Whew! What a night! What crazy emotions and the elation and joy and excitement and hope! Yeah!
Yesterday was an amazing day in history and we all got to live through it and see the other side! Things will always be different after this. This was one of those defining moments in history that you see in the movies and read in all the great books.
I am so filled with hope for what this country can do. I know that it will not be an easy journey, nor one without right wing criticism. But one thing I am doing now, that I can say I haven't done for a few years now, is look up at my future and the future of my niece and nephews and feel relief that the economy and health care and their future will be better. I am so excited! And I'm motivated to get more involved in the world around me - not for my church or my employer but because it's the right thing to do. Make the world better. Obama has inspired me and most of the people I know to reach into our communities and make the world better.
How the videos played out through the day: Pre-election coverage:
This is MSNBC's summary of the election:
Historical Race:
McCain concedes not long after the polls closed on the west coast. I thought his speech was eloquent and thoughtful.
I'm sure we all watched Obama come out and give his acceptance speech.
So how did Utah do? Utah's numbers: Grand County (Moab area), Obama won: Obama: 1,981 McCain: 1,787 Difference: 194
Summit County (Park City, Coalville, Kamas and Heber), Obama won: Obama: 9,194 McCain: 6,691 Difference: 2,503
Salt Lake County, Obama lost, but by a pretty close margin: Obama: 161,696 McCain: 163,579 Difference: 1,883
Think your vote doesn't count? It most certainly does! Click Here to see how counties around the country voted.
How happy am I? Well, here's today's daily shot: Happy day to all!
Here we are in the last stretch of the election and I am holding my breath. So much has happened this week that should cause any undecided voter (and any current McCain supporter) to pause and think about who McCain and Palin are.
Before we get to the video clips that matter, lets look at the 'BIG' story for the week: Ashley Todd. When I first heard the story, I thought it was odd that someone would put a "B" for Barack instead of an "O" for Obama. I think her actions are nothing short of despicable and racist and altogether outrageous! The worst part about it is her actions discredit any body who has ever REALLY been sexually assaulted! I hope she is fined (at the least) and jailed.
Some clips that stand out for me this week:
Hardball on MSNBC - loved the summary of the SNL, Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days:
Click Here to watch the full video for the Andy Griffith and Happy Days remake.
Another personal fave: The Rachel Maddow Show. Here's the opening for her Friday show - which is kind of long here, but I really like her list (and especially her comments in the opening 2 minutes regarding the new McCain ad.)
I know EVERY BODY now knows that Collin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for president. I wanted to post the actual video from Meet the Press because I was so moved by his explanation and logic behind his decision. I especially LOVED his comments near the end of this first video clip regarding Obama being Christian and not Muslim. Very moving:
Here's the picture Powell is referring to:
2nd part of Collin Powell's interview:
This week, before Obama left the campaign trail to be with his ailing grandmother, he made two AMAZING speeches I want to post here.
First was his speech directed to Native Americans and addresses his policy:
By the way, here's Bush's understanding (remember this?)
Obama's most moving speech this week was given in Richmond, VA on Wednesday:
Go Obama!! Holding my breath! I'm a conservative-liberal (if that's possible) and I'm voting for Obama because I think he reflects my values and will lead this country to a better tomorrow. I hope he wins.
We're getting down to the closing weeks of this election (and the closing days of Bush's terrible presidency). Now, more than ever, we need to be aware of what the candidates REALLY stand for. Frankly I'm shocked that there's this strange phenomenon called The Undecided Voter - I just think it's the uneducated voter; the ones who haven't really researched out where the candidates stand. And in actuality, I'd almost prefer them because it means they aren't voting blindly. "Oh, he's democrat or republican so I'll vote for him."
I watched the 3rd presidential debate with some interest and was glad to see McCain bring his game like he hadn't done in previous debates. However, he seemed to fizzle about half way through and that's when Obama shined through more. I was glad that Obama cleared up his past and that he was more specific regarding his healthcare plan. I still don't think either candidate was specific enough with some of their plans or visions for the future. I feel like there's a lot of "Trust my vision." AND this is why there are undecided voters who now have to do their research because the media is incapable of being truly unbiased in doing their job to bring truth (but that's just one lowly opinion).
