The Brand New Respectful Presidential Campaign Thread

sccruiser · February 2008

Thanks Amy for starting this new thread.

This campaign & election business seems to change daily, sometimes even hourly. Just got an email from Obama campaign and looks like he took his next state, Wisconsin. I agree, Joan, I think Obama is brilliant also. Looking forward to more of his speeches. Don't find any of the other candidates as inspiring as he is. So fresh, so new, so full of change!

I agree Amy, I'm tired of Bush saying that Congress isn't bipartisan, when he flat out tells them before they vote, that if they don't pass the bill as is, he will veto it. Now how can he keep blaming Congress when he is the one ignoring bipartisanship?

Still wondering about the choosing of the VP. Can't even wrap my brain around that one right now. Both Hill & Barack are supposedly meeting w/Edwards, separately of course. Will he be a large player in this race?

grace

NoH8 · February 2008

What I'm even more happy about than Obama winning is that the voters of Wisconsin seem to be saying a resounding NO to Hillary's negative campaign tactics. People really want an end to politics as usual. In the words or Michelle Obama, I'm proud of my country for the 2nd time in my adult life. The first time was right after 9/11 until Bush started blaming Iraq.

I honestly think Edwards hedging makes him less relevant going forward. I've heard different reports that say he wants to be attorney general in an Obama administration. If Obama gets the nomination, I would love to see him choose Richardson-- who has the national and international experience that might silence critics about Obama's experience. I also think Richardson is a good pick because as governor, his choice wouldn't upset the balance of the senate or congress.

Anonymous · February 2008

My issue with the whole campaign thing is this: what if you really were an Edwards or Romney proponent and you happen to live in a state that has a late primary? Do you end up feeling cheated because the race was sort of decided without you and stay home or do you vote for somebody just so the one you can't see leading anything loses?

If the current trend continues, this will be the third national go 'round I've done my homework, explored the issues, studied the candidates' stand on them and made my decision only to end up having to settle for something other than - both in the primaries and the national election. Not sour grapes - as I understand that this is how things work in a representative democracy - but it still doesn't seem quite right to me...

Still pondering, over here...

Beesie · February 2008

Felicia, I agree with you - the way the nomination process is set up, too many citizens don't have a voice. I can appreciate how frustrating that must be for you.

Another observation: As happens so often, it seems that many voters are more interested in being able to say that they supported the winning candidate rather than voting for whoever has the policies and positions that best match their own. The media talk incessantly about the "bump" that a candidate will get in the next primary after a good showing in another state; this bump occurs because people shift their votes to go with the winner. Whatever happened to the issues? But maybe that's just human nature. Personally I tend to do the oppositive. If I don't fully support the policies of candidate who appears to be on his/her way to victory, I may intentionally vote for an opposing candidate to make the point that the winning candidate does not have everyone's support for his or her policies.

NoH8 · February 2008

That's a great point Felicia. Every 4 years I have Iowa envy because I want the up close and personal interaction with the candidates. I bemoaned being in PA and not having our primary until April 22nd because I thought my vote wouldn't matter. I really hope Obama has it wrapped up by then-- but if he's not the nominee I'll have those sour grapes too.

WellWater · February 2008

Hey Amy: At least you get to vote in April - we here in that great but sometimes backwater state of IN have to wait until May - gee why not wait until AFTER the conventions are over? Talk about NOT having a say!

NoH8 · February 2008

Yikes-- I thought except for PR and Guam we were the last.

