Sep 08, 2008 - 05:36:25 CDT
WASHINGTON - If North Dakota Democrats didn't already know that Barack Obama was seriously competing to win the state in the presidential race, they figured it out when they got to their assigned seats at the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month.There was North Dakota's small delegation, with some of the best seats in the house. Delegates were seated just behind the perpetual battleground state of Florida, just in front of Sen. Hillary Clinton's state of New York.
"It was great fun looking back and waving at my New York colleagues," joked Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., who has been stumping for Obama as he travels around the state.
North Dakotans certainly aren't used to being in the presidential mix.
Previous Democratic campaigns, including Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004, mostly ignored the state, writing it off due to its solid history of voting for Republicans in presidential contests. But Obama's staff says North Dakota is one of the 18 battleground states that he is optimistically targeting this year. He is hoping to be the first Democrat since Lyndon Johnson to win North Dakota.
One of Obama's biggest assets in the state is its all-Democratic congressional delegation.
Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan, along with Pomeroy, are aggressively campaigning for him as they make their usual swings through the state. They are playing up Obama's support for agriculture and noting McCain's traditional opposition to increasing spending on farm programs. They are talking about Obama's support for renewable energy, sugar programs and ethanol.
At least one prominent Republican and McCain supporter says Obama has a chance.
"I think it's in play which makes it very interesting," said House Majority Leader Rick Berg of Fargo. "The Obama campaign understands the mechanics and fundamentals of getting the vote out."
The differences in the two campaigns' efforts in the state are stark. The Obama campaign now has nine offices around the state, and his staff are building on the organization that won him the state's February caucus. He has traveled to the state twice, visiting Grand Forks in April and Fargo in July. The organization far exceeds that of South Dakota, which supported Clinton in its June primary and is not one of the campaign's targeted states.
McCain, who lost to Republican Mitt Romney with only 23 percent of the vote in the state's Republican caucus, hasn't been to North Dakota during this campaign, and he has no offices and no staff in North Dakota. Calls to the campaign are routed to Minnesota, where staff passed on Berg's name as the best McCain contact in the state.
Berg enthusiastically supports McCain, saying his maverick image should play well in North Dakota. But he said the Republican and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, need to increase their campaign presence.
"I don't think McCain has focused on North Dakota yet and we haven't seen that effort," he said. "What McCain needs to do, in my opinion, is that he and Gov. Palin need to come to North Dakota ... people need to meet him, they need to see him, and I think people will have confidence in them as leaders because of that."
Gary Emineth, chairman of the state Republican party, said he is confident that his candidate will win. He said the GOP, which is organizing the state for the McCain campaign, will ramp up its efforts "big time" in the next couple of months, reaching out to small towns across the state and making sure that people understand that McCain's policies and values line up with North Dakota voters.
"I think we're going to see a solid win for McCain whether he comes to the state or not," Emineth said.
Emineth said military families in North Dakota, which has two Air Force bases, will identify with McCain, a former Vietnam prisoner of war. He said Republicans in the state also will identify with Palin, a conservative former mayor of a small town who has been a supporter of hunters and anglers.
"We are not a one-issue state, and I think McCain will overcome the negatives he would have on the side of agriculture," Emineth said.
Academics in the state also appear uncertain if Obama can pull it off.
Dana Michael Harsell, an assistant professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Dakota, said it's possible, but he's not convinced.
"My gut feeling tells me that he probably won't take the state, but I think he's probably going to come as close as any Democrat in the state has come," Harsell said.
Mark Jendrysik, also a political science professor at UND, agreed.
"I think there's too many built-in factors that make it extremely unlikely," he said. "You have a very old state that is conservative and has voted Republican as long as anyone can remember on the presidential level. It's going to be hard for anyone to overcome that."
Even if Obama can't win, most agree that he may be able to at least force McCain to spend a bit of money in a state that Republicans have taken for granted for decades.
"Democrats have made a mistake of writing off North Dakota in the past, and Sen. Obama isn't making that mistake," said Jan Messerschmidt, spokesman for Obama's campaign in the state.
Dorgan said Democrats have learned from past elections.
"We know how to lose," he said, "And that's when you decide not to compete before the campaign starts. I think it will be a close race in North Dakota, but the only way you have a chance to win here is to compete aggressively."
VoR wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:29 AM:
John McCain said yesterday that "the fundamentals of the economy are sound." Nobody is buying that one. unless he sees it your way and thinks that we should keep it under Democratic control. Just face it your party blew-it big time! Now it's time to try a smart President. "
VoR wrote on Sep 15, 2008 11:41 PM:
The reason isn't that hard to grasp. The U.S. markets are tightly interconnected to the European, Asian and other world markets that are also tanking. This creates incredible push-back and pressure to solve the problem quickly.
Failing markets also translate to a tighter money supply a falling dollar and lost jobs.
