Big Endorsements Come Out For Barack Obama
By Nicole Belle Sunday Feb 03, 2008 3:01pm
California first lady Maria Shriver endorsed Barack Obama for president on Sunday, calling him inspirational and a natural leader.
"I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he'd be California," Shriver said, addressing thousands of people at a rally headlined by talk show host Oprah Winfrey. "Diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition. Innovative. Inspirational. Dreamer. Leader." [..]
Author and public radio host Garrison Keillor also endorsed Obama on Sunday, Obama's campaign announced, and provided excerpts of a letter in which Keillor declared his support.
"I'm happy to support your candidacy, which is so full of promise for our country," the best-selling author and humorist wrote in the letter. "Seven years of a failed presidency is a depressing thing, and the country is pressing for a change and looking for someone with clear vision who is determined to break through the rhetorical logjam and find sensible ways to move our country forward. That's you, friend."
I have to wonder what dinners at the Schwarzeneggers must be like with the Governator supporting McCain and the First Lady supporting Obama. But in a state where Clinton and Obama are in a statistical dead heat, these are some ringing endorsements. But even still, that's not the endorsement that impressed Hale "Bonddad" Stewart the most:
(T)his is huge news, especially with economic wonks. In addition, the following endorsement comes from my favorite Federal Reserve Chairman.
"After 30 years in government, serving under five presidents of both parties and chairing two non-partisan commissions on the Public Service, I have been reluctant to engage in political campaigns. The time has come to overcome that reluctance," Mr. Volcker said in a statement today. "However, it is not the current turmoil in markets or the economic uncertainties that have impelled my decision. Rather, it is the breadth and depth of challenges that face our nation at home and abroad. Those challenges demand a new leadership and a fresh approach."
He concluded: "It is only Barack Obama, in his person, in his ideas, in his ability to understand and to articulate both our needs and our hopes that provide the potential for strong and fresh leadership. That leadership must begin here in America but it can also restore needed confidence in our vision, our strength, and our purposes right around the world."
That was from from Paul Volcker, former chairman of the Federal Reserve.
Yeah, but they're no Chuck Norris, okay? He's the kinda manly man that I follow.
well, i wouldnt want volkers endorsement, but whatever
and nicole, can you or somebody post something with an analysis of the polls
either people are lying, or the undecided is much larger than the polls are showing
2 weeks ago, hillary had a 20 pt lead in cali
there are polls showing her with anywhere from a 2 digit lead, to losing by 5 points
but the undecided vote is still large in each poll
i really think that most voters are gonna walk into the polling place and decide as they pull the lever
oh, and msnbc.com had a great story on how this campaign is splitting families right down the middle
I hope Barack goes the way of the Ny giants on super tuesday.
What do you assume dinners at the Schwarzenegger-Shriver house must be strained because they support different persons for president. Arnold and Maria have had different ideas on several issues and candidates over the years but still seem to have a very happy family life. And if Obama wins, as I hope he does, I'm sure that he and Arnold will have a productive relationship.
OBAMA CORNERS THE MILF VOTE
We watched Maria make her speech yesterday thanks to c-span. Mr. Pop and I wondered whether she or Arnold would be sleeping on the couch last night.
When Michelle Obama was coming up on the stage, she was also helping Stevie Wonder up the steps at the same time. Stevie tripped on the stairs and fell taking Michelle down with him. They got him up and Michelle got up. She went right to the microphone and began her speech like nothing has happened. She kept her cool when many of us would have freaked.
I would have gone right to the microphone, too. That what professionals, DO.
Anyway, I guess Obama has been anointed. I just hope he has the chops to do the job.
Holy crap, I like Obama OK as a candidates, but what kind of new-agey gobbledygook was that? She managed to take forever to say nothing.
I mean, I get it, we're all having a moment. Big whoop.
Robert DeNiro comes out for Obama too. Bottom Line.
Media says Obama is so cool. They thank you. The GOP thanks you. Prepare for another Red November, dum dums.
Obama...The black George McGovern.
Could be that the ReThugs want Obama to win the nomination before they go "Willie Horton" on his ass in a big way.
Easier to go after Clinton, but she might win because we might get on them for beating up on a woman, which is what the ReThugs prefer to do.
All in all, I don't think California will set the tone, but Colorado might.
Big endowments come out on Clinton.
Well, that does it. Now the banking pimps support O'Bama.
