Here's why Obama will do well in the GE if he is the nominee:

[in_cog_ni_to]

Barack has 100% rating from Planned Parenthood.

Barack Obama on Abortion
Click here for 12 full quotes on Abortion OR background on Abortion.

* Voted against banning partial birth abortion. (Oct 2007)
* Stem cells hold promise to cure 70 major diseases. (Aug 2007)
* Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion. (Apr 2007)
* Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters. (Oct 2006)
* Constitution is a living document; no strict constructionism. (Oct 2006)
* Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill. (Jun 2004)
* Protect a woman's right to choose. (May 2004)
* Supports Roe v. Wade. (Jul 1998)
* Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
* Voted NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
* Voted YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
* Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)

http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/Barack_Obama.htm

Obama’s state senate votes on some key issues:

BUDGET & TAXES
# Voted to raise the minimum wage in Illinois from $5.15 an hour to $6.50 an hour over two years. (2003)
# Helped pass a 5 percent earned-income tax credit for low-income working families in 2000; made the credit permanent in 2003.
# Voted to end $300 million worth of tax breaks for businesses. (2004)
# Voted against making permanent the repeal of the state’s 5 percent sales tax on gasoline. (2000)

HEALTH CARE
# Voted for having Illinois endorse embryonic stem cell research. (2004)
# Successfully sponsored the Health Care Justice Act, a study of ways to implement a universal health care system statewide. (2004)
# Voted against restrictions on public funding of abortion. (2000)
# Successfully co-sponsored a prescription drug discount buying club program for seniors and the disabled. (2003)

CRIME & GUN CONTROL
# Voted against letting people argue self-defense in court if charged with violating local weapons bans by using a gun in their home. (2004)
# Voted to let retired police and military police carry concealed weapons. (2004)
# Successfully sponsored requirement that law enforcement videotape interrogations of suspects in some serious crimes. (2003)
# Successfully sponsored law enforcement study of the race of people pulled over for traffic tickets. (2003)
# Helped pass an overhaul of the state’s troubled death penalty system. (2003)
# Unsuccessfully sponsored measure to expunge some criminal records and create an employment grant program for ex-criminals. (2002)
# Unsuccessfully sponsored limit of one handgun purchase per month. (2000)
# Voted against making gang members eligible for the death penalty if they kill someone to help their gang. (2001)

MISCELLANEOUS
# Unsuccessfully co-sponsored ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. The measure became law after Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate. (2003)
# Successfully sponsored move to shield Illinois workers from federal rules that threatened overtime pay for some employees.
# Successfully co-sponsored major ethics reform called the Gift Ban Act. (1998)
# Voted against giving tax credits to parents who send their children to private school. (1999)

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/obamas-voting-record-in-the-illinois-state-senate/




Barack Obama’s Health Care Record: The Making Of The Health Care President

For Barack Obama, improving America’s health is not just campaign rhetoric or wishful thinking. Obama has shown the commitment and experience at the local, state, and national levels to make it a reality. Here is Barack Obama’s health care record.

Community Organizer in Chicago

* Worked to get asbestos testing for low-income housing on the South Side of Chicago
* “Or there was the time I found myself sitting in the St. Helena’s basement with Mrs. Stevens waiting for a meeting to start…I asked her why she was so concerned about improving health care in the area…”

Illinois State Senate (1997-2004)

1997:

* Introduces amendment in Illinois State Senate to extend Medicaid benefits coverage by a year to people who no longer become eligible for AFDC due to employment earnings

1999:

* Introduces amendment to the Illinois Constitution for the State to provide universal health care coverage for all persons before May 2002.

* Introduces bill to provide for training, maintenance, and oversight of automatic external defibrilators. Signed into law by the governor

* Introduces amendment requiring the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop an informational initiative about asthma and to work with asthma organizations. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to include advance practices nurses and home health care aides as individuals who must report possible child abuse or neglect

* Introduces bill about surrogate decision-makers role in making mental health decisions

* Introduces bill to create 30 to 50 local mental health services planning councils throughout Illinois

* Introduces bill to increase the minimum wage for personal care attendants for disabled persons

* Introduces bill to establish a prostate cancer screening program at the Illinois Department of Health. Signed into law by the governor

* Introduces definition of ‘adults with disabilities’ in conjunction with the Adults with Disabilities Abuse Project. Certified by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to require hospitals to comply with standards relating to domestic violence to maintain their hospital license. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces bill to enforce standards for safe and hygienic bedding in Illinois. Signed into law by the governor.

