years. They will not be satisfied. Check out the commercials...check out the movies...check out the continued black schools, black corporations, black this...black that. When will people wake up? And Montana....why would a Chicago trained politician with an African heritage be interested in an American loving...tradition loving...conservation loving...old West loving....shall I go on? Better give Obama a bit more time of service before jumping on his bandwagon. Do some thinking about his ideology.
Sandy
Hillary is to be admired. For someone suffering from PTSD from the Bosnia sniper experience, she has done well. When this campaign is over, she can go home (NY?, Arkansas?) and get treatment at her nearest VA facility.
Comment By Deborah Cox, 5-30-08Ooooh. Racism is alive and well in Montana! Good thing I know that the majority of Montanans aren't as backwards as two of the previous commentators. Please show us the quotes/videos/writings of Sen. Obama that show his "anti-white hatred," [Actually, that should say "white hatred."] Anti-American? In what way? Because he eschewed the big, ultra-wealthy, politically-connected law firms that offered him huge bucks to work for them, instead choosing to do community service work for low bucks? African heritage? Actually, half his DNA is African, but he was raised in small-town Kansas, for goodness sake. A true hotbed of radical, marxist, black liberation, anti-American philosophy. Maybe Mr. Obama likes Montana because it reminds him of home.
Anti-American? Look what all the folks wearing cute little flag pins have done to America. OUR America.
Please, folks. We all know this is an important election (possibly THE most important ever). Follow Sen. Obama's lead - no need for personal attacks. Sen. Clinton is to be admired. We can discuss her policies and philosophies, but let's be civil. Eventually, we'll need to be together in our support of whoever the dem nominee will be. We can't afford four/eight more years of this disasterous administration and what it's done to us and the world.
The country must be ready for a woman president, because sooner or later there must be and will be one. But whoever is elected president, no matter of what race, culture or gender, it is essential that they are elected on their own merrit, their own performance, their own achievments, their own hopes, their own beliefs and plans for the future. We as Americans must hold to those requirements, must decide based on the transparency of the candidates rhetoric, we must make our own assumptions on what and how much we believe of what we hear.
Hillary Clinton is losing, in truth she had already lost several weeks ago, with her only hope of salvaging a win based on back room deals, new and different 'metrics', changing rules agreed to by ALL candidates (before they were losing), or the possibility that the party would do for her what it has never done, quite simply ignoring the facts of the pledged delegate count, relying on it being overturned by the 'super' delegates, which as a group have now also voted against her.
Senator Clinton lost and had to lose, because her brand of polarising politics was damaging for the party and no more than a continuation of the type of politics prevalent in recent history. Senator Clinton also had to lose because she was damaging the cause of women generaly. There are many able and more talented women in politics who can and should be considered more able as a 'Commander in Chief' than senator Clinton. Mrs Clinton has run and argued time and time again supporting her campaign with frequent passionate references to the successess of her husbands presidency. How can women break any 'glass ceiling' by referencing their 'husband's' achievements? And if there is any doubt in anyone's mind that this is what she has done, just read all the entries in this blog or listen to the views of Clinton supporters often interviewed in TV news and see how many of them site Bill Clinton as a reason for recognizing, supporting and showing respect for his wife, Senator Clinton.
Get to your next President
http://savagepolitics.com/...
THE RACIST THEOLOGY OF OBAMA''S CHURCH:
The “theology” that Wright teaches at his church is nothing like Christianity as most people understand it. The brand of theology which Wright has been teaching Obama and the others at his church is called “black liberation theology.” Wright admits this and it is stated on the church's website.
Black theology is based upon the premise of the white oppressor against the black oppressed. This is why, for example, that Wright refers to Jesus as black, and his killers as white. This is the only way the story of Jesus fits within this brand of “theology.” Rev. Wright cites James Cone, another proponent of black liberation theology, as his theological inspiration. Here are just a couple of James Cone's quotes:
(1) “To be Christian is to be one of those whom God has chosen. God has chosen black people."
