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Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton has pointedly stated that Democrats are ignoring the race issue in the US. The logic of this assault to some degree excuses the Republican field of candidates who all but ignored forums setup to outline their positions on issues facing Black America.

If you compare 2004 with 2008 discussions, I think you’ll find a greater degree of dialogue around the race question in the ’08 race. There is a fear among of civil rights leaders in Obama’s candidacy and it ability to usher in a new era of how Afro American’s view themselves and more importantly how they perceive their place in America.

Michelle Obama is correct in stating “they will wake up.” Unfortunately Obama has to not just make history by overcoming substantial odds and doing well in Iowa, he will have to win it to sway even his own Congressional Black Caucus colleagues. He’s held to a greater standard among Black America because of a distrust of some of what a more perfect America can be. And in the event of a Obama Presidency every Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King will become a personal and individual matter.

It would be logical for some to argue that the fear of Jackson and Sharpton with Obama’s successes is that it will unravel their influence. I might concur that the moment Obama gets sworn in, the world and this country begin to look at itself differently. The main thrust of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton’s argument will lose it’s shelf life.

Joe Klein used his blog to blast Senator Hillary Clinton's attack on Barack Obama over the weekend writing:

"Clinton's poll-driven attack on Obama today seems a bit too sweaty and desperate for her current situation, which is still a dead heat in the totally unpredictable January 3 caucus, although an Obamaward ripple can be discerned."

Barack Obama has responded by saying, “I think that folks from some of the other campaigns are reading the polls and starting to get stressed and issuing a whole range of outlandish accusations,” Obama said in a press conference Sunday in Des Moines, Iowa. “Everything that we’ve done is in exact accordance with the law.”

Obama receives the likeability nod in his tight race against Senator Clinton. It doesn’t help that Bush is being quoted as saying he believes Clinton will be a “formidable candidate,” as if the Washington establishment begot it’s own.

The month of December will not disappoint political analysts, armchair pundits and bloggers in this race.

Former President Bill Clinton had an opportunity to speak out against the war in Iraq and three interviews give some insight into the way in which he approached his at best lukewarm opposition or his calculated position on the situation in Iraq. There were points at which he was quoted at supporting the war. These exclusive interviews give insight into Clinton's position on the Iraq War.

On July 7, 2004 Jim Lehrer of the News Hour interviewed Bill Clinton at length about the war in Iraq, Monica Lewinsky, the Starr investigation and many other subjects. President Clinton was careful in his answers regarding the Iraq war. He even bolsters Obama's election by saying that a first term Senator from North Carolina was more experienced than President George W. Bush when he ran for president.: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/july-dec04/clinton_7-07.html

In June of 2004 President Clinton gave an interview to Dan Rather of 60 Minutes in which he again talked about some of the problems of the war and the fact that we rushed getting in there, but never once telling Dan Rather anything that would amount to a moral stance against the war in Iraq. In fact he stated he supported some of Bush's action on the war: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/01/60minutes/main620619.shtml

And this is a good one, he talks to Fox News' Chris Wallace at length about Osama Bin Laden, Terrorism and the Iraq War, but instead of giving anything substantial about the War in Iraq and hundreds of US soldiers dying he defends his record on terrorism and talked about the "Global Initiative". This interview, some would argue, is classic Bill Clinton because he accentuates all of the Clinton personality traits: http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/24/clinton-video/ .

The question is why now on the campaign stump. If it is important now many years after the fact to say he is in opposition, why not then at a time when it could have changed some things. A strong rebuke of the administration could've gotten John Kerry elected at the time when he was writing his book and that could've put an older Senator Clinton's chances at president at around 2012.

eNews References: Jim Lehrer News Hour Interview (Full Text): http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/july-dec04/clinton_7-07.html

CBS News Dan Rather Interview (Video): http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/06/01/60minutes/main620619.shtml

Fox News Chris Wallace Interview (Video): http://thinkprogress.org/2006/09/24/clinton-video/

eNewsReference.com: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/hillary_clinton.shtml http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/rudolph_giuliani.shtml http://www.enewsreference.com/barack_obama.shtml

Today at the dawn of a new century we are still grappling with questions of race and skin pigmentation in America. If our forefathers could have peaked into our nation’s challenges at this chapter, what would they offer about some of the questions we are asking about an Afro-American candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America. I think they would be amused as I am. Every time I hear the media ask is America ready I cringe. The fact that an Black Presidential candidate has made it this far leading in the polls is one of the greatest indicators that America is ready! Jackson and Sharpton might not be but America is.

