Clinton Rocks

She hit every note she needed to last night. Even my stubborn wife said, yes, it's time to fully support Obama.

And what a video to open with...




If Obama loses, it is the Democratic party at fault. Not Clinton. Not anyone else because there are no Clinton supporters for McCain. She made that very clear last night.

Clinton Watch

Dinner is finished... it's very quiet now. The boys have fallen asleep to the drone of the convention on the radio. I'm waiting to hear Clinton speak tonight. I'm not going to get every facial twitch or smile or wince. I think it's better this way.

Clinton isn't going to fix the world with a single speech, as she didn't hatch a career overnight. The pressure is on, though, for her to do so. The buzz in the news, over and over again, is Clinton versus Obama.

As a Clinton supporter- because I am not a former one, I will continue to support her as the Senator from New York- all I can do is roll my eyes. The pressure on this woman to perform a miracle is beyond my imagination. Not only did she suffer the loss of the nomination, now- as all women often must- she has to clean up the mess.

Damn. Remind me to stay out of politics- I'm no where near that gracious. I'd go and say what I think. I'd push my former foe, push him to recognize my ideals.

Clinton can't do that.

It's a shame, you know. All this ass kissing makes us weaker as a party, not stronger.

We'll see.

Obama And Clinton?

You have to admit it, the Obama campaign has been a big snore since Clinton dropped out of the race. Oh, sure, the Germany speech was great and he didn't pull a single Dukakis/tank moment in Iraq.

But the excitement isn't there.

McCain, meanwhile, is busy busy busy. His numbers are frighteningly good. He continues to raise a lot of money. I recently learned that the co-owner of Manhunt.com, Jonathan Critichley, has maxed out his contributions to McCain.

Keep up those memberships, boys, and you can guarantee you'll get fucked twice.

Doesn't seem to matter what McCain says about reproductive rights, about the war in Iraq, about anything. He keeps snipping away at Obama's lead. I love his recent ad proclaiming his capability to clean up Wall Street.

This from a man who also claims to not know very much about economics. Which is it Johnny?

Meanwhile, Obama's commercials are bland and hard to tell apart from McCain's. While watching the Olympics, the ads run often side by side.

Which one do we like? my son Jake keeps asking.

Obama. He's the good guy.

You sure?

Yes.

The Democrats are doing it again. Blowing a sure thing in the home stretch. I can't even mention something I saw today on the internet because I refuse to propagate a rumor, especially against my candidate. But damn, lemme tell ya, it's damaging.

It's time for the bitch to come back because as we know, bitches get things done. Clinton needs to join Obama on the ticket and be let loose. She can rip into McCain- who needs to be ripped into- and Obama can keep his nose clean. Her mere presence is electrifying because you either love her or hate her.

It will give some life back to this campaign.

On the floor, at the convention, post roll call vote- a vote that Clinton will be listed in contention- why not have a little political theater and get the juices flowing again.

Obama Kerry? Obama Bayh? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Obama Nunn? That'll give you some splash but the wrong kind.

We're starting to stall, people. We need some fire. Some splash and excitement.

Obama and Clinton, 2008.

Sam Nunn? You Gotta Be Kidding.

While everyone points fingers to Senator Clinton's supporters as the downfall of the Democratic party, I'd like to point out Obama's efforts to undermine our effort.

Sam Nunn.

Jim Johnson, new to the VP search committee, is a huge fan of Sam Nunn's. You know Sam Nunn, the anti-gay architect of Don't Ask Don't Tell, Board member of such profit at any cost companies such as Coca-Cola, Chevron, Dell, General Electric, Internet Security Systems, Scientific-Atlanta, Texaco.

I don't want even mention the membership to Augusta- no Chicks, no Blacks, no Jews and certainly no Homosexuals allowed- National Golf Club.

I need Senator Obama to take Nunn's name off the short list.

Please.

Now.

Because if he doesn't? There is no way in hell he can blame Senator Clinton for that giant fuck up. It will be his own.

