I just watched the Texas debate and heard Hillary attack Obama for using a line suggested to him by his campaign co-chair, Gov. Duval Patrick. Unless Bill and Hillary have always written their own speeches, it's sheer hypocrisy to condemn him for something they do. I am very sure her effective closing remarks were written, in whole or in part, by others.

Obama handled the debate perfectly. He effectively disarmed Hillary's bogus plagiarism line of attack with his "silly season" remark. Her "Xerox" comment got her booed.

Hillary's continuing insistence that 15 million people would be uninsured under Barack Obama's plan made her look like an idiot. He kept explaining why it wasn't true and she kept saying it was without answering his explanations. And she wouldn't let it go. Wow.

David is right to point out that she ducked questions. I would use slightly different language. She was confronted on several contentions she makes 10 times a day in her stump speeches that are direct attacks on Barack Obama and she was too chickenhearted to defend them with Obama sitting next to her. For example, why is she more qualified than Barack Obama to "lead on day one?" She doesn't know why. But Barack knows why he is more qualified to be CIC... it's because he had the judgement to oppose the Iraq war. Hillary's argument got stuffed, and she had no response at all.

I am seeing polls that show the race close in Texas and show her leading in Ohio. By March 4, Obama will win both states by double digits. In Texas it will be at least 15 points.

So far there has been little coverage of the anti-Obama Swift Boaters 527 running in Ohio. When this becomes general information, the reaction will be swift and the backlash will be devastating. What about Wisconsin and SC did Hillary's campaign not get? Democrats don't want to hear that Hillary's campaign is using the same tactics as the Bushies against a very popular and positive man.

When this news hits the general media, it will be the end of Clinton's election campaign and the final trashing of the Clinton legacy that Rush Limbaugh could never accomplish.

-Wexler

Last night's Democratic debate between Obama and Clinton went off well. It was respectful on both of their parts. Obama did look and speak very presidential.I was happy to see that Hillary did not attack him and put on a show for the Republicans to use against him. Maybe she realizes like I do that we must not split the Democratic Party for personal gain. The Democratic Party must win the White House back.

I agree with MSO, but was wondering where people's thoughts are right now on a Obama-Clinton ticket. I know its been discussed a lot, at least late last year, but I haven't heard any takes on it in more recent months. Any chance the kid gloves at the debate are due to this prospect? Or are those relations hopelessly impossible due to the ugliness of the Clinton campaign? For the record, even if it were possible, I think it would be a mistake on Obama's part.

Obama did look and speak very presidential.Any chance the kid gloves at the debate are due to this prospect? Or are those relations hopelessly impossible due to the ugliness of the Clinton campaign?

David is right to point out that she ducked questions. I would use slightly different language.

She's finished, and she knows it. The cheap "Zerox" shot was a disaster, especially since she stole her final remarks from John Edwards. What struck me was a sence that she was resigned to the loss. She got nasty but she also knew the end was near.

She wants something. She signaling that she can stay in the race and make his life miserable, or he can deal with her. I have a feeling there will be very hush hush negotiations very soon between the campaigns. Whether its moving Obama closer to her healthcare plan or mentioning her publically as a possible Supreme Court justice the Clinton camp wants something. She'll walk away gracefully if that happens.

Why would she use Edwards remarks in her closing statement and then fire off a statement that this was the real Hillary? That makes absolutely no sense and it's offensive to the American Public who appreciated those words from Edwards.

Hillary knows she is done in the Presidential race, but I admire her fight and her awareness that Democrats need to work together. In last nights debate she displayed integrity in defeat. The Clinton duo and Barrack Obama know if they work together they could restore Washington’s reputation, and truly make our country a dignified, honest and proud country.

I don't see 'works well with others' as Clinton's strong suit and would not want to see her on a ticket with Obama. I think she'd continue the partisan hostilities we have now on Capitol Hill and I think the President would have to watch his back.

Senator Clinton will not be the VP candidate in the same way that Senator Obama could not be her VP if she were to be the nominee. Senator Obama will pick a Democrat we haven't seen from the Presidential primary. Gov. Bill Richardson,, who was in the race, is a slight possibility but he probably isn't going to be the candidate.

I think there are many reasons why an Obama/Clinton ticket would not be good idea, but it is enough for me to imagine Bill Clinton as the first "Executive Vice Laddie". I shudder at the possibilities that this would introduce!

"...anti-Obama Swift Boaters 527 running in Ohio."
Is this up somewhere on youtube? I would like to see what they are doing.

Hello Anti-Clinton People:

I ask myself: Will it ever end? Will sexism ever end? Will Clinton bashing ever end? Will party splitting ever end?

Both did well in the debate last night. As for the use of other's words: It isn't just Deval Patrick's words that Obama has used. It's others words as well - it is a boiler plate blueprint straight from Obama, Patrick and John Edwards Campaign manager. Also used phrases from Malcolm X. (Just see the movie.)

Wake up folks. think hard this time. Stopping on a dream isn't going to get things done in this country.

Hillary did not attack Obama for anything of substance because every time she does so, she gets booed. Even when she brings up disturbing issues of flipflopping, plaigerism, and irresponsible hyperbole, her "reality checks" all seems to backfire. You got to hand it to Hillary, for almost everything possible has gone wrong in her campaign: e.g. 90% of her loyal Afican American base has jumped to Obama, quite ironically based almost soul-ly [sic] on the color of Obama's skin; and many of her trusted friends in politics have also left her side. More damaging, absolutely nothing sticks to Obama. Even when he egregiously plaigerizes verbatim the most effective moments in his speeches, for Christ's sakes even whole passages, Hillary gets booed as soon as she brings this up. Yet, she's still hanging in there. It truly is a sad moment when democrats do not realize how much our lady Hillary is being abused by the male-dominated media.

Let's have a Co-presidency!
Is it a good idea for Hilary Clinton & Barak Obama to share the presidency and stop all the put downs, etc.? Surely, we will be happy with anyone but a Bush in the white house, but let's share the presidency!