Should the incompetent CEO's of these collapsed companies be rewarded with golden parachutes? Of course not! Let's hope that some of our national leadership will get some testicular fortitude and start putting our economy ahead of the unregulated free trade policies of the last 8 years. We just can't take it. Let's all vote for the real change we need on Nov. 4th. Barack H. Obama looks like the right choice to me. "
Matt wrote on Sep 15, 2008 10:39 PM:
Dew wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:51 PM:
Dakota wrote on Sep 15, 2008 7:49 PM:
dof wrote on Sep 15, 2008 6:35 PM:
reality wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:35 PM:
Wanted the troops to be held longer in Iraq, stalling and playing games with our troops for politics
C'mon Obama get honest and quit playing games
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09152008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/obama_tried_to_stall_gis_iraq_withdrawal_129150.htm?page=0 "
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:45 PM:
VoR wrote on Sep 15, 2008 2:06 PM:
NEW YORK (AP) - The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times both reported early Monday on their Web sites that the American International Group is seeking an additional $40 billion in emergency funds possibly from the Federal Reserve to help it avoid a credit rating downgrade, which would make it more expensive for AIG to raise money. The insurer has already raised $20 billion in fresh capital this year.
AIG was working with New York Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo and a representative of the governor's office through the weekend to craft a solution that protects policyholders, according to Dinallo's spokesman David Neustadt.
"It's clear we're one step away from a financial meltdown," said Nouriel Roubini, chairman of the consulting firm RGE Monitor.
The meetings that began Friday night were a who's who of financial heavyweights: Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Timothy Geithner, president of the New York Fed, Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox, and a host of CEOs, including Vikram Pandit of Citigroup Inc., Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase & Co., John Mack of Morgan Stanley, Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs Group Inc., and Merrill Lynch & Co.'s John Thain.
For all their efforts, Lehman had to file for bankruptcy.
The end of Lehman may not stop the financial crisis that has gripped Wall Street for months, analysts said. More investment banks could disappear soon.
The independent broker-dealers "are going the way of the dodo bird," said Bert Ely, an Alexandria, Va.,-based banking consultant. "
Amused wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:33 PM:
Kathleen wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:28 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 15, 2008 1:05 PM:
IT HAPPENS wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:50 PM:
IT HAPPENS wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:35 PM:
Kathleen wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:29 PM:
S Odegard wrote on Sep 15, 2008 12:17 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:56 AM:
xx wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:48 AM:
Dew wrote on Sep 15, 2008 9:47 AM:
" The RNC seems to be running Palin against Obama while McCain stands back in the shadows...
The Democrats and their internet and liberal media cronies are attacking Palin.... they seem to think that Palin is running against Obama! They don't understand that she is actually running against Biden!
Did you read the transcript of the Charles Gibson interview with Palin? Don't go by the video as that was so edited that one cannot compare the two. Read the whole interview here: http://marklevinshow.com/gibson-interview/
Parts that were left out are in darker print "
harpua wrote on Sep 15, 2008 4:40 AM:
Dew wrote on Sep 14, 2008 9:35 PM:
" Why don't the REPUBLICANS ever offer specific information about what Mccain plans to do about the economy?? All you have to do is watch Obama speak,
Watch Obama speak? Yeah, we had one great speaker in office one time.... he spoke very well.... Now why in the world did YOU not support HIS WIFE when she ran for president if, he was so blasted good?
Speaking the words of CHANGE and then taking a man, an old white man to boot, to be his VP is NOT change..... That is why I will not vote for that man!
He plans to give 95% of us a tax break??? Come on, you cannot possible believe that! 40% of the people in the US do not pay any taxes! There are NOT enough RICH people in the US to pay for all his 'wants'! WHO is going to pay for that? I don't beleive his lies! That is why I will not vote for him! "
Assistant news editor wrote on Sep 14, 2008 7:32 PM:
reality wrote on Sep 14, 2008 6:54 PM:
"Present" He voted present on most of them
humm...
Now that is real leadership..
http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm "
VoR wrote on Sep 14, 2008 6:44 PM:
Wolf wrote on Sep 14, 2008 5:53 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 14, 2008 5:25 PM:
Rugby Reader wrote on Sep 14, 2008 1:28 PM:
McCain promises US more of the same.
Nader/Gonzalez 2008 "
REX wrote on Sep 14, 2008 12:45 PM:
W.J. Hinrichs wrote on Sep 14, 2008 10:12 AM:
Our brave military personel are strained by constant redeployment because we are trying to fight a war on two fronts, job losses have been running 75,000 per month, our borders and ports are still wide open, our infrastructure is in shambles and deteriorating, our housing sector has collapsed, oil companies and other multinational corporations are making record profits and not paying their fair share of taxes because of the Republican of "trickle-down" ecconomics fantacy. The "crowning glory" of this fallacy has been unsafe imported food and toys for our kids!
Four more years of this and we average citizens will not only be depressed mentally, physically, and spiritually but ecconomically.
WJH "
Still Hopefull wrote on Sep 14, 2008 8:59 AM:
Vor, please tell me what SPECIFIC plans Obama has presented for dealing with the faltering economy, the war, the condition of our infrastructure, and the challenges with the energy situation, Social Security and Medicare that you particularly like? "
The end wrote on Sep 14, 2008 2:08 AM:
VoR wrote on Sep 14, 2008 1:31 AM:
Obama opposed the 2001 and 2002 "born alive" bills as backdoor attacks on a woman's legal right to abortion, but he says he would have been "fully in support" of a similar federal bill that President Bush signed in 2002, because it contained protections for Roe v. Wade.
