October 28, 2008
Categories: Barack Obama BY BEN SMITH OF THE POLITICO
Crist extends voting hours
This is a very big deal: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, to the shock and dismay of Florida Republicans, just moved to extend early voting hours, a move likely to widen the Democrats' lead under a program on which the Obama campaign has intensely focused.
"He just blew Florida for John McCain," one plugged in Florida Republican just told me.
The Buzz reports:
At a hastily arranged news conference, Crist said the right to vote is sacred and that "many have fought and died for this right." He said he consulted a leading Democratic legislator, Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach, before issuing his order, and that Gelber knew of a similar order issued by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002 that dealt with helping voters deal with new equipment.
As to the perception that more early voting helps Democrats, Crist said: "This is not a political decision. This is a people decision."
Democrats had urged the extension, which means that votes will be cast 12 hours a day, not eight hours a day.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
OBAMA ON JON STEWART WEDNESDAY (10/29) NIGHT
Comedy Central Release on Obama Appearing on "The Daily Show"
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO APPEAR AS A GUEST ON
"THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART"
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 AT 11:00 P.M.
NEW YORK, October 28, 2008 -- Senator Barack Obama will make his fourth appearance as a guest on the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Obama's last appearance on “The Daily Show” was on April 21, the eve of the Pennsylvania Primary. The Democratic nominee for President of the United States also appeared on August 22, 2007; and November 7, 2005. Obama will appear via satellite from Florida where he continues his campaign with less than one week until Election Day.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO APPEAR AS A GUEST ON
"THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART"
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29 AT 11:00 P.M.
NEW YORK, October 28, 2008 -- Senator Barack Obama will make his fourth appearance as a guest on the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Obama's last appearance on “The Daily Show” was on April 21, the eve of the Pennsylvania Primary. The Democratic nominee for President of the United States also appeared on August 22, 2007; and November 7, 2005. Obama will appear via satellite from Florida where he continues his campaign with less than one week until Election Day.
TIME MAGAZINE--CLOSING ARGUMENT
McCain and Palin tried to build fences, looking for safe ground; Obama bulldozed them, in the search for common ground.
It's idealistic except that, especially now, you get the feeling that the reason Obama's drawing crowds of 50,000, 75,000, 100,000 in even purple and red states is that people want to see what Different might look like.
"Despite what our opponents may claim, there are no real and fake parts of this country," he said. "We are one nation, all of us proud, all of us patriots. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies.
"The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America — they have served the United States of America."
It's idealistic except that, especially now, you get the feeling that the reason Obama's drawing crowds of 50,000, 75,000, 100,000 in even purple and red states is that people want to see what Different might look like.
"Despite what our opponents may claim, there are no real and fake parts of this country," he said. "We are one nation, all of us proud, all of us patriots. There are patriots who supported this war in Iraq and patriots who opposed it; patriots who believe in Democratic policies and those who believe in Republican policies.
"The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America — they have served the United States of America."
Monday, October 27, 2008
THINGS TO LOOK FOR BEFORE ELECTION & ELECTION NIGHT
by Nate Silver--FiveThirtyEight.com
What Would 'Tightening' Look Like?
There is a lot of discussion going on about whether the national race is tightening; our model concludes that it is not. But what would meaningful 'tightening' look like in terms of the Electoral College?
Let me be oddly specific here. In order to conclude the Electoral College has tightened to the point where the outcome on November 4 is at least moderately uncertain, I would want to see the following between now and the election. Call it the 2/2/2 condition:
John McCain polling within 2 points in 2 or more non-partisan polls (sorry, Strategic Vision) in at least 2 out of the 3 following states: Colorado, Virginia, Pennsylvania.
If this condition is met, then I think there could be some drama on Election Night (though by no means would McCain be the favorite). If not, then it's very hard to imagine McCain winning.
Charlie Cook (National Journal) and Chuck Todd (NBC Political Director)
Cook:
"It's never over 'til it's over, but it sure as hell looks over"
Todd:
"McCain folks say if they can get it to within 4% nationally, then they can get there. But 7%?... This goes ... to Obama looking at 325 electoral."
Cook:
"Once you get over 4-5 points, it's the tipping point. 6, it's landslide territory. We're at the tipping point, it's at the high end, headed over 300 electoral votes easily."
Todd:
"Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia are the ones to watch.
If we're calling those states for Obama before 8 pm, then it goes to Obama. .. in that first hour. ...
