May 27 - June 2 exchanges

Obama is projected to win both Montana and S. Dakota, but SD by a much more narrow margin - could go the other way.

Based on what I heard Tim Russert say, I will definitely be staying up past 10:00 pm Tuesday night to see what happens. If Obama overshoots the 2118 number by only a small margin, Hillary could forge ahead, trying to poach Obama delegates and trying to get the MI/FL results overturned in her favor. But it sure sounds as though that would be very counterproductive - of course to Obama and Dems generally, but also to her own reputation and political future. If she has rev-ved herself up to such a never-say-never-fever-pitch, then how does she put on the brakes? She could end up winning my admiration - but I'm afraid she just does not have it in her to lose gracefully.

- - Ing, June 2, 2008


I saw you commented about my relatively brief post I did Friday night. I'll try to get on to the Blog website more. I actually have not had much to say the past few weeks. I just hope Hillary, after Tuesday, suspends her campaign (or, at the very least, indicates what she is doing and why). The continued Dem. primary battle was easy to explain... so long as there are (were) primary elections that remained. What becomes of that explanation after Tuesday? I'm afraid time is running out after Tuesday. Hopefully the Supers give Obama enough of a boost to end this.

Are you aware of who is projected to win what - Montana and which ever of the Dakota's?

- - Fair, June 2, 2008


The Gongwer report has a pretty complete description of what happened on Michigan's behalf at the DNC rules committee Saturday. Any hissing and outbursts came from Clintonistas in the audience. At one point, Mr. James Roosevelt (grandson of FDR), co-chair of the committee, admonished the protestors, saying that their actions did not reflect well upon the candidate they supported.

The main rationale for the committee accepting the Michigan-made 69-59 compromise was that the Michigan election was entirely illegal - it was as if it didn't even happen. That's why they could have gone, by a narrow vote, for an arbitrary even split of delegates. Instead, they gave great credibility to what Michigan Dem. leaders and campaign reps within Michigan had come up with, however they came up with it (which included some exit polling, which was highly derided by some. Ickes kept saying "Uncommitted" is a valid voting option, totally ignoring the fact that we had a campaign both from Obama and Edwards and the Michigan Dems. to vote uncommitted if you really wanted Obama or Edwards. Remember how you and I went back and forth about this at the time - it's in the blog, I think - January exchanges.)

- - Ing, June 2, 2008


It was a pretty eventful weekend for the campaign - Michigan and Florida seated at half-voting strength on Saturday, also the reveal that Obama resigned from Trinity Congregational Church, then another lop-sided victory for HIllary in Puerto Rico - where, thankfully, she did not get the turnout she wanted so her stupid popular vote theory is slowed down somewhat - I spent a lot of time in the "Berky Underground" (our basement) with MSNBC on TV and surfing the net, etc. for more news. It was fun! If your weather cleared up from the thunderstorms we heard about, I imagine you did active, outdoorsy things instead ;->

- - Ing, June 2, 2008


Brooks Patterson - He's a Republican. Only economic issues matter - i.e., jobs. The "Cool Cities" concept, championed by the Governor and other Democrats, has culture and quality of life as major components. Republicans have generally derided the concept.

DNC - challenges. Sure, Hillary can challenge - but if Obama goes way over 2118 with superdelegate support, it will be to no purpose. What you may not have heard on the news was that in the rules committee, Obama had just enough votes to seat the Michigan delegation as if there were no vote at all (rather than the compromise 69-59 split that made assumptions about voter intentions) - that would have resulted in an even split (giving no advantage to either side, esp. giving no advantage to Hillary merely for leaving her name on the ballot) of 64-64. That would have caused even more of a ruckus. The Obama campaign was classy and gracious - concepts which have thus far been entirely absent from the other side.

- - Ing, June 2, 2008


Looks like I spoke too soon. From an article in today's Post:

"The committee granted Clinton less than half the delegates she had hoped to claim from the two states, which were sanctioned by the DNC for moving their primaries up too early in the year in the nomination fight.

The committee's decision -- particularly with regards to Michigan -- was met with derision in the Clinton campaign, which floated the possibility of taking the fight over the Wolverine State to the party's national convention in late August. "We reserve the right to challenge this decision before the Credentials Committee and appeal for a fair allocation of Michigan's delegates that actually reflect the votes as they were cast," the campaign said in a statement released immediately following Saturday's proceedings.

Nonetheless, the committee's decision to seat the Florida and Michigan delegations at the convention, but grant each delegate only half a vote, resolves a major piece of the nomination puzzle in Obama's favor."

- - Fair, June 1, 2008


The DC area sure did get hit with major storms Saturday afternoon. I lost power for about four hours, maybe even longer. Lots of flooded streets - water everywhere.