What you are referring to is Republican Senate candidate Alan Keyes attacks on Barack Obama over this legislation during their 2004 race for the U.S. Senate, repeatedly accusing him of favoring "infanticide." Because of this, Keyes said, "Christ would not vote for Barack Obama." Nevertheless, 70 percent of Illinois voters did vote for Obama.
Alan Keyes, who believes a fetus that doctors give no chance of surviving is an "infant." It is also worth noting that Illinois law already provided that physicians must protect the life of a fetus when there is "a reasonable likelihood of sustained survival of the fetus outside the womb, with or without artificial support."
So "Reality", YES, your accusations are not only baseless but are exactly the frivolous kind of attacks I've been trying to point out. These types of red herring, hot button charges only serve to muddy the water and distract people from focusing on the vital issues that are at stake in this election. Like war, the economy, energy, insurance reform, the influence of lobbyists on pending legislation, rebuilding our national infrastructure and restoring our nations prestige around the world. These are the REAL issues. These are the reasons we need a president with the audacity of hope needed to inspire this country back to greatness. The reasons we need to elect Barack H. Obama on Nov. 4, 2008. "
seven gone wrote on Sep 14, 2008 1:16 AM:
what should be happening is head-on debates, and many of 'em, so that the voting public can sort through the real issues of the election. less than two months to the election, after all this promo, neither candidate's been grilled for where they stand on iraq, energy, iran, the economy, taxation, etc. incessantly we get this blather about who's had an abortion, and palin's pregnant daughter.
do you honestly think mccain is behind all of the distraction? that would be quite naive of you. "
VoR wrote on Sep 14, 2008 12:41 AM:
The ad also claims the bill was Obama's "one accomplishment." This is doubly false. Obama was neither a cosponsor nor a sponsor of the sex education bill, which never got past "go" in the Senate. So it was not an "accomplishment" at all. Furthermore, Obama can properly claim a number of real accomplishments.
He was a cosponsor of what became the Chicago Education Reform Act of 2003, which allowed for an increase in the number of Chicago charter schools and required the Chicago Board of Education to enter into a formal partnership with the Chicago Teachers Union to "advance the Chicago Public Schools to the next level of education reform." He was also a cosponsor of a bipartisan bill to help Illinois high school graduates be eligible for in-state college tuition rates even if they weren't U.S. citizens.
On the federal level, Obama sponsored three amendments to The America COMPETES Act, which became law in 2007. All three amendments were passed in the Senate by unanimous consent and became law. One amendment proposed language that would create a mentoring program for women and minority groups during their studies in Department of Energy programs. He also proposed language to support summer learning programs and boost their math curricula. And he put forward a requirement that women and minorities be represented in the President's Science and Technology Summit. Whether or not one considers any of these measures earth-shaking, they are accomplishments. "
Reality wrote on Sep 13, 2008 8:40 PM:
Liberal sex education of our small children is a distraction?
Supporting a grotesque procedure to kill fetuses is a distraction?
These are actual votes by Obama
He is opposed to drilling because he is controlled by environmentlaists
North Dakota values?
Oh no! "
VoR wrote on Sep 13, 2008 7:39 PM:
Allowing election talk to be diverted to the cheap shot politics of distraction instead of focusing on issues like our faltering economy, the two un-winnable preemptive wars we have started in the middle east and its deeply damaging effect on our standing in world opinion, the condition of our national infrastructure and the looming crisis's of energy dependence, Social Security and Medicare only serves to weaken us. Did I mention that the next President will be left to deal with all of these problems, thanks to the monumental if not criminal malfeasance of the Cheney/Bush administration. and that the next President will also probably be picking three Supreme Court Justices too. Dont be misled by unimportant side talk about former Pastors or claims that Obama "is a Muslim," attended a "Wahabi" school in Indonesia, took his Senate oath on the Koran, refuses to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and is part of an Islamic plot to take over the U.S. Each of these statements is false.
These false appeals to bigotry and fear are just like the infamous whispering campaign of eight years ago, when anonymous messages just before the South Carolina primary falsely accused Republican candidate John McCain of fathering an illegitimate child by a black woman.
This is simply media fodder geared toward keeping you from thinking about the vital issues at stake on Nov. 4, 2008. Strengthen your resolve to do what you can to elect Barack Obama as our next President. It's just to important for us to fail our future generations this time. "
reality wrote on Sep 13, 2008 4:17 PM:
Partial birth abortion supported??
Environmentalists controlled???
Yeah right Obama
I think not! "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 13, 2008 10:43 AM:
What about NDNs wrote on Sep 13, 2008 10:36 AM:
truth wrote on Sep 13, 2008 10:27 AM:
The people that totally blame Bush's lies for a war is very dishonest or ignorant of fact. The intelligence on Iraq that was given to Bush and others, it was developed by both Democrat and Republcan government employee's. Bush didn't lie, make stuff up or cover up anything! He passed on the information he wa given.
