Obama aims convention at blue-collar voters

[last_texas_dem]

Source: Associated Press

by David Espo, AP Special Correspondent

>>>>DENVER - On the eve of the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama said Sunday he hoped a week of political speechmaking would persuade reluctant middle-class voters to swing behind his bid for the White House, while Republicans sought to stir discontent among Hillary Rodham Clinton's supporters.

Clinton was having none of it. Obama's rival in a bruising battle for the nomination was expected to release her delegates at midweek in a unity gesture.

Obama, bidding to become the first black president, campaigned through swing-state Wisconsin, then flew home to Chicago to work on the acceptance speech he will deliver before 75,000 partisans on the convention's closing night.

Previewing the week ahead, he said he hoped convention viewers would conclude, "He's sort of like us. He comes from a middle-class background, went to school on scholarships. He and his wife had to figure out child care and how to start a college fund for their kids.'">>>>>

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080824/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_con...

[Xipe Totec]

1. AFT

[Purveyor]

2. The bastard neocon's are going to make this a fight over 'national security' even if it kills

countless number of innocents.

I suggest that the Georgia/Russia conflict was initiated to help McCain. Oooo...big, bad Russian's on the prowl. Clear out the bunker and educate the children in 'duck and cover'.

Now look at the resignation of the neocon puppet in Pakistan, Musharraf and read the latest BN article I just posted on "Taliban winning in Pakistan".

No, I do not believe in coincidences nor do I not believe that this sudden 'world crisis' is not being orchestrated by the war criminal 'neocon class' in DC.

[happygoluckytoyou]

3. look for the GOP-lite to attend and stir HILLARY issues.... she can stop it if she ACTUALLY wants to

[MaraJade]

4. That's right. . .blame Hillary. . .

After all, she is the one responsible for bashing and insulting her own supporters and
telling them to get out of the Democratic Party.

Sheesh!! Give me a physical break!!

Until Obama and his followers ACKNOWLEDGE the issues and concerns that motivated the Hillary
people, and unless Obama's followers start respecting the rights and opinions of others,
there will be no peace within the Democratic Party. Hillary cannot do anything about this.
It is Mr. Obama that MUST REIGN IN his people, and he must REIGN THEM IN NOW.

[UncleTomsEvilBrother]

5. I'm glad you said that.....

....now PLEASE give us some exact things that Democrats can do in order to "respect the rights and opinions" of the Hillary supporters.

Tell me what the Democrats need to do in order for us to come together.

[qwlauren35]

7. I can think of a few.

1.) Acknowledge that it was a tight race.
2.) Acknowledge that she has a HUGE following and LOTS of delegates.
3.) Acknowledge that she grew up working class and there are people who can relate to that.
4.) Acknowledge that she's been in the Senate longer than Obama and hence has "more experience".
5.) Acknowledge that, while not in political office, she spent 8 years as an insider to presidential politics.
6.) Acknowledge that she would bring a woman's viewpoint to the presidency, and that this alone would make her a candidate worth considering - because women make up half of the country. We're not a "minority".

That's the Step I, "acknowledgement of Hillary" part. Next:

8.) Listen QUIETLY to their objections to Obama.
9.) Listen QUIETLY to their beliefs that McCain would be a better candidate.

That's Step II, "acknowledgement of their right to an opinion". Next:

10.) Find out what issues they care about.
11.) Find out what positions Hillary took that were most important to them.14.) 12.) Find out how much race and gender were factors in their voting decisions.

That's Step III, "understanding their political views". NOW, depending on the answer to #12, it's time to have dialogue.

If the answers to #12 indicate that they aren't ready for a black president, then realize that further discussion may be pointless, but try anyway.

13.) Discuss similarities between Obama's and Clinton's positions - based on THEIR "issues of interest".
14.) Discuss differences between Clinton's and McCain's positions - based on THEIR "issues of interest".
15.) Discuss their views on "8 years of Bush in office" or the economy IF and only if it might make a difference.
16.) Clear up any misconceptions they might have about Obama as a person and explain why YOU are supporting him.

Now, simply close by asking for their support in November.


This election is about one-on-one dialogue, not the talking points that the media comes up with. Once a voter is firmly in the Obama camp based on sound dialogue, the media CANNOT swing them back.

So... do you want to win badly enough to have these discussions with Hillary supporters????

Frankly, I think that's the question you should ask yourself.

[UncleTomsEvilBrother]

9. Your post....

....is beautifully written, and it's, honestly, the most concrete response I've read from an Hillary supporter; however, #s 1-3 were acknowledged on the night Obama assumed the presumptive nominee status. #s 4-6 seem more like a venting session to me. For instance, #4 is common knowledge and can be proven by simply looking @ election dates. #5 is something that was already acknowledged, and #6 is something Obama is helpless @ doing. (Why don't you think he's openly saying he's bringing a Black point of view to the office. Isn't that saying the same thing about women?)

#s8-9 could possibly be the bread and butter of your argument. I'm not sure if the Democratic party has tried to do that, but if it hasn't, you suggestion should definitely be considered.

#s13-16 are relevant; however, you have to look @ the role of Hillary's supporters when it comes to this too. Hillary and Obama have done #13-16. I don't think it matters @ this point, though.

That's something that you should ask yourself too.

I do like the idea of communication, and the vote in November is a big deal.

[qwlauren35]

6. Question... is it so bad OUTSIDE of DU?

I've gone a few places in Maryland in the past few months on the campaign trail and I've never heard an Obama supporter openly bash a Hillary supporter. Granted, most of us supported Obama, but not all.

Does Obama need to come into DU and tell US to get a clue?

[fla nocount]

8. The FISA vote is not fading away...it never will. n/t