Genuinely undecided NC voter here

[taterguy]

You folks have 24 hours to convince me to pull the lever for the candidate you support.

Give it your best shot.

Customizing your pitch based on what you know about me is strongly encouraged.

Have fun.

[Alexander]

1. Obama wants to decriminalize marijuana. He thinks the War on Drugs is an "utter failure".

Hey, if it doesn't convince you, it'll convince somebody.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQr9ezr8UeA

[mythyc]

4. here too, when he was younger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqLvzFv5Q14

;)

[taterguy]

10. You're trying to convince me with a Washington Times video?

Are you high?

[Alexander]

15. Fine, watch these two instead.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUze-oYsswI&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGzHgcrK75c&feature=related

But seriously, do you think the Washington Times doctored that video?

I think someone would call them on it, if that was the case.

[Raven]

2. Just use that brilliant mind that you have and your impeccible

good judgment and common sense and you'll make the right decision.

A little bald-faced flattery never hurts! :-)

[taterguy]

5. Good judgment and common sense?

Are you the only person on this site that hasn't seen those infamous naked sledding photos?

[cali]

3. Well, although I'd love to persuade you to vote for Obama

what I know about you is that you're an indpendent minded sort with no great fondness for either candidate. I think I can assume that you know about both candidates' policies. You know they're largely alike. I suspect that you find Hillary's tough talk (obliterate) on foreign relations unappealing and her with me or against me mentality. I'm sure there are things about Obama that bother you too. Maybe you should just go with your gut.

[thoughtcrime1984]

80. However, Obama's stance on transparency in gov't could fundamentally

change Washington. He proposes creating a database where all bills that are sent to him to be signed can be viewed on the net for 5 days and commented on. He proposes no more "no-bid" contracts and will have a database showing how current gov't contractors are performing on their projects and at what cost. He will include all earmarks and pork on this database also, so that we can assess what our legislators are doing. In the end, it will take all of us to use this new era of openness, and to vote out those who are not meeting our expectations. The level of accountability would be much higher if we all participate, given this new wealth of information assembled on one internet site. That is ultimately how lobbyist influence could be greatly reduced, as our legislators would know that they are being watched. This era of being in the dark and on a need-to-know basis is drawing to a close. There are even more plans on his website under the "issues" tab, followed by "ethics". This makes him vastly different than any other candidate I have ever seen.

[barack the house]

6. bomb bomb bomb iran. Vote Obama so we can differentiate the candidates. If you wish.

[cornermouse]

7. Vote for who most closely represents your own views on

how things should be run and good luck.

[taterguy]

8. Is this guy on the ballot?

[tekisui]

14. Nice marmot.

[mythyc]

16. the Dude abides

did you not see the vid link in #4? ;)

A lot of ins a lot of outs a lot of what have yous. A lot of strands to keep straight in old Duder's head....

:rofl:

[taterguy]

20. Do I look like I have time to click on every link posted here?

[mythyc]

23. I like your stlye Dude

but do you have to cuss so much?

[grantcart]

71. gonna have to go with a yes on that one lol

[cornermouse]

18. I'm not going to tell you who you should vote for.

You have to make your own choice.

[graycem]

84. Didn't you hear?

The Dude endorsed Obama months back! :party: He said he felt he had to since Bill Clinton never inhaled, while Obama did, because that was in his words, "the point."

[glowing]

9. Completely up to you.. I live in FL, so my vote doesn't count and it

went to Edwards. I don't know if a special election was held today who I'd vote for. I like Clinton's healthcare and education platforms, however I don't like her pandering to the 30%rs. I like that Obama is different than the status quo. He's not part of the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton dynasty and that his campaign has attracted a lot of new participation and has that grass roots thing about it. I wish that he would adopt universal healthcare platform... and I wish he'd stop talking about school vouchers for private schools (I know he went to one). I think all public educational institutes should be as good as the private one's.. and that means spending more money on education.. from daycare thru college. I don't like that 1/2 of every tax dollar is spent on military..

[tekisui]

11. Coattails to a New Majority.

Policy-wise they are not so different. Obama brings motivated New Voters, Young Voters, Independents and some Moderate Repubs.

He has coattails that will grow a working majority in the House and Senate, where things are more likely to get done.

I saw Michelle Obama speak in Asheville. She was impressive, but more impressive was the crowd. I saw 50-60 year-old men, Vietnam Vets, Middle-aged women, white, black, young and old.

They were all saying about the same thing: "I've never gone to political rallies before." "I have never donated to a Presidential Candidate before" "I am phone-banking for the first time ever."

Obama has people in this country who have never paid attention to their elected government not only paying attention, but getting very active and involved.

[quantass]

12. 'Gas Tax Holiday' -- Every Economist says is Bad for America and she resonds: "They are Elitists"

Hillary is not looking for solutions for America..she is looking for talking points to get elected....we have seen this over and over again and recently with this gas tax scheme which was 1st brought up by McSame and quickly adopted by Hillary. Today on "This Week" (on ABC) she said all economists are elitsts (none would back her) and would disregard what they had to say and move forward with the gas tax scheme...America will suffer with higher gas prices which has been sited by all economists.

[mdmc]

13. Kucinich isn't GOP-lite

:shrug:

[hokies4ever]

17. What kind of person is undecided after all that has happened

in this race? Truly undecided = ill-informed voter.

P.S. Your single vote won't change who wins and loses.

[taterguy]

19. Suppose something significant happens between now and when I vote?

[npincus]

22. like what? I think you are having some fun with both sides.

[taterguy]

31. So far the issue nearest and dearest to my heart hasn't been addressed

A strong statement by either candidate on that issue might convince me.

[hokies4ever]

34. And that issue is?

You're just sitting idly by while everybody makes the decision for you. You're part of the 'static America' that Obama talked about in his 'race' speech. Please step aside while the rest of us pick up the slack from your apathy.

[npincus]

40. why so cryptic? State your issue, already.

No need to make others jump through hoops for you. i'm so surprised you have been unable to come to a decision on your own(?).

Jeez, you're acting like my 5-year old daughter, "I've got a secret!".

[hokies4ever]

25. So when will you decide to vote (who are you leaning toward)

Sounds like you are a perpetual undecided. The worst kind of decision is indecision, letting someone else make it for you. That's why smart pollers ask who are you LEANING toward. So, who are you leaning toward and why are you leaning toward them?

This 'but what if something happens' is just a bunch of BS, and it's clear and obvious for everyone to see in you. For that matter, you might be leaning toward John McCain. After all, something could happen that would cause you to vote for him, even if it's a 1 in a million chance.

[Labors of Hercules]

42. You'll learn soon enough...

tater's no fence rider, but he will play with your head if your stupid enough to let him...

:evilgrin:

[taterguy]

61. Suppose I'm an undecided person that occasionally plays with people's heads

The fact that I occasionally start light-hearted threads doesn't mean that I'm kidding all of the time.

[Labors of Hercules]

76. actually, that was my wholehearted endorsement...

of your style, tater. The fact you're light-hearted sure'n as hell doesn't mean you're kidding (at least not all the time).