Indiana in the first hour for McCain, and Va. too close to call, the longer it takes to call Virginia, the better it is for McCain....
Obama has the big advantage on the early voting."
What Would 'Tightening' Look Like?
There is a lot of discussion going on about whether the national race is tightening; our model concludes that it is not. But what would meaningful 'tightening' look like in terms of the Electoral College?
Let me be oddly specific here. In order to conclude the Electoral College has tightened to the point where the outcome on November 4 is at least moderately uncertain, I would want to see the following between now and the election. Call it the 2/2/2 condition:
John McCain polling within 2 points in 2 or more non-partisan polls (sorry, Strategic Vision) in at least 2 out of the 3 following states: Colorado, Virginia, Pennsylvania.
If this condition is met, then I think there could be some drama on Election Night (though by no means would McCain be the favorite). If not, then it's very hard to imagine McCain winning.
Charlie Cook (National Journal) and Chuck Todd (NBC Political Director)
Cook:
"It's never over 'til it's over, but it sure as hell looks over"
Todd:
"McCain folks say if they can get it to within 4% nationally, then they can get there. But 7%?... This goes ... to Obama looking at 325 electoral."
Cook:
"Once you get over 4-5 points, it's the tipping point. 6, it's landslide territory. We're at the tipping point, it's at the high end, headed over 300 electoral votes easily."
Todd:
"Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia are the ones to watch.
If we're calling those states for Obama before 8 pm, then it goes to Obama. .. in that first hour. ...
Indiana in the first hour for McCain, and Va. too close to call, the longer it takes to call Virginia, the better it is for McCain....
Obama has the big advantage on the early voting."
Canvassing in Erie, PA
Folks: Just got back from a day of canvassing in a middle-class white
suburb of Erie -- Millcreek -- for Barack. Results were very good. My
canvassing partner and I talked face to face to about 40 people and
ID'd 19 Obama supporters, 3 undecided and 6 McCain. The "traditional"
white Democrats in this neighborhood were very enthusiastic about Obama
and Obama/Biden signs were sprouting like mushrooms.
HOWEVER, the Erie staff is genuinely concerned that McCain could take
Pennsylvania, and they need volunteers badly. I know thatObama HQ in
Chicago is currently asking people from upstate NY to go to PA rather
than OH. So, if you can't go as far as Ohio, but want to make a big
difference, how about Erie next weekend? Or, if possible, Monday Nov.
3 and/or election day?
This thing is NOT over. Do NOT flake out. If you can volunteer, DO IT!
suburb of Erie -- Millcreek -- for Barack. Results were very good. My
canvassing partner and I talked face to face to about 40 people and
ID'd 19 Obama supporters, 3 undecided and 6 McCain. The "traditional"
white Democrats in this neighborhood were very enthusiastic about Obama
and Obama/Biden signs were sprouting like mushrooms.
HOWEVER, the Erie staff is genuinely concerned that McCain could take
Pennsylvania, and they need volunteers badly. I know thatObama HQ in
Chicago is currently asking people from upstate NY to go to PA rather
than OH. So, if you can't go as far as Ohio, but want to make a big
difference, how about Erie next weekend? Or, if possible, Monday Nov.
3 and/or election day?
This thing is NOT over. Do NOT flake out. If you can volunteer, DO IT!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
MICHELLE OBAMA ON TONIGHT SHOW, MONDAY, 10/27
Michelle Obama to Hit the "Tonight" Show Monday, OCTOBER 27
The first lady hopeful swings by Jay Leno's studio in Burbank.
Airs at 11:30 pm ET/PT.
The first lady hopeful swings by Jay Leno's studio in Burbank.
Airs at 11:30 pm ET/PT.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
On the Road for Barack Obama by Sandy Frankel,Supervisor of the Town of Brighton
On the Road for Barack Obama
By Sandy Frankel
In what is possibly the most important election of our lifetime, I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines when our country so desperately needs to move in a different direction after eight years of decline under the Bush administration. Our country and our communities are suffering.
We now have a fiscal crisis of massive proportion with an enormous national deficit and debt burden, which future generations will shoulder. We have struggled under the great physical and economic strain of fighting two wars. We have lost respect around the globe.
Change is essential if we are to restore our economic strength and stimulate job growth, create a clean environment and healthy planet for our children and grandchildren, improve educational outcomes so that our students become productive citizens, ensure access to affordable quality health care, and end the war in Iraq.