2000:

* Introduces bill to expand the number of children covered by the Children’s Health Insurance Program Act; Increase income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level

* Introduces bill to create a Prescription Drug Price Fairness Review Board. Board would establish a schedule of maximum manufacturer prices for prescription drugs and educate physicians and patients about the schedule

* Introduces bill requiring Department of Public Aid to establish a health coverage outreach program in Chicago to find people who are eligible for public and private health insurance and inform them about their eligibility
* Introduces bill to create an Arthritis Quality of Life Initiative in the Illinois Department of Public Health. The bill would inform the public about prevention, treatment, and care of arthritis and it’s related conditions. Signed into law by the governor.
* Introduces amendment to the Act on Aging to increase the minimum wage for personal care attendants

* Introduces definition of eligibility for medical assistance for individuals in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program

* Introduces bill to prohibit pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries more than their Medicaid coverage for prescription drugs and requires the Department of Public Aid to make sure pharmacies comply

* Introduces bill to extend Medicaid coverage by a year to people whose earnings make them eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

* Introduces bill again to define eligibility for medical assistance for individuals in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program

* Introduces amendment to authorize Medicaid coverage of breast cancer screening and treatment

* Introduces Community Health Center Expansion Act to provide grants to set up community health centers in areas to provide primary care services to medically underserved populations and to the uninsured in Illinois. Signed into law by the governor.

2001:

* Introduces amendment providing immunity from civil liability to public health type dental clinics that provide dental care free of charge; Department of Public Aid may provide full or partial reimbursement to the clinic for it’s free services

* Introduces amendment to extend public assistance for individuals who are adult primary caregivers to disabled family members when the caregiving make sustained employment difficult

* Introduces amendment to the Children’s Health Insurance Program to require the Department of Public Aid to get waivers for family coverage under the act

* Reintroduces amendment prohibiting pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries a price that is more than their Medicare plan covers, requires Department of Public Aid to make sure pharmacies comply

* Introduces amendment to the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act that provides health care coverage for people who perform more than 20 hours of preventative services per week

* Introduces bill to provide health care coverage for personal care assistants of persons with disabilities

* Introduced bill to provide money to the Department of Aging to increase minimum wage for homemaker and chore housekeeper services in the Community Care Program

* Introduced amendment to provide funds to circulate information on the signs, symptoms, screening, detection, and treatment of postpartum depression. Signed into law by the Governor.

* Reintroduced amendment defining coverage for individuals on TANF

2002:

* Introduces bill to appropriate funds to address costs associated with the West Nile virus in Illinois

2003:

* Introduces the Health Care Justice Act to assure that all residents have quality health care at a price that is affordable. Sets up a Task Force to set up recommendations and encourages General Assembly to implement Task force’s recommendations. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces the Hospital Report Card Act. Develops quarterly report on hospital conditions, services, oversight, staffing, etc. to be submitted to the Department of Public Health. Makes information available to the public while respecting privacy and anonymity of patients and health care providers. Signed into law by the governor.

* Reintroduces bill to prohibit pharmacies from charging Medicare beneficiaries more for prescription drugs than their Medicaid covers; Requires Department of Public Aid to monitor pharmacy compliance

* Reintroduces bill to amend Children’s Health Insurance Program Act to expand health coverage to children who’s annual household incomes are up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Signed into law by the governor.

Spotlight: The Daily Herald, July 2, 2003
Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill Tuesday expanding two low- cost health insurance programs aimed at thousands of working poor families who make too much for Medicaid but too little to realistically afford private coverage.

The expansion of the KidCare and FamilyCare programs makes 20,000 more children and 65,000 more adults immediately eligible, the governor said.

And within three years, as the eligibility range continues to expand to higher income levels, another 300,000 adults will be eligible to sign up, he said.
…

The bill was sponsored in the state House by Sandra Pihos, a Glen Ellyn Republican, and in the state Senate by Barack Obama, a Chicago Democrat.