:yourock: :toast:

[grantcart]

70. just look up and down the thread of all the people that took the bait

[MonkeyFunk]

37. Maybe a person

who likes both candidates?

It's quite possible, you know. Supporting one doesn't mean you have to dislike the other.

[democrattotheend]

56. Whoa, why are you insulting an undecided voter?

Let's try and convince taterguy, not turn him off!

[npincus]

21. Vote for the candidate who promises to "obliterate Iran"!

Vote for the candidate who promised, under the klieg lights, to palce a "security umbrella" over all Middle Eastern countries, irrespective of US policy toward each country, which essentially is a promise to attack Iran if and when (for example) Iran-backed groups like Hezzbollah launch a proxy "attack" in a country like Saudi Arabia.

Vote for the candidate who authorized a monkey surrounded by neocons to achieve their PNAC fantasies by invading Iraq, WITHOUT reading the NIE prior to that IWR vote.

Vote for the candidate who has run a horrible campaign, starting with the most money and now in debt, blowing a huge lead at the start... is this how the candidate will run the country?

Vote for the candidate who praised her Republican opponment and trashing the relative experience of her Democratic opponent- just one example of all the material she has handed Republicans for the GE.

My apologies; I don't know you but it's difficult to imagine that you don't support one more than the other at this stage of the game. Let us know wht you ultimately decided.


I started out truly on the fence, more of an Edwards supporter than anything. But playing close attention to this camapaing, the kind of statements and behavior of the candidates has been quite convincing- to me.

[DMorgan]

28. Brilliant satirical truth!

Well done!

Kudo's !

[mmonk]

24. America needs a different face on the world-Obama.

We need to reject the continued dirty war on the third world and look more to the UN and relief agencies and have a more whole or world view on the world. We also don't need the DLC to solidify its grip on the party anymore deeper. We need to be able to accept more ideas and solutions for America than just feeding the corporations. We don't need anymore compromises on destructive actions and more co-operation on things to improve our country. But finally, due to the Clinton camp's acceptance of dubious tactics surrounding race and the strategy of damaging the frontrunner enough to turn the SDs to them, there exists a number of loyal voting democrats that will be sufficiently put off as to suppress democratic turnout in the general election should Clinton get the nomination by that means.

[onehandle]

26. Doesn't matter. The SDs and the party will pick the nominee.

Probably already have.

The MSM narrowed it down to two knowing that there would be a close race. Even they didn't know that it would be this close.

[TheDudeAbides]

27. My heart is with Obama; my mind is with Clinton

I chose to follow my mind.

Good luck with your choice!

[cjsmom44]

29. RE: The true qualifications

I commend you for being an informed voter.....

I think when one goes to the polls, and places a vote for a particular candidate

one takes many things into consideration...

For me anyway, the things that really matter in the end are:

Integrity
Honesty
Ethics
Strength
By that I mean true strength, a quiet strength
Yoda said "“Ohhh. Great warrior.Wars not make one great.”
Sometimes the loudest of clanging cymbals are the weakest...

AFTER ALL AREN'T THESE PREREQUISITES FOR THE PRESIDENCY?

When you truly look at Sen Clinton's record it is fraught with scandal and outright lies....
Some people say she is a fighter...but think about that what does that mean...truly...
A fighter ??? to always think you are right...at all cost (sounds rather Bush like?)
I feel that an example of this is her term OBLITERATE...doesn't sound diplomatic does it?
To say and do anything to be elected, even if it means dragging down your own party?
What does that say for true integrity...or strength?
To outright lie to voters? Unfortunately the press does not cover all that they should regarding her real deceptions....The press would love to drag this primary out till doomsday, they have good reason to..ratings and money.

Speaking for myself I would like to have someone of true strength and character in the White House, someone I can count on to make thoughtful decisions, to seek out others opinions, rather than ram-rodding opinions upon others, and being divisive. I want someone that tells the truth to the American People and not just pander us for votes and say only what is politically beneficial to them at the moment...we have had enough of that...I want someone that is honest and upfront about the issues that affect all of us....

THAT IS WHY I SUPPORT SEN. OBAMA AND HOPE YOU DO TOO

ITS NOT TOO LATE TO CHANGE THIS COUNTRY...AND SAY WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF POLITICS AS USUAL

If you truly want to see where Sen Obama stands I would encourage you to visit his website, and read his detailed plan to restore this nation...
www.barackobama.com

[KaryninMiami]

30. Because Obama represents the future and a new direction for America. Need more? Read on...

Because she voted for the war in Iraq (and has yet to say she is sorry for the mistake). She then then voted to give Bush the option of repeating it in Iran (which it looks like he is about to do).

Because she talks about annihilating another country- (Iran) - which, in today's world, should NOT be a part of our conversation. Period.

Because of her deep ties to corporate lobbyists- such as Pharma, insurance and companies like Monsanto (who is poisoning our planet).

Because she has never voted on the side of the environment - until she decided to run for president.

Because she cheats- she's not only demanding they count the popular votes in Florida and Michigan- breaking the rules of the DNC which both states were well aware of before they changed their dates (and you don't change the rules AFTER the game has been played) and she's now actually counting them as her wins! Disgusting.

Because she put McCain above Obama - which is PARTY TREASON - when asked about how each of their experiences match up ("I have a lifetime of experience, McCain has a lifetime of experience, Barack has a speech he made in 2002").

Because she is so desperate to win she will stop at nothing- including destroying the other candidate- even if that means paving the way for a McCain win in November.

Because the GOP have been stashing ammunition to destroy Clinton for the past 8 years and are ready to start firing as soon as she gets the nomination. That's why the GOP is so desperate to make sure she wins- they know they can knock her out against McCain.

Because if she gets the nomination, the millions of new voters and young people who previously were not the least bit inspired to vote- will come out to support Obama.

Because this is an opportunity for a new direction for America- with new voices, new values, new vision and a new way of doing business. He IS THE FUTURE.

Obama's campaign will be paid for BY THE CITIZENS not by corporate money- he is therefore beholden to the American people- not to the companies who will make him President.

As Obama said in Philadelphia a few weeks ago-- "Hillary Clinton is a tenacious campaigner and is a committed public servant," he began. But her message, is "that we can't really change anything or do anything the special interest game of so we might as well choose a candidate who knows how to play the game."

Then he said, "I'm not running to be the president who plays the same old game. I'm running to end the game. This year we can’t afford the same old politics. This year we can declare our independence from this kind of politics."

It's time to END THE GAME and breathe new life into this country. It's time for a monumental change in how we've done "politics a usual". America needs Obama.

[aquart]

112. "New direction" voted with Hillary 90% of the time.

And if you are dumb enough to believe that there will be a fundamental change in human conduct...then you never once took a history course.

People are what they are. People are not going to CHANGE. Pretending that EVERYTHING WILL BE DIFFERENT is buying a lie. He already knows it won't. He's already said he'll "reach across the aisle." WTF do you think that means? It means he will deal with the devil, just like every other politician who wants to get anything done.

Hillary is the one who has been more honest with you, but truth? You can't take the truth.