In America today hundreds of years later, the one drop rule applies. We still coexist under the great text “That all men are created equal…” but don’t think about running for President yet.

I can’t help but suspect that media types bring up the experience question when they want to disguise the question of blackness. There will not be another Administration in the White House more ‘experienced’ than the one that entered in 2000. Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld and Condoleezza Rice were not coined ‘The Dream Team’ for nothing. No one imagined an inexperienced John F. Kennedy impacting the previous American Century. There were a lot of “Let us…!” in Obama’s speech reminiscent to Kennedy’s memorable speeches; by the way.

Barack Obama had it right in the 60 Minutes interview when the question was asked about poll numbers showing Black America supporting the Hillary Clinton campaign by double digits. Black American’s are sophisticated enough not to vote for a candidate strictly based on race. Obama recognizes the fact that he has to get out there and earn every vote.

If you confronted most Americans with this very question, Do you think Colin Powell would have served us better as President in the last eight years than President George W. Bush? I think an overwhelming majority would say yes. They would base their question on Powell’s widely reported reluctance in going into Iraq and the consequences he articulately posed about engaging in a long occupation there. They also believe the man is capable based on experience as well; none of it having to do with elected office either.

Barack Obama is basing his candidacy on the audacious assumption that American is one step ahead of the commentators, strategists, and media hawks who question our readiness. There is nothing like being there on the ground and sensing the tremendous support for Obama’s candidacy. When the crowds are shown at Obama rallies the sites cannot be scripted like other political events.

With the rise of candidates of color in many elected offices across the country, voters know that the need for change trumps race. The need for leadership is great for our generation.

Governor Mike Huckabee returned every blow effectively in last night’s debate. Being knighted with front runner status at this stage in the election gives him even more room for mobility as the other contenders stand at his heels. Huckabee has become likable in Iowa and that is what Romney’s camp fear the most.

I was listening to a New Hampshire voter on the radio who happened to be a Romney supporter saying she was very impressed with Huckabee’s climb in polls in Iowa and even stated she was considering a second look at Huckabee. He provides the conservative credentials along with a likable Gomer Pile feel. One of the things that politics is missing in all the mudslinging is a candidate that projects a Reaganesque optimism.

Huckabee involved his pastor’s advice about knowing you’re ahead when opponents are kicking you in the butt was similar to the confident ”there you go again” reply to Jimmy Carter in the 1980 debate. Finally I’m sensing some excitement at the Republican debates as voters in the early states start to pay attention.

If nothing else Huckabee is building a case for the VP bid and he’ll provide a lot better contrast to a dour Cheney selection in 2000 that wanted to convince voters the administration was experienced.

eNews References:

Jabs at Huckabee during debate throw him firmly into GOP fray

1. The most important theme of the debate will have to be consistency. He will have to let viewers know that he's held to the same conservative principles on abortion, guns and fiscal responsibility for a long time and has not changed and catered his message with the times.

2. He will have to tactfully state that he's not bankrolled his campaign or arrived in Iowa with all the money, but his message is resonating in the street because Iowans trust him to bring the core conservative values to the White House.

3. Do not let his opponents pin him on the Immigration debate. The license issues has come up and his counter can simply be what Obama has incorporated into the debate...because states has been essentially left to solve this issue, due to the federal government's failure to comprehensively deal with the problem, as a matter of safety he had to protect folks with the added benefit of bring immigrants out of the shadows and on the path towards legalization.

4. His humor and candor have to be supreme as usual. Thompson and Romney are telegenic but stiff at times and Huckabee can give a wonderful contrast to their robotic approach to question answering.

5. Offense Offense Offense. You can't appear desperate, but in calm low-key approach you have to respond damaging and strategically to criticisms of your plans and policy proposals. Comparing Romney's formal positions to what Democrats/liberal proposals will bring the audience into the equation.

6. Talk about Hillary...this is another crowd pleaser and talk strong on fixing some of the challenges facing the party.

7. Put a more persuasive and Presidential demeanor to his appeal. Romney and Thompson probably have the edge on the Presidential look and feel category, unfortunately they both will give up some of it when they engage in the one-on-one battles required in a tough debate.