* Introduces Amendment to the Hospice Program Licensing Act better identify and specify persons who provide hospice care. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces the Perinatal HIV Prevention Act. Health professionals who provide care to pregnant women must provide HIV counseling and offer HIV testing. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces the Truth in Hospital Billing and Finances Act. Bill requires hospitals to file public disclosure reports with the Department of Public Health and to file certain statements and reports.

* Introduces amendment allowing that under the Medicaid program, the Department of Public Aid may provide home or community-based service rather than institutional placement to children who are severely mentally ill or have developmental disabilities. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to the Illinois Public Aid Code to include generic drugs on the list of drugs for which no copayment has to be charged. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to the Illinois Act on Aging to ensure that individuals who are eligible for home-delivered meals receive them; Also requires Department on Aging to provide estimates of unserved and underserved populations. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment requiring information about emergency energy plans to also include information about blood banks. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to the Hospital Licensing Act. Addresses confidentiality of medical records and information. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment requiring health insurance coverage to cover tests and exams for colorectal cancer. The coverage must not provide burdensome deductibles, waiting periods, or other extraneous limitations. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduced the Ephedra Prohibition Act. Banned sale of any dietary supplement containing Ephedra. Signed into law by the governor.

* Introduces amendment to allow schools, religious organizations, community providers, etc. to assist in enrolling eligible people in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program

* Introduces bill to extend health care coverage to self-employed persons and small businesses

* Introduced the Family Caregiver Act to provide training, support, and counseling to family members who wanted to care for elderly family members

* Introduced bill to create an advisory committee to develop a Disabilities Services Implementation Plan.

* Introduces amendment on organ donation specifying organ procurement agencies and tissue banks, clarifying consent for organ donation. Signed into law by the governor.
* Introduces amendment specifying conditions for individuals agreeing to admission to a mental health facility or an alternative treatment
* Successfully co-sponsors drug buy-out club for seniors and the disabled

United States Senate (2005-Present)