Proud Exit

I have one hope for today. I hope that Clinton cleans up in West Virginia and Kentucky. I hope for this so she can gracefully exit, save some face, and bring an end to this primary race.

I still believe she is the better candidate. But as I've said before, it's time for her to leave. Obama needs to gather all the resources and energy now.

Obama versus McCain.

But if for one last day, to have a great showing, to end the nasty barbs flying through the media calling her, among many other things, racist- something so twisted out of context I can't stand it- to end on a high note.

I won't be watching the returns. It was bad enough watching the Celtics lose last night. I simply don't have it in me. I'm going to curl up with a good book, maybe watch the Red Sox if they are playing. Take a long, long swim.

Because it's over. Obama is our nominee.

I only hope for a proud exit for Clinton.

Anxiously Waiting

I can't even read the news online today. I've been pacing.

Went running.

Paced some more.

Went to the grocery store. I ended up with a lot of food, none of which really goes together or makes any sense. Hamburger with no buns. Red pepper, cucumbers but no lettuce.

Went to the wine store just to wander and look at wine. Circling the Rhone section, I couldn't have made a selection if you paid me to. I walked out empty handed.

The cat is on my desk. Literally. She's not amused. She has, however, sent several emails today with her treks across the keyboard.



If I start reading exit polls now, I'll only make myself crazy. Jake has a baseball game tonight. Ben and Zachary have their music lessons. Plenty to do.

It's been a long week and it's only Tuesday.

Clinton must win Indiana. And she needs a very strong showing in North Carolina. A loss by any sizable amount will be the end. My guess? We'll have no clearer a winner tomorrow than we do today. Obama will win NC buy 5%. Clinton will win IN by 5%. No clear mandate will be set.

We will go on to the next primary contest.

That's my guess. I might be wrong. It might all be over when the votes are counted tonight. There is some relief in that thought. Some. Not a lot. I'm rooting for the underdog, after all.

For now? I'm back to anxiously waiting.

The Supreme Court

As we wonder about whether or not Obama's charisma is running out, or if Clinton can in fact win regardless of how much ground she is making up right now, I want to remind everyone of something bigger than Obama or Clinton.

The Supreme Court.

If McCain wins this election? The Supreme Court will be stacked with Roberts and Alito clones and we will lose the court for the rest of my lifetime.

I plan on living a long life, too.


When I think about that, I'm not sure I need to be right anymore, about Senator Clinton. When I think about that, I get really frightened for my children.

John Paul Stevens is 88 years old. Ruth Ginsburg 75 and already a one time cancer survivor. How much longer can they hang on?

The war in Iraq needs to end. The economy needs to be sent for emergency surgery. Health care, public education, jobs- the list goes on and on. We are in such a mess after 8 years of Bush, it's hard to know where to begin.

I honestly don't care about Reverend Wright and what he said. I think Clinton's gas tax relief is a lame attempt to garner votes.

The bitter campaign has to stop. The Obamatrons and the Clintonistas have to give it a rest, and yes, I am including myself in that.

Because in the not so distant future? The next president of the United States will be appointing at least one, if not several, new justices to the supreme court.

We should all be afraid, very afraid, of McCain's probable appointments.

Heating Up in Indiana

Thanks to my pal, Bil over at Bilerico.com, I saw this ad.



He points to how successful Hillary Clinton is to have someone else ask the questions.

Personally? I just want to know the answers.

Obama Goes For Dirt

According to the Washington Post today, and "anonymous" source in the Obama campaign said they are going to rehash all the old dirt on Clinton. You know, Whitewater- the investigation that cost millions of taxpayer dollars to find she did nothing illegal- and of course the impeachment of Bill Clinton.

Or will he? Or will the anonymous sources leak the possibility, set the media on a frenzy about Clinton and then Obama campaign sits back and giggles, claiming again how they would never go so negative.

Um... we're onto that game. Been going on since Muskie in 1972.

What is Obama without all the promise of a new hope, new politics? Because "leaking isn't new, that's old style, mud slinging, Boss Tweedy stuff. What is Obama? Will all those young people keep ignoring the dirty play and keep coming out to vote?