The liberal, left wing democrats on these forums are in there own little world, oh, they will come back and say that I am in mine but, the polls show that North Dakota is now McCains, we are a conservative state now and forever.
I have never seen the democrats answer one of the many questions asked of them about Obama, who are they trying to kid. I am an Independent and I am not happy with all of Bush's choices; However, I have not heard one argument on any of these forums that would lead me to think that Obama is the answer.
Do all of you Democrats really believe you are going to win wihout having any answers? "
Blind Republican No More wrote on Sep 13, 2008 9:40 AM:
By voting for Obama and Biden we have less of a known quantity on how their policies will really play out. To make a good informed decision for ourselves and our children, etc. we need to look at the issues and make an informed decision.
Being from an agricultural state, ask yourself and find out how the candidates voted on agricultural issues too. We will need to live with our good choices and our bad choices. "
Dew wrote on Sep 13, 2008 9:29 AM:
Nothing else bad to say about McCain.....a pin? Really, you guys are simply losing control! We have a long way to go til Nov.... better get yourself under control! "
Facts wrote on Sep 13, 2008 8:53 AM:
Still Hopefull wrote on Sep 13, 2008 8:32 AM:
Rasmus - I like your posts. I respect that you try and keep the discussion on issues, as nearly impossible a task as that is in a forum like this. You clearly do not care for the current Republican administration and their policies. My question to you is this: What SPECIFIC positons on what SPECIFIC issues that Obama has publically articulated do you like?
I'm looking for specifics, not generalities. Having read your posts and the thought you obviously have put into the various issues, I do not expect a weak, thin or canned response from you such as 'He's not Bush' or 'They're not Republicans" that many others might toss out.
Others are encouraged to provide SPECIFIC positions on SPECIFIC issues that Obama has articulated and they support. Persuade me as an undecided voter. "
seven gone wrote on Sep 13, 2008 1:14 AM:
and there you are fixating with your magnifying glass whether he has a flag pin on??? how are you so sure that your leftist clod had one on? i'm glad you have such time on your hands for such urgent matters --- what are you on assistance or something? "
Matt wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:27 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:24 PM:
". . . Why does he refuse to wear a flag pin? He totally disrespected all of the fallen heroes on 9/11". . . . "The very least he could do was wear a flag pin. He hates America. It's that simple. . ."
Doesn't this ring a bell at all to any of you right wingers? YOU said it about Obama.
Do I need to sart a web site totally devoted to the 'FACT' that your candidate John McCain was unwilling to wear an American Flag Pin on the 7th anniversary of 9/11? How can you possibly argue it? He did not wear a Flag Pin!!!
So I'm demanding to know -- why does John McCain hate America? "
Rasmus wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:20 PM:
To Bill Editor wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:07 PM:
to Bill Garr wrote on Sep 12, 2008 9:06 PM:
Again sometimes smart people say stupid things when they have nothing better to say. Like the comment from a previous poster" why drill when we have ethnol?" it dosen't even pay to try and explain such a dumb statement.
Its gotta be heart breaking for you Bush haters, the polls are very enlighting.
All you can come up with is that McCain voted with Bush 90% of the time. How often does Dorgan and Pomerjoke vote democrat, get a clue!
Bush = McCain / Rev. Wright = Obama ha ha.. "
Dew wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:30 PM:
Dont lose focus of what is at stake here. Its entirely possible that a major terrorist attack could happen within our borders again before Nov. 4 in an effort to influence the outcome of our election. Remember what happened in the Madrid subway station just before the last Spanish election.
We do not have the luxury of allowing our choice to be made on the basis of internet gossip or racial prejudice. We need to elect an intelligent, educated, clear headed President, with a Vice President who understands the intricacies of international diplomacy. If we dont, we may well be making the mistake of a century. "
You are right, that is why I am voting for the Right people not the Left behind! Obama had a good thing going for him until he asked Ol'Joe to be his VP. Agree or disagree, it matters not but, it does matter to a lot of people that a person touts CHANGE and then goes to the 'good ol' boys' for VP. Didn't he trust his own judgement enough, that he had to pick almost the longest serving MAN in the Senate? To me it looked like 'his inexperience' was the factor in him picking Ol' Joe!
One reason I am going with the Right, is that the Iran wants Obama to be president.... He will 'talk' to them!