McCain will be more war.
Clinton will be years of political warfare.
O'Bama will be great for corporate america.
I can either not vote - or vote McCain and hope he destroys it all so it can be rebuilt.
... or get a good coat and move to Sweden.
Clinton just doesn't get it
im amazed by the cynicism in this thread....either the clintonistas are really getting nervous, or the wingnut trolls are really bored today
This is the momentum the Democratic party needs to drive down ticket races!
Let's get it on for the '08 Super Majority!!
Fired up!, Ready to Go in Northwest Ohio!
www.dipdive.com
uncle joe mccarthy @ 17:
The choice we are left with is perpetual war, a DLC republican and someone that has done exactly nothing.
Why would anyone be nervous.
Obama is worse than 9iu11ani = a noun, a verb, HOPE & UNITY.
This speech was just empty platitudes. No solutions, no real substance. Pure fluff.
Didn't she endorse the stupid muscleman a long time ago? Really, aside from her last name, who cares?
I'm puzzled by all these endorsements. You would expect the democratic establishment to be less starry-eyed than the neophyte first-time voter. Why would Volcker put his 2-cents in at this time? It is almost as though the democratic powers-that-be so believe that our standing in the world has been irreparably damaged by W that only a black man with the middle name Hussain could make amends. While parts of the world might fall for this sort of image symbolism, the reality is that we and the world need action and not just pretty symbols to repair the damage that has been done to pax americana. As far as I can tell, Obama is an empty slate onto whom people can write their hopes and desires, but I am not convinced that his actions are in keeping with his words. However, if he is going to be the anointed one, I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.
Volcker's endorsement of Obama is a very, very big deal. On the editorial page of the Wall St Journal, no less. Wow. It'll be interesting to see how the conservative press reacts to this, because they can't attack Volcker like they did the Kennedys or Oprah.
He's a truly bipartisan figure, perhaps the last person it is possible to say this of. He served Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and did an excellent job as Fed Chairman. He is respected by conservatives, monetarists, Keynesians, liberals, you name it (probably everybody except the Ron Paul/Grover Norquist kill-the-government faction). Now that Alan Greenspan's reputation has been wrecked by the bursting of the credit bubble, Volcker's moderation and his success in ending the inflation/stagflation crisis of the 70s and early 80s is all the more obvious.
I would have thought he'd support Hillary, if only because of Bill's economic record (federal surpluses, excellent job growth, consistent GDP growth, higher incomes).
Probably too late to influence the outcome of Super Tuesday, but this is a major event for Obama's campaign.
And of course there are the Deadheads - a force to contend with:
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN0147632420080202
Jerry's smiling...
Vote as you will......I know who I am voting for....and its not such a great choice this time around..............
The Political Junkie @ 13:
Barack has Colorado in the bag. 18,000 came out to see him speak in Denver last week.
Mitt Romney? Spoke at a Denver car dealership...
Annoyed Canuck @ 23:
hillary aint bill
and these economic times are totally different than in 92
the worst thing i heard today was lufa boy state, people have to get used to the fact that we have moved from a manufacturing economy to a service and tech economy
in the history of the world, has there ever been a society that has survived making absolutely nothing?
this is how the roman empire fell....for the only way a society that makes nothing can continue to exist, is to conquer all those that do
I am not impressed by California first lady Maria Shriver's endorsement of Barack Obama for president on Sunday. , calling him inspirational and a natural leader.
After all, Ms. Shriver, I mean Mrs. Arnold Schwarzenegger did not exactly show great judgment in marrying a womanizer and woman abuser like Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
I have not cared what Maria Shriver thought for many, many years, if not, ever. Plus, Maria Shriver cannot be too bright for marrying a pig like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Everyone is jumping on the Barack Obama emotional express and one wonders why the Democrats keep losing to the Republicans in presidential election after presidential election.
Obama will not beat McCain in the general election and you can bank on that one. Despite what the media/press "experts" say, the GOP do not want to run against Hillary Clinton no matter what is said. The GOP, despite all the "macho talk" much prefer to run against Barack Obama, than Hillary Clinton.
I went and saw Obama at the Target Center in Mpls. this weekend. I have never seen anything like it, 20,000 people showed up. Haven't seen that many young people fired up about politics since the late 60's and early 70's. The big difference from the past is, youth want to play in mainstream politics this time. There may just be a chance to stop the move to the right in this country, and start the slow move to a progressive country.
