tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post2678579376846522715..comments2024-03-20T05:19:35.526-04:00Comments on Mauigirl's Meanderings: Getting Back to BasicsMauigirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-74721546138760927482008-03-12T15:42:00.000-04:002008-03-12T15:42:00.000-04:00Tomcat, I hope you're right that Obama's lead can ...Tomcat, I hope you're right that Obama's lead can be insurmountable and he will be the candidate. Hillary's contention that she wins the "big" states is untenable; many of those states (NJ, Mass., etc.) are reliably Democratic no matter what. If Obama can muster support in less certainly Democratic states like Virginia, we have a better chance of winning against McCain. But to your point, I hope if the opposite happens that there will still be united Democratic support for a Hillary ticket. Who knows, it may end up being Obama-Hillary or Hillary-Obama and either may be a great ticket.<BR/><BR/>Diane, glad you came and found something positive here! There are a lot of other great bloggers on my blogroll and among the commenters that you may like as well. I totally agree with you that grass-roots organizing and trying to get things accomplished is not an easy task - good points.Mauigirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-13476488109402792522008-03-12T04:04:00.000-04:002008-03-12T04:04:00.000-04:00thank you mauigirl. I really needed to read this....thank you mauigirl. I really needed to read this. I've been kind of depressed. I don't know what will happen. I kind of think that it will be hillary-mccain and mccain will win.<BR/><BR/>I don't want this to be the case. I think I'll come over here more often to get a dose of positivity. recently I've been places where it appears that obama is the devil. I don't think he is perfect, but I agree with a vision of change that comes up from the grass roots. from his background in organizing, I think that is what he is advocating. <BR/><BR/>As someone who has been involved in organizing, I can tell you how hard it can be sometimes, getting a coalition together and framing something that is both good AND can get enough support to pass. We worked on something in my city on immigration.<BR/><BR/>but we recently had a victory on transportation! <BR/><BR/>grass roots change can happen, but more people have to get involved, participate. I do think that is what Obama represents, but his own presence/charisma both helps and hinders the cause. <BR/><BR/>on the one hand, he is very inspiring.<BR/><BR/>on the other hand, people do begin to think it is about him.Diane M. Rothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07749136181846671327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-3320578193948959642008-03-09T15:47:00.000-04:002008-03-09T15:47:00.000-04:00Maui, looking forward, it appears to me that Clint...Maui, looking forward, it appears to me that Clinton will not make up the difference in pledged delegates and Obama is narrowing Clinton's lead in super delegates. Barring unforeseen events, that drastically change the relative popularity of the two, Obama should emerge as the nominee. However, should the opposite occur, can only hope that there are not enough people foolish enough to stay on the sidelines and hand it to McConJob. With four more years of Bush policy, there may be no country left to salvage in 2012.TomCathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11397335545286040472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-13283579182871832942008-03-09T15:33:00.000-04:002008-03-09T15:33:00.000-04:00Sue J, thanks for your thoughts about this. I hav...Sue J, thanks for your thoughts about this. I have to admit I am a little uneasy about Obama's connection with McClurkin and I agree he sometimes seems to have a tendency to want things both ways. <BR/><BR/>I think I understand this. His thing is being collaborative and reaching out to constituencies that Democrats don't usually reach out to. Perhaps this results in him sometimes seeming to want things both ways. <BR/><BR/>I applaud his wish to reach consensus and be collaborative. But I do know there are certain times where you need to stand firm or just make a decision.<BR/><BR/>The company I work for was bought by another company a few years back and I noticed the difference in culture immediately. The new company is very into consensus building and as a result it seems to take forever to get anything done. Too much talking and not enough action. I suppose the consensus thing can be overdone.<BR/><BR/>My husband is in the middle of reading a book about Roosevelt and Churchill and it reminded me (as he read it aloud to me periodically all week!) about Neville Chamberlain believing he had an agreement with Hitler. When that didn't work and Churchill took over, he refused to ever compromise or negotiate with the Nazis. So I agree there are times you can't have it both ways.<BR/><BR/>What I do know is Obama's instincts are right - and to your point he does need the experience to know when he can be inclusive and collaborative and when he can't. The thing I believe is that he is a very quick study. I think he has learned a great deal just from the primary season and would continue to learn very quickly. I think one of his biggest positive points is that he is open to other ideas and can learn.