Another reqson is the OIL prices and the right for us to drill here, AND look for alternative energy sources, like T. Boone Pickens wants.... Right VoR? "
Dew wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:02 PM:
Judge not, least ye be judged.... "
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 12, 2008 4:37 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 12, 2008 4:35 PM:
seven gone wrote on Sep 12, 2008 4:02 PM:
seven gone wrote on Sep 12, 2008 4:00 PM:
Dew wrote on Sep 12, 2008 3:52 PM:
Dew wrote on Sep 12, 2008 3:47 PM:
" SUPRISING to see that so many people posted on 9/11! I guess I figured I would take the day off from posting to honor the victims;
I did honor the victims, I watched the very moving services on TV and mourned their deasd with them as they read off the names, same as other years! What did YOU do with the day, go shopping? Shame on you for trying to say you are more patirotic than others! That is a farce because we have no idea WHAT you did! "
Vote Bush McCain wrote on Sep 12, 2008 2:52 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 12, 2008 2:38 PM:
I'm surprised about the silence on the flag pin issue. Is this only a problem for the black candidate? "
Brad wrote on Sep 12, 2008 1:51 PM:
Vote Bush McCain wrote on Sep 12, 2008 12:35 PM:
xx wrote on Sep 12, 2008 12:28 PM:
Palin Video wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:30 AM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEN-c0zRH1c "
Obama Military wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:23 AM:
Truth wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:14 AM:
VoR wrote on Sep 12, 2008 10:51 AM:
Does anyone else find it curious that Russia has just deployed two long range bombers to Venezuela at the same time that Hugo Chavez is expelling the US Ambassador?
Dont lose focus of what is at stake here. Its entirely possible that a major terrorist attack could happen within our borders again before Nov. 4 in an effort to influence the outcome of our election. Remember what happened in the Madrid subway station just before the last Spanish election.
We do not have the luxury of allowing our choice to be made on the basis of internet gossip or racial prejudice. We need to elect an intelligent, educated, clear headed President, with a Vice President who understands the intricacies of international diplomacy. If we dont, we may well be making the mistake of a century. "
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 12, 2008 10:28 AM:
Richard Boch wrote on Sep 12, 2008 4:26 AM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 12, 2008 3:17 AM:
harpua wrote on Sep 12, 2008 2:24 AM:
VoR wrote on Sep 12, 2008 1:31 AM:
Obama entered Harvard Law School in late 1988 and at the end of his first year was selected as an editor of the Harvard Law Review based on his grades and a writing competition. In his second year he was elected president of the Law Review, a full-time volunteer position functioning as editor-in-chief and supervising the law review's staff of 80 editors. He graduated with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) magna kum laude from Harvard in 1991 and returned to Chicago where he had worked as a summer associate at the law firms of Sidley & Austin in 1989 and Hopkins & Sutter in 1990.
Obama then taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School for twelve years, as a Lecturer for four years (19921996), and as a Senior Lecturer for eight years (19962004).
Sounds like Presidential material to me. "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 12, 2008 12:17 AM:
" CWRETIRED,....Of course I accept your cyber calosed handshake. Calosed only in the highest form of respect, a working mans hand. I need you and would only hope you need me. We are in a mess. American against American. I long for those days after 9/11 when we truly were united as a country. You, my friend, are one of the few people who give me hope. Why? I don't know. We seem diametrically opposed on most issues, but I would like to meet you some day. The rest of these right wingers, not so much. Only the best to you and yours. 4 more months! 4 more months! Poor young Jason. " "
Cynical Independent wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:29 PM:
To VoR: If the fact that BHO was born in Hawaii not in dispute, why is Phil Berg, a Democrat filing a lawsuit challenging his citizenship?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/28/lawsuit-questions-obamas-eligibility-for-office/ "
Dew wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:36 PM:
Dew wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:28 PM:
" If I were in a courtroom I would show the judge amused`s letter and say
'The defense rest`s your honor".
And the judge would tell you just to sit down and let the trial begin!
READ about ACORN: http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/05/obamas_ties_to_acorn_more_subs.html
Thank you Vetter, for the link, I will look that one up also! "
Dew wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:18 PM:
" Let's just pause for a moment and recall how each one of us felt just 7 years ago, today.
I already did that this morinng when I watched the services on TV.... very moving, all of them!
Now on to your post about Obama's parents. His mother was not raised in Kansas as he likes to say. They lived in Kansas until she was 13, I hardly call that being 'raised in Kansa because you do not develope your sense of self until after you get to be a teenagetr and that is when they moved to WA state and she left there and went to live in Hawaii before she was 18 because Obama himself said he was born when his mother was just 18! There is no way that his parents were married because his father was already married with a child in Kenya, I believe. After he left he went back to his wife for awhile, had another child or two, and then 'married' or not, another woman and had another child or two and then went back to his wife again and had another child or two. He was an alcoholic man that did die in an accident.
There have been lots of articles on Obama's 'story' of his life and we are finding out that his 'book' is not all truthful.
One: http://newsbusters.org/node/11641 "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:40 PM:
dante wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:37 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:36 PM:
dof wrote on Sep 11, 2008 6:22 PM:
SE Forty wrote on Sep 11, 2008 6:00 PM:
Online Editor wrote on Sep 11, 2008 5:37 PM:
Whatever wrote on Sep 11, 2008 5:29 PM:
What I don't get is why agreeing with Bush 90% of the time (if your a republican) a bad thing, it should be a good thing? Another thing, republicans voted Bush into office twice (which I actually went along with) and they like and support all of his policies so why do you guys want a Maverick? "
VoR wrote on Sep 11, 2008 5:26 PM:
Obama moved to Los Angeles, where he studied at Occidental College for two years. He then transferred to Columbia University in New York City, where he majored in political science with a specialization in international relations. Obama graduated with a B.A. from Columbia in 1983, then worked for a year at the Business International Corporation and then at the New York Public Interest Research Group. "
dof wrote on Sep 11, 2008 2:38 PM:
VoR wrote on Sep 11, 2008 2:11 PM:
HA HA wrote on Sep 11, 2008 1:31 PM:
fp wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:20 AM:
'The defense rest`s your honor". You have just proven what I have been talking about."Obama is gonna take us to Afghanistan" I`ve got news for you sparky we have been there and have been fighting the real terrorist`s for years. Wow, real me of genius.While we are talking about past drug use we should never forget bush`s cocaine and booze problems.