[democrattotheend]

32. What issues/qualities are most important to you?

And what concerns do you have about the candidates?

I have a lot of reasons for supporting Obama but it's easier to make the case if I know what you care about.

[taterguy]

33. The search feature is your friend

Don't you have time to review the 10,000 or so posts I've made on this site?

:shrug:

[Kokonoe]

35. How about as a favor for a Yukon driver,

I wouldn't ask unless I thought it would matter.

I mean vote Obama

[Vinca]

36. All I know about you is your name.

Obama likes arugula which goes well in salad and adds to a nice steak and baked potato dinner?:rofl:

[FlaGranny]

38. Convince yourself.

Just REALLY study the campaigns of the 2 candidates. It should be obvious. Ignore side issues and concentrate of the campaigns. The issues discussed in the campaigns are actually somewhat secondary because there is little difference between them, probably with the exception of the war. There's little difference in experience. There is a whole ton of difference in the way the two candidates are running their campaigns. One candidate is divisive, the other one is inclusive. The choice is obvious if you pay attention.

[Aloha Spirit]

39. Why not cast your vote for ending this protracted primary?

Senator Clinton is paving her road to the White House with insults and lies... pull that lever for her if you want three more months of her insults and lies campaign against Obama... because the only way she can win the nomination is in Denver with the blessing of party elites. Added bonus--Her victory will be followed by several years of an insults and lies campaign against anyone who disagrees with her. Which apparently includes all economists.

Or, you can pull the lever for the candidate who can end this primary season before Memorial Day.

Plus, Obama didn't vote against renewable fuels and higher fuel economy standards until he started running for president.

[rodeodance]

41. I am convinced that Hillarys

comprehensive enviromental energy green jobs plan is best for the US.

She put this plan out months ago--very detailed. it is on her website for your review--and it is paid for.


I also am in favor of scraping NCLB--while Obama just wants to throw more money at at. Throwing more money at it will not help.


these are just a few. But she also has the abilty of getting these plans enacted. I recently read an article of her work in the Senate. She has reached across the isle to work with Republicans (and even hard core republicans were quoted(. This is needed and an admirable quality---not something to be demeaned and name called 'republican light"

thank you for your polite OP.

[npincus]

44. National Environmental Group Endorses Barack Obama for President

http://action.foe.org/pressRelease.jsp?press_release_KEY=367&t=2007_PRESS.dwt

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Friends of the Earth Action, a national environmental group based in Washington, D.C., announced today that it is endorsing Senator Barack Obama to be the nation’s next president.

“We endorse Senator Obama because we believe he is the best candidate for the environment,” said Friends of the Earth Action President Brent Blackwelder. “The ‘gas tax holiday’ debate is a defining moment in the presidential race. The two other candidates responded with sham solutions that won’t ease pain at the pump, but Senator Obama refused to play that typical Washington game. Instead, Obama called for real solutions that would make transportation more affordable and curb global warming. He showed the courage and candor we expect from a president.”

Experts agree that gas prices are likely to decline only slightly under a Clinton-McCain “gas tax holiday”—if they decline at all. Instead of signing onto this gimmick, Obama has called for long-term solutions that would limit oil consumption by requiring cars to be more fuel efficient and expanding transportation options including passenger rail.

Blackwelder cited Obama’s strong pro-environment record, his policy proposals, the profile he has given global warming in his campaign, and the broad mandate he is building for change as other reasons for the endorsement. Obama earned a 96 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters during his first two years in the Senate. Blackwelder said Friends of the Earth Action plans to inform its more than 100,000 activists in the U.S. about its support for Obama and to campaign for him in remaining primaries.

Friends of the Earth Action previously endorsed John Edwards in the Democratic primary process and engaged in early state independent expenditures on his behalf.

[Labors of Hercules]

59. "Obama just wants to throw more money at at"...

That's not accurate at all: Obama wants to retain only the portions of the NCLB that reauthorize the earlier provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (signed by Clinton) while completely reworking the assessment provisions to create a supportive model rather than a punitive one:

Reform No Child Left Behind: Obama will reform NCLB, which starts by funding the law. Obama believes teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests. He will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college and the workplace and improve student learning in a timely, individualized manner. Obama will also improve NCLB's accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement, rather than punishing them.

[Buzz Clik]

43. Vote for the candidate less inclined to initiate a pre-emptive nuclear strike.

Go for the winner. Gobama!

[lwcon]

45. Hillary

Hillary:
* Prioritizes social programs
* Wonky, wants to make government work, and she gets down to details
* Committed to Universal Healthcare
* Tough
* Knows who the VRWC is, and she's pissed
* Proud to be a Democrat
* Despite all the slime thrown at her, unequivocally pledges her support to party unity if she's not the nominee (and she gets shouted down by Obama fans)
* Has won the big swing states and states that add up to more electoral votes


Obama:
* Constantly belittles progressives ("bickering partisans," "Chablis-drinking limousine liberals") and praises GOP ("party of ideas")
* Builds whole campaign on a soothing but disempowering lie -- a claim that the biggest problem we face is partisanship. The biggest problem we face is conservatism/neo-conservatism.
* Cites "socialized medicine" as an extremist lefty position
* Truthy, glides by on vaporous catch phrases
* His "movement" is about... what is his movement about?
* Disrespects the separation of church and state (brochure says he was "Called to Christ" and "Called to Serve")
* Won't even stand up for his friend and mentor. Will he stand up for you?
* Trumps up charges that fellow Democrats are racists
* From "you're likable enough" on down has fostered a kind of "unity" that only exists if he wins
* His biggest claim to fame is being against the Iraq war. Funny, since he got into the Senate, he hasn't voted that way.
* His second biggest claim to fame is not bothering to vote against Kyl-Lieberman
* Tried to cheat his way to 50% of MI and FL delegates, even though he's not very popular in those states
* Has built his delegate lead on gaming the caucuses, especially in states the Democrats can't win. Won't be much help against McCain.
* Has insulted working-class voters. Won't be much help against McCain.


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[inna]

88. Iwcon - awesome, as usual~!

got linked here from Corrente, just wanted to say hi and give you some love/unity. (heh.) ;)

[lwcon]

89. Thank you much

But really it would be so much easier to repeat the same tired lies about Hillary and the same goofy hype about Obama.

What's the matter with us?

Resistance is futile, they say.

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[quakerboy]

94. Odd that

"* Knows who the VRWC is, and she's pissed"

I think we all know who they are, and why she is pissed. She better get Scaife on the line again and get him on the case.

[lwcon]

103. Obama doesn't know who the VRWC is

Get a load of some of the quotes from "Audacity" and from his recent Fox News appearance:

http://www.correntewire.com/the_audacious_book_salon_chapter_one_and_done
http://www.correntewire.com/after_the_fox_barack_obama_chris_wallace_and_me

Well, maybe he does know who the VRWC is. He just doesn't seem to mind them.