I find it fascinating the different titles today across the news. "Clinton Clearly Outduels Obama in Pennsylvania" (NYTimes) "Clinton Stays Alive With Victory" (Wall Street Journal, "Clinton Keeps her Hopes Alive" (Boston Globe)and my favorite, "Desperate Dems" (Huffington Post).

I have been amused by the endless comments everywhere about how it wasn't all that impressive, it wasn't that much, she needed to win by 20 to make a point- the ever moving target of success feels awfully familiar to me as a woman. No, do it this way, no you didn't do this, wait your forgot this... all games played by people who can't stand to acknowledge success.

My guess is, if she won by 20, they would have said it was expected. No big deal. He still had more money and more delegates to date. It's the same logic my twelve-year old employs when I put his cell phone in time out.

I still have my iPod.

When I take that too, he finds one more thing he has to point out how he's still standing.

The reality is, Obama can't beat Clinton. If he was so much the popular vote, if he had such a clear mandate from the people, the race would be over.

It isn't.

As Maureen Dowd wrote today- someone who has been no fan of Clinton's- "His subtext was obvious: Why can’t I just be president? Why do I have to keep eating these gooey waffles and answering these gotcha questions and debating this gonzo woman?"

Now the dirt comes out. I'm fine with the dirt. Clinton stood up to it before, she will again. Playing the "anonymous" leak game is a page right from Rove's playbook.

But remember... there is nothing about "change" or "hope" in that.

In the meantime? Clinton is on track to raise 10 million dollars in the 24 hours since winning Pennsylvania with a record 50,000 new donors.

Ultimately, since he cannot beat her even when he outspends her, why doesn't he quit?

Last Debate

No, I did not watch it. My wife made me go out to dinner instead. She says I get a little crazy when I watch debates. I yell at the television and wake the children. My face turns red and my blood pressure soars.

It's not healthy.

But I am going through the different sites this morning and so far, it seems, he looked slow and uninspired. She remained calm and outperformed him.

I'm interested to see how, as the day goes on, different sites break down the event. We have become so clearly a Clinton or Obama blogsphere, our own spins will paint the day in a bright red wave of fury.

Which is why I did not watch the debate last night, too. I'm interested in seeing what others say, with no personal opinion, other than the pro-Clintonista spin I am always putting on things.

Any one watch? Have any comments?

Clinton and LGBT Friendly and Non-Friendly Audiences

I lied. I can't help myself. Obama sat down to a second interview with the Advocate and his LGBT supporters and preening about how he has responded to our community's cry for face time with the candidate.

Here is a list of Clinton's appearances and discussion of LGBT issues in front of non-LGBT friendly audiences, as Obama so often is praised for doing.


· In March 2007, Hillary was the only presidential candidate to accept the invitation and to address the Human Rights Campaign's Board Meeting and Equality Convention. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSPxGmePSiA

· In the June 3rd CNN debate of the Democratic candidates for president; Hillary Clinton spoke out forcefully against the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy.

· In late June 2007, Hillary announced the formation of “LGBT Americans for Hillary”, her national LGBT Steering Committee.

· In August 2007, Hillary participated in the LOGO/HRC Presidential Forum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SQSXv8i4Mw&feature=related and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxdzvE05ceE&feature=related.

· In a first for a presidential candidate, Hillary utilized her web site to organize LGBT Watch Parties and, in fact, attended the largest watch party in West Hollywood.

· In October 2007, Hillary gave an in-depth interview to The Advocate.

· In November 2007, Hillary released a comprehensive plan to battle HIV/AIDS.

· Also in November2007, Hillary spoke to evangelical leaders at Saddleback about the AIDS epidemic, including the rise of HIV infection rates among gay men, and challenged the churches to address the spiritual side of the crisis including “the gay teenager seeking safety and guidance”.

· In January, Hillary was the only Presidential candidate to come out squarely against the Florida marriage amendment.

· In January 2008, Hillary addressed gay teen suicide in a web video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp_mn1_z9UY (Beginning at 3:21).