There is currently somethng going around the internet, supposedly off of the Huffington Post that begins with "If I fly on a airplace, then I want an experienced pilot ...." Although not aimed specifically at Obama, little imagination is required. It was passed on with the following addendum, "And finally, when I want a President who has the most experience building bridges, listening to both sides, getting people of all stripes to work together, who always considers what’s in the best interest of the country as a whole, I immediately think of Barak Obama."

When expeiience "thang" came up in last night's debate, Hillary became toast when Obama talked about the closed door hubris of her health insurance fiasco as being more of what we have now.

Finally, is it just me, or does anyone else notice how Hillary always seems to abuse the word "I"?

Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Agreed to have a battle;
For Tweedledum said Tweedledee
Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

What's been pulled off the table by the corporatized political machines in this momentous election year?

Answer:

Cutting the huge, bloated and wasteful military budget, adopting a single payer Canadian-style national health insurance system, impeaching Bush/Cheney, opposing nuclear power - among many others.

www.naderexplore08.org

I have been waiting for someone to say that Barack Obama could scarcely be accused of plagiarizing a phrase that has practically entered the language since Franklin Delano Roosevelt used it in his first inaugural address. We have nothing to fear but fear itself, is scarcely a copyrighted statement; its wide use has made it a cliche. Let's get real Hillary.

Chris Custer,
Stop the insulting claim that blacks are voting for Obama because of his skin. If you looked past your Hillary bias, you would remember that not too long ago, few blacks supported Obama. The shift has been more of the good work Obama has done in his campaign.
How do you explain the recent shift in parts of Hillary's base to Obama that are not black people? Fabricate a reason for that.
Also, Hillary borrowed from Edwards at the end of the last debate. Funny, complain of plagarism and then Hillary does it a few minutes later on national TV.

I think both Obama or Clinton would make a great Prez if either is elected.

However, men have ruled America for the last 232 yrs and look where it's gotten us! Into the "ABYSS OF IMPLOSING!"

Regardless of Obama's race, he's still just another male trying to get elected.

Maybe the time is now, for a FEMALE perspective in ruling America.

Clinton has the gusto, confidence, and yes EXPERIENCE to be Commander in Chief on day one.

We cannot afford on the job training. A Clinton, Obama ticket would beat the GOP!

I have just seen the "Viva Obama" video on YouTube, and it literally blew my mind. It is incredible. The mariachi, the ranchera lead singer, Obama's message all wrapped up in a Mexican corrido, all the cultural nuances, etc. Mexican Corridos tell a story and "Viva Obama" tells the story of his life, experience in Chicago, and what he intends to do for our nation. Several times in the tune, you hear a three word phrase "por nuestra nacion - for our nation". It is also obviously for the Latino segment of Texas. Viva Obama!!!

I should know. I was born Mexican-American in downtown Los Angeles (4 grandparents from Mexico), raised in West LA, spent a summer in Mexico City at age 15, and learned the Spanish of Mexico in my teen years and conscientiously avoided "Spanglish" at all costs. At age 23 1/2, I tossed all my stuff in my used VW and shoved off for Mexico City or Bust. And here I am writing this blog in Mexico City where I have lived the last 42 years of my life.

BTW, I voted for Senator Barack Obama in the primary elections via Internet, courtesy of Democrats Abroad. Obama brings out the "gringo" in me BIG TIME. I haven't felt so proud to be a "gringo" until Obama came along.

¡¡¡VIVA OBAMA....SI SEÑOR!!!

Mexico, D.F., a 22 de febrero de 2008

Obama is a very charismatic, theatrical speaker. I've been to enough revival meetings to know a good "I'm one of you except better so follow me anywhere" fire and brimstone sermon when I see one. He knows exactly how to stir up a crowd and make them believe anything he says. As a result, of course, he can plagiarize all he wants and and get away with it. When his opponent points this out his followers conclude that she is picking on him and point to her in unison (much like the zombies in "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"). Any high school student knows they'll get a failing mark for handing in a paper or giving a speech without giving credit to those whose words he/she is using. Makes me wonder what else Obama's followers will let him get away with. I'm really embarrassed for us Dems lately. I don't want a charismatic type leading this country. Are we not better than this?

I was surprised that your reporter didn't pick up on Obama's attacks on Clinton. It's very cleverly done. First he praises her and says he doesn't demonize people and then slices and dices her. To say that her view is silly and that it's silly season is a dis and a big one. As usual, the media is soft on Obama and hard on Clinton. And his campaign put out a statement immediately following the debate accusing her of plagarizing her final comments. I'm not hearing you pointing that out as silly season. Why not? Wake up and smell the coffee! He can't have it both ways and yet, the media gives him a pass most of the time. I occasionally hear a woman reporter pointing this out but a majority of the guys really pile it on her. Itsthe kind of discrimination women come up against any time we don't conform to the stereotypical "little woman who doesn't know her place."It's pathetic that our culture spends so much time and effort to keep half our population from a full contribution to our shared life. We are missing out by doing so.

HRC has clearly realised that her defeat is near,Obama looked presidental last night and acted like it as well.I don't think it wolud be in his and the nation's interest to have her as VP,The VP sholud be someone the President can trust and that's not HRC.

Louis,

You've read my mind! I agree completely.

Chris Cutter:

I and many others would greatly appreciate it if you would visit your cancer specialist and undergo chemotherapy and then surgery to have the CANCER of RACISM surgically removed from everything you are as a person.

The United States of America has to continue with its process or "surgically" removing every last bit the All-American CANCER of RACISM that our country was infected with in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619.

Who am I? Well to start with, my skin color is WHITE. My ethnic background? MEXICAN with a Cuban greatgrandmother included for extra seasoning. I grew up "honky" white in the anglo neighborhoods of Los Angeles. That's right, a WHITE MEXICAN 100%.