I didn't get to watch any recap on the DNC news. I did read from the Free Press website how David Bonior was greeting with hissing and other such nonsense from Clinton's supporters. Is this fifth grade?

I was headed to the Woodley Park area (location of the Wardman Park Marriott) but the rain made me turn around. I know - lame excuse given the importance. Sorry :) I am, however, pleased to see *something* done with Michigan and Fla. This finally puts to rest what is going to happen with this issue - one less argument for Clinton to continue to say keeps her in the race.

http://www.freep.com/ It was interesting to see how Oakland County's Brooks Patterson thinks "young people" only move away for jobs. He seems so blind to the culture attraction fact. Yes, we want jobs (I had a great job), but we also like to "live" where we live. I used to think Brooks Patterson was great - he did a lot for Oakland; but I think something fresh is needed.
- Show quoted text –

- - Fair, June 1, 2008


I really get into these day long (or days long) committee hearings or such things. As long ago as 1973, I was fascinated by the Watergate hearings, re-broadcast on PBS every evening. I was taking a summer class at MSU, I recall - I think I would go to Wells Hall to watch on one of the classroom TVs. I remember a lot of players - the Senators, some of the staff - but I don't remember Hillary Rodham at that time, although she must have been there.

It was the same thing with the Bill Clinton Impeachment - and then the 2000 Election recount - I just like the drone of lawyer-talk in the background, with the occasional fireworks . . . it's even more fun when I can do something else while the hearings are on - during the Impeachment, I remember working on a jigsaw puzzle - right now - I'm e-mailing and surfing the web for more info. (like - Obama has resigned from the Trinity Church).

It's best, of course, when things are going my way, or not too badly the other way. Sounds like the net delegates to Clinton will be held to around 20. Both states will be seated, full delegation, 50% voting strength. More to come about the super delegates . . .

We saw broadcast interference on TV and they said it was because of thunderstorms there in D.C.- that was this morning. So how did that affect your day? Hope you're having a great weekend!

- - Ing, May 31, 2008


In case you are interested in the scenarios, there are the possible new "magic numbers" based on what happens this weekend with the DNC Rules committee at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ . For some time now, everyone but the Clinton campaign has said the magic number to attain the nomination is 2026. If as expected MI and/or FL come in one way or another, the magic number will go up.

- - Ing, May 30, 2008


Has my old Union, SEIU, endorsed anyone that you are aware of?

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


As the pundits say, Obama has work to do with all these population sectors he didn't do well in. I think he can change a lot of minds - not all, of course, but enough.

- - Ing, May 30, 2008


Not only Appalachia (which I agree with you about), other states with older populations'- Wisc., Minn. I think Obama puts Va., Colo., NM, Ore., and Ga. in to play which is great!

- - Fair, May 30, 2008

You know I'm kidding, right? But anyway, it's possible that the Obama campaign has written off Appalachia, doesn't need Appalachia, and I'm right there with them, if that's the case. Areas that are truly diversity-hostile will NEVER accept Obama, no matter what he does.

- - Ing, May 30 , 2008


My worry is that to you and I the Wright clips may seem "old news." But to play that in more diversity-hostile areas of the country it could be a major blow.

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


Yes - you disappoint me.

- - Ing, May 30, 2008


Much to your annoyance... I'm waiting. You never know with the Clintons. (By the way, I've also received e-mails from the Obama campaign; I was just referencing a Clinton e-mail.)

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


The priest has also apologized.

Here's my thinking on Rev. Wright. A lot, if not all, of his sermons from the past 20 years are out on video or audio tape. Any clips we see are same old, same old. The clip you refer to is from the Reverend's infamous National Press Club appearance. Again, same old, same old. If there were additional clips which we haven't already seen, negative, awful stuff - it would be out already. So we have already seen the worst. Obama can withstand it. Have you donated yet? Or waiting till the last i is dotted and the last t crossed . .

- - Ing, May 30, 2008


I did not hear about that. This (the church incident about which you sent info) is just he thing Sen. Obama does NOT need! Also, how STUPID of that visiting priest to go on like that.

Republicans already have the clip of Rev. Wright saying he will be going to the White House to get what he is owed (or similar) if Obama is elected. Once those ads run, they will probably scare off rural, blue-collar white voters - the ones that seem to have fallen in love with the Queen of the Blue-collar Prom Hillary Clinton - to the "familiar" candidate; John McCain the War Hero.