· On February 4th, Hillary gave an interview to Logo TV.

· In February 2008, Hillary authored a blog posting on “Equality for LGBT Americans.”

· As part of her nationally-broadcast “Voices Across America, National Town Hall” on February 4th, Hillary affirmed that she would fight for the equality of benefits for LGBT Americans, for passage of a Hate Crimes law, ENDA and for an end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”. http://townhall.hillaryclinton.com/ (See 2nd question asked)

· On February 11th, Hillary gave an interview to the Washington Blade.

· In late February, Hillary gave interviews to the LGBT press in Ohio and Texas.

· In March in Wyoming, Senator Clinton spoke about Matthew Shepard and the need for a Federal Hate Crimes law.

A second interview is a wonderful start. But only a start.

Just One More...

Okay, I know, I need to write something today and I am but I had this sent to me and it made me tear up.

I will say this for both the democratic contenders... they can each tell a powerful story. I prefer the very real person sitting in the chair.

Monday Morning Catch Up

The drama of the disclosure of the Clinton's tax returns...



Psyche is right!

That's It

If I were Senator Clinton, I'd throw in the towel and tell everyone to go to hell. After years of being dogged by the media, criticized, humiliated, scored, and ripped to shreds, she has to have the thickest skin on the face of the earth.

But to go after her daughter?

That's it. I'd tell all my supporters thanks but no thanks. This is not worth it. I don't care that Chelsea is an adult. Asking her about how her mother handled her father's very public extra marital affair?



And it happened again today.

Meanwhile, the double edged sword of the media continues. Previous supporter Nora Ephron rips into Clinton's rendition of Bosnia but Obama continues to get to wane poetically about events without a fact checker.

From Politico:

"consider Obama's stirring tale for the Selma audience about how he had been conceived by his parents, Barack Obama Sr. and Ann Dunham, because they had been inspired by the fervor following the "Bloody Sunday" voting rights demonstration that was commemorated March 4. "There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Ala.," he said, "because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born. So don't tell me I don't have a claim on Selma, Ala. Don't tell me I'm not coming home to Selma, Ala." Obama was born in 1961, and the Selma march occurred four years later, in 1965. The New York Times reported that when the senator was asked about the discrepancy later that day, he clarified: "I meant the whole civil rights movement."

So when he does it, it's charming? And if you click through to the Politico article? There are countless more of these "slips."

If I were Senator Clinton, I'd throw my hands up and say, good luck to you. You have a newbie political creation from the powers that be. They better step up to the plate and keep delivering for him because he doesn't have a clue how to do it himself.

If he thinks I've been "dirty" and run a negative campaign?

Grow up. Wait till the Republicans get a hold of you.

Leave my kid alone. Leave my jerk of a husband alone. Like no one out there has taken back a spouse who cheated. Please. I'm done with the slings and arrows. I have enough money, friends and stories to tell my grandchildren.

I don't need this job. This job needs me.

And don't you dare come whining to me when Obama blows it in the first 100 days. And then the next 100 days. Because unlike all the restraint I've shown to date? I'm going to tell you I told you so.

Because you know what? When it comes to asking my kid about something private, personal and painful to play "gotcha" for the camera?

That's it.

Can We Get Along?

I had a friend of mine admit today that she's an Obama supporter.

I would say a good friend of mine but now... I'm not so sure.

Only kidding. I was a little surprised but not completely. Frankly? At this point? I don't care.

I don't care who wins as long as a Democrat wins. And it's starting to look like that won't happen.

She pointed out to me that Obama wasn't being negative to gay people, or immigrants, in the speech he made in Oregon the other day. He was simply saying, let's not get caught up in immigrants and gay people when we have bigger issues- the economy and the war- to look at.

Okay.

I can see that. I'm not sure that I agree but then, I wasn't in the room. I didn't hear the entire speech. I listened with attitude and not openness.

See, she is a good friend. And I realized for a second, my heart closed. Over what? A political candidate? No.

Hillary Clinton didn't just invite me to the Cape this summer, and Barack Obama didn't teach her kids how to body surf.