Paulette531 · February 2008

February 20, 2008

Add to MyNCSL

2008 Presidential Primary Calendar - State Order

State	Date	Party	Primary/Caucus
Alabama	February 5	D&R	Primary
Alaska	February 5	D&R	Caucuses
Arizona	February 5	D&R	Primary
Arkansas	February 5	D&R	Primary
California	February 5	D&R	Primary
Colorado	February 5	D&R	Caucuses
Connecticut	February 5	D&R	Primary
Delaware	February 5	D&R	Primary
Florida	January 29	D&R	Primary
Georgia	February 5	D&R	Primary
Hawaii	January 25	R	Caucuses (1/25-2/7)
Hawaii	February 19	D	Caucuses
Idaho	February 5	D	Caucuses
Idaho	May 27	R	Primary
Illinois	February 5	D&R	Primary
Indiana	May 6	D&R	Primary
Iowa	January 3	D&R	Caucuses
Kansas	February 5	D	Caucuses
Kansas	February 9	R	Caucuses
Kentucky	May 20	D&R	Primary
Louisiana	February 9	D&R	D-Primary; R-Caucus
Maine	February 1	R	Caucuses (2/1-2/3)
Maine	February 10	D	Caucuses
Maryland	February 12	D&R	Primary
Massachusetts	February 5	D&R	Primary
Michigan	January 15	D&R	Primary
Minnesota	February 5	D&R	Caucuses
Mississippi	March 11	D&R	Primary
Missouri	February 5	D&R	Primary
Montana	February 5	R	Caucuses
Montana	June 3	D	Primary
Nebraska	February 9	D	Caucuses
Nebraska	May 13	R	Advisory-Only Primary
Nebraska	June 28	R	State Convention
Nevada	January 19	D&R	Caucuses
New Hampshire	January 8	D&R	Primary
New Jersey	February 5	D&R	Primary
New Mexico	February 5	D	Primary
New Mexico	June 3	R	Primary
New York	February 5	D&R	Primary
North Carolina	May 6	D&R	Primary
North Dakota	February 5	D&R	Caucuses
Ohio	March 4	D&R	Primary
Oklahoma	February 5	D&R	Primary
Oregon	May 20	D&R	Primary
Pennsylvania	April 22	D&R	Primary
Rhode Island	March 4	D&R	Primary
South Carolina	January 19	R	Primary
South Carolina	January 26	D	Primary
South Dakota	June 3	D&R	Primary
Tennessee	February 5	D&R	Primary
Texas	March 4	D&R	Primary
Utah	February 5	D&R	Primary
Vermont	March 4	D&R	Primary
Virginia	February 12	D&R	Primary
Washington	February 9	D&R	Caucuses
West Virginia	February 5	R	State Convention
West Virginia	May 13	D	Primary
Wisconsin	February 19	D&R	Primary
Wyoming	January 5	R	County Conventions
Wyoming	March 8	D	County Caucuses

Source: All data gathered by NCSL from state election officials, state parties, selected press coverage, and http://www.thegreenpapers.com/.

Paulette531 · February 2008

I tried to post a chart that shows all the primaries, etc., I will post the link only!

Paulette531 · February 2008

Here is the link for the dates of primaries, ect.

http://www.ncsl.org/programs/legismgt/elect/2008_Pres_Prim_ByState.htm

WellWater · February 2008

Thank you Paulette....nice to know that IN is not the LAST state in the union to hold its primary.

Fitztwins · February 2008

Felicia, I was/am an Edwards supporter. OUr stupid state decided to hold the primaries early. So our delegates don't count. I had to vote undecided. That bummed me out.

I have buttons and yard signs...collecting dust. Think he will be the King maker at the convention??

Janis

Anonymous · February 2008

I remember when Edwards was getting hounded for not having won any of the early primaries, he said that it was ridiculous to form opinions on who would be the front runner when only 5% of the American public had actually voted. A few weeks later, he dropped out...

Edwards wasn't my guy, btw, but I do like him!

What I'm not hearing a lot about is Social Security. The strain that the Boomers were to have put on the system was kind of thwarted by some bond stuff done by Moynahan and Doyle a few years back that created a surplus, but that surplus will start to dry up around - guess when? January of 09...

I feel really terrible for the new pres, because whomever gets in will inherit a bloody freaking mess on fronts financial, medical, defensive and everywhere else, sadly. S/he will be the whipping boy for the mess and the tide will turn the other way in four years since the American voting public is such a fickle bunch. Sigh...

ijl · February 2008

So what are Obama policies. Can his supporters describe 3 major policies he is planning to implement ?

