GO OREGON GO1:58PMMay 15th 2008

Pamplin Media Group Editorial: Obama Best for Democrats.

Oregon Democrats can do their part to encourage the nation to move forward by throwing their support to Sen. Barack Obama in the May 20 primary.

The fact that Oregon matters at all in this presidential race is something of a small miracle, considering the lateness of its primary. But since Oregonians have a rare chance this election year to influence whom the Democrats ultimately select to run in November, the state’s voters ought to stake their claim on the future and help the nation transcend bitter divisions of the past.

Coming into Oregon and other late-primary states, the Illinois senator is maintaining a small lead in pledged delegates over Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Both Obama and Clinton have visited the state (along with former President Clinton) and have ignited levels of excitement not seen during an Oregon primary since the mid-1970s.

The two Democratic candidates have similarities on the issues, and they present an opportunity to break racial and gender barriers for the nation’s highest office. But our support for Obama comes down to a belief that the nation is weary of family dynasties in the White House and is in search of new ways to resolve old battles — domestically and abroad.

Obama’s campaign already has proven transformative in many ways. He has engaged and motivated younger voters who are willing to put aside the cynicism held by many of their elders and to believe again that government can be a positive force for change. Obama also represents a singular opportunity to unify this nation around the strength of its racial and ethnic diversity.

There also are practical considerations that registered Democrats should weigh when deciding which candidate to support for president — with the main one being electability.

Republicans already have settled on Arizona Sen. John McCain as their candidate. In doing so, they chose perhaps the only GOP candidate capable of mounting a highly competitive campaign during a year when most voters are unhappy with the Bush administration and are tilting toward Democrats.

McCain’s maverick reputation and moderate voting record appeal strongly to independents. But that same group of voters has been attracted to Obama, as well.

The contradiction here is that Clinton may, in fact, be more moderate in policy and in action than Obama. And certainly during her visit here, she displayed an impressive fluency with issues — right down to the regional level — that was reminiscent of her husband’s ability to grasp policy details and relate them to a local audience.

Obama doesn’t carry the baggage of someone who’s been to the White House before. For Democrats whose main concern is the ability to win in the fall, we recommend Obama.

But in the end, this isn’t just about Democrats. All voters will have a chance to vote in November, and a McCain-Obama matchup would provide the best forum to debate the future direction of this country, including monumental issues of war, an ailing economy, sustainability, decaying urban infrastructure, terrorism and a dysfunctional health care system.

After 20 years of Bush-Clinton-Bush, the American public deserves two candidates — McCain and Obama — who aren’t tethered to the orthodoxies of their parties’ recent past.

JOHN MANN2:03PMMay 15th 2008

The Super March is one; one by one, two by two, three by three, four by four, five by five and etc etc etc. It floodgates are open, they will be pouring in for Barck Obama our -- next US President.

Davidg2:06PMMay 15th 2008

Hey Knowles,

How did it feel on the "Sweetie" board to be called a shill for McCain, a shill for Clinton, and compared to Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity?

All for daring to report Obama's slight gaffe?

Do you maybe realize now why so many of us are afraid of Obama and his minions?

Katherine2:08PMMay 15th 2008

Yes, it is in Edward's "wake"--Edwards' presidential chances are dead, and soon enough Obama's will be as well.

BTW, remember that ha ha Obama said 57 states woopsiedaisy?

Just google "57 Islamic states" and look it up.

Could just be a coincidence, or sleepy Barack, but it's no fun finding coincidences like that.

david knowles2:08PMMay 15th 2008

DavidG,

It comes with the territory. I don't take it personally.

Katherine2:11PMMay 15th 2008

Yes, it is in Edwards' "wake"--Edwards' presidential chances are dead, and soon enough Obama's will be as well.

BTW, remember that ha ha Obama said 57 states woopsiedaisy?

Just google "57 Islamic states" and look it up.

Could just be a coincidence, or sleepy Barack, but it's no fun finding coincidences like that.

Katherine2:14PMMay 15th 2008

I keep posting twice today.


I heard McCain referred to as a "green republican" on TV the other day.

I'm liking his plans more and more.

Hillary or McCain.
Never Obama

JOHN PAUL2:14PMMay 15th 2008

No Race Card:
The enthusiasm in the race for President of the USA, is about more than a chance for black Americans to vote for “one of their own.” This time, black Americans seem motivated to vote as much out of excitement about this country as about the candidate. They seem thrilled that the secret, often unspoken hopes they have nurtured for America and their place in it might actually come true someday, and that “someday” could even be today. They’re voting not just for Obama, but for America.
Seeing that hope realized does not, in the end, require that Barack Obama win the nomination, even thought now it is a well-known fact he has. Just as fellow Democrats John Kerry and Al Gore lost for reasons other than their race or gender, Clinton has lost.

It would be a vast exaggeration to refer to the Republican Party as racist. However, it has certainly been willing to play on racial fear and resentment for political advantage, pushing that message just hard enough to have an effect without being obvious.

Against Obama, that will be a tricky thing to modulate. As we’ve seen, his very presence in the race will provoke some to excess, and if the GOP pushes things too far, or if it tolerates the worst instincts of those on its fringe, it risks a powerful backlash in Obama’s favor. WHY?

Because we’re just not that country anymore.

JAMES2:16PMMay 15th 2008

KATHERINE WHAT ARE YOU ON? FACE REALITY!

Fred Wilson2:21PMMay 15th 2008

Yes, it’s time we move America into the 21st century —and some will be kickin-n-screamin along the way as they cling to their 20th century mentality. It’s way past time for looking beyond the color of one’s skin in determining our leaders!

missydo2:23PMMay 15th 2008

I'm a retired Steekworker and believe me I'm not voting for the Chicago Man.