The day after this final debate, the two candidates (and many other senators) attended the 2008 Al Smith Dinner. Every year there is this satirical political roast and this year guess who spoke? John McCain and Barack Obama. Both were fairly funny in their sarcasm in making fun of their own campaigns and each others campaigns. I loved how eloquently they spoke of their respect for each other. MSNBC summarized the event - but it's worth checking out the whole thing on YouTube.
Here is one of the most disturbing things I think I've seen all election:
Seriously, this is the "transcript," if you will: “I’m afraid if he wins, the blacks will take over. He’s not a Christian! This is a Christian nation! What is our country gonna end up like?” “When you got a Nigger running for president, you need a first stringer. He’s definitely a second stringer.” “He seems like a sheep - or a wolf in sheep’s clothing to be honest with you. And I believe Palin - she’s filled with the Holy Spirit, and I believe she’s gonna bring honesty and integrity to the White House.” “He’s related to a known terrorist, for one.” “He is friends with a terrorist of this country!” “He must support terrorists! You know, uh, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me is Obama.” “Just the whole, Muslim thing, and everything, and everybody’s still kinda - a lot of people have forgotten about 9/11, but… I dunno, it’s just kinda… a little unnerving.” “Obama and his wife, I’m concerned that they could be anti-white. That he might hide that.” “I don’t like the fact that he thinks us white people are trash… because we’re not!”
Okay, what???? Are you serious!?!?!? Anti-white? White people are trash? Where did that come from? It's just appalling!
Here's the REAL Obama:
Great Story Alert: So, there's this little story that the main stream media has not picked up yet about Obama in his very early days. The story is from a Norwegian newspaper: I got this from This Blog.
ÅSGÅRDSTRAND (VG): Mary was a newlywed and ready to move to Norway, but was stopped at the airport because she didn’t have enough money for the trip. Then a stranger turned up and paid for her.
Mary Menth Andersen was 31 years old at the time and had just married Norwegian Dag Andersen. She was looking forward to starting a new life in Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold with him. But first she had to get all of her belongings across to Norway. The date was November 2nd, 1988. At the airport in Miami things were hectic as usual, with long lines at the check-in counters. When it was finally Mary’s turn and she had placed her luggage on the baggage line, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness. -You’ll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said. Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call. -I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.
Although she explained the situation to the man behind the counter, he showed no signs of mercy. -I started to cry, tears were pouring down my face and I had no idea what to do. Then I heard a gentle and friendly voice behind me saying, That’s OK, I’ll pay for her. Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. -He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man? Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. -He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary. She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.
The piece of paper said ‘Barack Obama’ and his address in Kansas, which is the state where his mother comes from. Mary carried the slip of paper around in her wallet for years, before it was thrown out. -He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling. She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university. In the spring of 2006 Mary’s parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier. In a letter to Mary’s parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped ‘United States Senate, Washington DC’, Barack Obama writes**: ‘I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I’m happy I could help back then, and I’m delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States senator’. The parents sent the letter on to Mary.
This week VG met her and her husband in the café that she runs with her friend Lisbeth Tollefsrud in Åsgårdstrand. -It’s amazing to think that the man who helped me 20 years ago may now become the next US president, says Mary delightedly. She has already voted for Obama. She recently donated 100 dollars to his campaign. She often tells the story from Miami airport, both when race issues are raised and when the conversation turns to the presidential elections. -I sincerely hope the Americans will see reason and understand that Obama means change, says Mary.
Yeah Obama!!! This, to me, says more about his character than anything else has.
Last night was the 2nd of 3 debates. I didn't really learn anything new from either candidate and neither seemed to have changed or refocused any energy on the financial crisis that blew up since they last met. It was still the same old stuff and it came across as being a little bit out of touch with what's really going on for Americans like myself.
McCain looked uncomfortable in HIS setting, pacing around and making odd jokes that didn't really connect to me at home - it was like he forgot that he was in a room filled with undecided voters. McCain was at his best in his final two statements of the debate. When he answered the question regarding what you don't know and how you'll learn it, he was kind of vague but became stronger. His closing was the strongest of all his statements. Other than that, he was childish and petty in his remarks toward Obama. To me the super negative for McCain was the general disrespect and even disdain for Obama in referring to Obama as "that one" and "him" and he still avoided looking at Obama in the eye. Again, it lead me to wonder what kind of "maverick" doesn't look at his enemy and fight?