Health Care for Our Troops

* March 26, 2005: Obama introduces a bill to add $2.85 billion to VA health care, but the bill was defeated
* April 14, 2005: Obama gives Senate floor speech about wounded veterans who were paying for their own meals and phone service while recovering
* May 12, 2005: Senate passes Obama amendment ensuring that wounded veterans recovering in military hospitals would not have to pay for their own meals.
* June 23, 2005: Obama releases statement of concern about the $1 billion shortfall in the budget for veterans’ care
* June 28, 2005: Obama pushes for emergency funding for veteran health care in light of the fact that Congress found billions to give people tax cuts.
* June 30, 2005: Obama praises Senate decision to provide $1.5 billion for VA health care
* August 10, 2005: Obama criticizes VA decision not to review cases of veterans who were denied claims for post-traumatic stress disorder
* September 23, 2005: Senate passes Obama, Durbin legislation requiring VA to inform veterans in states who had received below-average disability compensation
* September 23, 2005: Obama, Durbin amendment ensures that veterans whose PTSD cases were reviewed would not get their benefits reduced or revoked.
* October 3, 2006: Military Update highlights Obama’s efforts on reviews of PTSD cases
* November 10, 2005: Obama releases statement about the VA suspending their review of PTSD cases.
* November 16, 2005: Obama passes amendments to protect troops from Avian flu and to improve their health care
* November 18, 2005: Obama, Durbin legislation requiring individuals to be informed about lower than average disability compensation in their states moves toward being signed into law
* January 25, 2006: Obama decries the fact that thousands of veterans were denied VA care in 2005
* February 16, 2006: Obama criticizes “accounting gimmicks” in Bush’s proposed VA budget, the increase in veterans’ health care and co-payment fees, the ban on middle-income veterans, the cut in claims benefits processing staff, no increased funding for nursing home construction, and cuts for medical and prosthetics research.
* May 8, 2006: VA acts on Obama, Durbin legislation to inform veterans who have received below average disability benefits
* May 17, 2006: Obama helps a veteran get $12,500 in back benefit pay.
* February 20, 2007: Obama, McCaskill plan to introduce legislation that would improve care at active duty military hospitals
* March 1, 2007: Obama, McCaskill officially introduce the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act
* March 1, 2007: The Army Times highlights the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act introduced by Obama and McCaskill
* March 13, 2007: Obama, Durbin ask VA for info about most recent disparities in disability benefits and about whether they are prepared for the increasing number of new veterans
* March 27, 2007: Other Senators join Obama and McCaskill’s Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act
* March 29, 2007: Senate Republicans reject provisions in the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act introduced by Obama and McCaskill that would have provided funding for caseworkers, mental health care counselors, a women’s mental health treatment program, and a study of mental health care for returning soldiers
* March 30, 2007: Obama calls on Bush to support care for returning soldiers by supporting the Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act
* April 10, 2007: Obama and other senators introduce a bill to provide housing for homeless veterans
* April 19, 2007: Obama and other senators ask GAO to study military’s mental health care
* April 19, 2007: The Army Times examines soldiers being discharged for PTSD and the efforts of Obama and other senators to address it
* May 2, 2007: Obama, McCaskill introduce the Homecoming Enhancement Research Oversight (HERO) Act that would evaluate the physical, mental health, and readjustment needs of service members returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* May 10, 2007: Obama, other senators introduce bill to update treatment of traumatic brain injury for military servicemembers
* May 22, 2007: Obama, other senators express concern about mental health care services for soldiers at Fort Carson
* May 23, 2007: Obama, Domenici introduce bill to expand mental health care access for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan
* May 28, 2007: The Washington Post writes an editorial highlighting the need for Obama’s legislation to improve veterans’ mental health care
* June 14, 2007: A comprehensive Senate bill to improve health care for service members incorporates proposals from Obama and McCaskill’s Dignity for Wounded Heroes Act.
* June 21, 2007: Obama and other senators demand review of personality disorder discharges for soldiers
* June 21, 2007: Obama and other senators introduce bill to improve VA services for blind veterans
* June 27, 2007: Several Obama proposals are incorporated into a Senate bill to improve veteran’s health care and benefits including a VA Hospital Quality Report card and extended mental health coverage for veterans and increased outreach to the National Guard and the Reserve
* July 12, 2007: Obama and other senators plan to introduce legislation to temporarily cease military personality disorder discharges
* July 19, 2007: Obama introduces legislation to impose a moratorium on military personality disorder discharges until the procedure is reviewed
* July 25, 2007: Obama, McCaskill applaud passage of Wounded Warrior legislation
* July 26, 2006: Obama and other senators introduce legislation to provide an employment safety net for families of wounded service members
* August 2, 2007: Senate passes Obama/McCaskill’s Military Family Job Protection Act which provides up to a year of job protection for family members caring for a service member recovering from combat-related injuries
* September 18, 2007: Obama, McCaskill release statement on Military Family Job Protection Act urging the Senate to approve it
* September 26, 2007: Obama releases statement on GAO report that wounded soldiers are receiving substandard treatment from the Pentagon and VA
* October 1, 2007: The Post-Dispatch discusses military soldier discharges for “pre-existing conditions” and the Obama/Bond legislation that addresses it
* October 1, 2007: Obama, Bond praise new safeguards on military personality disorder discharges
* October 21, 2007: The Post-Dispatch interviews soldiers handling the effects of personality disorder discharges and highlights the Obama/Bond legislation that calls for a moratorium
* October 23, 2007: Obama, Durbin demand full report on military post traumatic stress disorder cases
* November 5, 2007: Obama and other senators call on Pentagon to ensure quality care for returning service members with eye injuries
* November 17, 2007: Obama and Durbin introduce legislation to improve hiring and quality of care at VA medical centers
* November 19, 2007: A wounded Iraq veteran visits Barack Obama’s Senate office for help.
* December 12, 2007: Obama, Durbin hail House introduction of Veterans Health Quality Improvement Act