Other eNews References:

http://www.enewsreference.com

Huckabee issues a debate challenge to Fred Thompson in September.

Quote on Fred Thompson's response to Huckabee's challenge

Huckabee: America enslaved to Saudi Oil

The Sunday Shows: Open Season on Huckabee eNews Reference: Campaign 2008

The real question for Giuliani will be does he have enough foreign policy experience in a post 911 world. The Fire Fighters will be to him what the Swiftboaters were to Senator Kerry and Giuliani’s ability to persuasively put the facts out there will be critical in a general election.

http://www.enewsreference.com

“I will govern according to the common weal, but not according to the common will.” -James I

This quote came to mind when poll results indicated Iowans believed Senator Clinton is more inclined to not say what is on her mind. The Obama camp has linked this sort of politicing to the administration of George W. Bush. Senator Obama has stated in one of his ads we need to tell people what they need to hear…we need to tell them the truth. Obama has simplified the race on average-everyday-people terms to the extent that he has had to fight off criticism of being naive.

Along comes an opponent like Barack Obama, a candidate who seems to be willing to govern to both the common “weal” and will. Voters are looking for candidates who are not looking past them, but candidates who are willing to give straight answers to some of the toughest questions in the history of this great country. Should we talk to our enemies. When the unliked neighbors and your child get into a fight you bite your tongue and engage in a dialogue to settle the dispute. Our system of justice hinges on meeting with those we have had a disagreement with and settling it in court face-to-face. For too long Americans have been told to let Washington deal with Washington, or on the stump candidates give that sheepish smile as though our questions are too simple.

Ten years down the road we have to look back on this period and know that we got it right. Our generation have to be able to vote out of our pocket books or on fear, but for the common will. Hillary Clinton has made it a point to change her image to appear friendly and voters have detected that change and the polls indicate that some are questioning whether or not it is authentic.

Obama’s showing in Iowa and New Hampshire will hinge on whether or not he can articulately provide an alternative to the Clinton brand of politics and show the relevancy of his life’s story.

http://www.enewsreference.com

 In the Seacoast region of New Hampshire there’s no competition at this point. Hillary has staked her claim in the signage war

http://www.enewsreference.com

As usual look for a Clinton and Obama fight or two. And, Gov. Romney come out fighting with Gov. Huckabee on his heels in Iowa. Huckabee appears to be more down-home and user friendly than the stoic all-business appeal of Romney. 

In the next two to three weeks candidates will either secure their rightful place in the fight or they will be given a one way ticket back to their home states

http://www.enewsreference.com

In this race she has shown herself to be the toughest of the Obama’s. If Senator Obama makes it to the White House Michelle Obama will be an imposing figure in setting policy and her involvment will be even more significant than Hillary’s if you can imagine that.

http://www.enewsreference.com

Obama could feel the wrath of the Clinton war machine in the coming weeks. Everyone has made a lot of accusations against the Clintons, but being unwilling to give a knock out punch has not been one of them.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are wrong in the way they’ve argued their position on this topic. Hillary was miffed at the fact that Obama brought up the subject of authorizing the war so she waited patiently for her chance to pounce on Obama. The way in which she articulated a position that arguably contradicts an earlier statement on meeting with rouge nations was very strategic. In the final outcome it is too early in the race for these sort of battles especially when the Democratic party is trying to present a unified front.

The real issue is campaign funding. Clinton’s supporters see Obama’s grassroots network and Hollywood support as a threat to her fundraising and general election initiatives. Obama has the tools and ability to weaken her chances at unifying the party against the Republicans.

It is surprising to think that the Hillary Clinton and Obama controversy is still playing out in the media. Some media analysts and pundits crave this sort of cat fight in politics, but the real question is whether or not voters are receiving the information they need for an informed decision in November ’08.

When all is said and done many believe Hillary Clinton will receive the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. In the mean time, Barack Obama is organizing thousands of new contributors to the party to give Hillary a very easy base to tap into. The great success of the first legitimate African American presidential candidate could mean the Presidency for the first female President of the United States.

When you factor in the fact that Obama has over 250,000 contributors at the grassroots level who’s very excited about this race you can understand why Hillary has put on the happy face during the debates. Bill Clinton is not going around saying Hillary’s voting record is similar to Obama’s for nothing as it relates to Iraq.