Obama started off looking like he was a bit uncomfortable and I was nervous for him because this ISN'T his setting traditionally. I was surprised at how fast he became comfortable and began connecting to people. I think he could have been stronger, but I thought he did very well. I think he missed the boat with his answer to the question: What don't you know and how will you learn it (I don't have the exact question). I think he started to allude to the fact you can't really know everything - he should have finished it with something like "you surround yourself with a strong cabinet and Vice President like Joe Biden." Something to bring it around to the fact that it's not JUST him but an entire team and together they have the knowledge.
MSNBC summarized the debate with this video showing a few of the higher moments.
Overall I found the debate less than exciting and kind of boring. I swapped over to the Food Network and enjoyed Ace of Cake a couple of times.
OCTOBER 14, 2008 "It is one of the most memorable presidential elections in decades. It is a race that pits the iconoclast John McCain against the newcomer Barack Obama; the heroic former prisoner of war against the first African American major party nominee. For two hours, the 20th anniversary broadcast of The Choice examines the rich personal and political biographies of these men and goes behind the headlines to discover how they arrived at this moment and what their very different candidacies say about America." The Trailer:
Preview of Obama:
Preview of McCain:
This will be the 4th election where I watch PBS Frontline's special on each of the Presidential Candidates. I've always enjoyed watching it because it gives a history (both political and personal) of each person. I hope you'll watch it! PBS Frontline information
Many around the United States and around the world watched as Barack Obama and John McCain had their first true squaring off moment on Friday night. I won't go into all the details of my thoughts as I watched because if you want to know what was said, you can go and watch it and form your own opinions. I do, however, want to share my thoughts on one thing that stood out for me (as it did for many): What was John McCain doing? I was shocked at his general demeanor and truly disappointed by his obvious lack of respect, not only for his opponent, but for the millions of AMERICAN supporters - both his own supporters and Obama's. About ten minutes into watching the debates I became enraged by his body language. He didn't look at Barack Obama EVEN ONCE - even when shaking his hand! In fact on a couple of occasions, he turned his back on him. I thought: How can he claim to be this maverick who stands up to his opposition and then stand at this debate and not look his opponent in the eyes!? Is this how he'll lead, if God forbid, he gets elected? Of course it is. He's already made multiple statements that he plans on keeping this war alive - he doesn't have to sit down AND TALK with the opposition if he's bombing them and sending other people's kids into needless battles. THIS IS HOW HE WANTS TO LEAD! Even when shaking his hand, McCain didn't look at Obama
Here are the results of a CNN poll conducted on Friday night immediately following the debate: Who did the best job tonight? Barack: 51 McCain: 38
Who would better handle Iraq? Barack: 52 McCain: 47
Who would better handle the economy? Barack: 58 McCain: 37
As to the "facts" thrown out by each candidate, you can look for yourself on a couple of sites: As the debates were playing out, the NY Times kept the true facts up and running. As a candidate made a statement, they would post the facts about it. OR Another great resource to help keep the facts straight is Fact Checker
For my fellow Utah residents, if you want to know what's on the ballot, Utah.gov will allow you to enter your name and zip code and you will see your polling station AND your ballot. In addition, it will allow you to see the statements made by candidates and their web sites. I encourage all voters to do their homework before heading to the polls. Here’s the ballot I’ll see in November
The Republican Convention is over (thank all the powers that be). I watched various parts of the convention and speeches with interest. I was looking for answers to the SAME questions I had while watching the Democratic Convention. In fairness, I decided to list some of my thoughts as I watched the Republican Convention this week. There's been so much buzz around Sarah Palin and I would say that it's exactly what the McCain camp and Republicans wanted: A distraction.