<BR/><BR/>Unlike other people who support Obama, I am not completely against a joint ticket with Hillary if it comes to that. Obama could have all that experience of being VP and then be President after Hillary. <BR/><BR/>But of course anything can happen in 8 years and that might make him miss his chance. And I have no idea if she would be open enough to work with him and gain from HIS good points if she were president. <BR/><BR/>I never expected this election season to be so unusual. No matter what happens, it is a truly historic election.Mauigirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-66243494890121364332008-03-09T12:58:00.000-04:002008-03-09T12:58:00.000-04:00Good post Mauigirl, but I'm afraid I'm still not c...Good post Mauigirl, but I'm afraid I'm still not convinced that Obama is more qualified than Clinton to be president. I understand what you're saying about the emotional connection, but I have to say I still choose substance over emotion.<BR/><BR/>Just one quick example, and one that also addresses someone's comment earlier claiming she is more conservative than John McCain, is on LGBT rights. On paper Clinton and Obama look very similar on this issue. However, their actions are strikingly different. While Clinton has appeared at many, many gay and lesbian events -- even marching at Gay Pride -- and has talked with the gay press many times, Obama has not met with this constituency. Instead he repeatedly surrounds himself with homophobes such as Donny McClurkin, and then afterwards says he doesn't agree with McClurkin. You can't have it both ways. <BR/><BR/>I think with time Obama would be a great president. I just don't think he's ready yet. I know it's a cliche, but I still believe actions speak louder than words.<BR/><BR/>I know I'm outnumbered here, so I'll duck my head now. ;-)Sue Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05372579806614287004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-42036878687664246552008-03-09T03:40:00.000-04:002008-03-09T03:40:00.000-04:00Comrade Kevin, I too have that concern about McCai...Comrade Kevin, I too have that concern about McCain...he seems stable, but I've heard he has a temper - and just yesterday I think it was, I read that he got quite testy with some reporters. Sounds as if he doesn't have great diplomatic skills, to be sure. Hopefully if he shows this often enough he may lose.Mauigirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-82272625916172220702008-03-08T16:28:00.000-05:002008-03-08T16:28:00.000-05:00With all respect due to McCain and the torment he ...With all respect due to McCain and the torment he went through, I wonder how that kind of abuse for such an extended length of time damaged him.<BR/><BR/>I fear his Presidency because I think he would be more inclined to bear grudges against enemies or potential enemies and want to be vindictive rather than conciliatory.Comrade Kevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11393718048145784837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-86388540939996110302008-03-08T14:37:00.000-05:002008-03-08T14:37:00.000-05:00Randal, I agree - McCain is not what we need right...Randal, I agree - McCain is not what we need right now and I hope enough people realize that and will vote for whichever Democratic candidate we end up with.<BR/><BR/>Christopher, I hope that isn't the case if it does turn out that Hillary gets the nomination. But I definitely see your perspective on it! <BR/><BR/>John J, good points, I do think Obama can make the case on his policies - I just don't want him to go too far in the negative direction or in the policy direction - as long as he keeps his emotional connection he can win.<BR/><BR/>DCap, I know, I am concerned that her attacks are wounding his image. And it's true that McCain is not a great speaker, some people don't mind that - look at those loved Bush and said they could have a beer with him.<BR/><BR/>The really good people probably don't have enough money to win. That's the problem. It's all about the money.Mauigirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-22888751292658242922008-03-08T07:33:00.000-05:002008-03-08T07:33:00.000-05:00problem is her "win at all costs" campaign is mark...problem is her "win at all costs" campaign is marking Obama as damaged goods, also helping mccain<BR/><BR/>and hillary as SO much baggage -- it will be a field day for the gop machine<BR/><BR/>and no matter what she does, she will never have that emotional connection she needs -- and frankly i dont think mccain has it either -- while he can be appealing in some ways (his soft spoken voice does wonders for his lack of knowledge on many topics) -- he is a terrible debater and speaker....<BR/><BR/>where are the really good people?Distributorcaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10149154929149577121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-38755873789399303232008-03-07T15:26:00.000-05:002008-03-07T15:26:00.000-05:00I largely agree with you in this Maui, but I think...I largely agree with you in this Maui, but I think that Obama can show that he is stronger on policy than Clinton. To do this though, he needs to get out there. For the past three weeks, on all the talk and pundit shows (as well as late night) all I see is Clinton, and maybe an Obama supporter. Obama meanwhile has been doing the inspirational speeches to packed houses.