I went to school kids of European and African extraction, and an occasional latino, and played with lots of good basketball with all the guys of European and African extraction, and an occasional latino. All of that is great, and it is what I brought to Mexico City with me when I immigrated to Mexico 42 years ago.

When I travel back to LA on vacation to touch my real roots and charge up my battery, I usually go with my wife, Mexico City's most darling native daughter. And when non-hispanic people hear my verbal "tsunami" of Mexico City upper middle class Spanish, they turn around and stare at me as if I were some kind of a geek or freak.

An anglo girlfriend that I had at age 20 told me one time to go back out to the pool and get a real good tan because I was not brown enough to be Mexican. She said I was a disgrace to the Mexican race. She did not last long, either.

I have seen other guys of African and Mexican origin take it on the chin time after time because their skin color darker. I got away with murder because the color if my skin is white.
That is why I relish non-hispanics (European & African) staring at me when the Mexico upper middle class Spanish verbal tsunami is floorboarded. Then if I have to speak to a non-hispanic person in my native speaker English (a sakes clerk in a store, etc.), they automatically get faked into the popcorn machine. What cage did someone let me out of?

The All-American cancer of racism has to go the way of the trash can!!!

I proudly voted for Obama via the Democrats Abroad website via Internet, and I will vote vote for Obama again in November. Because of the color of Obama's skin? HELL NO!!!!!!!!

BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY OF HIS CHARACTER!!!!!!!!!

¡¡¡SI SEÑOR!!!

Respectfully yours,
Richard John Cadena-Chavez
Mexico, D.F., a 22 de febrero de 2008

While these two candidates have very similar policy strategies, I think Obama was able to draw a clear distinction between himself and Hillary on foreign policy. He indicated that he would seek opportunities to meet with world leaders in such places as Iran, Cuba, and North Korea. Hillary's comments seemed to suggest that these countries would need to earn the right to meet with her as president. To me, that is a key issue as our nation is viewed globally as an arrogant bully, and I think the tall skinny guy from the south side of Chicago might be able to change that perception. I certainly haven't been too pleased with McCain's rhetoric to date.

Richard Cadena wrote in his post; "The United States of America has to continue with its process or "surgically" removing every last bit the All-American CANCER of RACISM that our country was infected with in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619."

Mr Cadena, You are advocating the eradication of white people in this country while calling another poster a racist?!

I rest my case.

Chris Peck wrote:

You are advocating the eradication of white people in this country while calling another poster a racist?!

Richard Cadena responds:

NO, I AM NOT ADVOCATING THE "ERADICATION" of white people at all.

What I am advocating is for each and every American, whoever they are, regardless of their skin color may be, and regardless of ethnic origin they may be to please to do the deepest, most thorough and comprehensive SOUL SEARCHING and whoever is infected with that All-American cancer known as "racism", to undergo a healing process and go eliminating or removing every last vestige of racism they may have been imbued with at earlier periods in their lives.

Do I advocate a "white" holocaust? HELL NO!!!

Do I advocate stuffing "whites" in ovens in holocaust fashion?

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!!!

We are all in this together. This means that people of different backgrounds, races, ethnic origins, et al should go getting to know each other better and come away personally enriched in the process. A better human being in general!!!

And to conclude, did I personally vote for Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004 because of their skin color? HELL NO!!!!

Did I vote for Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004 because of the quality of their character?
YES, INDEED!!!

I hope the above clears up the intention of my prior post. I ask you to take whatever you considered "off-track" in that post and TOSS IT IN THE TRASH CAN.

As Americans, all of us are in this together. Let's move on.

Cordially yours,
Richard Cadena
Mexico City

I think Obama fared worse during the debate. At times he was at a loss for words -- universal health care, for instance -- and appeared less grounded. Clinton came off very well -- articulate, solid, substantive.

I am surprised by the media prejudices against Clinton. They are founded on nothing that I can see. I believe this is because she is a woman and nothing more. It is easier for a black man to get elected President than a white woman.

to alex liar, and every word that comes out of bammas mouth is his own, without speach writers , he would be a blithering ,idiot , but he can do it with a martin luther King accsent,when hes talking to a black audience,.!!!

obammas nomination will split the demacratic party in half, watch and see, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE WORDS.

Howdy Tex:

Just a reminder. The person who you addressed in your post is Alex Lawyer, not liar.

My understanding of your post is that it is overflowing with the All-American cancer known as RACISM.

I want to ask you to do something extraordinary, the greatest challenge in your life.

Take a look at yourself. Do all the necessary soul searching it takes and muster up every bit of internal toughness or fortitude that you have and confront yourself. Take a psychological, emotional, and spiritual inventory of yourself and clean out and eliminate every last vestige of racism from everything that you are!!!

Are you man enough to do this? If you are, that is great and you will be a better person for it.

If you are not man enough, however, then please take your racism with you and everthing else that you are and stand for and GO JUMP IN THE LAKE.

Richard Cadena
Mexico City, Mexico

eric wrote: obammas nomination will split the demacratic party in half, watch and see, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE WORDS.

Please substantiate that claim, eric. Because based on the relatively even race they've been having [barring Obama's forward momentum from Super Tuesday onward], one could make that same argument about HRC. In fact, I cannot see Dems and progressives underestimating the importance of one of the two getting into the White House, so when one bows out, the other will likely inherit most of their votes. Where did you get that idea? I think it was just an acorn, Chicken Little.