Teresa2:28PMMay 15th 2008

It’s funny that Obama is called the elitist, when he came from a poorer upbringing and has less net worth that McCain or Clinton. Also, here we have a smart, articulate, highly intelligent and accomplished Black man and white people here still speak disparaging useing all kinds of lies, racial slurs and absurd other antics that are meaningless, all the while thinking they are cute or clever. Makes them really look stupid! Silly yet, is the fact that theyu bypass talking about any of Clinton's shades of gray and dark past that will loom full-blown if she does not bow out gracefully. The Democrat Party is not happy with Clinton's antics.



Everyone needs to see other human beings as just that—human beings. White people don’t hold all the cards on being human; in fact, oftentimes, they act anything but, when it comes to their approach in relating to people who are not white.

The only “problem” with this current process is, if Obama were to win the election, it would make many White people feel that all racism in this country is over.

mik2:28PMMay 15th 2008

Katherine GIVE IT UP YOU AND HILLAER LOOOOSSSSEEEEEE

Katherine2:32PMMay 15th 2008

Obama followers are so obsessed with beating Hillary that they are handing McCain the White House. You'll see....

Hillary or McCain.
NEVER Obama.

Diane Diamond2:37PMMay 15th 2008

Let’s unpack Racism. In its simplest form it is akin to the “birds of a feather” maxim, in that we are drawn to those most like ourselves. This is somewhat natural and not necessarily a bad thing, but still presents a challenge to our human condition because our preferences for one easily turn in to indifference or antipathy for the other. This challenge is best overcome by a proactive discourse with those seemingly unlike ourselves, until we find our set of preferences evolving from visual similarities to a desire or curiosity to discover the potential enjoyment of another’s positive qualities. This process will put into perspective a person’s physical appearance, and moves the observer beyond classifications and stereotypes into a new realm interpersonal experience.

It is at this level of enlightenment where we can look upon one another with a true sense of equality and commonality that binds us together as human beings and allows us to objectively discern a person’s character and compatibility with our own.

It is through this sharp lens that we should encounter others, without any preconceived notion or conditioning inarguably, to best determine who is the the most electable. That is what is happening in our country. Brotherly love knows no racial boundries. It allows us and others to be free. It does not mix church and state when selecting any candidate.

BARACK OBAMA 2008, AMERICA'S NOMINEE ACCORDING TO WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. WE HAVE SPOKEN. OBAMA LEADS.

John2:40PMMay 15th 2008

Katherine cant give it up..she already has...she is a republican posing as a pro Hillary Democrat..the reality of that is quite obvious.
Most real Democrats are extremely happy that we will win the White house this year with the first African American President in history who will bring people together except for the Katherine's, the Buchanan's and the head strong Feminists who are always out to cut the balls off of any man that gets in thier way whether he is a good man or not.Just like everything else we have an Anti-male movement in the country that puts its agenda before the good of all people.

D. L. GRAHAM2:42PMMay 15th 2008

POWER CABLE CELEBS AND OTHERS:

The Obama Campaign seems not to have a real understanding of the use of those of celebrity or position in the political world and how to deploy and use them to his campaigns benefit. There is really no reason to believe that Obama couldn't and shouldn't win Puerto Rico, and deny (D-NY) US/Senator Hillary Diane Rodham-Clinton the popular vote.

Obama could request two individuals to make a campaign trip in his behalf to the Island that would help, (D-NM) Governor Bill "Judas" Richardson, making the case that no one owes anything to anyone for hard-work that benefited both parties, and it is a time of change. A Celebrity that could be asked to make an appearance in Puerto Rico on the Obama Campaign behalf would be the Hispanic Co-Star of (CSI) Miami, who can also be see in the "Yes, We Can" video from the beginning of the Obama campaign, the actor who plays Delco, the brother-in-law to the (CSI) Miami character "Caine".

The non use of real assets in personnel seems to be a short coming of the Obama campaign. If you have individuals who have clout, and you need it but don't call upon it that is a serious short sightedness. It's like any business or relationship, you use the strengths of others to fill your weak spots, and yes there is a quid-per-quo, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, or like the God Father series, "I will do this thing for you, but if need be I call upon you, the thing I request must be done."

HANK-THE-FRANK2:44PMMay 15th 2008

Racism is the reason brilliant columnists and very insightful persons do not allow blog comments. It’s because the racist bile directed at them goes way too far for them -- to be exposed to the sickos. Least AOl puts up with the attacks on their brillant columnists who ALL are insightfull persons. Some of thebloggers should take a clue!

Davidg2:44PMMay 15th 2008

Don't you just love it. Now we can't possibly be "real democrats" because we won't vote for Barack Obama.

Hey, I'm a Democrat, not a Marxist.

I will vote for McCain. He is really the perfect person to clean up the worst of Bush's mess. He will only be in there for 4 years. Maybe in 2012 the democratic party will have their act together well enough to present an electable candidate, one who represents the values of the party, and not just the ultra-left wing of the party.

Of course I'm really just a Republican operative in disguise....shhhhh....don't tell anyone.

JOHN MANN2:48PMMay 15th 2008

Barack Obama would do well as a presidential candidate.

America has changed and continues to change. Yes, there is still discrimination and oppression and racism, and yes, there will always be individuals who see race, gender and/or sexual orientation before they see the person. But, despite all, we continue to move forward and make changes for the better.

And that is a good thing. Ultimately in the general election Obama will demonstrate that Americans are, by and large, ready to take the next step towards living up to its declaration that all men are created equal.

And that is a good thing.