I should preface all that I have to say herein with this: 1. I have never voted based on party lines - that is a blind vote. 2. I always read up on the candidates and vote for the one I feel most closely represents my views, regardless of party. I have voted for a republican representative in the same election that I've voted for a democratic one. 3. I consider myself to be moderately liberal-conservative (a bit of an oxymoron, I know). 4. As recently as a year ago, I was willing to throw all my support behind McCain because I believed he was willing and able to cross party lines. I have since seen a new side to McCain, and I DON'T like it. I have been especially disappointed by his demeanor and tactics and "plan." 5. As recently as five months ago, I knew little about Obama and decided I needed to read up on him and his plan. I was pleasantly surprised. 6. I watched both conventions looking for answers to SPECIFIC questions regarding each candidate's plan so I can compare them to my own thoughts and expectations. 7. Neither party is closer to Godliness than the other; neither has a corner on the market on morals, religious values, family values or prayer. And really, it's a moot point since both sides break with their morals and values with relative ease. 8. My choice has become clear (and is displayed proudly on this blog). Based on what I heard in the conventions and days leading up to them, and by reading articles in reputable news articles and the candidates own websites, I have found who I want to lead us into they kind of changes I can support. 9. Watching both conventions boosted the strength in my position.
Knowing all that, let's evaluate the Republican Convention, shall we?
Tuesday, September 2 Speakers of interest: Fred Thompson
Good Point:"we know that we live in the freest, strongest, most generous and prosperous nation in the history of the world and we're thankful for that." Missed the Point:"Listening to them (the democrats), you'd think that we were in the middle of a Great Depression, that we're down, disrespected, incapable of prevailing against challenges that face us." Final Impression: A lot of claims that McCain is great but no specific examples of that greatness in bi-partisanship. A lot of dripping sarcasm and bully-like comments that were also unsubstantiated. Specifically the claim that Obama doesn't have enough experience (like you need to look further than Palin, but, let's do look further). Obama has 12 years under his belt in elected office - that's more than our current president had when he went into office...more than President Carter and President Lincoln each had. So let's not put that up as if it's the ONLY factor to consider.
Joe Lieberman: blah! I didn't like this man when he was Al Gore's running mate. I liked NOTHING about his speech. Frankly I was disappointed that Guiliani was moved to another day. He reminds me of Ben Stein, "Bueller, Bueller, Bueller" - that's what he reminded me of when he was the DEMOCRATIC vice presidential candidate and nothing has changed. If you are reviewing any of the speeches from the week, skip this one.
Wednesday, September 3 Speakers of interest:
Mitt Romney Where to start...where to start.....wait, what? I've met Mitt Romney. I liked him. He did a phenomenal job here in Utah with the budget issues and with his help, the 2002 Winter Olympics were a hit. Unlike most host cities, we came out ahead financially...He worked hard to make it a profitable Olympics. Since that time, he's flip flopped on issues to gain votes and support. He hasn't stayed true to himself or any issue. During his run for governor he stood in one place on gun control and abortion...he flopped from that stance once he became a serious contender for the republican nomination. His speech was full of rhetoric (not that it's any different than most politicians). He made a lot of points about lowering taxes and anti big government - but this comes on the heals of a president who has increased our country's debt significantly AND who increased the size of the government. One of the most serious contradictions throughout the convention was that no one seemed to agree where the mortgage crisis fits into the economy....some of the speakers acknowledged there is a crisis and others denied that people are losing their homes by the dozens. Over all, if you didn't catch this speech, you aren't missing much. I was disappointed by his speech.
Rudy Giuliani America's biggest and bestest and brightest shining star and he's called "America's mayor." I've seen him speak in person and was moved by his thoughts and stories. I like him as a person, he always seems so personable. He was the perfect person to put on before Sarah Palin.
Good points:"Every four years, we are told that this Presidential election is the most important election of our lifetime. This year - 2008 - IS the most important. This has already been historic. It is the longest Presidential campaign in history. And it sometimes felt even longer."
"'We the people' - the citizens of the United States - get to decide our next president...not the media, not Hollywood celebrities, not anyone else."
Missed Points: The classic "POW card" - similar to the"race card," it's meant to make the people feel guilty and that they owe John McCain the presidency...that he has earned it by being a POW. Sorry, but we don't owe you that. We heard the story from nearly EVERY speaker. Got it. Done. Let's get to something real.
What I liked the most: he was the only one to really talk about what John McCain wants to do. He was short of specifics, though, and that was disappointing. I also didn't like that suddenly the new slogan is "change" and "shake things up"....what? since when? Over all, he gave a tremendously strong and powerful speech and it deserves the time to read it or listen to it. Of course, I don't agree with his points, but I like that he was more specific than all the previous speakers had been.