And for extra bonus can anyone mention some major accomplishments of Obama during his Senate career ?

NoH8 · February 2008

Inna have you been to his website? All of that is described on his website. This is the peaceful political discussion thread- not one where we bait each other.

Ok-- I'm pissed off about the McCain smear by the NY Times. First of all-- who cares what happened 8 years ago. Second of all, even if it's true, so what. Third of all, this kind of politics wreaks of partisanship, even though the Times endorsed McCain. Fourth of all, I'm mad at MSNBC for breaking into it's regular programming for this "breaking" news. As far as I'm concerned-- breaking news is that Bush resigned, Hillary bowed out gracefully from the campaign, world peace has been acheived, there's a cure for cancer etc. NOT that someone might have had an "improper" relationship 8 years ago with a lobbyist. I won't vote for McCain but him maybe having an improper relationship has absolutely no bearing on it.

shokk · February 2008

Amy its a conservative thing...............I know the Democrats don't understand the whole personal life thing about their elected officials but for conservatives we kinda of have that if someone can't be faithful to their spouse and there is that lost of trust in a marriage then how are we suppose to trust their political decisions.............remember the Clinton thing.......the liberals simply could not understand why the conservatives made such a big deal about it after all it was just sex..........but for conservatives its about personal character........not saying it is right or wrong its just how the party in general feels about it..................Shokk

ijl · February 2008

PinkRibbonaaMY,

I am not baiting anyone and I am trying to keep it on the positive note. If one is endorising a candiate, one presumably understands well his key proposals and his background. I don't even understand how you got from my question to all the McCain thing.

I don't see any substance to Obama . So I am thinking that perhaps I am missing something hence my question. All I hear is "change", "change" and "change".
I can share with you my experience with "change". I work for Hewlett Packard. 8 years ago we hired Carly Fiorina a first woman CEO for this size of company. Sure there were some questions of what were her qualifications, she did not have any experience at that level and her accomplishments weren't that stellar either, but it was exciting.

I remember after I heard her speak first time, I was completely dazzled , she was such an inspiring speaker and as I was sitting in the audience listening to her promises of change, I was awed. I did not even think about the fact that there were no concrete things she was offering. As you probably heard she was not good for HP. We had a lot of layoffs, morale was at the lowest point , the stock went down , etc, etc. those were "changes" of course, but not the ones we expected. Our current CEO lacks in glamor factor but he tells you exactly what his plans are and he does so in details.

I maybe no too smart but I don't see any concrete details on Obama site either , so that's why I was asking for help from Obama supporters. But I can see we are all on the same page

NoH8 · February 2008

I wish I didn't remember the clinton thing. I guess a liberal can't even get credit for standing up for a conservative if the unproven unspecified "improper" relations Tongue out

.

ijl · February 2008

Amy,

I am officially giving you a credit for standing up for a conservative Embarassed

ALthough is it a bit of stretch calling him conservaive , I think on a lot of issues he is closer to Democrats.

Bugs · February 2008

LOL, I gave you silent kudos Amy...does that count?

I want to share a conversation that I had with my 10 year old son last night. We were watching the news and they were talking about Hillary Clinton. My son says "I hope she doesn't win". Curious, I said "why?" Are you guys ready for this??? he says "because she's a woman and I think man should be president".