I agree with eric. An Obama Democratic Nomination will result in a HUGE exodus of spanish voters to the Republican Party. Barack Obama's anti-immigrant message is even worst than Tancredo's

Once again, the headline is critical of Hillary. Will we ever see a negative Obama headline???? True, Hillary did not knock Barack out on the many occasions when she could have during the debate. But if she had, she would have been criticized for "going negative." On the other hand, Hillary's closing statement about the moment in life when she's been most tested was spontaneous, incredibly powerful, and drew a standing ovation from the crowd of Hillary AND Obama supporters. The people doing the post-debate "spinning" for Hillary were right on that : she did come across as someone who is a fighter and ready to lead! Obama is all talk. Like most of us, he wants to end the war, he wants jobs for all, and health insurance for all (except if parents don't get insurance, he would fine them - nice guy!). Who doesn't want those things? Will he deliver as prez? If his record is any indication, no. He has sat out more than 1/3 of the votes since coming to D.C. as senator. He started running for the presidency within 2 years of coming to Wash. and hasn't had time to do his job. He's ambitious and not to be trusted. He regularly distorts Hillary's record to her discredit and distorts his own to make himself sound impressive. He outspent Hillary 4-1 in Wisconsin - so he's all about spending big dollars to get elected. He is backpaddling on his commitment to run in the general election with public financing. Does he offer something better than the same tired, old political game? Naw...he's more of the same! Well, maybe worse than that since he pretends to be what he is not!

p.s. Barack Obama did not appear presidential last night. Sorry. He did not. He appeared green!

Newsmax has the campaign ads listed here.

http://election.newsmax.com/

This article, as well as many on cable news, state things as if Obama will over take Clinton. Yet, Clinton still is ahead in the polls in Texas, Ohio and Penn. This is being framed as some sort of predestined conclusion.

There are doing a panel discussion right now on FOX news titled "Is Hillary Clinton throwing in the towel?" All these messages plant beliefs, and are literally significantly affecting the election. This includes the slant in the article above. I could have been written differently with a whole different slant.

I am sick of this.

I am from Florida. Almost 1.7 million democratics went to the polls to vote in our primary. Obama did speak here, we know who he is. I prefered Edwards and Clinton over Obama and think either of them would be a better president. How can it be that a primarily Democrat state, the 4th largest population in the state, just don't count? What is democratic about this? Why doesn't my vote count? Am I now stuck with choices from other states. You can put the number of people who voted in the Dem primary in that sting of states obama just won and do they equal 1.7 million votes?

I am just disgusted with this whole mess.

Also, I think superdelegates and delgates ought to be eliminated. So should the stagggered state primaries. Every one ought to vote on the same day, just like general election, and the popular vote wins the primary.

Hillary has been under a microscope for probably the last 20 years. Nothing new is going to come up. Obama is getting a free pass right now. This will not continue. Republicans will make their move soon.

Estimado Frank Esquivel:

Antes que nada, recibe un saludo cordial desde Mexico, D.F. Por otra parte, me permito comentarte, con todo respeto que te mereces, que estoy en total desacuerdo contigo. La neta, manito.

OK, so much for my Mexican ethnic pedigree. More than anything else, I think it is a matter of Hispanics getting to know Obama and listening very carefully and closely to his message.

I refer you to an article in the Dallas Morning News on February 20 on Obama concerning relations with Mexico, toning down the bashing of Mexican immigrants or US born hispanics who look hispanic, and structuring a path for those already here, papers or not, to find their place in US society and eventual citizenship.

I also refer you to the article appearing in Mexico City's daily on February 21, El Excelsior, on a two-page layout all about Obama and relations with Mexico and Mexicans in the US.

Both articles spoke of reviewing and possible adjustments to NAFTA, annual meetings with the Presidents of Canada and Mexico, investments in Mexico, so that Mexico can go pulling itself up by the bootstraps and more and more Mexicans will pursue their dreams in Mexico, not elsewhere.

The first thing Mexico has to do to start cleaning house is for the government to confront the various corrupt unions such as the Pemex union or Telefonos de Mexico union.

The US, on the other hand, has to stop subsidizing agribusiness and corporate farms. Despite NAFTA, the US is still very protective about its producers. For example, if the tomato growers of the state of Sinaloa (Mexico's agricultural breadbasket) have a bumper crop and are able to export a very sizable amount of tomatoes to the US, tomato growers in Florida go into an uproar, lobby Washington, and tweak things to prevent the entry of Sinaloa grown tomatoes into the US, like some type of phytosanitary excuse, etc. For decades, the US absolutely stonewalled avocados grown in Michoacan, claiming that they did not meet US sanitary standards in one way or another. Michoacan grown avocados are tops!!!

Yes, Bill Clinton signed NAFTA and yes, Mexico's president Carlos Salinas pushed extremely hard for NAFTA, too.

At the same time, when NAFTA went into effect, Clinton tightened the borders and Arizona became the new point of entry. The death rate of Mexicans dying stranded in the desert shot way up. The Mexican countryside was devastated by NAFTA, hence, immigration without papers skyrocketed, too.

Obama wants to work with Mexico and Latin America in general. He wants to reach out to latinos everywhere.

I trust Obama and I voted for him through Democrats Abroad. Please bear in mind that the person who is generating all the excitement and massive participation in the political process this year is Obama. The young vote is coming out in droves like never before.

As for Republicans, they have nothing to offer anyone, regardless of their background. Another republican president will complete the "Waterloo" process of the United States as a great nation. I do not want that!!!

Before I forget, check out the "Viva Obama" video on YouTube. I loved it. Then I showed it to my wife, Mexico City's most darling native daughter, and she loved it, too.

Un abrazo,
Richard Cadena
Mexico City, Mexico

These are two posts from highly educated persons, from an article in The Nation, being critical of HILLARY, for 'going to the press' about Obama's plaigarism!