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


Did Barack really say that? How up your alley - I bet you wish you had never doubted him now ;->

I suppose you have heard about the latest Obama Church brouhaha. A visiting priest, no less, was giving a sermon, captured on You Tube, of course, this past Sunday. He is mocking Hillary, saying she cried right before the NH primary because she thought she was ENTITLED to be president, she was WHITE, and here comes this BLACK MAN out of no where to take it away from her. When I first saw this, I thought is was from some imitation Saturday Night Life - it was sort of funny. But of course, her campaign was up in arms, Barack said it was disappointing, Hillary's camp says, NOT FAR ENOUGHT - denounce, condemn, pundits say: Even if he wasn't at this church last Sunday and it was a visiting reverend - how could Obama go to such to a church! It's unfair, but it's starting to seem like - maybe he should find another church. After all, Oprah went to Trinity for a while and then decided, best to move on.

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


I think I will post the following this weekend:

"Gas prices: Obama still gets it"
(Greater Greater Washington.org)

At a lunch with a Beech Grove, Indiana couple (one of whom works for Amtrak, the other in a local hospital), the candidate had this to say:

The irony is with the gas prices what they are, we should be expanding rail service. One of the things I have been talking about for awhile is high speed rail connecting all of these Midwest cities—Indianapolis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, St. Louis. They are not that far away from each other. Because of how big of a hassle airlines are now, there are a lot of people if they had the choice, it takes you just about as much time if you had high speed rail to go the airport, park, take your shoes off.

- - Fair, May 30, 2008


Traitor! How can you be on the Clinton e-mail list? (just kidding). I love getting e-mails signed "Barack" that are addressed to "Susan." It's as if I know him personally ;-> we're getting closer to that special dinner date (me and T. - of course, you'd be welcome if you were here - ha ha).

The most interesting spin I heard from the remainder of the Bush core which is out spinning, is that, Oh, I'm puzzled, that doesn't sound like the Scott I know, not the Scott I remember. And the implication - said outright but someone of that bunch - was that it wasn't really written by him, he wasn't smart enough - - - poor guy, I think he truly thought he could stay in the Prez's good graces even after writing this book. I'm glad it knocked MI/FL off the cover story on news shows.

Are you going to the Wardman Park Marriott on Saturday?

- - Ing, May 29, 2008


I received an e-mail from the Clinton campaign saying how important it was for Hillary to remain committed to "us" because polling consistently shows her winning swing states when compared with McCain. I guess I won't be expecting much new primary news until after June 1.

How about the McClellan book! Wow. The news makes me want to run out and buy the book (wait a minute... is that the plan).

- - Fair, May 29, 2008

I do know the location of the Wardman Park Marriott. That hotel was one of the three with TRB sessions. It is near the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metrorail station. Nice ($$$$$) part of town in northwest.

- - Fair, May 29, 2008


So, Kwame did a "veto" to the action taken by the city council to request that Jennifer remove him from office. Hah! Sad thing is, his case is going to drag on and on. I've heard some say that his being a corrupt African-American political figure will rub off on Obama during the general election. They are so - not just apples and oranges but apples and turn signals to me. I mean - what does one have to do with the other?

You should go to the MEETING: "9:30AM on May 31, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. " This is the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting which will decide on MI/FL delegates. You won't be able to get in, but perhaps you could join the counter-protest outside - for Obama. Although I read that they don't want to call it a counter- protest - more of a pro-Democratic Process demonstration. Of course, I have no idea where this Hotel is - do you?

- - Ing, May 29, 2008


Now I think I may suffer from Obama/Clinton fight withdrawal. I find myself bored by Bush or McCain stories, and also Obama/McCain stories. Straight Obama stories are still interesting. I guess this doesn't make for a very good professional pundit ;->

- - Ing, May 28, 2008


Hillary's voice -

Is the sound of broken glass scraped up and down a chalkboard

Is the sound of high-pitched leaf-blower your neighbor starts up on a quiet Sunday morning

Is the sound of an American Idol contestant who thinks they are Mariah Carey but is so pitchy and tuneless that Simon runs from the room screaming!

- - Ing, May 27, 2008


I need to step up my commentary to get anywhere near the caliber of the www.dailykos.com blog :) I enjoyed the discussion of Joe Liebermann's voice. Perhaps you could start our version - Hillary's voice.

- - Fair, May 27, 2008


Hi! Hope you had a great holiday weekend. Mine was okay - a little grilling, a few chores, a lot of being lazy. It's funny - I am so preoccupied with my planned retirement in two years, but when I'm home for an extra day or two, I start running out of things to do. It's a paradox!

I posted about the Hillary remarks on RFK - no matter what else is the effect, it seems as though this gaffe has taken the wind out of her sails - maybe that Common Grill dinner can become a reality starting next week after all!

Do you ever visit http://www.dailykos.com/ - now THERE'S a blog!

- - Ing, May 27, 2008