I’m having a nightmare flashback today- the 2000 election, and the popular vote doesn’t pick the winner. Fast forward to the Democratic National Convention 2008, the delegates are split pretty closely- and it comes down to the votes of the “Super delegates” and the deals begin in the backroom- and all of a sudden we have some frankenslate of Clinton-Obama or even Obama-Clinton, or worse yet- Clinton.
That’s not what I want. And I don’t think it’s what a majority of progressive and forward thinking Americans want. I’m concerned when our Governor and Lt. Governor are busy campaigning for Hillary- and I’m getting robo-calls from Matt Russ Joseph using Dem HQ’s equipment. Does this mean the Montgomery County Democratic Party is going to be doing the Get Out The Vote with slate cards for Hillary? I don’t recall hearing the party ask my opinion- was this another secret meeting?
So tonight I went to an Obama house party in Centerville-and was energized by the people in the room. Mac, an 81 year old who lives in 10 Wilmington Place was there- and he said we have an opportunity to vote for the type of candidate that comes once every 100 years (I hope he’s wrong- I hope we get more and more opportunities to vote for statesmen instead of politicians). Others said it’s the first time they thought they were voting FOR someone instead of against someone.
Needless to say- it was a far healthier atmosphere than the one poisoned by campaign money, favors, back-room deals- that I feel when I’m around the Montgomery County Democratic Party. It gave me hope.
So, here is our punchlist of what you can do before March 4- to make sure the nomination doesn’t come down to the “SuperDelegates” and is still the voice of the people, for the people:
- Go to www.barackobama.com [1] and sign up to volunteer and join a group. That way, when it comes time to take action, we know how to get your help.
- Send an e-mail to everyone you know- and tell them why you believe Barack Obama is the right choice to lead our country out of the mess were in. Ask them to go to www.barackobama.com and register as well.
- Consider giving some money to Barack Obama- to show that us little people want a chance to buy the White House back. While Hillary is pumping millions of her own money into her campaign [2], and firing her campaign manager [3], Obama is surging with the support of the people.
- Remind people that they need to ask for a Democratic ballot in the primary- even if they have voted Republican, there is no choice left to be made there. Voting issues only as an “independent” isn’t an option this time. If they want to take the White House back from the Clinton/Bush oligarchy, it’s time to support Obama in the primary.
[4]And- if they say he doesn’t have the experience and that Clinton does- remind them that he has 8 years in Illinois before his time in the Senate (elected in 04)- more legislative experience than Hillary (being first lady doesn’t cut it anymore than saying Annie Glenn is an astronaut because John was one).- If you can, host a party for your friends and neighbors – and share with them your feelings, have a discussion- a “town hall” or a debate. It’s the way things used to be done and maybe, it’s time we got back to it.
- And if you want to let people know who you support- go to this site [5] and make your own Barack Obama poster and print it out and hang it up.
- Learn about RSS- and keep up to date on things Obama and this site- via a feed. If you need a place to get started- try the site instructions [6] on this site. If you see a place to post comments- on any site- make sure you let people know why you are voting for Obama.
Obama will be setting up a field office in Dayton on Monday the 10th. Be sure to stop by- or make yourself known through the Obama site. Be prepared to turn out in force if Obama comes to Dayton.
Let’s make sure this election is for the people, by the people. I don’t want to wake up again in an America where the winner of the popular vote goes home.
If you are with me on supporting Obama- please leave a comment. It makes me feel like I’ve done my part.
No way in you-know-where. But Darren will be with you … I’ll let him know. Cheers!
From the DDN blog:
In Dayton, Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge and other Clinton supporters are scheduled to gather from noon until 12:30 p.m. Monday 11 Feb 08 at the Montgomery County Board of Elections, 451 W. Third St., the Clinton campaign said.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/ohiopolitics/entries/2008/02/10/clinton_campaign_to_kick_off_e.html
Let’s have a bunch of Obama people come in and show them who we want!