Jim S: did you get your info on Barrack at a right wing lib hating site? Methinks you did. Are you "flip flopping" on your hatred towards Clinton and Obama? I don`t even have to make this stuff up, you guys are writing the jokes as we speak. "
Vetter wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:08 AM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 11, 2008 11:03 AM:
Tommy wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:37 AM:
This is nuts wrote on Sep 11, 2008 10:29 AM:
To all of you that believe that McCain is another Bush are ignoring the fact that the 90% voting with Bush record means nothing. Ari Fletcher, Bush's former press secretary, has stated on MSNBC that McCain was the biggest pain in the you know what Bush had.
He also stated on MSNBC that the 90% number includes mostly house cleaning and non issue bills, the real important issues McCain most often was against Bush. Do your homework, would ya!!!
If you can't bring specific bills that are questionable to this forum you have no argument. Other than voting for the war, what issues of the voting record do you have or are you just jumping on the Dem's propaganda platform, without fact?
I just love watching the MSNBC hosts facial expressions as they cringe and grit their teeth when their guests postions totally screw up their intended smear. "
Jim S wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:33 AM:
Amused wrote on Sep 11, 2008 9:08 AM:
Amused wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:52 AM:
How about when his wife said she has never been a proud American??? Did all his bad friends happen during the time he was trying pot and cocaine? TELL me is GROWING government and re-distributing the wealth the answer. Make me understand.
Is this is the best the Dems can put forthEvery tidbit of news on the internet is garbage, UNLESS you take on the research yourself to prove it up. Start reading about the Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick- Rev Wright, Wm Ayers, ACORN ACORN ACORNThat is who OBAMA is! Community Organizing is a most admireable thing unless you are involved in ACORN!!!!!!! "
Dew wrote on Sep 11, 2008 8:20 AM:
McCain himself says he bucks the Republican party if he feels he is right! If what you say is true then what 'others' on your side are saying about him voting with Bush 95% of the time..... it went up from 90% this last week..... is completley wrong... so, what is it? 95% of the time or he is going to switch to a Democrat? "
Brad wrote on Sep 11, 2008 7:48 AM:
No respect wrote on Sep 11, 2008 2:31 AM:
Vetter wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:45 PM:
fp wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:37 PM:
fp wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:20 PM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:20 PM:
okay... wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:15 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:09 PM:
Dakota wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:32 PM:
"In a sign of where the politics is moving on earmarks, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton announced ... that they'll sign on as 11th-hour cosponsors. It appears they have suddenly found religion on the issue, because both sponsored a hefty number of earmarks in 2008." (Editorial, "Earmark Showdown," The Wall Street Journal, 3/11/08)
The vote was for only a one year ban on ear marks, they finally decided to come on board at the last minute, both after securing millons in ear marks for their areas. "
dakota wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:17 PM:
Again, as Biden said about Obama when running against him." we don't have time for on the job training"...Biden is right..
To: Bill.Garr: ..Are the republicans the only ones who voted for this war? I know Obama didn't...remember, he just votes present most of the time. "
Whatever wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:15 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:39 PM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:32 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:18 PM:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/michigan_the_obamawrightkilpat.html
And, what does this have to do with Barack Obama? Although Kilpatrick has distanced himself from Obama and Obama has distanced himself from Kilpatrick, they are both inextricably linked to Rev. Jeremiah Wright. And, that is Obama's problem.
I am sorry, WHY does the media give Obama free passes again????? Obama has BAD friends! "
ND Taxpayer wrote on Sep 10, 2008 5:08 PM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 10, 2008 4:28 PM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 10, 2008 4:22 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 4:09 PM:
Law wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:38 PM:
Tipping wrote on Sep 10, 2008 3:12 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 2:20 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:45 PM:
This is Not fox news: Source
http://www.larouchepac.com/news/2008/08/26/worlds-biggest-dope-bank-funded-acorn-obamas-campaign-appara.html You can read it all, here is an exerpt:
ACORN (for Association of Community Organizations for Reform) now conduits uncountable millions of dollars for George Soros-directed political operations and the Obama for President Campaign.
Barack Obama was an attorney with the Chicago firm, Miner, Barnhill & Galland before he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004. His partner, Sarah Siskind, was lead counsel in ACORN et al. v. Household International, a class-action.
This is NOT fox news- http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/datelinedc/s_488184.html Here is an exerpt:
Prior to law school, Barack Obama worked as an organizer for their affiliates in New York and Chicago. He always has been an ACORN person -- meeting and working with them to advance their causes. Through his membership on the board of the Woods Fund for Chicago and his friendship with Teresa Heinz Kerry, Obama has helped ensure that they remain funded well.