B.F.D.
As someone who did the research, and the reading (not just listening to speeches!) to make the decision to support Obama, let me state, unequivocally, that he's smart, and well up on policy. Obsidian Wings, back in '06, did a profile of Obama that explains a lot of his early US Senate accomplishments, since there seems to be some confusion. He kept his head down, and he worked on the most wonkish, policy-driven laws you can imagine, and for Progressive causes and aims.
Idahomoe-30. WOW! That really was a thoughtfull comment.
I have to wonder what dinners at the Schwarzeneggers must be like with the Governator supporting McCain and the First Lady supporting Obama.
Prolly just bidness as usual.
SM@20 Girl you literally arise from your zombie state whenever there is an Obama post. To you SM, the man can't do anything right but Slick Willie is "the black icon". Worse than Rudy? What BS. You just dog Obama without any substance to buttress your arguements (except self-hate). Lay off Barak girl, and tell Hillary to put a muzzle on Bill (the big old womanizer is helping Obama with his dumb ass comments).
I noticed Paul did not mention anything about Obama's economic knowledge ,which is what we really need right now...
Woodrow "asim" Jarvis Hill @ 31:
And he endorsed Lieberman
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2006/03/31/obama_r...
chris@35 What we really need is someone to get u out of this fucking WAR.
Should have been us.
By the time the primary arrives in California, we're left to choose between Coke and Pepsi; the same product in different packages.
Yay.
"Obama is inspirational" has become a tiresome cliche in record time. We need substance, not style. Give us a real reason to vote for someone.
raker @ 40:
Okay, with Clinton you get a "two-fer"?
Travis @ 16:
And Obama does???
Uh....Krugman thinks NOT.
Who would The Constitution endorse?
http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=239574
...Someone who can restore the credibility of the Justice Department.
Don Siegelman, Political Prisoner
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_ernest_p_080130_the_gulag_comes_...
According to all of you Obama haters he just a smooth talker (I get subtle stereotyping). Warmonging corporate cocksucking Hillary has this immpeccable record we all can be proud of. Listen, NONE of the candidates have a prefect voting record. I know,we're lemmings and you clowns of course only want to save us from our stupidity. Sounds Republican to me.
Cat Atomic@39 Get over it. This is not the progessive party of America, this is the democratic party. Most dems are middle of the road voters, not part of the progressive left. I have yet in my lifetime seen anyone that I thought was anywhere near my politics. This has become of vote to stop the slide to facisim and war. I don't pretend to think I am going to get a left, progressive democrat. The democratic party has always been a party that leans alittle bit to the left, but always stays in the middle.
The Smiths - Expose the Crooks @ 43:
"The often embarrassingly cautious Obama campaign had been slow to sign on to the pledge."
Wow....Impressive....Obama is second to last! Woo Hoo!! He's got my vote!!!
These two idiots (Obama and Clinton) fighting over who is less of an idiot makes me sick to my stomach.
raker@40 What do mean give us? If your not happy with who the two partys have running, you've got four years to start working to get that progressive third party going.
Policy means more to me than endorsments.
Months ago, the polls said Democrats were happy with their choices...and I was. Since then, we've lost Richardson, Dodd and Edwards. I am no longer happy with my choices.
Cat Atomic @ 39:
Either one is better than a can of piss.
krankenkopf @ 49:
And we've lost Brittany so we got that to deal with too. Thank God Oprah, Maria Shriver and DeNiro is there to point us in the right direction.
'Pop' goes the "culture".
diamondmc @ 47:
I was going to do my part and vote for Edwards. He's one of the many qualified candidates who couldn't even get their names mentioned by the MSM and were forced to drop out. The TV networks couldn't jeopardize the exciting contest they'd contrived between Mr. Inspiration and Ms. Polarizing. As long as people continue to rely on information from the networks, we're screwed. TV news is a dark cave. None of the images there are real.
Is it possible for people in this country to make a decision not influenced by a celebrity, famous person or TV anymore?
All of you folks who are disappointed with the final two choices on the Dem side can take heart. You can always cross over to the dark side and vote for McCain, Huckabee or Romney. Hell, you can vote for Paul if that rings your bell.
Cat Atomic @ 39:
So write in George McGovern or Eugene McCarthy on your ballot. Or Ralph Nader, for that matter.