I will accuse Obama of being a plagiarizer. I live in Massachusetts and I heard many of his speeches little more than 16 months ago from his good friend our struggling governor. Now, I do have the credentials to decide what is plagiarism. I have been a university professor (with degrees), a professional editor, and I am an elected official. When you use another person's words--in writing or speaking--without attribution, that is plagiarism. Four Boston Globe reporters have been fired for it in the last 10 years. I know faculty members who have lost their jobs for it. I have given Fs on many college assignments for plagiarism that I could prove. And Joe Biden, the frontrunner, dropped out of the 1988 Presidential campaign when ONCE he failed to attribute remarks to Neil Kinnock. (The Dukakis campaign jumped on that one, and was rewarded with the nomination--coming from well behind). Obama has flagrantly committed plagiarism at the highest levels. That he is laughing it off---and that you are all defending him, tells me how far the moral and intellectual honor code has fallen in this society. Obama may become President, but he's about as honest as the guy who's currently occupying the office he so badly wants. Why bother to read magazines like this. The vile exhibited in recent articles and letters/posts is so discouraging that it makes a joke of our entire system.
Posted by TIGESGIRL 02/20/2008 @ 9:21pm | ignore this person

As an English professor I have failed student papers for uncredited "rhetorical borrowing"--i.e. plagiarism. I don't enjoy seeing The Nation compromise its own well earned voice of independence to become an apologist for Barack Obama. The Nation has been around for a long time, however, and will, I assume, outlive the fantasy that it has found a new progressive savior.
Posted by WBRANTLE 02/21/2008 @ 12:56am | ignore this person

I am NOT a Hillary fan, and hate feeling like I have to defend her, I don't dislike Obama! I dislike Obama's Positions on ISSUES! (ya know, that funny little stuff, that no one talks about anymore)

I CAN NOT and WILL NOT, vote for either of them! I am seriously looking at the Green Party! Based not on skin color, or gender! How about single-payer healthcare, verses INSURANCE! Obama is promoting using Tax $$ to subsidize Insurance, not healthcare! How about Nuclear Energy, and coal both are FOR both!!Obama has on his web site, 'Private Retirement Accts', (just like Bush)the money for these is coming out of Social Security, raising the age, and cutting benefits by 45%!

Don't believe me? That's okay, look it all up for yourself! Krugman: Barack is Right of Hillary on economic issues! His economic adviser's are Jeffery Liebman, Austin Goolsbee, and David Cutler. Read article by Fraser, Max 'Subprime Obama' Feb 11th issue!!
Another good source of info. on ANY candidate, totally non-partisian, is www.votrsmart.org
If you still choose to vote FOR obama after you, know who and what your voting FOR, good!1st know 'where he stands' (not just what he says).
Disappointed? Look at the Green Party Platform!

sorry, typo the address is:
www.votesmart.org

Bush-Clinton-Clinton-Bush-Bush
and another Clinton? It's time to move on. Hillary cannot defend her cowardly capitulation to the neo-cons on the invasion of Iraq. Is that the foreign policy experience she plans to continue into the Presidency? I agree that she is very smart and accomplished and if it came to her or the flip/flop fossil McCain I'd vote for her, but until that time I support Obama.
Hillary unfortunately represents the old guard as proven by her vote to label Irans military a "terrorist organization" thus opening the door for another unwinnable war. Who do you think is going to pay the trillion plus war we are in now? Afganistan bankrupted Russia and Iraq/Afganistan has bankrupted our country.

We are borrowing money from China, and the middle east to prop up our failing economy, I feel she will be more of the same.

I agree with Cadena, it's time we looked beyond race and look for a President who is not wholly owned by corporate interests. The people support Obama with time money and hope.

Obama knows how to lead with the "Main idea" ,no matter who said what first.

That is what we need, from international relations and negotiation, to the Senate, to the House.

If he can keep doing that among all the distractions we can become a new country once more.

Who is this commentator? Was Obama defending a research thesis in his rhetoric? From whom did Governor Duval get the remark?

Not knowing who made the comments, perhaps there is a reason for no longer being professor or editor, not for being wrong, but for lack of judgment.

Yes, this would be my guess also...she is realizing the bigger picture now and wouldn't want to jeopardize the party in general with odds as they are appearing. Even if she wins these 2 big states (Tex & Oh) she still may not be the choice for the nomination. We are Hillary supporters and feel either candidate would be a good one but she has more experience on how to handle what needs to be done from day one - otherwise we can only hope Obama can defeat the Rep tix! All along the Rep were only ever concerned with a Hillary tix.....

Reply Poonchkie: Excactly what makes you thing Obama isn't in Corporate Pockets??
He is heavily funded by, the Insurance Industry(Health), the Coal Industry, and Nuclear. His largest doner's are all from Wall Street!

Yes, he has a lot of small doner's, but that's not where the bulk of his money comes from!!

Do some research!

There are more then just TWO Parties, and three candidates, I recently went to the Green Party web-site for the first time, and was very impressed by The Green Party agenda, and Party platform!!
www.votesmart.org

Put Country before Party!!
Any difference between a Corporatist 'D' or 'R'??
Still a Sheepel even with a D after your name, if your voting without Knowing, the FACTS & ISSUES

"It truly is a sad moment when democrats do not realize how much our lady Hillary is being abused by the male-dominated media."

This is a BINGO - and how she handles this reality with grace and dignity truly shows her integrity.

Obama is an inspirational speaker - in a time when this country so NEEDS one (after this Bush fraud of a presidency) so IF he wins the Nom and IF he wins the Presidency - it would much harder for this country to handle any let downs from this man because of it. He has not garnered the experience to handle what lies ahead - we could only hope he will have the very BEST advisers around him to help navigate the job, so he can deliver what he's been promising. We need to BELIEVE again.

Lulu, I know who at least three of his chief economic adviser's are NOW. Confirmed in an article in The Nation, 'Subprime Obama' by Fraser.
Goolsbee,A.:Critic of 'Sicko'
Cutler,D: for high healthcare cost, good for Wall St.
Liebman, J: For Privatization of Social Security, 'O' web site has 'Private Retirement Accts' on it! Sound familar? think Bush!!

Krugman: "Obama is RIGHT of Hillary on economic issues"

Country before Party, Still a Sheepel with a 'D'

Bill P.,

I'm just curious, if it's high time for a woman to run the country, where were you in 1972 when Shirley Chisolm ran for president? Was she worthy of your support as well? Or was it just that HRC is the right "type" of woman?