How far do you want me to go? Well, here type in "acorn obama law" "
TRA wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:40 PM:
Harvey wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:38 PM:
Mostly Healthy Discussion wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:29 PM:
VoR wrote on Sep 10, 2008 1:19 PM:
Here is what I got when checking with your buddies at foxnews.com
Your search - Obama/ACORN - did not match any documents. No pages were found containing "Obama/ACORN".
I repeat, " Jesus was a "Community Organizer". Pontius Pilate was a Governor. " Wake-up and smell the change coming. "
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:05 PM:
Cosmetic Guru wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:11 AM:
VoR wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:09 AM:
And Jim S, Just what economy are you so afraid that Obama will shut down? I recall about 2 months ago when you were adamantly denying that we were headed into a recession. You say Obama will tax us to death, when all he proposed doing is allowing the Bush tax cuts that (combined with his war) have taken our economy to where it is, to expire as planned. Which would return us to the taxation levels during the Clinton years. When by the way, the economy was vibrant and growing. If wealth re-distribution is so abhorrent to you, that stimulus check must have really ticked you off. I used mine to buy some gas and pay bills. My guess is that you sent yours back, right. "
Jim S wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:40 AM:
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:35 AM:
BILL G-A-R-R wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:17 AM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 10, 2008 10:00 AM:
Dakota wrote on Sep 10, 2008 9:11 AM:
Glad my party isn't backed by the likes of Code Pink, P.E.T.A., E.L.F. and the off the wall people from Berkley..and many more groups like this. Whats that tell you? "
Amused wrote on Sep 10, 2008 8:18 AM:
http://www.epionline.org/study_detail.cfm?sid=113
"ACORN says it is a community group, but it is really a multi-million-dollar, multinational conglomerate. Its political agenda is driven by a relative handful of anti-corporate activists." ACORN's history makes for pretty interesting reading. The Clinton Administration found that ACORN was misspending government grants designed to help counsel the poor."ACORN's practices have corrupted our political process as well. It has engaged in questionable election activities for yearsstretching back even to the organization's founding years in Arkansas. In recent years, as its political power has increased, so have instances of fraud."
THIS IS WHAT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA ORGANIZED IN!!!!!!! THIS IS WHO HE DEFENDED IN LAWSUITS! Don't compare BHO to Jesus, it leaves an odor. "
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 10, 2008 7:10 AM:
mh wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:59 AM:
charger wrote on Sep 10, 2008 6:41 AM:
Meagan wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:08 AM:
Meagan wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:06 AM:
VoR wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:57 PM:
McCain Bush Policies wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:57 PM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:24 PM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:11 PM:
fp wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:03 PM:
JIm S wrote on Sep 9, 2008 10:29 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:57 PM:
ND Economics support Obama wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:53 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:30 PM:
Read the study- http://www.epionline.org/study_detail.cfm?sid=1
This is a MAJOR contributor to Baracks campaine.
When you read the study, don't forget this:
Rotten ACORN: America's Bad Seed
New information as of July 9, 2008: The New York Times published an explosive expos detailing how the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) covered up nearly $1 million in embezzled funds by its founders brother. Read our statement about ACORNs long history of fraud and corruption.
Etc.etc. Why do we want Barrack Hussaine Obama again? "
ND independant wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:03 PM:
The most "maverick" thing about these two politicians right now is that they continue to support George Bush's disastrous policies long after we have all seen the damage they are doing to our country.
Latest Obama video: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/thetruth1 "
Southpark wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:27 PM:
Southpark wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:25 PM:
Dr Bismarks Asst. wrote on Sep 9, 2008 11:50 AM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:57 AM:
sarahr wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:39 AM:
Non-Politico wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:37 AM:
To Frustrated wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:20 AM:
SO wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:03 AM:
frustrated wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:47 AM:
To Amused - Obama is not going to raise your taxes unless you make OVER $250,000. In fact, he will lower your taxes if you make less. You can read his plan on his website.
The facts should speak for themselves. The problem with the system is that "low information" voters will be casting a vote based on gut feelings and how well they personally relate to the candidate... For the good of the country - you must vote based on policy, not who you might be friends with. (Remember the guy who won the last 2 elections? Look at what that drunken monkey has done to this country!) Policy people. Policy. There's a reason the ENTIRE world is supporting Obama '08. Look into it. "
Dr Bismark wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:24 AM:
Dr Bismark wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:20 AM:
I don't want to vote for a President or Vice President just because they can tell funny stories at my barbecue. I want a real leader who can inspire our great country and lead us to success at this important juncture of our history. McCain is out of touch with problems faced by Americans today and Palin is even more out of touch.