You know what Progressive purity will get you - President McCain, permanent war and more Scalitos on the Supreme Court.
Politics is the Art of the Possible, not Perfection.
I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California
Hmmm, I wonder how the people of Illinois feel about that statement.
Wow you guys are terrible. I mean, could it possibly be that John Kerry, Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, Maria Shriver, Oprah and hundreds of others actually think he's the best fit person to be President? These people aren't "starstruck" - Oprah sees celebrities every day, Maria Shriver used to LIVE in LA, it's not like some "rockstar" us a new thing to them.
And the hundreds of newspaper endorsements? The LA Times, La Opinion, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, these guys are all starstruck as well? And Paul Volcker? Could it perhaps be that he really thinks Obama's economic plan and understanding of markets is the best?
I mean, to say that all these hundreds of people and newspapers are coming out in favor of Obama is because they're "stupid" or "starstruck" is just insulting to a lot of people who've worked very hard to get where they're at. People really and truly believe Obama is the right man for the job, especially right now. They want to be united, inspired and enlightened by a leader who makes them want to follow in his footsteps.
Really, the haters are just missing out.
In agreement with a comment above - Obama can't beat McCain- if he wins, we are in for a hellatious 8 years -yes 8.. and
Maria is a TERRIBLE public speaker- I can't even stand the tonality of her voice - like fingernails n a chalkboard.
i have a question for all the edwards supporters....do all you guys have such a short memory?
only 4 years ago, edwards touted himself as the most conservative of the prez candidates...it was one of the reasons kerry picked him as vp
he didnt spout his populist stuff until he started running this season
maybe i missed something, but in the two years before he announced, was he working with homeless and poverty groups? was he working with homeless vet groups?
im all for overnight conversions, but it seems that the voters werent really buying into his new found populism
Really, the haters are just missing out.
What a perfect summation of the Obama love fest. Just put aside your valid concerns for yet another miserable election choice and join the celebration. Yay!
Don't worry, they'll just Keating 5 McCain in the last couple of weeks before the election
IdahoMo@48: We agree, endorsements don't mean a thing to me; made by
whomever for whoever...it is the person who best represents my views/beliefs
for whom I will vote. Next thing you know, Britney or Paris, or one of them-there
other Hollywood types will come out endorsing who know who...and we are supposed to be impressed. Come on people, think for yourselves.
Jason B @ 57:
I dont care what they think. Does the word democracy mean anything to you? You see, THEY should care what WE think not the other way.
Another Kennedy for Obama and for the same superficial reasons. Yawn.
uncle joe mccarthy @ 59:
I'm still scratching my head on that one UJM, even after Kucinich threw over to Obama in Iowa ? WTF
BDM @ 60:
Sure, yeah, or you could just hire another 51% President, a Clinton with even MORE baggage than Bill, who'll get nothing done the entire time she's in office because the Republicans will be so unified against her that she'll be out of the office on her ass in 4 years. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
Republicans, Independents and Democrats all support Obama, because we want change. Now don't get me wrong - change isn't the answer, it isn't the solution. Change is a METHOD. When you agree to sit down and listen to the other side, that's the first step. But it's a crucial step that Hillary will not make.
Hillary is a damn good fighter, but we don't need another fighter. The Republicans ar eexpecting a fighter, who they can bury with negative ads. Nothing touches Obama, he instead draws people together to work things out. That's what it's about.
If you can't see that, then you're just missing out. That's alright, though, because there's always room for you when you come around. That's the point.
Oh-oh, Barack's got the skeletal vote!
Floridiot @ 65:
and to me, kucinich was the least superficial of the bunch
if i had a magic wand, i would put kucinich's ideas and mind into the body of obama...he then becomes the perfect candidate....albeit, with two hot wives instead of one
it just really bugs me when i keep seeing the same posts from the supporters of guys like edwards and dodd
the saddest thing to me, is that the man that i want to be president....the man who isnt afraid to take on the powers that be and the corporatists...the man who would really end the occupation....cant ever run for prez...and that is one russ feingold....cuz no matter what changes in this country, a trice divorced jew will never get elected to the highest post in the land
diamondmc @ 37:
"Get u out of this war" I'm not in a WAR?
Anyway, Obama needs to start providing real answers to real problems, hope does not cut it...
Floridiot @ 65:
To me, the real problem isnt the republican party. Its corporate (wealthy) control of the country. Kucinich understood this - I supported Kucinich. I also believe Edwards understood this - given his lifes work fighting corporations.