I don't personally think that this has anything to do with men or women running the country. What's to say that if she were to get into office, that Clinton would be any different from some of these men who have done terrible things? Let's face it, if she played ping pong all day in the oval office, she couldn't do any worse than Bush, and that's not saying much. Bill Clinton wasn't the fabulous guy we are all led to think he was and I don't think Hillary is much different from her husband. Obama seems a little more passionate about this whole thing and I think he will make a fabulous president. (And this is coming from a former Edwards supporter...)

Yes, we can - Si, se puede!

Hillary's arsenal of Rovian tricks to be fecklessly executed in that detrimental way that only seems to further damage her reputation is about depleted, praise the Lord. Right after she punches Mark Penn right in his face with her fist, Hillary really needs to fire him from a cannon back to the place where she first heard of him for this clumsily run fiasco he loosely refers to as her campaign. No candidate married to a former President as popular as Bill Clinton should ever have fallen this far behind the eight ball. Not only does Hillary look like a conniving histrionic shrike, but now Bill will forever live in infamy as some rabid 'stage mom' with Bull Connor issues. This entire campaign was an abysmal failure for which Penn deserves to be executed, but for which we will agree to merely ending his employment. Firing him from a cannon will at least save Hillary's already tapped coffers the bus fare paid to roll the useless dead weight of Penn's carcass far away.

Am a lifelong strong Democrat on the verge of becoming a McCain Democrat. It is unconscienable to elect an unqualified president who is all talk(who says one thing and does another), especially when this nation is on the verge of falling apart. Country comes before party, it is time for a bi-partisanship to save this nation.

What are you saying Lily? McCain is bi-partisan? I don't think so. With McCain, you're going to get an extension of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. As a lifelong Democrat that should concern you - especially considering our huge deficit thanks to the Republicans.

Then there's McCain's statement that we could be in Iraq for 100 years. How shall we pay for that? How many tours of duty will our military have to endure to sustain that plan? And doesn't it seem like that is just what Bin Laden would want us to do - so he can use our occupation as a reason to get fresh recruits?

As for politicians who say one thing and do another - McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts two times because he said they were unfair to the middle class and the poor. Now, suddenly, he supports them.

You're right, country comes before party. That's why I have decided to support Barrack Obama.

I understand exactly what Lily is saying. Barack Obama is using theatrical devices, body language, charisma to convince Americans that he belongs in the White House. That insults my intelligence. To not even acknowledge his plagiarism was the last straw for me. It shows a fundamental lack of character. I worked for Kerry in 2004. . in Cleveland. I stood out in the freezing all day on Election Day trying to keep things fair in a Black district. But if Obama is nominated this year I will not vote for him.

Obama's near verbatim use of Duval Patrick's speech without crediting him was wrong and reflects poor judgment on Obama's part. The use of that section of Patrick's speech was more than a simple phrase such as "All fired up and ready to go" which I actually used as a cheer in high school. The words lifted from Patrick's speech were more substantial and, without knowing that they came from Patrick, the listener gave Obama credit for the idea those words reflected. Had Hillary Clinton done the same thing and dismissed the mistake in the same way as Obama, I suspect that instead of writing to defend her and downplaying the importance of such plagiarism, you would be ready to attack her for poor judgment, lack of ethics, her morality, her willingness to "do anything" to get elected, and on and on. I suspect that at some point the media will exercise greater scrutiny of Obama and quit giving him a free pass and the bandwagon effect will subside. As I compare Hillary and Obama, I am reminded of the race between Gore and Bush. Gore was clearly the smartest, most accomplished, and best prepared of the two to be President. But Americans (or at least those in the Electoral College) chose to cast their vote for the guy that seemed more like them. Bush received a pass and the US got the shaft - twice! Hillary has done her homework. She has proven herself to be smart, hardworking, and ready and able to lead this country. Her responses to debate questions are more substantive than Obama's, her policies are more thoroughly thought out, her vision is more clearly articulated. When John Edwards and Obama made personal attacks on Hillary in the early debates, there was no huge outcry of foul play. Now, when Hillary points out distinctions between her health care plan and Obama's or comments on his use of someone else's words without crediting their source, the media criticizes her for going "Negative!" The recent Boston Globe article is correct - gender bias is far more prevalent and far harder to change than racial bias. But I digress. Words matter. Crediting the author of words matters. We know that Obama's words were lifted in whole from someone's else's speech. Although you may try to rationalize the acceptability of that by guessing that Hillary's very effective closing remarks were probably written in whole or in part by someone else is not the point. She may have written them. She may have had a speech writer write them. Her words may have been the result of collaboration with others. But unlike Obama's words, they were not plagiarized.

the largest corporation in the world is pushing obamma, the media,they know they can beat obamma , and keep the bush tax cuts, which means billions of dollars for them. am i the only one that sees this, the swift boat will seem like small potatoes, when C Rove gets done with obamma!

Estimado Richard Cadena:

No se por cuanto tiempo haz estado siguiendo la carrera de Barack Hussein Obama, o cuanto te estaran pagando para que pongas esos comentarios tan estupidos, pero aqui en Illinois, el senor Obama nunca ha apoyado la causa de los emigrantes, y nunca estuvo presente en las grandes marchas en Chicago, a diferencia del Senador Durbin, el mayor Richard Daley y hasta el Governador Blagodovich. Recientemente, en Las Vegas, Obama hizo comentarios muy negativos en contra de los camionereos Mexicanos que recientemente empezaron a manejar en suelo americano, (ningun comentario acerca de camioneros Canadiences haciendo lo mismo) y en Wisconsin declaro que uno de sus primeros movimientos, si acaso sale elegido, va a ser de multar fuertemente, a empleadores que ocupen mano de obra ilegal, asi como reitero su apoyo por la gran "muralla de la verguenza" en la frontera con Mexico (no comentarios acerca de una muralla similar con Canada, que es por donde hay mas probabilidad de cruce terrorista). Aparte de que todo este juego le va a caer de perlas al partido Republicano que quieren eliminar a toda costa al unico candidato Democrata elegible que es Hillary Clinton. Y esa es la "neta"... Frank Esquivel

Hey Chris, and any one else who feels this way. I voted for Gore, actually I was one of the thousands in NH who switched parties to vote for McCain in 2000 Primary, trying to Stop Bush then. The Media got it wrong! We were not Independants For McCain, we were against Bush!