Wow….typical Democratic operation. A chance to take back the Presidency, House, Senate and most of the U.S. and instead of running two campaigns that complement each other they are running each other into the ground. Clinton vs Obama, Obama vs Clinton. All the people taking the sheen off of what could be and wrestling in the mud with the pigs….typical Democratic party.
JR, only typical Montgomery County Democratic Party back room politiking. The super delegate thing though, was originally put in place to make sure the party had final say in case some young turk had a shot- which is exactly what has happened. It’s unfortunate that the party still isn’t totally democratic in its actions.
And to Mel- what part of “If you are with me on supporting Obama- please leave a comment.” did you not understand….or are you just trying to make me feel bad? I purposely left out the poll that put McCain in the White House if he runs against Hillary- yet he loses to Obama. It’s not my main reason for supporting Obama, but I am sick of having a family name in the White House for an extended period of time- and I do think it’s time that we had a relative youth movement in America- and Obama has captivated the imaginations of the younger generation.
If Obama is the Democratic candidate, I’ll vote for John McCain in November.
Sorry, David.
You can count on interesting political debate in the Esrati house- now you know where I get it from. Download my Dad’s book for free- by clicking on the free book link above- it’s a great little primer on what it means to be an American.
http://www.esrati.com/dearson
I volunteer at the
National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton. There are a lot of retired military conservative types who volunteer there, too. Yesterday a couple of us volunteers was shooting the breeze about the primaries and a retired Lt. Col who used to be a Missle Launch Control Officer (Minuteman), not a real liberal kinda guy, came right out and said he liked Obama and that it was time for a change. You coulda knocked me over with a feather.
As someone who is often called a liberal I am very disturbed by the supporters of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton who instead of being united are at odds with each other. Instead of making this an election for history, it is becoming an election that confirms everything wrong about the media, race and politics. Mr. Esrati it bugs me that supporters of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton are developing almost a hatred towards each other….thats the same ole Democratic party I am talking about….the loose coalition.
———–
The things I have heard about Obama from some of the people round my town….well it ain’t going to be a pretty election if he gets the nod, thankfully he is going up against Mr. McCain. Not someone who has the full zealous support of the wacko end of the right.
But then again after all the typical racial insults and name calling one traditionally polarized guy will say he likes Obama and like scurrvydog I about fall over.
If McCain ends up on the Republican ticket, I’m voting Obama, word around our church is Obama also. We can’t afford another Clinton.
I felt compelled to comment, David, because I am thoroughly sick of that tired “single family dynasty” being parried about as a legitimate reason for not voting for Clinton. Also because I thought you might find it interesting that like in many, many households around the country, my boyfriend and I are divided as to the best candidate. Of course, it is your blog – feel free to jump down my throat again.
Dad – INTERESTING COMMENT!! Would you care to elaborate on it? I’m really interested in your thoughts on this. THANKS!
If I HAD to vote on the Democratic primary ballot, I’d have to vote for Obama. It really has to do more with who he is as a person versus who I think Hillary is as a person. I think that Hillary is probably stronger on defense (which is important to me) than Obama, but I think she is way too ruthless to be given any more power than she already has.
Obama has much more dipolmacy than Hillary will ever be able to master. I also have to agree with former Clinton insider, Dick Morris, who says that if Hillary is elected (and he was saying that he thinks she will be) that her presidency will be such a disaster that 2010 will be a repeat of 1994.
Although I often read and NEVER post on this site I felt compelled over the number of miscues in Mr. Esrati’s blog. Readers remember the dangers of blogs as people seldom fact check or call on the drivel they put on the board.
1. The Montgomery County Democratic Party has not endorsed in the presidential race. Therefore the chair has offered the building and phone system to both campaigns for organizing. Headquarters is too small for both campaigns to have offices in or that would have been offered as well. Sen. Tom Roberts, who has been spear heading the Obama effort here locally, is well aware of these offers.
2. Matt Joseph is an Obama DELEGATE. You did not receive a call from him for Hillary Clinton.
3. I received an email regarding Obama organizing this week in Dayton. I am sure their meeting will be coming shortly. I suggest checking the official Obama site for that information rather than a site that jumps to conclusions.