(2) "While it is true that blacks do hate whites, black hatred is not racism."
(3) "All white men are responsible for white oppression."
(4) "Theologically, Malcolm X was not far wrong when he called the white man "the devil."
(5) "If there is any contemporary meaning of the Antichrist, the white church seems to be a manifestation of it."
(6) “Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.
The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community
Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.” *** These statements, and this “theology,” are fundamentally racist and divisive.
The fact that Obama has chosen to belong to this racist church for 20 years speaks volumes about his character and judgment, and flies in the face of his pronouncements about his ability and intent to “unite” this country.
Below are a few lines from Barak Hussein Muhammad Obama's books.
From Dreams of My Father: "I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites."
From Dreams of My Father: "I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race."
From Dreams of My Father: "There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white."
From Dreams of My Father: "It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names."
From Dreams of My Father: "I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, Dubois and Mandela."
From Audacity of Hope: "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
Racism, prejudice and all things of evil intent or origin are if we are honest somewhere in us all to varying degrees. They are not race, gender, or cultural based issues they are 'human' issues.
Extremist views of religious base are invariably based on Old Testament fundamentals and deliberately or inadvertently (but none the less appallingly) avoid too much New Testament authority. Your views on 'Black Theology' reflect your own values and show little reference to fact, or awareness of the beliefs of overwhelming numbers of Christians who attend churches of all denominations and types on regular basis because of our certainty of faith.
All true Christians must in part understand that the frailties of human nature and consequently the certainty that all of us including our religious leaders/pastors make mistakes and most assuredly are not to be seen or taken as the providing any absolute truths.
Who is Barack Obama?
Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu , Hawaii , to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel , Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white ATHEIST from Wichita , Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii . When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya . His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia . When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia . Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta ..
He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, 'He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school.
Obama's political handlers are attempting to make it appear that Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta .
Wahabism is the RADICAL teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States , Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran (Their equivalency to our Bible, but very different beliefs).
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the U.S. from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!
Everyone who plans on voting Operation Chaos consider this.
Bob Barr(previously a Republican) has decided to run for President on the Libertarian ticket. This will divide the Republican party due to the fact that a lot of Republicans do not like McCain. As a result the Democratic Party will inevitably win the general election.
Jacksmith is right folks.
Go to:
http://www.thecityedition.com
Click on politics and read the article on Karl Rove, Obama and Clinton
I am thoroughly puzzled at the persistent willingness of conservtives to continue to "walk the party line" given the resulting outcome, we continue to live with on a daily basis, of Republican party leadership over the last 8 years!
I used to vote Republican but can no longer stomach the notion of doing so.
This is one white, "working class", Montana resident (Oooh, and a hunter who owns guns!) who did not hesitate to submit an early vote for Barack Obama!
Experience in Washington has taken us far.
Obama 08!
Those who are concerned that Obama might be a Trojan horse loaded with Muslims and Atheists ready to destroy America needn't worry; there is a sufficiently large number of bigots, racists and uneducated individuals among America's white population to insure this nation will end up becoming a third world country within 50 years.
Comment By Peter Cox, 5-30-08Sounds like "Joe" thinks we should continue to follow the path that's taking us straight to hell. I get the impression he wants another born again fundamentalist (dare I say RADICAL fundamentalist) to run the country. One that accepts only the truth in his head (or gut). One that sends missionaries all over the world to kill people with dark skin. One that says god talks to him. I'm talking about BushMcCain not Osama bin Laden. You quote all these people saying things but not one of them is Barack Hussein Obama (I love that name - it's so fun to say!). What's your point? That other people say crazy things? Like: "I'll be gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened in this oval office". Or "I'm going to try to see if I can remember as much to make it sound like I'm smart on the subject." Or "You know one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror". Guess who said that stuff. W. Wow, let's keep going down that path. Barack Hussein Obama is going to be the democratic nominee and thank the gods and goddesses for that. Someone who's smarter (smarter than W and smarter than you). And by the will of the people of this great nation (of which I have the utmost optimism and confidence) he will be the next president, taking this great land to new heights and respect. That people like you in this nation will eventually crumble and be carried away on the solar winds is a given. Weren't all (or at least most) Americans like you generations ago? Now your types are a dying species. Kids these days don't care if you are black, white, bi-sexual, trans-sexual, satanist, wiccan, baptist, muslim, arab, or canadian. They just wanna get along. And with the right leadership we can further these ideals. I know this may scare you, but CHANGE is coming. And change is positive. The world is passing us by. No longer can we shake a stick and people sit. It's a different time. It's time to move forward. To show a better way to those like you. To be positive. To love. Peace, brother. Try to catch up.