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[ima_sinnic]

46. vote to continue the status quo, the cronyism, the backroom deals, endless titillating

scandals, the corporate overlordliness, the untrustworthy doublespeak, 24/7 media disinformation, and war war WAR, LOTS OF WAR, never ending WAR, with WAR PROFITEERS salivating at their coming good fortune, if only HILLARY can destroy the Democratic Party--the LOSER, who never quits with the KKKarl Rove Orwellian bullshit and slander.

or, vote for the WINNER, with whom there is at least HOPE of bringing BushCo to justice, of turning around the environmental wrongs and greed-head plundering of the planet, of maybe even reining in the corporations, even a teeny tiny bit, the one whom the whole world loves, who will change the entire discourse of the planet.

seems pretty obvious to me.

[lwcon]

48. Mr. "stop the bickering partisanship" will bring BushCo to justice?

Mr. "I think there are a whole host of areas where Republicans in some cases may have a better idea"?

I'm betting on the one who knows there's a VRWC.

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[ima_sinnic]

60. yeah, Hillary ought to know all about a VRWC, and I mean everything.

and it was Bill who swept Iran-Contra and BCCI Bank under the rug, keeping the vermin involved free to keep plundering the public treasury and being the traitors they are. So I can safely assume that Hillary will also gladly maintain that cover--I'm sure she makes out handsomely for her cooperation and part in that VRWC, which continues to this day, I'm sure, somewhere in the world with illicit arms sales and drug profits by our "civil servants" -- meanwhile, with Obama, there is at least hope that something will be done, but with HRC there is no hope whatsoever, only the sure knowledge that it will continue as it always has.

but feel free to be deluded.

[Labors of Hercules]

47. This is all you need to know...

The League of Conservation Voters has given Barack Obama the highest lifetime rating of anyone currently running for president.

(Edited to add: At the time this statement was issued, "currently" included all the Democratic contenders for the nomination who have since dropped out).

[meow mix]

49. undecided after stuff like this?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5820705

[BeyondGeography]

50. I see you like cycling

One of the two candidates will give you a brand new bicycle in return for your vote.

Give it your best shot.

Have fun.

[lwcon]

51. That Obama/bicycle website is a lie!

Obama's giving everyone ponies! And they'll run the bicyclists off the road, mark my word!

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[BeyondGeography]

52. I hear Hillary plans to obliterate all cyclists who don't vote for her

:shrug:

[lwcon]

54. Obama thinks it's bitterness that makes Americans...

cling to their handlebars.


___

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[taterguy]

53. What kind of bike?

[Aloha Spirit]

57. Clinton wants to give you a fixed gear with a gain ratio of -1.

[Aloha Spirit]

73. This guy will be by with your bike as soon as you vote for Hillary

[Blue_Roses]

55. I can pitch my own movie script

but as far as someone else's "script," that's something you have to listen to and decide for yourself. I know why I like who I voted for, but what's important to me, may not be important to you--therefore, once again, the argument comes back to--make up your own mind.

A nice bike ride might help you decide:D

[IsItJustMe]

58. Just my opinion, but if you like the way things are, vote for McCain or Hillary. If you think we

can do a hell of a lot better for the people of this country and that we need to change the way things get done for the better, vote for Obama.

In the end though, you will vote according to your own set of beliefs, prejudices, and filters that you have built up over your life time. Thats what we all do.

[ecstatic]

62. watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYmtgO7Hx3I

[taterguy]

64. All Youtube links must direct you to a stupid Rick Astley video`

It's in the rule book. Look it up.

[yardwork]

63. I voted for Obama on Saturday in North Carolina.

I feel very good about my vote.

[Texas Hill Country]

65. The country is F'd... do you go with a probably/maybe or a definitely and done it before

[TBF]

66. If you're truly undecided I think you should go with the electable candidate

You know about the Clintons from the 1990's. Bill was widely liked despite scandals, but Hillary screwed up her shot at health care and was generally disliked for her hostile attitude. I truly think she is disliked enough by moderates that she will not appeal to the swing voters who will ultimately decide the election.

With the exception of voting for Reagan and Bush (I was in college - everyone experiments...), since then I have been a dem voter - Clinton, Gore, Kerry, and now support Obama.

I think we have to go with the charismatic guy with a new approach and not the old baggage. Just my view, but I think the country is ready to have someone other than a Bush or Clinton in the white house.

Good luck in making your decision.

[Texas Hill Country]

67. youre right, Obama doesnt have new baggage... it's all brand spanking new... and

on the hottest button issues possible.

[FrenchieCat]

105. Such as?

[BklnDem75]

68. Why?

Your vote is no more important than the next person's. Read up on the candidates and chose the one that leans closer to your views.

[grantcart]

69. Obama plays basketball and loves to bicycle and drink beer and take hikes

I am a music illiterate so can't even fake it on what type of music he likes but seems to me that he would love Jim Carroll because he wrote a book with the word basketball in it.


Now if we can get the other 100 million voters in this country to have journals this election will be a snap.

[TheDudeAbides]

75. George Bush is a mountain bike enthusiast..

he beat Gore because people would rather have a beer with him.

Popularity contests are for high school elections.

[taterguy]

79. I thought Gore lost because the country was fed up with eight years of peace and prosperity

:shrug:

[grantcart]

81. I think you missed the point of the OP

He was pulling everyone's leg.

The key is 'have fun'


It is a parody of threads that we used to see all the time "please help me decide"

[TheDudeAbides]

82. Fooled me! Looks the same as all the other "serious" threads here n/t

[taterguy]

87. It's possible to have fun and be serious at the same time

Didn't you ever watch Brett Favre play football?

[Umbram]

72. If you are serious - please don't vote. (nt)

[Bigleaf]

74. So what you are really saying is that you are not going to pander.

;-)

[npincus]

77. Why don't you auction your vote on eBay?

You seem to take it that seriously.

[taterguy]

85. If my vote was for sale I would have asked people to PM me salacious photos

But that would be wrong

[Secret_Society]

78. Edwards believes Hillary's plan is better for America

Was addressed in one of the debates

[Avalux]

83. I don't know anything about you taterguy, but here goes.

I need to start with a disclaimer that I have never much liked Hillary Clinton and when she announced her candidacy, was not happy. That said, I was certainly not a fan of Obama from the beginning either.

I am an Obama supporter now because he grew on me and gained my respect.

I like Obama's demeanor, unwillingness to play dirty versus a fellow Democrat and his obvious knowledge of the issues. I attended a town hall meeting here in San Antonio and listened to him answer questions for over an hour and a half. He gave detailed, intelligent answers and after that, I was fully on board. That side of him is not portrayed very well in the media and it's a shame. He does know his stuff.

On top of that, his campaign is very well-organized and has received donations from almost a million and a half people averaging about 90 bucks. That's you and I (well, maybe not you yet ;-)). My point is that this sort of thing is unprecedented and shows his ablility to include the American people.

Obama speaks of change and many, many Americans want change from the status quo in Washington. Hillary makes fun of Obama's message, but one only has to look at how he has conducted himself and his campaign over the course of this election to know if anyone can bring about change in Washington, it's Obama.

I am also not worried about the GE. The gloves will come off and Obama, with a new opponent, will change his tactics.