I swear...I was so glad to be sitting down. My jaw literally dropped and I just stared at him. Being a single Mom for his whole life...it's not like he is exposed to that macho stuff at home. I asked him where he got the idea that a man should be prez and he said he came up with that idea all on his own. Sheesh..I mean..I wasn't really planning on voting for her, but the thought of a protest vote comes to mind. Tongue out

Out of curiousity I asked him who he wants to win. He wants Obama to win. Why? He seems to be a very cool dude and the other people just seem too old. Oy,lol

Bugs

shokk · February 2008

Ok guys let me say this because Obama was here in Dallas yesterday at Reunion which is a very large venue and it filled up and many people could not get in and a riot almost broke out..........yes I am a bible thumbing conservative from Texas what can I say.........(feel like I am at a AA meeting)............Bugs I think your ten year old son is extremely wise.........I simply cannot put my support behind McCain.......he makes my skin crawl.....don't believe for one second he is a conservative because he's not..........again I have the same skin crawling feeling for Hilary........can't stand the women........just shy of being a socialist...........Obama I truly believe can do the less harm.......for us conservatives there is no way in hell that at this election a true conservative will be elected......the only thing we can do is bring in someone with very little experience and wait for four years to groom someone for the 2012 election.........repeat of Carter/Reagan in '80.............so if I must listen to and watch a Democrat for the next 4 years I much rather look at Obama than Hilary.........he is so much better looking....... Tongue out

............and that's what I have to say about that.......Shokk

anneshirley · February 2008

Thanks Amy for starting the new thread so I don't have to break my word in posting. About McCain, I agree with you that personal or extra-marital relationships should not have an impact on how we vote. I am strictly a platform person myself.

However (you knew there would be one), the real controversy here is not whether he had an affair but whether this woman used her influence as a lobbyist to get McCain to write a favorable letter to the FCC on behalf of one of her clients. It appears (and this seems to be true) that she was going around Washington telling clients that she had influence with McCain and could get his help on issues concerning the FCC--she's a lobbyist for the telecoms. He did write the letter but he says it had nothing to do with her.

He also accepted rides on the corporate jet of this same telecom client. The McCain-Feingold bill (bipartisan bill as Feingold is a Democrat) was introduced into Congress by McCain and Feingold in 1995. It passed, I believe, in 2003, and lots of Republicans were angry at McCain over that, and other issues. Its aim was to stop much of the soft money financing of campaigns (and I believe using corporate jets is/was included in that definition).

For many people, whether he had a affair with this woman is of no account (for some that aspect will be all that matters--his wife for one), but if there's any truth to the allegation that he used his position as head of an important committee to assist telecoms in doing business, this will be huge and may derail his campaign.

I wish the Times had printed this story (if they knew, of course) earlier while Romney was still in the race. I find it suspicious that this is coming out now and it suggests that perhaps the Times preferred to wait until McCain, more liberal than Romney, had the nomination before it printed this, which will in the end help the Democratic nominee, at least with independents. But perhaps the Times only learned of this recently--I hope.

From what I've read so far, I believe that McCain acted improperly in writing that letter on behalf of the telecom.

Many people don't remember the Keating Five scandal, but those who do will remember that McCain was one of the five.

ijl · February 2008

Hi shokk,

You make very vaild points, I feel a lot like you do. But I am scared of Obama's inexperience in foreign affairs and possible harm it could do to our security. The stakes are too high. I don't really worry about economy as much , this is more of a job for Fed Chairman. But I am terrified about terrorists who might decide that they won the war and that America has no will to fight. As the result they could attack us again on our soil.

I am not even talking about Iran. Obama in his comments regarding foreign policies sounds so naive with his refrain "we should sit down and talk". I am not sure whether I am willing to risk 4 years this time.

shokk · February 2008

Some one accused McCain of being a closed mouth talker.......it's a lot easier to talk out of both sides of your mouth when you keep your lips together...........

shokk · February 2008

I know Inna of course this as Republicans we are the most afraid of but just let "Obama" sit down and talk just one time.......it won't take him long to figure out that in Foreign policy that ain't going to work......maybe he will be smart enough to get a red dog democrat as his Secretary of Defense.........there certainly are plenty of conservative democrats that I believe could handle of our national security at least for the time being...........we shall see.........Shokk.........or even better Secretary of State....