I felt compelled to be part of the effort to bring about critically needed change, because I believe that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have the best judgment, temperament, and experience to lead our nation in the right direction. They carry the banner forward for hope for a brighter future with a vision, values, and pragmatic plan to recapture the American dream.
I eagerly participated in a video of women who support Obama, in fundraising for the Rochester Women for Obama, in organizing newspaper ads for Rochester's Jewish voters who endorse Obama, and in setting up a phone bank to call voters in swing states. But a road trip for Obama—this was an unexpected challenge and treat.
Ohio, a large swing state where many people remain undecided about the presidential election, was a spot where help was needed. The Obama campaign, which maintained the grassroots energy it has utilized for the last 20 months, has encouraged and empowered local volunteers to organize trips to battleground states. That's why Rochester for Obama targeted Ohio locales in close proximity to western New York for road trips. Volunteers traveled together to do door-to-door canvassing and to make phone calls to undecided voters in Ohio.
It was an easy decision to give up 50 percent of my weekend to travel across state lines in a carpool with friends who shared a passion for CHANGE for America -- the desire to turn the page and move our country forward, in a united, positive and specific way.
We drove 4 hours and 25 minutes on a beautiful, colorful fall day to Warren, Ohio. Our early start and late return meant a very long day with lots of walking and door-knocking in between. I traveled with three other people, two old hands at political campaigning, and one, a high school student who experienced for the first time the hard work that is the foundation of our country’s democratic process. It was uplifting to accompany a young adult on this important journey.
We had the opportunity to meet some wonderful volunteers from across the nation who had come to Ohio to help the campaign, and I even saw friends from the Rochester area who had taken the same route. One surprise was meeting former Rochesterians now living in Ohio who made our experience seem like a family reunion.
We canvassed neighborhoods, rang doorbells, and knocked on doors to talk with people about the election. Most were friendly and open, but a few turned us away. A neighborhood of modest homes on small lots made walking door to door easy, and we connected with many people. Another neighborhood had homes far apart on large lots, so we had to drive from house to house. In both situations, we listened to people’s concerns. In reality, we are all much more alike than we are different, and we share the same concerns about jobs, health care, financial stability, and our children's future.
Face-to-face conversation is the most effective means of campaigning and an opportunity to share information on ideas. I thought it was important to do this in a place where so many people remained undecided as a result of confusing and negative political advertising--especially smear ads of late that try to link a loyal and patriotic American, U.S. Senator Barack Obama, with terrorists. Mudslinging has always been a part of American presidential politics, but this terrible tactic has gone over the line and fortunately is starting to backfire.
During the campaign, Obama has remained calm in the face of these spurious claims, and we have kept our cool as representatives of the national campaign. No matter how frustrating it was to hear people wonder about this inspiring and transformational candidate's patriotism, we remained respectful and focused on the facts.
We have a great two-party tradition in this country, and competitive campaigns demonstrate that our democracy is alive and well. That same spirit of competition accompanied an Ohio State football game, which drew people away from home or glued them to their television sets. But this didn't stop us from connecting with many people in a very upfront and personal way, and that made our weekend worthwhile.
It was fun talking to people we had never met and might never meet again. It was fun traveling with old friends and new, and seeing the light of optimism and hope in the eyes and actions of our young traveling companion. It was exhilarating to share with so many our hopes and dreams for a strong and swift recovery for the nation we all love, and for new leadership and the long awaited change. If I had it to do over again --- I would definitely give up a Saturday to go on the road for Barack Obama.
[Sandra Frankel is the first women and first Democrat ever elected to the position of Supervisor of the Town of Brighton (pop. 35,000), Monroe County, New York. Since1992, she has served as the elected executive and has created positive change for her community. She won the New York State Democratic Primary Election to become the party’s nominee for Lt. Governor in 1998, co-chaired former NYS Comptroller Carl McCall’s 2002 campaign for Governor, and served as co-chair of U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first U.S. Senate campaign in Monroe County. As a friend of Hillary’s, she campaigned in New Hampshire and served as a surrogate in Indiana and New York during the 2008Presidential Primary Election. She also campaigned in Scranton, Ohio for Presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004.]
By Sandy Frankel
In what is possibly the most important election of our lifetime, I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines when our country so desperately needs to move in a different direction after eight years of decline under the Bush administration. Our country and our communities are suffering.
We now have a fiscal crisis of massive proportion with an enormous national deficit and debt burden, which future generations will shoulder. We have struggled under the great physical and economic strain of fighting two wars. We have lost respect around the globe.