Comment By ericmiami, 5-31-08It's heartening to see there are plenty of smart tough people in Montana. You know who you are.
Comment By Joe, 5-31-08To Peter Cox
I was responding to Deborah Cox who requested proof of Obama's racist views.
What I have posted is a result of research as to Obama's background. I do not know where Deborah got the idea that Obama was raised in Kansas.
As to your assumption, no I am not a Republican.
If you want to call my posts racist then it proves only that you are blinding yourself to reality.
Here is a little research that you might want to do on your own.
http://savagepolitics.com/...
To dwell over and over on the fact that Obama's father was muslim and his middle name is Hussein says something about you. You seem to be scared of something. Why are you affraid of the middle name (given by his parents) of a presidential candidate? How can one possibly judge anything based on someone's middle name? What does this have to do with anything? Hillary's middle name is Diane. As in Dianic Wicca. Dianic Wicca is a Goddess-centered, woman-centered witchcraft. This is your candidate of choice?
See?
Why does Muslim scare you so much? Can't a Muslim love a christian just as a christian can love a Muslim? (I assume you are christian - that's really what this is about, right?). Christianity taught me to love EVERYONE (not just little boys). Don't be scared. Look beyond your ignorance and embrace the unknown. It elevates you to higher levels of spiritualness.
Lastly, on the blinded to reality deal; without getting too detailed , I am white. I grew up in Chicago (next to Boston probably the most racist city in the country), in the 70's. I grew up in a racially mixed household (white mother, black stepfather). I witnessed extreme hatred first hand, directed at me personally, as a kid nonetheless! I saw things most white people could barely comprehend. I feel I'm in a unique position to recognize racism, whether extreme or subtle. So I'm not sure what reality you are speaking of.
The divisiveness needs to end. The labeling must cease. We must grow up as a nation - as a people. I'm not talking just about policy but about example as well.
Joe,
It's great that you've read Obama's first book, but you take these quotes completely out of context, which is rather important. Honesty is also important and you seem to have no regard for honesty here. Barack was thoroughly honest in both of his books and these quotes you speak of represent his inner struggle with remaining "loyal" to his culture or "integrating" another. A struggle you likely will never have to experience so how can you objectively pass judgement? You completely leave out other quotes and the entire context of his message. That, in essence, is the typical conservative propaganda we are used to and that which has projected us into this international and domestic fiasco!!
I would encourage other people to read the books and fabricate their own opinions. Obama is far from racist. To the contrary, he understands well the plight of cultural struggle within our borders and it is here he "hopes" to bridge the gap. What more can people ask for? This "inner struggle" demonstrates his ability to be thoughtful and reflective. A quality we could use more of in a president and a quality that is imperative to making difficult and detrimental decisions.
I can't buy into this guilt by association thing. I've heard my own father say some controversial things I disagree with. Does it mean I don't want to associate with him any more? Does Obama necessarily hold the views of these pastors? Despite some high flying, inflammatory rhetoric designed to strengthen the institutions (not unlike politics) It's likely these ministries do some worthwhile community projects worth funding.
Even if unaware of the opportunity before us, It's there. Obama is a wonderful candidate and I can only hope our country will seize the opportunity.
Obama 08!