In the beginning it seemed as though Hillary Clinton could be swept off stage by Obama’s grassroots appeal until her advisors stepped in and told her, just wait ‘this too will pass’. Hillary is the champion of weathering storms.

http://www.enewsreference.com/political_enotes.shtml

Terms like "vast right wing conspiracy" and the proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" will forever be a part of the political lexicon in America simply because she uttered them. The Democratic field would look totally different if she wasn't "in it to win it." What will beat Senator Clinton is the task of defeating her on her own terms.

The White House was very stormy during the Clinton years. Never before has an affair unraveled in such a way. Honesty and integrity was in short supply during those years. It was painful to see living rooms, workplace and classroom discussions about the sleaze in the White House during Bill Clinton's Administration.

Today there is the potential that Clintons will occupy the White House again. Monica Lewinsky will write a reflective book about her immature years in the White House and have book signings in Washington, DC.

Republican contenders should waist no time in discussing Senator Clinton's policy decisions. Her flip on Iraq and other key votes should be analyzed and discussed in a substantive way. If Republicans walk gingerly on attacking Clinton because of the female vote she will exploit it and dance into the White House.

Ultimately she has her nomination sewn up barring no major surprises. And make no mistake about it she will be tough to beat. She was the reckoning force behind the Clinton campaigns. Today she is far removed and operating on her agenda and her own terms.

Some would argue that at the heart of all the problems besetting the Bush administration lies a great deal of stubbornness. President Bush's critics would continue to argue that some of the immediate major challenges and concerns of this country, like the Iraq war, immigration, and corruption within his own administration are the result of a brazen disregard for the intricacies of diplomacy and bipartisanship.

Bill Clinton's administration had it's problems, but I think your most staunch conservative would have to say that the issues of the Clinton years pale in comparison to the complexities of the Bush years.

Will history write that Bush was the right leader for this period? The pages are still being written. Bush did not exude the optimism, but as the candidates line up to replace him, will he be credited for the tough and forward thinking of the battle against terror?

Politics is as evil as a serpent in a lot of ways and Hillary is no stranger to these sort of ploys. This is the vastness of the lows in which this potential president will go to win the White House.

If you were a man from freakin Mars you'd think he had some insight analysis and a $2.00 fortune teller sitting in the studio somewhere. Tucker Carlson talks with gusto about the Iraqi war as though he could last there for more than an hour. Carlson would drop from the heat in Iraq alone, yet he doesn't hesitate to claim to know about the cost of death. I'm glad they took the bow tie off this dude, maybe some oxygen will get to his brain.

There are some people that should be banned from speaking about Iraq and presidential policy decisions. When the execs at CNN gave this guy his start, did they have a conversation with him. Tucker Carlson doesn't know what it means to exist in our world let alone what it means to breath out of two nostrils. The man speaks as though he is enlightened and he couldn't survive on a busy street in New York, not to mention Iraq.

Most polls are showing Giuliani ahead of the pact among the list of GOP candidates vying for the White House these days. The fact that three of the leading candidates (Giuliani, McCain and Gingrich) have about 5 or 6 marriages among them along with adulterous affairs have been reported in the media extensively these days. Who would have ever thought that there are more Bible holding churchgoers on the Democratic side these days?

The party of family values currently has a leading candidate with a collection of photos in drag. Maybe a psychiatrist will be able to tap into the side of Giuliani that enjoys that fantasy when he is in the White House. In the meantime conservatives will have a tough decision to make about the candidate they feel will best represent their interests as President.

When you consider the fact that for the first time the leading GOP candidates have very vague positions on issues like Same-sex Marriage, Abortion, and even gun control of all things, it is opening up the door for a third-party candidate that will emerge to champion the causes that conservatives and especially the evangelical wing hold near and dear.

Homosexuality is an immoral act among conservatives that will nominate their candidate for president. It cannot be implied it has to be explicitly stated. Why it took a second tier candidate in Senator Sam Brownback to do it is beyond belief.

All of a sudden it’s not about core values it about the candidate who can raise the most money and the ability to beat Hillary Clinton’s war machine.

Article at: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/articles/2007/AR200703300120.shtml

Hillary Clinton is pushing her campaign forward amid the latest bickering between Senator Barack Obama and Reverend Al Sharpton. The only benefit from this clash is enjoyed by her campaign. As long as Obama's campaign is mired in petty clashes about endorsements and fundraising issues it keeps Senator Obama from waging the real battle over ideas.