I was going to let an average candidate- and let's face it, they are both average candidates with relatively little experience- make me love my friend any less.

But the thought that someone as insane and erratic as John McCain would end up in the Oval Office in charge is... more than either of us could bear.

The primary season has never lasted so long. By the time the Democrats get to Denver, nothing is going to be left. No more money to raise. No more dignity from either side.

Nothing.

Imagine if right now, we had lined up a series of debates with John McCain. I'm willing to bet that by debate three, we could have him bright red and spitting out some off balanced, angry retort.

By debate 5? It would be McCain throwing every dirty political trick in the book to win.

We're not going to have time for three debates after Denver, let alone five.

What are we going to do?

We cannot stand five more months of this.

We will lose.

I keep hearing Rodney King's voice:

"People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along? Can we stop making it, making it horrible for the older people and the kids?...It’s just not right. It’s not right. It’s not, it’s not going to change anything. We’ll, we’ll get our justice....Please, we can get along here. We all can get along. I mean, we’re all stuck here for a while. Let’s try to work it out. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to beat it. Let’s try to work it out."

We have to work this out.

Or we will never get our justice.

The Presidential Election Results Are IN!

If you can't stand waiting for the next few months, then click on the video.

But I warn you... there is an election spoiler in there!



If you want real news, and to see Obama saying something stupid again about gay people, click here, because my friend Sue has it covered.

The Inexcusable

I was forwarded an article today by Linda Burnham, The Tightrope and the Needle.

"Liberal feminists have every right to spend down their political capital on behalf of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Hard choices have to made; political debts have to be paid. But it will not count as progress if a Clinton win is purchased at the cost of deepening the racial divide. It is inexcusable to support a candidate in the name of feminism while deploying racist argumentation, minimizing the existence and impact of racism, and denying the advantages of inhabiting the racial space called “white.” It will not be excused. Nor will it be forgotten."

Excuse me?

I believe Clinton is a better candidate.

Period. Pretty darn close between them. They have voted over 90% of the time the same way. very very little is different. I think Clinton's additional term in the Senate is important but not the end all and be all.

Period.

I like her health care plan better.

Period.

They both suck wind on LGBT rights.

Period.

I have read their positions. I have listened to the debates. I have thoughtfully considered each candidate. They both have weaknesses and strengths.

You can call me racist, and that's fine. You can call me the political machine of old and that's fine. Keep bringing it on and I'll keep shaking my head. I don't agree.

Is the only way I can embrace the struggle for racial justice is to vote for Obama? If I don't, I'm reverting "to the primacy of sexism over all other forms of discrimination and oppression. All the tendencies that got feminism tagged as a white, middle-class women's thing are, brutally, back in play."

It can't just be a difference of opinion? Honestly, I wish I had someone to vote for that had Kucinich's politics, Romney's hair, Ann Richard's humor, St. Teresa's police record...

But I don't, do I?

I could go through the entire essay, line by line and argue every point. My blood pressure would skyrocket.

Mostly? It hurts.

I am highly attuned to gender frames. I am highly attuned to homophobia, gender identity, stereotyping, class differences... I live them every day.

And I am highly attuned to race and racism.

The author refers to me- old, white woman voting for Clinton- as "blissfully (willfully?) ignorant"?

That's an insult to all the work I've done in my life, professionally and personally.

I chose a different candidate.

And now that makes me a racist?

Are some people supporting Clinton racist? Yes. And some people supporting Obama are racist, too. No one has played this campaign cleanly.

No one.

I believe deeply and strongly that we need to have a discussion on race in this country. We are in a historic moment and we are all spitting at each other and throwing blanket statements in order to elevate our candidate...

What a waste. We should be having this discussion TOGETHER rather than pointing fingers.

We are pulling apart each thread of the fabric of these campaigns- these two democratic campaigns- and scrutinizing every gesture, every word, every supporting cast member...

In the mean time? John McCain doesn't even need to fund raise. Why bother campaigning? He just has to sit back and wait for the bloodied victor from Denver to step forward.