I apologize profusely. Joe is correct; Obama was NOT raised in Kansas, but rather his MOTHER lived as a child in Wichita. Sorry, I think it's been about ten years since I read Sen. Obama's book "Dreams from my Father." I should have gone back to check my facts.
At age ten, Obama moved to Hawaii (NOT Kansas!) to live with his maternal grandparents, and attended prestigious Punahou Academy on scholarship. The school's website states it is nonsectarian, but retains its Christian heritage. (The school was founded to educate the children of Congregational missionaries. You might be aware that the Congregational denomination is now known as the United Church of Christ, which includes Obama's church in Hyde Park, Chicago, and which, sadly, he just resigned from today.)
Deborah Cox
Arizona
Greatest country.
That's us. Amazing. There's a virtual tie for the democratic nomination. So we gathered, discussed, debated, disagreed, shouted, and cried. Then we came together and came up with a solution. Sure there's those on the outsides that won't be happy (just like always). But I sense that even they will accept compromise. Where else could this have happened? Be proud.
A federal judge in Tampa has again tossed out a lawsuit filed by a Florida political consultant angry that his vote in the state's Democratic primary will not count. Victor DiMaio's lawsuit contended that the Democratic National Committee is discriminating against Florida voters. DiMaio argued that party leaders unfairly allowed Nevada and South Carolina to hold their presidential primaries prior to February 5, in part because of the sizable minority populations in both states, but punished Florida and Michigan for skirting the rules.
Is DeMaio rasist? Just curious what others' views are. (Florida and Michigan did not follow the rules. Period.)
Way to go Big Sky people! This country is in terrible shape and we need something new and energizing. Hopefully, you will put Obama over the top and end this nightmare with the Clinton's. Hillary is nothing more than a hang-over from the past with nothing to show except for a husband who is a phony and makes millions speaking overseas. I can't bear the though of having him in the White House on the prowl with nothing to do. Her so-called great leadership skills showed up when she went along with the old Washington in-siders in promoting that ridiculous gas tax holiday. Her baggage is tremendous and her negative ratings will lead to hear defeat. Poor McCain can't seem to get the numbers of brigades in Iraq correct, and in fact, for the radical conservatives, he has is church-less and no clue if he is a Baptist or an Episcopal. He and Hillary are the two culprits that got us into this international and financial mess and it is time for new leadership. Our only hope is in Obama who is bright, articulate and will end the stagnation of leadership in this country.
Comment By Peter Cox, 6-01-08Montana will deliver. My wife and I (along with hundreds of others) will spend all day tomorrow canvassing to make sure of it. Let the Obama celebration begin!
Comment By ericmiami, 6-03-08It's wonderful to see so many thoughtful and intelligent comments. Thank you, Montana.
Comment By Aaron, 6-03-08to: Joe, 5-30-08
What you neglect to mention is that the reason Black Theology came in to existance was the prohibition against blacks attending the same church as white people. How Christian is that?
Before you formulate an argument, answer that one question. How Christian is it for anyone to discriminate against anyone else and call themselves Christian.
Sure, Black Theology is radical, and is considered radical. Do I agree with Jeremiah Wright 100%? No. But to call the disinfranchisement of black people from the church fair, just, and moral, and then to criticize black people for demonstrating openly against that state of affairs is unbalanced.
Black Theology asserts African-American's right to practice a faith that was made open to all. In the same way that mainstream church has been socially active, Black Theology seeks to meet the needs of people who, in a balanced world view, should benefit from the church's activism.
To ignore what has precipitated the founding of churches like Black Theology is to blindly disregard entire pages of American history whoses events impact us even today. It has only been forty years since Jim-Crow laws have been repealed. That's not a very long time. Especially when compared to the length of time a people has been subjugated, freed, and subjected to what were essentially apartheid conditions.
I can see how the church he left would hold some appeal for Obama. He has a long career of social activism. The fact that the work he has done has benefitted black, inner-city citizens doesn't exclude his considerations and desire to want to help all people of color.
That is all