A Commitment to America’s Health

* March 2005: Obama introduces legislation that would ask Bush Admin to create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the Avian flu
* May 2005: Obama and other senators get $25 million in the Foreign Assistance Act authorization bill which was used in Southeast Asia to contain the Avian flu
* June 29, 2005: U.S. Senate approves a measure by Obama to protect America’s children from lead poisoning.
* July 20, 2005: Obama passes amendment, the Safe Drinking Water Act, to protect America’s drinking water supplies from a terrorist attack.
* July 21, 2005: Obama praises Senate passing a bill that would implement technology that will reduce health care costs and improve quality of care
* July 25, 2005: Obama sends letter to EPA regarding protecting Americans from lead paint exposure
* August 9, 2005: Obama sends letter to Health and Human Services Secretary asking Bush Administration to create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the Avian flu
* September 8, 2005: Obama joined senators in introducing legislation that combats methamphetamine use
* September 9, 2005: Obama praises passage of legislation to reduce methamphetamine supply
* September 15, 2005: Obama praises Senate passage of his bill that combats meth use
* September 28, 2005: Obama introduces legislation with Senator Hillary Clinton that would increase patient safety, reduce medical errors and malpractice costs
* September 29, 2005: Obama praises Senate taking step toward passing an amendment that would create a stockpile of antiviral drugs to combat the avian flu
* October 7, 2005: Obama praises final Senate passage of Avian flu legislation
* October 18, 2005: Obama makes a public statement on the Avian flu
* November 1, 2005: Obama holds a press conference on Avian flu legislation
* November 18, 2005: Obama praises Senate passage of the Wired for Health Quality Act which implements technology that would improve health care quality
* November 18, 2005: Obama introduces legislation that would provide a tax-credit for removing lead-based paints from homes and rental unit
* December 1, 2005: Obama asks Congress pass legislation banning dangerous lead toys before the holidays
* December 8, 2005: Obama sends letter to Health and Human Services secretary asking them to correct Medicare Part D misinformation, improve preparedness, and take steps to prevent fraud
* March 15, 2006: Obama fights to save meth task force funding
* July 17, 2006: Obama releases statement in support of stem cell research
* Fall 2006: Obama makes major speech on faith and the global AIDS crisis
* March 29, 2007: Obama calls for investigation into the high number of rejected claims for long-term care
* April 4, 2007: Obama announces legislation that bans children’s products containing lead
* April 11, 2007: Obama renews support for embryonic stem cell research
* April 18, 2007: Obama decries Senate failure to pass bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices
* April 18, 2007: Obama and Inslee introduce legislation that would help automakers with their health care costs if they invest in building more fuel-efficient vehicles
* May 10, 2007: Obama and others help sick workers at an IL nuclear plant get medical benefits and compensation
* May 16, 2007: Obama and other senators work to make sure states retain flexibility to cover adults under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program
* June 5, 2007: EPA endorses Obama proposal to remove lead paint from schools and childcare facilities
* June 7, 2007: Obama introduces bill to eliminate health disparities
* June 22, 2007: Obama receives funding for his state of IL to expand health care access in medically underserved areas, expand research on autism, and to modernize the medical records system
* July 11, 2007: Obama releases statement about Bush’s threat to oppose expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program
* July 12, 2007: Obama receives funding for IL to expand first responder training to Iraq/Afghanistan veterans and to train more health professionals
* July 16, 2007: Obama introduces bill to reduce teen pregnancies in minority communities
* July 18, 2007: Obama introduces bill to limit use of mercury, which is a public health threat
* July 18, 2007: Obama re-introduces legislation with Rep. Louise Slaughter to protect children from lead poisoning
* July 19, 2007: Obama introduces bill to establish the Hospital Quality Report Card
* July 25, 2007: Obama introduces bill to strengthen emergency medical care systems throughout the country
* August 3, 2007: Obama urges Senate to pass his Lead Free Toys Act of 2007
* August 9, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the Toy Industry Association raising concerns about the growing number of lead contaminated toys
* August 14, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the U.S. Trade Representative about the recalls of lead contaminated toys from China
* August 15, 2007: Obama calls on President Bush to do everything possible to protect America’s children from lead contaminated toys
* August 24, 2007: Obama sends public letter to the CEO of Martin Designs whose children’s journals and address books had been recalled for lead contamination
* August 27, 2007: Obama calls on Bush to support the Children’s Health Insurance Program
* September 5, 2007: Obama calls on Department of Homeland Security to address the recent children’s toy recalls
* September 12, 2007: Obama praises Senate passage of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act
* September 19, 2007: Obama releases statement urging Congress to protect America’s children from lead contaminated toys
* September 20, 2007: Obama secures funding for research into rapid wound healing technology and nanotechnology that would aid in targeting and imaging cancer
* September 24, 2007: Obama releases statement on staff cuts and lower quality care at nursing homes
* September 25, 2007: Obama releases statement on Bush veto of children’s health care
* October 3, 2007: Obama re-introduces bill in the Senate to ban lead from toys for young children
* October 10, 2007: Obama calls for investigation into violations by Medicare insurers
* October 25, 2007: Obama asks Labor Secretary to help sick nuclear workers
* November 13, 2007: Obama, McCaskill fight to provide affordable contracptiion for low-income women and college students
* November 13, 2007: Obama decries Bush veto of bill that would have provided funding for cancer research, rural health, and nurse training