<BR/><BR/>This has given Clinton almost unopposed access to the people that matter the most, the undecideds. The people Obama is talking to in his speeches are mostly the "converted." To really and truly have a good chance in PA, he needs to go on a mass media blitz, not on a speaking tour. He needs to take her on where she is strongest. <BR/><BR/>Show how is foreign policy plan is better than hers. Show how his health care plan is better than hers. Show his education plan, especially the early ed, where he trounces her.<BR/><BR/>Even more importantly, show where she has mislead the public and the media.<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong, he needs to keep up the inspirational speeches, but I haven't seen him really leave those. What he has added to his speeches has only strengthened them, imo. But it is clear that surrogates can't speak to the public the same way Clinton can and so he needs to take the initiative on this.John J.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15113315088960432426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-13551097644327612952008-03-07T11:36:00.000-05:002008-03-07T11:36:00.000-05:00Maui Girl,Hillary is a Clinton first, and a Democr...Maui Girl,<BR/><BR/>Hillary is a Clinton first, and a Democrat second.<BR/><BR/>In fact, the reason I can't vote for her is, I think and I believe, she's more of a conservative than is her good pal, John McCain.<BR/><BR/>If she gets in, expect to see her riding atop the first tank into Tehran. She's a neocon Hawk pretending to be a Dem.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15788931352232874850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-49164737409141377652008-03-07T11:29:00.000-05:002008-03-07T11:29:00.000-05:00Hey, what's wrong with the moon? How about black p...Hey, what's wrong with the moon? How about black pit of despair instead? ;-)<BR/><BR/>And I'm definitely voting for the Dem nominee, whomever it is. Underneath that hero/regular guy stuff is a warmonger. Sure, he can speak the English language better than Bush, but it really would be a third Chimpy term.Randal Graveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08728992897551848531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-26650440152963975082008-03-07T10:50:00.000-05:002008-03-07T10:50:00.000-05:00Hi Odessa,I agree - the next few contests will be ...Hi Odessa,<BR/>I agree - the next few contests will be telling. I know that neither candidate can win, mathematically, without the uncommitted superdelegates putting it over the top - but whoever has the momentum will sway those superdelegates.<BR/><BR/>Christopher, "beyond" is a scary thought. Regarding Michigan and Florida, I am all for a do-over if they can pull it off - Hillary won both of those contests. In Michigan, Obama wasn't even on the ballot, since he actually listened to the DNC and believed it wouldn't count. The worst case scenario is if she convinces them to use those delegates as they fell back then. <BR/><BR/>It's not fair to change the rules in the middle of the game.<BR/><BR/>I hear you about Hillary, but we don't know how bad off this country will be by 2012 and if McCain is the president, he very well could go for a second term and win it. After all, we elected "W" twice, hard to believe.<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure Al would run in 2012...I'd be hoping Obama made another try for it if Hillary is the nominee and loses to McCain in the fall.Mauigirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15529827915262851910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-48082243882734435142008-03-07T07:45:00.000-05:002008-03-07T07:45:00.000-05:00The Borg Queen is flushed with arrogance now and s...The Borg Queen is flushed with arrogance now and she has vowed to take her case all the way to the Denver Convention and "beyond."<BR/><BR/>The "beyond" can only mean one thing: crawling to the SCOTUS to demand they insert themselves once again in the election process and hand her the delegates from Michigan and Florida.<BR/><BR/>I see where limp noodle Howard Dean has buckled to the pressure of the Clinton machine and says he supports a "do over of both Florida and Michigan." The only saving grace is the economy is in a recession and neither state has the estimated $20 million to stage another caucus to shut the Borg Queen the fuck up.<BR/><BR/>There seems to be two schools of thought about November when it comes to the possibility of the Borg Queen being the nominee:<BR/><BR/>1. people like yourself who say they will support the Democratic candidate whoever it turns out to be<BR/><BR/>2. people who say they won't vote for Hillary Clinton under any circumstances<BR/><BR/>I fall into the second category. If the Clintons rob Obama of the nomination, I simply won't vote. I can wait until 2012 and Al Gore.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15788931352232874850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34240686.post-85397344784195660892008-03-07T01:01:00.000-05:002008-03-07T01:01:00.000-05:00i do agree with you that obama has a solid chance ...i do agree with you that obama has a solid chance of beating McCain. i think that this country is ready for change and obama represents that change. he belongs to those very few born leaders and positive thinkers who believe in their dreams and can inspire others to do the same. i like hilary too, but obama has that special charisma that can empower everyone to create change.<BR/><BR/>the next couple of weeks should be very interesting.Odessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17397968854709642789noreply@blogger.com