So there you go. I don't know if what I've said will make any difference to how you choose, but I'm being honest. :hi:

[Elidor]

86. Wait a minute, let me get this straight

You hang out in the Lounge all year and now, at the 11th hour, you suddenly need GD-P to do your homework for you? :evilgrin:

I'm just razzin' ya.

You got a lot of reading to do, young man.

[taterguy]

102. Young man?

In my dreams pal
In my dreams

[JVS]

90. HRC's idea of a tax holiday for gasoline encourages increased dependence of oil and automobiles.

I know that you're a dedicated biker, so such a gas holiday not only means less incentive for people to become your bike buddies, but since driving will be cheaper they'll be more likely to kill you with their deathmobiles.

[taterguy]

97. Gas prices don't have much influence on the type of vehicles I encounter during my commute

Seriously.

I live in a very convenient neighborhood.

Most of the people in cars I encounter are going to jobs less than three miles away from their house.

A tax holiday would save them less than a nickel a day.

They would need a much more potent financial incentive to alter their behavior.

There's one other person on a bike that I see on a regular basis.

I've never asked her but I suspect her motivation is a desire to improve the health of herself and the planet.

If only more people thought like her.

Sigh.

[JVS]

99. yet it is an attempt to cushion the economic blow that is the only incentive to drive less

[JVS]

91. See if you can fill in the blanks to this sentence.

"You'd actually vote for Clinton after the way her campaign has been acting? _______ __ ______, _______!"

[taterguy]

101. Damnit I'm not a cryptologist

Would someone whose smarter than I am please fill in those damn blanks?

[whistler162]

92. Vote for the candidate that treats you like....

a thinking adult instead of treating you like a simple minded adult.

GOBama!

[FrenchieCat]

93. A few things to keep in mind........

(be careful....LONG!)

Judge Him by His Laws
By Charles Peters
Friday, January 4, 2008; A21

...Since most of Obama's legislation was enacted in Illinois, most of the evidence is found there -- and it has been largely ignored by the media in a kind of Washington snobbery that assumes state legislatures are not to be taken seriously. <>

Consider a bill into which Obama clearly put his heart and soul. The problem he wanted to address was that too many confessions, rather than being voluntary, were coerced -- by beating the daylights out of the accused.

Obama proposed requiring that interrogations and confessions be videotaped.
This seemed likely to stop the beatings, but the bill itself aroused immediate opposition. There were Republicans who were automatically tough on crime and Democrats who feared being thought soft on crime. There were death penalty abolitionists, some of whom worried that Obama's bill, by preventing the execution of innocents, would deprive them of their best argument. Vigorous opposition came from the police, too many of whom had become accustomed to using muscle to "solve" crimes. And the incoming governor, Rod Blagojevich, announced that he was against it.
Obama had his work cut out for him.
<>
The police tried to limit the videotaping to confessions, but Obama, knowing that the beatings were most likely to occur during questioning, fought -- successfully -- to keep interrogations included in the required videotaping.

Then he talked Blagojevich into signing the bill, making Illinois the first state to require such videotaping.
---------
Obama didn't stop there. He played a major role in passing many other bills, including the state's first earned-income tax credit to help the working poor

and the first ethics and campaign finance law in 25 years (a law a Post story said made Illinois "one of the best in the nation on campaign finance disclosure").

Obama's commitment to ethics continued in the U.S. Senate, where he co-authored the new lobbying reform law that, among its hard-to-sell provisions, requires lawmakers to disclose the names of lobbyists who "bundle" contributions for them.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/03/AR2008010303303_pf.html
Ethics and Lobbying Reform

Throughout his political career, Barack Obama has been a leader in fighting for open and honest government. During his first year as an Illinois State Senator, he helped lead the fight to pass Illinois' first ethics reform bill in 25 years. As a U.S. Senator, he has spearheaded the effort to clean up Washington in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal.

Senator Obama is one of the authors of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (S. 2180). The bill would lengthen the cooling off period to two years for lawmakers and staff who seek to become lobbyists, and it would require immediate disclosure as soon as any job negotiations begin.

The bill would open conference committee meetings to the public and require that all bills be posted on the Internet for 24 hours before they can be voted on by the Senate. Finally, the bill would end all lobbyist-funded gifts, meals, and travel and strengthen the Senate office that monitors lobbyist disclosure forms.

In addition, Senator Obama has sponsored three other ethics-related bills:

The Congressional Ethics Enforcement Commission Act (S. 2259) The bill would create an outside ethics commission to receive complaints from the public on alleged ethics violations by members of Congress, staff, and lobbyists. The commission would have the authority to investigate complaints and present public findings of fact about possible violations to the House and Senate Ethics Committee and Justice Department. By taking the initial fact finding out of the hands of members of Congress, who are often reluctant to investigate their colleagues, the bill ensures prompt and fair disposition of public complaints.

To avoid manipulation of the commission for political purposes, any person filing a complaint that they knew to be false would be subject to a fine and/or imprisonment. No complaints could be filed against a member of Congress for 30 days before a primary election and 60 days before a general election.

The bill has been widely endorsed by reform groups. According to Common Cause, "this legislation would do more to reform ethics and lobbying than any other piece of legislation introduced thus far because it goes to the heart of the problem: enforcement."

Public Citizen praised Senator Obama "for having the courage to challenge the business-as-usual environment on Capitol Hill and introduce far-reaching legislation." Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington stated: "This is the first bill that deals seriously with the lack of oversight and enforcement in the existing congressional ethics process. . . . This bill will help restore Americans' confidence in the integrity of Congress.

The Transparency and Integrity in Earmarks Act (S. 2261)
The bill would shed light on the almost 16,000 earmarks that were included in spending bills in 2005. Under the bill, all earmarks, including the name of the requestor and a justification for the earmark, would have to be disclosed 72 hours before they could be considered by the full Senate. Senators would be prohibited from advocating for an earmark if they have a financial interest in the project or earmark recipient. And, earmark recipients would have to disclose to an Office of Public Integrity the amount that they have spent on registered lobbyists and the names of those lobbyists.

The Curtailing Lobbyist Effectiveness through Advance Notification, Updates, and Posting Act (The CLEAN UP Act) (S. 2179)
The bill aims to improve public access to information about all legislation, including conference reports and appropriations legislation, in particular after hurried, end-of-session negotiations. Conference committee meetings and deliberations would have to be open to the public or televised, and conference reports would have to identify changes made to the bill from the House and Senate versions. Finally, no bill could be considered by the full Senate unless the measure has been made available to all Senators and the general public on the Internet for at least 72 hours.


Destroying Surplus and Unguarded Conventional Weapons

After visiting weapons stockpiles in Russia, Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Senators Lugar and Obama introduced S. 2566, which would expand the cooperative threat reduction concept to conventional weapons.

Sex Offenders


Senator Obama cosponsored Dru's Law (S. 792) which creates a nationwide sex offender database and requires greater monitoring of sex offenders upon their release from prison. The bill passed the Senate on July 28, 2005.

