How 2004 is influencing 2008

[politicasista]

as far as the youth vote and early involvement in politics as a whole.

2004 is still bittersweet for many here in this group, but there was a post from will.i.am, the lead man of the Black Eyed Peas that is a nice read. The Peas performed at the DNC Convention and Election Night back in 04. They, like other musicians campaigned for Kerry. He also created/wrote the "Yes We Can" and "We Are The Ones" video tributes to Obama. :)

Here is a quote from will.i.am that is worth reading:

I was sitting in my recording studio watching the debates...
Torn between the candidates
I was never really big on politics...
and actually I'm still not big on politics...
but 4 years ago, me and the black eyed peas supported Kerry...
And we supported Kerry with all our might...
We performed and performed and performed for the DNC...
doing all we could do to get the youth involved...

The outcome of the last 2 elections has saddened me...
on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful,
corrupt, and just simply, how wrong the world and "politics" are...

So this year i wanted to get involved and do all i could early...

And i found myself torn...
because this time it's not that simple...
our choices aren't as clear as the last elections ...
last time it was so obvious...
Bush and war vs. no bush and no war...

But this time it's not that simple...
and there are a lot of people that are torn just like i am...
So for awhile I put it off and i was going to wait until it was decided for me...

And then came New Hampshire...
And i was captivated...
Inspired...

http://www.youtube.com/user/illwilly

will.i.am isn't the only one that feels that way. Since the primaries started, there has been record breaking turnout among Democratic voters (some for the first time), and young people. There have been many people who have never paid attention or never got involved (i.e. canvassing, donating, phone banking, and/or volunteering) in politics before until now.

There have been second and third time voters that voted in 2000 and 2004 that have said they are excited and proud to be voting for a candidate, and not voting for the "lesser of two evils" or being "against someone." I have been listening to urban talk radio and hearing those sentiments mentioned above. I have been spending time with family that has been saying the same thing. That the Democrats finally have a chance to breakthrough, as long as they don't blow it this time (To be continued...:dilemma:).


I know there will always be criticism or debate of whether or not the past candidates generated enthusiasm or inspiration (i.e. the "lesser or better of evils," and the way the campaigns were ran), but it's always cool to stumble on thoughts from those that remember the past, but stay focused and involved in making America and the World a better place.




:patriot:








































edit for word

[wisteria]

1. I believe Senator Kerry' s 2004 grassroots efforts have brought us to where we are

today. Gore's "loss" stunned us, but Senator Kerry's campaign energized us and gave us hope that we could overcome the big bad machine of lies and corruption. We are wiser now, but still angry over what was taken from us and what should have been. With this new found wisdom and anger and with the wind at our backs, we feel we have the drive and the momentum to accomplish what we came so close to accomplishing in 2004-the presidency. We are where we are now because of Senator Kerry's hard work in 2004. He layed the ground work, he drew the massive crowds and raised record amounts of money and that makes it easier for our candidates this time around. There is an old saying, "the third times the charm", if we Democrats chose our candidate wisely and play it smart we will win.

[politicasista]

2. I agree with you there

Although I just don't know if people will remember or credit the good senator for laying the groundwork. I am not trying to be defeatest and I know people will jump on me for this, but I don't hear that on the urban side (real world, talk radio, average voters). The only things they seem to remember are the "loss" to Bush and the "failure" to defend himself, as well as the dreaded line "lesser of two evils" candidate. I think people are just want the BushCo nighmare to be over.

Some Obama supporters are using Kerry as an example of what is happening to Obama right now (not defending himself or calling out HRC and her campaign people on their tactics), and using that as a model for what Obama should not do. It's been very negative over at his campaign blog this week. (I quit hanging out there because of that). Surprisingly, there are some like my DD that says he should stay positive but hit hard in a non over the top way. I do agree with the post in the O group that the media has put Obama in a no-win situation Obama as far as staying postive or going negative.





edit for word

[wisteria]

3. Senator Obama is his own man. He makes his own choices and is responsible for his campaign's

actions. I never think it is a good idea for people to play political quarterback when they are not close to all the information and details. Sure Senator Obama could take on Senator Clinton in another manner just like Senator Kerry could have done to Bush in 2004, but it has never been proven that attacking an opponent in the manner many suggest will really net the results they claim they will. I could give you a half dozen reasons why losing your cool and attacking back in an un calculated manner is not a good strategy. Frankly,I feel a calm leader in the face of crisis, one who is level headed and can reason and listen before making a big decision is the kind of leader everyone would want as our President. I have seen Clinton's angry moments and I have heard many stories about McCain's. It is frightening to think a reactionary person could become our president in these dangerous times.

[politicasista]

4. I agree

It's really too bad that calm is mistaken for indifference or lack of toughness or not "fighting hard" in politics this days.

[MBS]

5. thanks for you comments on this thread, wisteria! n/t

[MBS]

6. this is a moving quote . thanks for this n/t