Programs and policies that DONT address the fact that YOU and I dont control this country are superficial. The governments basic structure has been compromised and needs fixing. McCain, Clinton and O'Bama wont address this problem. I believe Kucinich or Edwards might have.
I would trade healthcare for corporate control of the government being destroyed.
Me? I'm just hoping that Barack pulls a GWB 2000, only in the left direction :)
Oh please oh please oh please
Obama -'08!
Gobama!
[Quote function not functioning]
Jason B @66:
I'll choose either Clinton or Obama in the general election, but reluctantly. Obama is More of Same, not Change, like his podium placard says. Here's a good assessment of Obama from Harper's: http://www.harpers.org/archive/2006/11/0081275
His backers are the same old special interests you always get with Presidential candidates: powerful Beltway law firms, multinational agribusiness corporations, PR & lobbying companies. That's not to say that Obama won't be an improvement over Bush, and probably better than any of the Republican candidates, but still, this is yet another hold-your-nose-and-vote excercise and nothing to get excited about. Moreover, nobody is accusing Obama's supporters of being star struck; they are simply not as enthusiastic about his campaign as you seem to be.
Johnny2Bad @ 46:
Perhaps they were in no big hurry to sign on to some contrived pledge which is linked to Ron Paul.
http://www.americanfreedomcampaign.org/index.php?option=com_content&task...
BDM @ 73:
it functions if you use ie6 or firefox
anon @ 70:
edwards spent his life suing corporations...aint the same as fighting them
they paid out, and kept up with their practices
edwards is also a part of the american ruling class...just like obama and clinton...dont kid yourself
if edwards had done what gore did after losing the election, maybe i would buy into his rhetoric....but he didnt
Obama -’08! please dont beg its unseamily
it functions if you use ie6 or firefox
I'm using IE6. The function works on other C&L posts, just not this one for some reason. Also, no preview function & no refresh button.
phoney as a six dollar bill!!!!!!!!!!!
BDM-
I use the Yahoo browser, which is based on IE, and I get the same thing on many threads- but only threads with YouTube embeds!
IE is slow to update. Firefox updates quickly. I'm switching soon.
tyree @ 79-
How about two three dollar bills?
ps- You had a great game last night!
Thanks Andy
diamondmc @ 45:
Sorry, but these candidates are a result of the corporate media and our screwy primary system, which gives places like New Hampshire way too much influence-- not the political center of the Democratic Party.
Jason B @ 57:
Really, "Jason"...I haven't heard such unadulterated new age double talk Crapolasince this guy was making millions off the limitless gullibility of "lovers" like you.
Helllllllllllllp.
uncle joe mccarthy @ 76:
Go, Unka Go. Way to fight the fight that ain't a fight anymore.
Well, of course.
Maria Shriver knows her husband is in BIG trouble in California due to huge budget deficits and the cutting of state services.
To get re-elected, they'll need BOTH Republican and Democratic votes in the next gubernatorial election.
One endorses Obama; one endorses John McCain.
Either way, a a political couple, THEY WIN.
It's why she said, "This is good for California."
Gimme a break.
Cat Atomic@83 Keep drinking that kool-aid, if it makes you feel better.
Yeah, so what if Shriver endorsed Obama, her opinion is meaningless. I don't have any respect for the judgment of a woman who marries a lout and a bully.
That said, Hillary's negatives are way to high to beat McCain in a general election. Go Obama!
When it comes to big policy issues like where do Obama and Hillary stand on the troops in Iraq..........oh look at that shiny rock!!! Wow. And look, there's Britney naked.
Yes, Clinton, and to a lesser degree Obama, represent the corporate wing of the Democratic party. Both of them are flush with corporate cash. It's the best we're going to get. Face it, we're not going to get a truly economic Progressive President whichever way you turn. The only factor that's really important is who gets to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice. That will have a far more long reaching effect than any 4-8 year Presidency. For civil liberties, civil rights, women's issues, the working and middle class, the ability to regulate corporations or hold them accountable for criminal behavior, the environment, real campaign finance reform, all will lose out if McCain gets elected. He has promised to appoint Conservative ideologues to the courts who will rule unconstitutional any Progressive legislation that comes out of Congress. And for you potential Nader voters, if you really care about any of those things, you should be very concerned that a Republican does not name the next Supreme.