He also cosponsored the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. This bill increases the penalties for sex crimes against children under the age of 12, and creates a national Internet site known as the National Sex Offender Public Registry. The bill will also provide grants to local law enforcement to assist in preventing and investigating sex crimes against minors.


Violence Against Women Act

Senator Obama cosponsored extension of Violence Against Women Act (S. 1197), which passed the Senate on October 4, 2005, and was signed into law. The Act provides increased funds to law enforcement to combat violence against women. It also establishes a sexual assault services program and provides grants for education programs to prevent domestic violence and encourage reporting of abuses.


The Senate Immigration Bill

Senator Obama played a key role in the crafting of the immigration reform bill that the Senate passed in May 2006. The bill, which President Bush supports, would provide more funds and technology for border security and prevent employers from skirting our laws by hiring illegal immigrants. The bill also would provide immigrants who are now contributing and responsible members of society an opportunity to remain in the country and earn citizenship. But not all illegal immigrants would be guaranteed the right to remain in the U.S. under this proposal; they would first have to pay a substantial fine and back taxes, learn English, satisfy a work requirement, and pass a criminal background check.

Senator Obama offered three amendments that were included in the Senate bill. The first amendment strengthens the requirement that a job be offered at a prevailing wage to American workers before it is offered to a guestworker. The second amendment makes it simple, but mandatory, for employers to verify that their employees are legally eligible to work in the United States. And the third amendment authorizes $3 million a year for the FBI to improve the speed and accuracy of the background checks required for immigrants seeking to become citizens.



Drinking Water Security

Senator Obama drafted an amendment, which was included in the Safe Drinking Water Act, which passed the EPW Committee on July 20, 2005. The Obama amendment would provide $37.5 million over the next five years to protect the country's drinking water from a terrorist attack. It also instructs Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control to develop the tools needed by drinking water systems to detect and respond to the introduction of biological, chemical, and radiological contaminants by terrorists.


Greater Funding for Veterans Health Care

As early as February 2005, Senator Obama warned of a shortfall in the VA budget. Four months later, the VA reported that in fact it had more than a $1 billion shortfall. Senator Obama cosponsored a bill that led to a $1.5 billion increase in veterans' medical care. During the debate on the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, Senator Obama cosponsored measures that would have provided additional funding increases for veterans.

In September 2006, Senator Obama introduced the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 3988) to improve the VA’s planning process to avoid budget shortfalls in the future. The bill requires the VA and the Department of Defense to work together and share data so that we know precisely how many troops will be returning home and entering the VA system.

Homeless Veterans
Every year, 400,000 veterans across the country, including an estimated 38,000 in Chicago, spend some time living on the streets. Senator Obama has been a leader in fighting homelessness among veterans. He authored the Sheltering All Veterans Everywhere Act (SAVE Act) (S. 1180) to strengthen and expand federal homeless veteran programs that serve over 100,000 homeless veterans annually. During the debate on the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, Senator Obama passed an amendment to increase funding for homeless veterans programs by $40 million. These funds would benefit programs that provide food, clothing, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and employment and housing assistance to homeless veterans.

In June 2006, Senator Obama introduced the Homes for Heroes Act (S. 3475), which would expand access to long-term affordable housing for homeless veterans by setting aside $225 million to purchase, build or rehabilitate homes and apartments for veterans. The legislation would also greatly expand existing veterans rental assistance programs and create a new office within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to coordinate services to homeless veterans.

Food for Recovering Soldiers

Senator Obama introduced an amendment that became law providing food services to wounded veterans receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services at military hospitals. Previously, service members receiving physical therapy or rehabilitation services in a medical hospital for more than 90 days were required to pay for their meals.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and TBI
Senator Obama fought a VA proposal that would have required a reexamination of all PTSD cases in which full benefits were granted. He and Senator Durbin passed an amendment that has become law preventing the VA from conducting a review of cases, without first providing Congress with a complete report regarding the implementation of such review. In November 2005, the VA announced that it was abandoning its planned review.

Senator Obama passed an amendment to ensure that all service members returning from Iraq are properly screened for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI is being called the signature injury of the Iraq war. The blast from improvised explosive devices can jar the brain, causing bruising or permanent damage. Concussions can have huge health effects including slowed thinking, headaches, memory loss, sleep disturbance, attention and concentration deficits, and irritability.

Easing the Transition to the VA Senator Obama passed an amendment that became law requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to report to Congress on the delayed development of an electronic medical records system compatible with the VA's electronic medical records system. DOD's delay in developing such a system has created obstacles for service members transitioning into the VA health care system.

In September 2006, Senator Obama introduced the Lane Evans Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act (S. 3988) which would help veterans transition from the DOD health system to the VA system by extending the window in which new veterans can get mental health care from two years to five years. The Lane Evans bill also would improve transition services for members of the National Guard and Reserves.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/2/20/201332/807/36/458633

Global Poverty Act of 2007 (just passed out of committee)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) today hailed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's passage of the Global Poverty Act (S.2433), which requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade, debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs. This legislation was introduced in December. Smith and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sponsored the House version of the bill (H.R. 1302), which passed the House last September.
http://obama.senate.gov /



Legislation would aim to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) today hailed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's passage of the Global Poverty Act (S.2433), which requires the President to develop and implement a comprehensive policy to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015 through aid, trade, debt relief, and coordination with the international community, businesses and NGOs. This legislation was introduced in December. Smith and Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL) sponsored the House version of the bill (H.R. 1302), which passed the House last September.

"With billions of people living on just dollars a day around the world, global poverty remains one of the greatest challenges and tragedies the international community faces," said Senator Obama. "It must be a priority of American foreign policy to commit to eliminating extreme poverty and ensuring every child has food, shelter, and clean drinking water. As we strive to rebuild America's standing in the world, this important bill will demonstrate our promise and commitment to those in the developing world. Our commitment to the global economy must extend beyond trade agreements that are more about increasing corporate profits than about helping workers and small farmers everywhere. I commend Chairman Biden and Ranking Member Lugar for supporting this bill and moving it forward quickly."

"Poverty, hunger, and disease will be among the most serious challenges confronting the world in the 21st century," Senator Hagel said. "This legislation provides the President of the United States the framework and resources to help implement a comprehensive policy to reduce global poverty. It is the human condition that has always driven the great events of history. This is a responsibility of all citizens of the world."
http://obama.senate.gov/press/080213-obama_hagel_can_1 / ---------------------

This compliments this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4678548

IN CONTRAST WITH HILLARY CLINTON + THE CLINTON YEARS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

HILLARY VOTED FOR THE IWR AND VOTED DOWN THE LEVIN ADMENDMENT
HILLARY VOTED FOR THE IRAN RESOLUTION
HILLARY VOTED AGAINST THE CLUSTER BOMB BAN IN CIVILIAN AREAS
HILLARY VOTED FOR THE PATRIOT ACT
HILLARY VOTED FOR THE BANKRUPTCY BILL

AND NEVER FORGET THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE LAST CLINTON ADMIN:

THE RISE OF THE DLC

its mission was far more confrontational. With few resources, and taking heavy flak from the big guns of the Democratic left, the DLC proclaimed its intention, Mighty Mouse-style, to rescue the Democratic Party from the influence of 1960s-era activists and the AFL-CIO, to ease its identification with hot-button social issues, and, perhaps most centrally, to reinvent the party as one pledged to fiscal restraint, less government, and a pro business, pro-free market outlook.
http://www.mydd.com/story/2005/1/24/16457/4867

Hence the DLC via Bill Clinton's Presidency gave us among other things.......