I worked in three states for Kerry, donated and was devestated, when he lost!In 06' we donated to five candidates, we were told were Progressive, two of which don't vote that way!

As soon as Edwards announced, we were on board! Volunteered, donated, he had a Great agenda, a Real plan! Knew what needed done, and how to do it!

I personally CAN NOT vote for either of these two Democratic DLC'ers, Both are Corporate/Centrists! I'm not looking for perfect, just correct on the Major Issues!

I've been looking at the Green Party, they have a very good party platform, 85 cnadidates running, monthly meetings in every state! And a convention in July.
DayDreaming: Edwards on the Green Party ticket, with endorsements from Gore, and M.Moore, J.Carter!

Country BEFORE Party!!
www.votesmart.org

one of caden's last sentences was HE does not want that. who cares what he wants , he choses mexico as his country. please stay there, and try to straighten out the most corrupt form of goverment on the face of the earth. what are you an anchor baby?

I was dragged to an Amway meeting once. I was in a room with hundreds of others.
Some guy with a suit walked in the room and drew a dollar sign on a small blackboard.
Everyone in the room cheered wildly. He drew another and they cheered even more wildly.

I realized I was in the wrong place and left quickly.

American political debate reminds me of that experience.
The two democratic contenders are backed by the same corporate money and offer virtually the same tired promises. When people cheer these clowns with so much enthusiasm, it recalls the experience with Amway.

Thank you for your kind words,
Hawaii Lu. What are all the others shouting about?

I was dragged to an Amway meeting once. I was in a room with hundreds of others.
Some guy with a suit walked in the room and drew a dollar sign on a small blackboard.
Everyone in the room cheered wildly. He drew another and they cheered even more wildly.

I realized I was in the wrong place and left quickly.

American political debate reminds me of that experience.
The two democratic contenders are backed by the same corporate money and offer virtually the same tired promises. When people cheer these clowns with so much enthusiasm, it recalls the experience with Amway.

Thank you for your kind words,
Hawaii Lu. What are all the others shouting about?

Shelley,

Did you REALLY say that gender bias is harder to eliminate than racial bias? I don't know whether to laugh or cry! Give me a break! Only someone who does not know (or want to realize) what its like to be Black - no Black AND female - in America would say that. As a young, Black girl growing up in an all white neighborhood in Queens, NY, I would've given nothing more than to be a young, white girl so that I wouldn't have to deal with the racial bias I experienced at the hands of my peers. Please, don't try to claim that gender trumps race - in this country, that will NEVER be the case. If you want some proof, do a Google search on "assassinate Obama". His skin color has not gotten past anybody as evidenced by the fact that whispers about him meeting the same fate as King and Malcolm X have begun, especially once he started coming out ahead of Clinton in the past couple of primaries. Even the most rampant sexist, if he is also racist, would choose Clinton over Obama in a second. Yes, gender is an issue in this country, as I know all too well. However, race is a much bigger and overdetermining one.

As an aside, are we all forgetting that Hillary also used some words from a speech given by her own husband? Or maybe that just slipped our minds...it seems to me that that's not much different from what we attack Obama for. Or is it okay because she sleeps in the same bed as he does? I would think that having the permission to repeat something from the person who originally said it would count for something...and now I have nothing against Hillary, but come on, lets be fair!

"are we all forgetting that Hillary also used some words from a speech given by her own husband?"

Danielle, Can you please tell us what speech that was?

With a name like Mother Jones, you think that she would speak out against the bias against women that has played a big part in this election. Only In these times has put out a story about the huge bias against Hillary and other women. Where was the democratic and news outrage over the "pimping out of Chelsea" no such comment when Romney's sons were compaigning. Comments on Hillary's outfits vs her positions. We women could sit out a campaign if we are not better represented.

With a name like Mother Jones, you think that she would speak out against the bias against women that has played a big part in this election. Only In these times has put out a story about the huge bias against Hillary and other women. Where was the democratic and news outrage over the "pimping out of Chelsea" no such comment when Romney's sons were compaigning. Comments on Hillary's outfits vs her positions. We women could sit out a campaign if we are not better represented.

how can ricardo cadena live in mexico for 42 years and still have voting rights in the U.S. Ive been to mexico many many times, ive never seen a more corupt and lawless place in my life. and then he preaches how we should run our goverment,

Considering the number of Illinois business that have relocated to Mexico Obama's no doubt quite popular there. Perhaps Mr. Ricardo works for Maytag or Whirlpool or . . .
Meanwhile immigrants who came to the Chicago area seeking a better life and a steady job, many from Mexico, are now unemployed.

Re using other's words> This is much ado about not much. When people use other's words,they give credit to the person they are quoting, at least that is the correct way to do it. However, most big politicians have speech writers who help put their speeches together for them. It is different though when someone lifts words someone else has used in a speech or in an interview, then they say the same thing without giving credit.

I do understand that Hillary Clinton writes her own speeches. For all I know, maybe Obama does too.

I work in state government. I have put together whole powerpoint presentations and speeches for high ranking folks. That's the way it works. But that is very different than using words that someone else has spoken in public without quoting them, like "as so and so said."

Gender vs Racial bias - Both are huge. There are people who will not vote for Obama due to his race, however, there are plenty of Cau people who have publically endorced him and/or are voting for him, so this bias may not be as big as some percevie it to be. Most of the racial bias is against blacks who are not especially successful,but it typically is not that relevant when someone has has achieved certain educational and career success.

Remember, blacks got the right to vote in the US BEFORE women did.

There is a huge bias against women in leadership positions. This is especially true for males, but also applies to some females. Look around the world and see how women are treated in more backward countries - that is just the exteme.