Presidential Campaign Highlights: Expanding Health Care Access and Quality

* May 2007: Obama releases his detailed plan to provide health care to Americans (months before Senator Clinton released hers)
o Read the plan overview
o Read the plan details
o Read the frequently asked questions about his plan
o Read Harvard health policy economist and former Bill Clinton health care advisor, David Cutler’s, endorsement of Obama’s health plan
o Read economist, Paul Krugman’s, criticism of Obama’s plan.
o Read the New Hampshire Union Leader’s endorsement of Obama’s plan
o Watch the speech Obama made revealing his health care plan or read it
* July 2007: Video - Obama addresses health care at the CNN/Youtube debate
* August 2007: Video - Obama walks a day in the shoes of a home health care worker
* September 17, 2007: Obama shares on what will be needed to pass universal health care for America
* September 21, 2007: Video - Obama releases ad about his mother’s struggle with paying bills related to her cancer and how it motivates his work on health care
* Obama outlines his commitment to address cancer issues for the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Environmental Research Act. He has supported the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Reauthorization bill and he has actively worked on supporting the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Breast Cancer Research Program
* September 27, 2007: Obama sheds light on lessons learned from Clinton Administration attempts to pass health care
* October 16, 2007: Obama releases a detailed plan to combat global HIV/AIDS
* November 1, 2007: Obama releases a detailed plan to combat domestic violence
* December 11, 2007: Obama introduces a detailed plan to address autism and disabilities

http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/2007/11/27/barack-obamas-health-care-record-the-making-of-the-health-care-president/



AND....800 Bills Barack Sponsored in Illinois.



http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html


edited to include the On The Issues link I forgot :spank:

[Bicoastal]

1. Yeah, but what does Obama STAND for?!

I'm standing here--with my eyes shut and my hands clapped over my ears--waiting for an answer....

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. Damned if I know!

:banghead:

[avaistheone1]

5. Who cares?

Do you mean to say you are not suffering from Obama fever?

[in_cog_ni_to]

6. I support John Edwards. THAT is who I really want to win. I want the Corporation's

stranglehold on this country to stop. Barack is too "come together/play nice" with repukes, for my taste, but I like the guy. He'd be a good DEMOCRATIC President. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat....in the GE.

[Warren DeMontague]

14. I'm with you. Given all the shit-throwing around here, one might not realize that

we have a good field. I'd prefer Edwards, but I think Obama has a lot of positives, too.

[Bicoastal]

7. Listen...I got a fever...

...and the only prescription...

...is more OBAMA!

[Cha]

17. More Obama!

Funny..I just got an email from Michelle..

My husband is a special leader. He has an amazing ability to bring people to the table and create real change.

But he is the first to admit that this is bigger than him.

Americans are ready for change and ready to work together to make it happen.

It's humbling and inspiring, but more than anything, it's an awakening for each one of us.

It's a wonderful thing to see what's happening here in New Hampshire.

But we are taking nothing for granted, working hard to get every last vote out today in the Granite State, and we have to keep the momentum going in Nevada, South Carolina, and the 22 states on Feb 5.

We can't let up for a minute.

To keep our momentum going and to build our movement all across this country, we need your help.

Make a donation of $25 and help us compete in every state in the nation:

https://donate.barackobama.com/momentum

Iowa was a good beginning. But the pace has intensified, the campaign has become more fluid, and our challenges have become even more complex.

It's going to take a commitment from each one of us to make this happen. If we each accept that responsibility, this can be the start of something incredible.

Thank you for all you have done for the campaign -- we will be thinking of you tonight in New Hampshire.

Michelle

P.S. -- Check out these photos from events around New Hampshire:

I among others have always said..We need a leader not follower.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

3. LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!

[in_cog_ni_to]

4. I know. I know.

:rofl:

[helderheid]

8. !!

:spray:

[Warren DeMontague]

13. *

:rofl: :thumbsup:

[jaysunb]

9. But , but, but, he has no experience....

:evilfrown:

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. OBVIOUSLY.....no experience whatsoever!