NAFTA

Clinton Signs NAFTA
12/8/93"I do want to say, also, a special word of thanks to all the citizens who helped us -- the business leaders, the labor folks, the environmental people who came out and worked through this; many of them at great criticism, particularly in the environmental movement and some of the working people who helped it. And a group that was quite pivotal to our success that I want to acknowledge specifically are the small business people, many of whom got themselves organized and came forward and tried to help us. They made a real difference. " Bill Clinton at NAFTA signing Ceremony
http://www.clintonfoundation.org/legacy/120893-speech-b...

1996 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT

Clinton Signs The Telecommunications Act of 1996
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 is the first major overhaul of telecommunications law in almost 62 years. The goal of this new law is to let anyone enter any communications business -- to let any communications business compete in any market against any other.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has the potential to change the way we work, live and learn. It will affect telephone service -- local and long distance, cable programming and other video services, broadcast services and services provided to schools.
http://www.fcc.gov/telecom.html

WELFARE REFORM ACT

1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
On August 22, President Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 Conference Report to accompany H.R. 3734, the controversial legislation which repeals the 60 year old social safety net for the poor and requires welfare recipients to work. The legislation is very much like H.R. 4, the previous welfare bill that the President vetoed at the urging of NOW and other advocacy organizations. And, like the previous bill, the President received severe criticism from community activists, women's rights, social service advocacy, labor, minority, and religious groups in embracing this Republican-led effort to change the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=1996_Welfare...

BANKING REFORM BILL

Clinton signs banking overhaul measure
November 12, 1999
The biggest change in the nation's banking system since the Great Depression became law Friday, when President Bill Clinton signed a measure overhauling federal rules governing the way financial institutions operate.

Congress passed the bipartisan measure November 5, opening the way for a blossoming of financial "supermarkets" selling loans, investments and insurance. Proponents had pushed the legislation in Congress for two decades, and Wall Street and the banking and insurance industries had poured millions of dollars into lobbying for it in the past few years.

"The world changes, and Congress and the laws have to change with it," said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm (R-Texas), who has fought for years for the overhaul. Gramm said the bill would improve banking competition and stability.
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/11/12/banki...

DOMA

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
President Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) -- HR 3396 or Public Law No. 104-199 -- on 21 September 2000. It defines marriage as an act between heterosexuals and frees one state from being required to honor the same-sex marriage conducted in another state. As of this writing, 39 states have laws based on DOMA; 18 of those are amendments to the state constitution.

On Friday, September 20, prior to signing the Defense of Marriage Act, President Clinton released the following statement:

I have long opposed governmental recognition of same-gender marriages and this legislation is consistent with that position. The Act confirms the right of each state to determine its own policy with respect to same gender marriage and clarifies for purposes of federal law the operative meaning of the terms "marriage" and "spouse".
http://uspolitics.about.com/od/gaymarriage/a/DOMA.htm

CHINA TRADE DEAL

Clinton signs China trade bill
October 10, 2000
he measure is considered the most important U.S. trade legislation since passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993. But it faced a long campaign of opposition from labor, human rights and conservative groups who wanted to retain the annual review of trade relations with China.
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/10/10/... /

"Screw 'em," she told her husband. "You don't owe them a thing, Bill. They're doing nothing for you; you don't have to do anything for them."
http://www.americablog.com/2008/04/hillary-clinton-on-w...

(ACTUAL LINKS AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5587196

AND ADD A LITTLE HISTORY ON THE CAMPAIGNS THUS FAR.....UNDERSTANDING THAT OBAMA STARTED FROM SCRATCH, DID THE FULL BOTTOMS UP GRASSROOTS APPROACH, AND HAS BEEN UNDER FIRE FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS, AND REALIZE WHO THE BETTER EXECUTIVE IS.

HILLARY'S APPROACH:


"there are some whites who are probably not ready to vote for an African-American candidate"


"Jesse Jackson ran a good campaign. And Obama ran a good campaign here."



"He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept.”


"there's a difference between denouncing and rejecting."


denouncing and rejecting This guy

Ed Rendel Endorses Louis Farrakhan, same guy Hillary wanted Obama to denounce and renounce

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXum_-8I1TA

[grantcart]

95. well looks to me that you got about 30 to bite on it -- very good

and i learned a lot too


who knew Frenchie Cat was for Obama?

[quakerboy]

96. Watch this and you will know what to do:

Watch this and you will know what to do:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RSsJ19sy3JI

[Dems to Win]

98. Lets win with Obama in November!

North Carolina Democrats, your help is needed to avert an ugly controversy awaiting us in Puerto Rico. In the U.S. territory, citizens do not vote in presidential general elections, but they are given a voice in the Democratic primary.

Puerto Rico's Democratic party decided, on March 8 of this year, to hold a primary rather than a caucus to allocate it's 55 delegates. This decision was made after it became clear that in a close contest, the total popular vote -- no matter how skewed a figure, due to the mix of primary and caucus states -- would become an important number in discussions about the nomination. States that had already had their caucuses, in full accordance with the rules established before the primary season began, did not have the re-do option.

Colorado and Puerto Rico have been allocated the same number of pledged delegates, 55. With Puerto Rico holding a primary with an expected turnout of at least a million voters, its popular vote will likely equal the total caucus votes of Colorado PLUS the primary votes of South Carolina, New Hampshire, Delaware, and Utah, combined. Puerto Rico will thus have a popular vote equivalent vote strength of 160 pledged delegates, rather than their allocated 55.

If the perception is widespread that Obama won the delegate count but lost the popular vote, it will weaken our Democratic nominee and cause feelings of resentment among Clinton supporters. Our best hope of winning in the fall is with a strong nominee who was fairly chosen because he won the most pledged delegates and the most popular votes. The large popular vote expected for Clinton in Puerto Rico may make Obama fall short in the popular vote.

It is my expectation that Obama will end the primary season June 3 with a pledged delegate margin of about a hundred votes.

Shortly thereafter, I hope the DNC and Obama's campaign will announce they will recommend that the credentials committee seat the Florida and Michigan delegations selected at their state conventions, giving Clinton a 60 net delegate gain. Obama will continue to lead the total pledged delegate count by about 40 votes.

I think that a few hundred superdelegates will announce their commitment to vote for Obama at the convention. Obama will be the presumptive nominee, AND Michigan and Florida will have been counted in the total.

If the situations were reversed, and Clinton was ahead by any number of pledged delegates, she would be the nominee. To do anything else would leave her supporters feeling severely alienated and cheated. The Democrats won't do that to either side. Since Obama will almost certainly be in the lead, he will be the nominee. I hope that the Democrats can then unite around Obama, our nominee, and win in November.