Sarah Palin My assessment: she was the strongest speaker all week....she out shined John McCain and became his attack dog. Be careful that we don't make the same mistake as with President Bush and fight the veep rather than the man himself.
I like that she told her story.
Good Point:"I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country. Americans expect us to go to Washington for the right reasons, and not just to mingle with the right people. Politics isn't just a game of clashing parties and competing interests."
"No one expects us to agree on everything. But we are expected to govern with integrity, good will, clear convictions, and a servant's heart."
"I also drive myself to work. And I thought we could muddle through without the governor's personal chef - although I've got to admit that sometimes my kids sure miss her."
Missed Point:"And in short order we put the government of our state back on the side of the people." Fact: She was able to lower property taxes because there had been a tax increase on groceries. Fact: When she became mayor, her little town was 100% debt free. When she left office, the debt had increased by 33%. Fact:She line-item vetoed a law that would have given financial assistance to single teen moms. Fact: She line-item vetoed to cut funding to special education programs by nearly 40% Fact: Even with all that, she has an 80% approval rating in her state (apparently it's dropped some insignificant amount in the last week). Her state likes her.
"While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for. That luxury jet was over the top. I put it on eBay." Great idea, but it didn't sell...In the end, I don't care about this one way or another, I just thought it was misleading.
Overall: This was an incredibly strong tongue lashing to the media and the democrats. If she wrote it, praises to her because it was incredible and powerful. And like I said, she out shined McCain by a long shot. I've read so much about her in the last week (good and bad), and she's frighteningly right wing...frankly she scares me to death. She hides her evil behind a pretty face and a lovely smile.
Last, but not least, regarding community organizers: as I read in one blog - "let us not forget, Jesus was a community organizer" (not that I'd EVER compare ANY politician, including my Obama, to my Savior...but I thought it was funny.)
Thursday, September 4 Speakers of interest: Jon Huntsman spoke but I didn't read it or listen to it. I like him...he is our governor...I voted for him...and I think he's done a fine job here. BUT, I wasn't interested in his thoughts on McCain.
John McCain: I went in, wanting to hear the specifics of his plan...the same questions I had for Obama. I was gravely disappointed. There was NOT one mention of a specific plan....lots of words like "shake things up" but I want to know HOW! In what way? Be specific!
"And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming." okay, tell me what you mean. You've been there for 26 years - TWENTY SIX YEARS!
POW or not, you are now part of the very essence of what you pretend to condemn.
"We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way we educate our children. ... We have to catch up to history, and we have to change the way we do business in Washington"
What? What have you been doing with President Bush for the last eight years? Oh, I know, I know: supporting him on nearly every move he makes and NOW you want to play maverick and change your mind? And again I ask, where are your specifics?
And the last thing I want to say about this is: I sure am tired of that POW card...It's not that I don't think he was tortured or that he suffered tremendously because he's an American. I know that I would not be able to endure it and I am grateful for the military who stands tall to help defend our great nation....BUT, enough! We've heard it. We've been on the guilt trip before; with ever speaker, in fact. Let's move on.
Give me credit! Don't tell me to look at your character. I have. And I don't like it...multiple affairs? The republicans condemned John Kerry four years ago because he married an heiress and signed a prenup? Sound familiar? It's EXACTLY John McCain's story, so where's the liberal media on that?
Let's take a look at the difference in the tax plans of Obama and McCain: (this was in the Washington Post)
This is something real! Tangible! Our future!
Yup! Looks familiar! Garsh! That's because McCain's plan looks startlingly like President Bush's plan.
The last thing I want to say isn't about McCain or Obama. It's in reference to those fabulous radio and TV hosts who just love to contradict themselves in the most self righteous ways. It's shocking that a comedian has to make these comparisons, and really goes to prove that our media is NOT, in fact, as biased as republicans think or this would have been produced by them.
You know, there is so much untrustworthiness about Palin - she's scary and she grossly misrepresents herself. I know it's not her lone corner on the market. I'm sure I will join the chorus of other bloggers in the next few weeks as we all join in against her and McCain....and I still say it: Can't wait for the debates! I hope Obama and Biden fight - fight fair but fight hard.
Happy day to all!