If you look at proportional representation, think about it this way. Blacks are less than 20% of the US population. It is correct that they under represented in leadership, but this has changed tremendously over the last 20 yrs. Even though I havent done the math, it would be interesting to confirm that this minority group is finally proportionally represented in Congress, state legislature, department heads and chiefs and such at federal and state levels. Not yet there in Governors.

Now contrast this to women, who are over 50% of the population. Are 50% of governors, members of congress, state legislatures, agency heads, chiefs and such women? Defintely not! It is a big even if a woman goes to Congress or a state legislature - gasp, a woman again.

Fundamentalist christians as well as many other religions have beliefs that "keep the woman in her place." Several years ago,the southern Baptist convention had a big rift over whether women could be pasters and they ruled that they COULD NOT. Think about that! Jimmy Carter, a strong southern Baptist,came out in public in protest to this conclusion. Although some christian churches do have a woman minister, this is not the norm. Is a woman every considered as a candidate for the Pope or a priest.

People are willing to look twice beyond bias when they see a proven successful black man. Lots of folks are so biased that they will discredit a successful woman. I think the bias against women is much more negative when it comes to a position like the president.

That Obama repeats things that sound good without giving credit to the people he is quoting is a problem but one which bothers me much less than the mesmerizing incantations that he indulges in to captivate his followers. Rhetoric rather than record was used in the recent presidential election here in France and many people are having a rude awakening. The problem is the disparity between the public pose and the actual roll-up-your-sleeves get-down-to-it solving of problems.
Example: what has Obama done to resolve the conflict in Iraq -- besides give a speech? What legislation did he elaborate as a "fresh" presence in Washington? His record IS the only criteria pertinent to this election. If voters choose any other, they deserve exactly what the French are getting.

watched the texas debate, WOW!it reminded me of the kerry bush debate. for those of you who are old enough to remember it, i say that because some states allowed 17 year olds to attend there coffee clutches,that made them what 13 years old at the time of the debate? anyway, kerry knocked the hell out of bush, remember? but the media said bush won bush won, yeah! now clinton made bamma look like a high school boy, very good speaker . with nothing to say, except what we already knew. now the Media says bamma won bamma won , wake up and think, for those of you old enough to remember you know what im saying....

"Biotch is the new Bolack!" My little take on Tina Fey's comment makes me feel almost as hip and cool as the people groovin' (I guess you could call it groovin') at an Obama rally to the Black Eyed Peas. Don't you all think we need another Black Eyed Peas song? Way cool, dude.

Tex and Chris Peck:

My given name is Richard, not Ricardo. And alas, I happen to be a GRINGO just like you guys.

GRINGOS go by the book. They play fair. Since I am a GRINGO by birth and grew up the the good ol' USA, I learned how to go by the book and play fair, just like all the GRINGOS and GRINGAS I grew up with, went to school with, played ball with (mainly basketball), etc. I was born at the:

California Lutheran Hospital
1414 South Hope Street
(between Venice & Pico Blvds)
Downtown Los Angeles, Calif.

Just to be on the safe side and also to play fair, why not google the Los Angeles City and/or Los Angeles County Office of Vital Records on-line to confirm my GRINGO pedigree. It's every bit as good as yours.

If that fails to work, do a Google search and look for US Embassy records of expatriate Americans residing in Mexico who are registered with the Embassy as such.

BTW, like all the other good GRINGOS, I go by the book and play fair down here in Mexico. I brought the GRINGO ideology and philosophy with me. I have permanent residence papers issued to me by the Mexican Government. I pay my taxes to the Mexican IRS. I am a good GRINGO who does the right thing, like a GRINGO should. It's the GRINGO way. Remember, I was born and raised in GRINGOLAND.

Then go to the Maytag website and look for Richard John Cadena. Check out my job profile, duties, fringe benefits, etc. Find out if I am stuck in middle management or a top level executive. Let me know if you find anything and, if you do, be able to substantiate it.

Tell you what. I will give you a helping hand. Check out the following website: www.atanet.org and you will get some solid stuff on me.

To back up the immediately foregoing paragraph, take a look at www.proz.com and I will be there, too.

Why don't you two guys try looking out beyond the county line of wherever you live. There is a whole world out there. And guess what!!! There is a whole world beyond the confines of the borders of the USA. Check it out. Learn a foreign language. If you don't like Spanish, try French or German.

Try all of that. It's a nice experience. I know you're going to like it.

Richard John Cadena
Your favorite expatriate GRINGO in Mexico City

Interesting, and somewhat presumptious of you Danielle W. to presume that I am not African-American! My reference to the comparison of gender bias versus racial bias was to a recent Boston Globe article about the psychological and sociological aspects of both. I was not expressing a personal opinion alone but backing it up with scholarship. I encourage you and all other posters to this site to go on the Boston Globe website and rerad the article.

Estimado Frank Esquivel:

Por este conducto, me permito hacer de tu conocimiehnto que no percibo ningún ingreso por concepto de servicios de redacción en aras de apoyo al Senador Barack Obama en su campaña para la presidencia, ya que simplemente expongo las conclusiones a las que he llegado de acuerdo con la información a la que he podido acceder, por lo que no tienen ni un pelo de estupido. Asimismo, tu te encuentras radicado en el estado de Illinois desde hace quien sabe cuanto tiempo, por lo que por deducción lógica, has tenido a tu alcance más información directa y local. Por mi parte, estoy en México, D.F. desde hace 42 años, ya que dejé la tierra que me vió nacer, a saber, Los Angeles, California, para emigrarme a México, D.F., decidido a vivir "my Mexican dream" y me ha ido bien. En conclusión, quedamos de acuerdo en que cada quien lleva una trayectoria muy distinta, la cual se refleja en la unformación que se tiene a la mano y la diferencia de opinión de cada quien.
Saludos cordiales,
Richard Cadena
México, D.F. a 6 de marzo de 2008