If you've concluded, as I have, that our likely nominee, Senator Barack Obama, is worthy of your vote in the fall, I urge you to consider voting for him May 6. I think it is a wise move for everyone who hopes for a Democratic victory in the fall.

Even if Obama is not your first choice now, your vote in his column of the popular vote would be a gesture of hope for a Democratic victory in November. Doing so will help unite the Democratic Party and give us our best chance for a win in the general election.

As a California voter in June of 1992, I cast my vote not for Jerry Brown, my governor and favorite candidate, but instead for an inexperienced, charismatic governor of a small state, Bill Clinton. It was clear that he would be the nominee, and I wanted to add my little boost to strengthen him going into the convention and the fall election.

Thank you for your consideration.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

100. Don't ask me. I only voted for Obama because I was trying to make Kucinich or Edwards jealous

Now they're no doubt pretending not to notice I'm onto their little game of 'hard to get'. :shrug:

I guess I'll just have to hold out for my first love in the GE...Gore. :loveya: However, he does seem to be a world class champion at playing political hard to get. x(

[StevieM]

104. Hillary is qualified, and Obama is inexperienced. Also, Hillary can take the RW attack machine

while Obama will get crushed.

I also think that Barack is incredibly arrogant.

Steve

[ruby slippers]

106. It's 5:00 and the polls open soon....Hillary was sleeping at 3:00 am and didn't answer the phone so

PLEASE VOTE FOR OBAMA today!

PS I stayed up all night just to post this message for you hoping it was the last one you see before you go out the door.

[taterguy]

107. You stayed up all night to persuade one stranger?

Well, if it's that important to you I'd better vote for Obama.

Unless someone makes a better offer in the next two hours.

[ruby slippers]

108. I'm still here to counteroffer.....so as of now, Vote Obama....and

I might even cook me some "hash browns", taterguy, for breakfast after you go vote. How is that for tailored?

[ruby slippers]

109. 29 more minutes and your 24 hours is up.....still asking for

Obama's vote....

[unc70]

110. Here is what made me decide

I am an Edwards supporter, prefer the Edwards/Clinton healthcare proposal.

Obama used the Helms/Reagen coded language in attacking the core values of progressive Dems.

His version of his life and his family is more fiction than fact.

There are several more problems bigger than Wright waiting in the wings. Here are a couple of names of ones becoming visible but which haven't hit the MSM: Frank Marshall Davis, Robert Blackwell

Consider how bad the Repubs could make these look. And there are several more. We cannot afford that much risk.

Edited to add that I will vote for Clinton in NC in a few hours.

[ruby slippers]

111. if this is a counteroffer then tater don't forget that Peter Paul will

also prove "iffy" for Hillary when it breaks.....

French fries with those hash browns?

[ruby slippers]

113. four minutes to go...this is worse than an Ebay bid.....

[ruby slippers]

114. 10, 9, 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...and your choice is????????

OBAMA????? (It's 6:30, do you know who your candidate is?)

[taterguy]

115. Relax, polls don't open for another 50 minutes

[kevinmc]

116. There is absolutely nothing admirable about a politician......

.... so narcissistic and hungry for power that she is willing to say or do whatever suits her political interests at any given moment.

[ruby slippers]

117. or an Obama supporter who will do whatever it takes to get Taterguy's vote...but

taterguy, you said 24 hours on your post and your 24 hours is up. So, lock your vote in now, even if the polls aren't open. I'm getting tired and want my breakfast.

RE: Mon May-05-08 06:29 AM
Original message

[taterguy]

118. Time isn't holding us, time isn't after us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYbUCvz1LYE

[ruby slippers]

119. counter video.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyQFxGzZlqU

(Made them myself)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkjkH1ZEgpM


Watching those should buy you some time before you go out that door.

[Maribelle]

120. Please stop talking about Obama that way.

Sheesh - - hasn't he tried very hard to hide all that from you - - his political ambitions, his attempts to morph into whomever will fit the shoes for the current audience he panders.

And don't even dare try to blame this on his mother's three and a half year pregnancy - - so that she could first cross that bridge and then he would be born.

[ruby slippers]

121. I'm beginning to think there is something going on here with the interchangeable "he" and "she"...or

am I just tired, Tater?

[npincus]

123. I'm sorry to say, ruby slippers

I think the OP writer is a numskull on an ego trip. Dropping cryptic "clues" like crumbs about what is his/her issue of importance (neither Iraq war nor environment seem to be it) without giving a direct response to those who have taken the time to post.. it is a sort of game. If this person has not found enough information here at DU to make an informed judgment about who would make a better president, i would say this person is either toying with folks or is a genuine dimwit. Neither option is admirable.

I'm for your candidate, you know! :)

[ruby slippers]

124. yeah, but it is fun to banter anyway. I don't want to "mash" him up...

[npincus]

128. hi there...

Did you every find out who the OP writer voted for? You'd think he/she would post his/her decision after soliciting so much feedback.

[taterguy]

129. It was an egotistical experiment

I thought it would be fun to see how much attention people pay to the posts I make here.

Most of my "serious" posts are about how bicycles are a much better mode of transportation than cars.

That asshole JVS was the only one who picked up on that theme so I voted for his candidate, especially since he included a reference to a joke thread I started over a year ago.

I probably would have voted for Obama anyway but if anyone posted Hillary's plans to make our society more bike friendly I would have seriously considered voting for her.

So that's that.

Are you happy now?

[Aloha Spirit]

130. This is disappointing. You will not be receiving your free bicycle.

[taterguy]

131. The one you posted wouldn't work when I take my dogs out running anyway

[ruby slippers]

132. and the last laugh is on you, tater, because I just logged on at 5:00 this am. I really

didn't stay up all night long. But, hopefully you did vote for Obama anyway. I sure had fun with your thread. Just getting to know you as I am fairly new here. You think "fun" like I do. Good!

Bike friendly? Oh no. Have you seriously seen this old lady on a bike? But, we do own a little mini scooter for hubby to go to the store back and forth on. Me, I'd rather ride a horse!

Anyway, thanks for the fun. I DID have those hash browns, though.

[taterguy]

133. Someone lied on the Internet?

I am SHOCKED
SHOCKED
SHOCKED

[kevinmc]

134. Glad Hillary has the Rightards on her side ..... don't even know a he from a she ... 8-) n/t

[npincus]

122. so which candidate won your auction, I mean, your support?

BTW, I didn't "have fun".

[ruby slippers]

125. but I did......

have fun, that is....

Answer, tater, or are you in the deep fryer?

[Orsino]

126. Obama's been in Washington only a few years...

...and has the closest thing to true grassroots support for a presidential candidate in recent memory. These alone are sufficient reasons to hand him the keys to the White House, given the competition. they can take most of their "experience" and shove it.

I am pinning my hopes, however faint they may be, on being able to train a President Obama to work for us rather than for the corporations. I see still less possibility of getting that sort of performance from a President Clinton.

[berni_mccoy]

127. Taterguy, Whatever your choice may be, Please do vote. It really does matter. And Good luck