NoH8 · February 2008

Inna, the biggest way that I see Obama enacting change is his ability to get people of different personalities and viewpoints to work together. That part of the reason he was voted president of Harvard's law review. We wasn't the smartest or the most popular, but he had a unique ability to get people to work together. That's HUGE change from the Bush administration when the democrats were in congress and from the Bill Clinton administration (although I think Bush is 1000 times worse in that front). I think it was Humphrey who said that for a president to be effective he has to have 65% of the country behind him (or her Wink )- it would be so nice to have people behind the president, a president that we can respect. There's very little that the presdient can do on his (or her) own so cooperation is essential, in my opinion. I think McCain also has the ability to bring people together-- his own party radicals are probably harder than most of the democrats. I just cannot support his candidacy because of how he stands on social issues.

Huckabee said not long ago that McCain is not strong enough on the depravity of homosexuality-- excuse me--- that's so hurtful and harmful. Can conservatives who believe this even imagine how hard it would be for a teen to deal with her (or his) homosexuality when you've got a president who calls it depraved and a preacher who denounces it? Teen suicide and depression is so much higher for gays than straight teens as it is. I always thought the republicans wanted less, not more government interference-- are social issues the exception. I'm not asking anyone-- it's more like a rhetorical question/rant. Bottom line is that it really, really hurts on an individual and societal level.

shokk · February 2008

Amy Reagan was the King of getting congress to work together.............oh those were the days.........oh sorry just drifting off to a better time..........anyway Amy Huckabee is a very conservative southern Baptist Preacher and his chances are not good.........I understand your concern with that type of conversation but in the whole scheme of this Presidential election I don't think views on sexual preference is going to make or brake a Presidential endorsement.......I haven't even heard Obama really address this issue maybe he has but you know Amy being a true conservative I really think that such issues should be left up to individual states............Shokk

shokk · February 2008

Oh and Amy as far as gay and lesbian teenagers and suicide I may be wrong but I don't think stupid comments from a conservative southern Baptist Preacher is going to push them over the edge........I think they have a lot worse things in general they have to worry about in their daily lives..........their own families and the cruel acts of their peers..........Shook

NoH8 · February 2008

Bugs-- did you ask yourself--- OMG what did I do wrong? (I'm sure you didn't do anything) when you heard that come out of his mouth?Maybe there's a reason 9 year olds can't vote. I actually think Obama reminds me of a nerdy kid who's ears stick out-- where's that pocket protector.

AnneShirley- I know what the alleged real controversy is and there's just no proof of it. I watch a few hours of political commentary every night on all three (even fox for a little bit when I can stomach it) major cable news networks because I like to hear different sides of things. I am willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt until I have proof otherwise-- from McCain, to an alleged rapist, to Roger Clemens to anyone. Due process and innocent until proven guilty. There are so many scenarios that could play out. She could have brought the fact that the FCC was late and he could have said, "sure, i'll write a letter, they are behind." whether or not there was any proper or improper relationship. I don't see why there has to be speculation that it's improper without evidence. To me the appearance of impropriety is not impropriety. I would hope that people would afford me that same courtesy in a similar situation.

I think whoever accused McCain of being a closed mouth talker, whether they meant it literally or figuratively should have used dufferent verbeage considering he has paralysis from his skin cancer surgery. Geez, I feel like a McCain supporter today with my defenses of him Surprised .

I heard from multiple news sources that the Times has been following this story for a few months and only had the sources for the story together now. I believe that if they NY Times was out to smear McCain they would have done it closer to the november elections.

NoH8 · February 2008

Shook, I think all of that plays into the depression and suicide. One comment from a preacher or on tv isn't going to do it, but a pervasive atmosphere in one's life can. There are actually a lot of high schools that have gay straight alliances and places where it's ok to come out and be gay. One of my friend's daughters who is heterosexual is one such group and wears a rainbow bracelet to so her support. She says she'd be gay if she could get over the whole being attracted to guys rather than girls thing LOL.

The Brand New Respectful Presidential Campaign Thread

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