The more I think about it, the more the choice seems clearer and clearer to me. I believe Obama and Biden are not only the right choice for North Dakota, but the right choice for America. "
Sally wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:51 AM:
American Woman wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:49 AM:
American Woman wrote on Sep 9, 2008 1:43 AM:
Senator Obama & Joe Biden vote yes to the "Bridge to No Where" (Voted Twice): http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=s2005-264
"YES HE DID!!" lol "
a reader wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:53 AM:
Jim S wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:13 PM:
krten wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:11 PM:
VERY well said!!! "
JIm S wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:59 PM:
If you think that Obama is going to "pull out" as soon as he is President, you are only fooling yourself. Biden just yeasturday was taped saying Obama will take the war as it is and wil bring troops home when it allows. Bush is bringing troops home and has been turn Iraqi Providences over one stable providence at a time. Obama doesn't want to drill, hope you like the high gas prices. Gas might not go up much more if Obama is elected but you will have less money because he IS going to TAX YOU. "
OKAY wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:25 PM:
Please, please get educated about WHO you are voting for. Don't make a wrong mistake based on poor information. "
Dakota wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:54 PM:
Facts wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:11 PM:
mom-of-teens wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:11 PM:
To N. Bis wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:56 PM:
Amused wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:17 PM:
ND Conservative wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:40 PM:
Good For The Nation wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:34 PM:
Regardless, we shouldn't be thinking of what is good for 'North Dakota', rather what is good for the nation. Ethanol is good for North Dakota, driving corn prices through the roof, bad for the nation as a inferior, subsidized fuel source. Big government is good for North Dakota as government is the major employeer, bad for the nation as it is a sinkhole of taxes with little benefit.
The development of additional power plants are good for the nation AND North Dakota. Incentives to drill for oil are good for the nation AND good for North Dakota. A new oil pipeline are good for the nation AND good for North Dakota. Incentives to increase manufactoring and refineries are good for the nation AND good for North Dakota.
John McCain/Sarah Palin are good for the nation AND good for North Dakota. "
okay... wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:57 PM:
Please, please get educated about WHO you are voting for. Don't make a wrong mistake based on poor information. "
SUPPORTER OF ND VALUES wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:53 PM:
The Point wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:47 PM:
Good Golly wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:29 PM:
Razors Edge wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:28 PM:
That's how we have the same 3 people in office. "I brought you the farm bill", and you people vote them in again. I don't like McCain, but even at his old age he can still see a bad earmarked bill. "
ha ha ha wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:24 PM:
To Really wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:29 PM:
GasPumpRepublican wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:11 PM:
Never mind that one of the greatest challenges we are currently facing is the high cost of fuel, and 'a winter be coming' yet the only solution the Dems come to the table is wind, solar, conservation...yeah, like that technology is right over the horizon. I'm looking forward to flying in a wind-powered plane, or a tidal powered car, perhaps a combustion engine running on 'hopes and change'.
The Republicans, with all their faults, are backing additional drilling to augment an already established infrastructure which would affect the short-term energy crisis while pusuiting alternative energy technologies.
Meanwhile, for you closet democrats, I hope you visions of 'hope and change' will keep you warm at night when fuel oil costs drain your pocketbooks while Congress still fails to discuss our short-term energy policies. "
MathRookie wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:47 PM:
Cost of product = cost at market + cost of subsidies
Make sure that you're accounting for the total cost when you make claims of how 'cheap' our food is R. The 'consumers' are paying the highest portion of the taxes to provide the subsidy and pretty much paying the entire bill only part of it indirectly (hidden).
Yes, most people get something in return for the taxes they pay and some programs are the responsibility of the government because commercial America cannot provide it (e.g. defense of our nation, defense of our Constitution...). But just because you get something out of it doesn't make it right. In every case you either get back less than you payed in, or nothing. Government is nothing more than a big organization, and big organizations are and probably will always be very inefficient. If you'd like, send me your paycheck and I can send you a fraction back...'receiving something in return'. "
To N Bis wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:40 PM:
Wish more people would get their heads out of the sand, "
ND independant wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:34 PM:
Is that really the change we want?
And Palin reeks of the same arrogance and incompetence that brought us the last 8 years of a failed presidency.
ddddd "
R wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:29 AM:
Farm Subsidies are for US the consumer, to ensure that one or two corporations do not monopolize the market. (You may notice that this has happened with oil).
We have the cheapest food in the world and that is because of farm subsidies. Subsides not only benefit the farmer, they benefit the consumer.
Everyone thinks that they pay taxes and dont receive anything in return; although they drive on our publicly funded roads; use our schools and our defended by our military.
When it comes to money and taxes we hear people use the term OUR MONEY what about Our Responsibility.
Subsidized farm program "
So wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:55 AM:
Vetter wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:21 AM:
krten wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:51 AM:
ha ha ha wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:38 AM:
N Bis wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:15 AM:
Really wrote on Sep 8, 2008 8:03 AM:
McCain does NOT support farm programs and he never has. How does that line up with North Dakota voters? The Farm Bill is the number one piece of legislation that affects our state and McCain is against it.
McCain supports No Child Left Behind, how has that been good for our state?
Last election this state voted for a Republican for President. Lucky for us, there was a democratic majority to override President Bushs Veto to the Farm Bill. We might not always be so lucky.
McCain is more of the same and a horrible choice for North Dakota. "
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