We all have a lot of work to do. The discussion about race- and gender, and class, and homophobia- is essential to creating social change. We must come together for this discussion.

Long after this presidential race is decided, we will all have to work together because a single person in the role of president is simply NOT THAT IMPORTANT.

Are we all war lovin', Republican morons because George Bush has been our president for 8 years?

I didn't think so.

"It is inexcusable to support a candidate in the name of feminism while deploying racist argumentation, minimizing the existence and impact of racism, and denying the advantages of inhabiting the racial space called “white""

There has been so much about the political/candidate discussion that I find inexcusable. I could flip that statement right back at the author.

But I know it's not that simple. There isn't a single line to draw to get from A to B with race in this country. This is complex. There are many different things happening at once.

Mostly, though? If we blow this election because we are so busy navel gazing and pointing fingers at each other because we can't see beyond our own rhetoric?

That will not be forgotten.

And the Tide Turns- Again

According to the most recent Gallup Poll, Clinton is in the lead.

As a Clinton supporter, I say hooray, but as a democrat? I can say, keep scrolling down. McCain beats either Obama or Clinton.

He doesn't beat Clinton by as much.

But he beats them both.

Thanks, Sue!

Wait.. Rev. Wright calls Hillary a White Girl?

Obama's "spiritual advisor" Rev. Wright? Calls Hillary Clinton a white girl who doesn't know anything is FINE FINE FINE?

Oh, I'm sorry, Donald. I can't take this shit.

I just can't.



Codes and shorthands? Losing content and context?

No, I haven't lost a thing.

I get it.

This is "entertainment" while Ferraro's comments are evil.

I should give Obama the benefit of the doubt but with Clinton, guilt by association runs deep.

Yeah. I get it.

ENOUGH ALREADY!

Oh, the debate between Obama and Clinton camps rages on. Personally, I'm sick of it. No one comes up with anything new, same accusations are flying back and forth. No one is going to convince me Obama is the savior, and no one is going to convince an Obamaton (that's Jerame Davis term and I love it) that they are supporting an empty suit.

The complaints, the innuendo, and, as I was accused of today, the "gamesmanship."

I think gameswomanship. Or just go ahead and say I'm playing games.

You could admit I run circles around you in such a funny, articulate way you don't know your ass from a hole in the ground, but maybe you can't type that fast.

I promised, in response to a plea that people stop pointing out Obama's lack of a voting record in Illinois or that Obama was not a primary sponsor of the LGBT human rights legislation as he claims, a few things.

As soon as the innuendo that Clinton's campaign 'darkened' video to make Obama look 'more black' even though its completley untrue, I'll stop.

As soon as Samatha Power calling Clinton a monster- oh, wait, it's almost all of the Obama campaign- stops saying that, I'll be as quiet as a mouse.

Well, not the one in the wall that scurries all night and drives me nuts. A church mouse. I've never heard a church mouse, perhaps because of my lack of going to church, but it sounds like a good start.

As soon as "the pure campaign" stops talking about Clinton's marital problems- even though at the time we all agreed that it wasn't fair or right to do. Remember? A blow job is not an impeachable offense?

Oh, wait. That's when we were all in this together.

When that stops, I will zip my lips and throw away the key.

As soon as the ridiculous cries of "Clinton cannot win!" stop. THE SAME THING IS TRUE FOR OBAMA, PEOPLE.

Sorry. That one is REALLY grating on my nerves. Not sure I can be quiet about that.

The sad part? Not only is the LGBT community arguing over crumbs- and I'm talking little tiny crumbs offered by each candidate- while we bicker, McCain cheerfully gathers in the money, the dirt, and is smiling his way to the November election.

Personally, I'm sick of it too. But it goes both way. It goes both ways and is coming from both camps.

BOTH camps.

I think we need to find some common ground. I think we need to aim our sights at McCain.

That might be too much of a stretch, so, let's start small. Let's find a different place of agreement.

When it comes to LGBT rights? They both suck.

Can we begin the peace process there?