Change is essential if we are to restore our economic strength and stimulate job growth, create a clean environment and healthy planet for our children and grandchildren, improve educational outcomes so that our students become productive citizens, ensure access to affordable quality health care, and end the war in Iraq.
I felt compelled to be part of the effort to bring about critically needed change, because I believe that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have the best judgment, temperament, and experience to lead our nation in the right direction. They carry the banner forward for hope for a brighter future with a vision, values, and pragmatic plan to recapture the American dream.
I eagerly participated in a video of women who support Obama, in fundraising for the Rochester Women for Obama, in organizing newspaper ads for Rochester's Jewish voters who endorse Obama, and in setting up a phone bank to call voters in swing states. But a road trip for Obama—this was an unexpected challenge and treat.
Ohio, a large swing state where many people remain undecided about the presidential election, was a spot where help was needed. The Obama campaign, which maintained the grassroots energy it has utilized for the last 20 months, has encouraged and empowered local volunteers to organize trips to battleground states. That's why Rochester for Obama targeted Ohio locales in close proximity to western New York for road trips. Volunteers traveled together to do door-to-door canvassing and to make phone calls to undecided voters in Ohio.
It was an easy decision to give up 50 percent of my weekend to travel across state lines in a carpool with friends who shared a passion for CHANGE for America -- the desire to turn the page and move our country forward, in a united, positive and specific way.
We drove 4 hours and 25 minutes on a beautiful, colorful fall day to Warren, Ohio. Our early start and late return meant a very long day with lots of walking and door-knocking in between. I traveled with three other people, two old hands at political campaigning, and one, a high school student who experienced for the first time the hard work that is the foundation of our country’s democratic process. It was uplifting to accompany a young adult on this important journey.
We had the opportunity to meet some wonderful volunteers from across the nation who had come to Ohio to help the campaign, and I even saw friends from the Rochester area who had taken the same route. One surprise was meeting former Rochesterians now living in Ohio who made our experience seem like a family reunion.
We canvassed neighborhoods, rang doorbells, and knocked on doors to talk with people about the election. Most were friendly and open, but a few turned us away. A neighborhood of modest homes on small lots made walking door to door easy, and we connected with many people. Another neighborhood had homes far apart on large lots, so we had to drive from house to house. In both situations, we listened to people’s concerns. In reality, we are all much more alike than we are different, and we share the same concerns about jobs, health care, financial stability, and our children's future.
Face-to-face conversation is the most effective means of campaigning and an opportunity to share information on ideas. I thought it was important to do this in a place where so many people remained undecided as a result of confusing and negative political advertising--especially smear ads of late that try to link a loyal and patriotic American, U.S. Senator Barack Obama, with terrorists. Mudslinging has always been a part of American presidential politics, but this terrible tactic has gone over the line and fortunately is starting to backfire.
During the campaign, Obama has remained calm in the face of these spurious claims, and we have kept our cool as representatives of the national campaign. No matter how frustrating it was to hear people wonder about this inspiring and transformational candidate's patriotism, we remained respectful and focused on the facts.
We have a great two-party tradition in this country, and competitive campaigns demonstrate that our democracy is alive and well. That same spirit of competition accompanied an Ohio State football game, which drew people away from home or glued them to their television sets. But this didn't stop us from connecting with many people in a very upfront and personal way, and that made our weekend worthwhile.
It was fun talking to people we had never met and might never meet again. It was fun traveling with old friends and new, and seeing the light of optimism and hope in the eyes and actions of our young traveling companion. It was exhilarating to share with so many our hopes and dreams for a strong and swift recovery for the nation we all love, and for new leadership and the long awaited change. If I had it to do over again --- I would definitely give up a Saturday to go on the road for Barack Obama.
[Sandra Frankel is the first women and first Democrat ever elected to the position of Supervisor of the Town of Brighton (pop. 35,000), Monroe County, New York. Since1992, she has served as the elected executive and has created positive change for her community. She won the New York State Democratic Primary Election to become the party’s nominee for Lt. Governor in 1998, co-chaired former NYS Comptroller Carl McCall’s 2002 campaign for Governor, and served as co-chair of U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s first U.S. Senate campaign in Monroe County. As a friend of Hillary’s, she campaigned in New Hampshire and served as a surrogate in Indiana and New York during the 2008Presidential Primary Election. She also campaigned in Scranton, Ohio for Presidential candidate John Kerry in 2004.]
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