I don’t see much of a fight here Mr. Esrati. Sorry.
Juan:
When I was young, young women swooned over Frankie. That sort of thing has happened periodically for others, such as the Beatles and Elvis Presley. It is a cult of personality, having no substance.
Obama is full of soothing phrases about getting together, but is short of specifics of what he, as president, would propose to Congress. What I have read of his health plan has not impressed me.
I can even tie Frankie to health. I had a coronary episode in Palm Springs and was taken care of in Sinatra 3, the cardiac ward of Desert Hospital (oops, sorry, Desert Health Center). But I don’t believe that private contributions from the wealthy are the way we should build hospitals. I have not heard anything out of Obama’s mouth that encourages me to think that the health-care crisis will be solved by private means or by government. It seems to me he keeps saying it’s all going to be unmandated, meaning nothing will ever happen.
Nan is correct- it was RUSS Joseph who robo-called- brother of Matt Joseph who is a Obama delegate (I was there when he got the nod as an ALTERNATE Delegate I believe).
And, if the Montgomery County Democratic party doesn’t endorse in the presidential primary- why does it feel the need to endorse in the Congressional primary- instead of letting the people decide?
Nice of Nan to join us- even if it is to point out the error of my ways.
Seems the Esrati household isn’t the only divided one- with Russ for Hillary and Matt for Barack.
Because David, in the Presidential race there are two strong, well qualified contenders, both of which we’d be proud to support as our eventual Democratic Nominee. That’s not so much the case in the 3rd Congressional District.
Hey David…did you get that?
Russ says he doesn’t think he can proudly support Mitakides or Sanders if they end up winning the primary. Isn’t it nice to have him in your corner, saying such nice things about you on your own blog?
:-P
You’re right Russ, the Democratic Party pushed Jane aside in 2006, and when I called from the floor to endorse her in December, you voted NOT to endorse her. Make up your mind. Jane did tell the DDN that she wouldn’t be as partisan as Turner- so you’re I’m guessing she’ll vote Republican – at least 20% of the time.
And, btw- maybe instead of pumping money into her own campaign, she could at least buy a college diploma, since she dropped out of WSU.
Lots of good stuff on her website too- http://www.jane08.com
Send her money- ’cause she only knows how to talk when people pay her to talk for them.
“Readers remember the dangers of blogs as people seldom fact check or call on the drivel they put on the board.”
Blogs are drivel. Did I read this right?
Jeff, you read right.
Ms. Whaley tried a blog- managing about 3 posts in a year, before she gave it up.
Just remember when she’s up for reelection.
Obama stated he went to a catholic school for two years. He did not say he was Catholic, rumor is- he is Muslim. Is the United States ready for a Muslim President?
Also, my husband seen Obama on a TV special the end of November and he swears up and down that Obama turned his back to the flag when the Pledge of Allegiance was being said is there any truth to this and if so why has there not been more said?
Sheila-
Rumor and innuendo- camera angles- look at what the man says- then hold him to it.
I heard we weren’t ready for a Catholic president in 1960.
For GWB to be considered a moral man- yet wage war on those who did not attack us, or pose a threat- causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands- and not be impeached- don’t tell me religion has any bearing on who leads this country.
Right now, we have Satan in power, and I don’t see people rioting in the streets.
Bring on Buddah for all I care. We need real moral leadership- no matter what God they pray to.
Would like information on volunteering for Barack Obama for my students as well as myself.
It’s been awhile since I’ve worked for ANY candidate and Barack Obama has energized me and others.
Please contact me at (937)542 6478 or through my e-mail address: [email protected].
Thanks,
Wm Sarris
Glad to hear you are motivated Mr. Sarris- best place to start is at the http://www.barackobama.com site or campaign HQ- on the first floor of the Kettering Tower-
at the corner of Jefferson and 2nd.
By the way, Mr. Sarris, there’s another inspirational candidate named David Esrati who could use some volunteer support as well.
:-)
Here are some comments from two of my students:
Obama attracts people who have never thought about voting.
I like Obama because I think he can change America.