;)

[goodgd_yall]

11. To most voters

A history of votes on issues isn't going to be the deciding factor. It will be presentation and personality as well as MSM spin that will be the deciding factors.

[derby378]

12. Gun rights are a big issue for me

If Obama wants to take on violent crime, more power to him. I'll support him 100%. But if I wish to purchase two Glock 30 pistols and have to wait a month to purchase the second pistol simply because I am a law-abiding citizen with no history of drug abuse or domestic violence, that is just plain wrong.

This isn't a debate about need or want or justification. This is a debate about what rights we have as Americans.

[Warren DeMontague]

16. Personally, I think as long as cancer grannies are hauled off to prison for smoking a joint

debates about 'rights' as pertaining to waiting to buy a second gun are moot.

I do think there is a solid socially libertarian streak in the American electorate, and in the context of a broad personal freedom agenda that includes strict separation of church and state, reproductive freedom including OTC oral contraceptive availability, legalizing & taxing marijuana & ending the drug war, ending the 'wars' on science, pain management, end-of-life choice, etc. then yes, responsible firearm ownership should be a part of that.

Gun control is a loser issue for us. But we win by embracing the rights of people to make ALL their own choices, not just a select few.

[in_cog_ni_to]

18. Obama taught Constitutional Law. He knows what the Constitution says and stands for. You mean to

tell me 30 DAYS...NOT years, but DAYS is an issue with you? WTF difference does it make if you buy a hand gun today or 30 days from now? That's just silly.....that shouldn't stop anyone from voting for this man. He's not taking anything away from you. He's just making you wait for it...delayed gratification. Big deal. If you are needing another hand gun...for G-d only knows what reason, then pre-plan for it maybe. He's not taking ANY rights away from you.

[derby378]

22. Actually, he said he would take some rights away...

Banning the ability to purchase a semi-automatic rifle is what I consider taking a right away from me.

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. He supports the assault weapon ban. Who, on any American street, NEEDS an assault weapon?

Go ahead and be a one issue voter. I don't like his stance on MANY things. He's waaaaaaay too moderate for my tastes, but I'd vote for him in a heartbeat!

[derby378]

29. What's an "assault weapon?"

:shrug:

[LSK]

28. there are other HOBBIES

Yes , HOBBY.

[derby378]

30. One of those other hobbies happens to be politics...

"It's freedom, baby, yeah!" :hi:

[Cha]

15. Thanks for the multitude

of info, incognito!

[in_cog_ni_to]

21. You're welcome, zidzi!

:hi:

[napi21]

19. Don't you realize that most people don't vote on issues or

policy positions of the candidates?

They vote on the person they like the best!

Sure there are SOME voters who pay close attention and select the candidate who's ideas most closely match theirs, just as there are some who are single issue voters, but I bet MOST end up voting for the one they like and they can't even tell you why!

[Blue-Jay]

20. kick.

[OzarkDem]

23. Obama's "progressive" agenda will evaporate

if big business and corporate news media succeed in helping him win the primary and allow him to win the general (and I'm very clear about it - they have total control of whether he wins the GE, if nominated).

Obama will be 100% beholden to their interests, not much differently than Bush is today. They may allow him to do a few things related to family values, etc., but nothing substantive. He will be there strictly to serve their interests and no one else.

[Justice Is Comin]

24. I give you credit for taking the time to prepare

that long post, unless you copied and pasted it :rofl:

But trust is something you get a feel for based on fair track record your suspicions being right in the past. And I don't trust this guy AT ALL.

Wait 'til he gets a taste of that power. His head won't fit in the Goodyear blimp.

[in_cog_ni_to]

26. I included the links to the pieces. "Wait 'til he gets a taste of that power. His head won't fit in

the Goodyear blimp." We could all say the same thing about all the top candidates!

[11 Bravo]

27. I'm an Edwards supporter who will vote for ANY Dem nominee ...

but damned if Obama doesn't occasionally give me that old Bobby Kennedy tingle. Thanks for the info on his record.

[DainBramaged]

31. Isn't it a bit early to be crowning him king?

Jesus, this is only the second fucking "primary", and it's too close to call. The man I feel sorry for is Edwards. People just don't listen to him, and he seems to be the agent for real change in Washington.


I think a "relax a lot" pill is in order for all.