Presently, Al Sharpton has alleged that Obama's camp planted a story in the New York Post about being jealous of the media attention surrounding Barack Obama's candidacy for President of the United States. It is not understood if Obama had anything to do with the story at this point.

Sharpton's points about Obama's support of Joseph Lieberman brings up chilling reminders of how Senator  Kerry was able to tactfully utilize Sharpton in the the 2004 race against Howard Dean.

Article: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/articles/2007/AR200703140117.shtml

In the final hours of William Jefferson Clinton’s Presidency, controversial pardons were made to individuals who made significant contributions and cash payments to the Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign for Senator of New York, President Clinton's brother Roger Clinton Jr.  and Senator Clinton’s two brothers Tony and Hugh Rodham.

At the time the ‘vast right-wing’ conspirators didn’t have much footing because the President has the absolute and unambiguous authority from The United States Constitution, Article II, Section 2 on his side that grants the authority to make “…pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.”

When you fast forward today and consider the areas where a huge segment of Americans have reservations about another Clinton presidency, the appearance of and real improprieties surrounding everything from Whitewater, the Lincoln Bedroom, Paula Jones, Vince Foster, cattle futures, the Rose Law Firm, Monica Lewinsky and ‘Pardongate’ provides the opportunity to resurface Senator Clinton’s connection to a very dark episode in American politics.

A US Bankruptcy Court Judge Marian Harrison has ordered Tony Rodham to respond by March 16 to the allegation that he failed to repay a loan of $107,000 from Edgar and Vonna Jo Gregory who were convicted of bank fraud and hired by Tony Rodham and paid him $244,769 in salary over 2 1/2 years, according to a congressional report.

The problem this presents for the Senator Clinton's campaign for President are doubts in the mind of independent and moderate voters in a general election. What will be key is Senator Clinton's ability to come out quickly and state she had nothing to do with the pardons as First Lady even although her brothers were involved. The story and other previous scandals galvanizes her enemies and will make the competing political ads even nastier.

Now the gloves are officially off in the very first spat between the two Democratic front Runners in the race for President of the United States. Hillary Clinton has her operatives on the attack against Barack Obama. In any race you attack your opponent's strengths and Senator Clinton is not pulling back punches in her quest to go after what the crowds are energized about in Senator Obama's candidacy.

The strategy in Senator Clinton's camp is to smile and allow other members in your campaign to throw the dirt. The decision to attack first was decided weeks ago and Clinton will seek other opportunities to go after the freshman Senator from Illinois. Clinton's war room wants Obama to trade political barbs at this point to cast aspersions on his version of politics. At the center of this fight is Obama's ability to step on the Clinton's familiar turf and bring in an unprecedented $1.3 Million.

It appears as though Obama will be a major challenge to Clinton in her Presidential ambitions with enough cash to keep him in the race for a long time to come. The Iraq war will continue to be one of the central points of debate.

Article at: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/articles/2007/AR200702220115.shtml

Today we have come a long way since the Women's Suffrage Movement in America. It is quite remarkable when you think that a former First Lady is a Senator from a state with one of the largest populations in the country and she is being considered a frontrunner to become the President of the United States. Eleanor Roosevelt and other First Ladies are proud of this moment regardless of their political affiliation.

Some of the guiding truths to the Clinton institution are they both love the political spotlight and all of the glamour it entails.

Some other truths are:

1. If Hillary Rodham Clinton becomes President of these United States there might be another post election exodus to Canada

2. Former President William Jefferson Clinton will pursue major initiatives in the vein of his wife's health care debacle

3. I foresee the Clintons going to the far reaches of the earth and making a deal with Satan to find Osama Bin Laden

4. There will be a women's jubilation ceremony similar to the one Nancy Pelosi put on during the inauguration, saying men look what you've gotten us into and relegating our roles to being more supportive and submissive...yes dear types

5. After the first couple of months I can almost see Hillary Clinton in the mirror even shedding a tear or two after finally ascending the position that was rightfully hers to begin with (Barack Hussein Obama...yeah right)

6. George W. Bush will join Sr. and Billy on golf and fishing outings in Maine

7. And finally Dick Cheney will go on more quail hunting adventures...alone

Article at: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/articles/2007/AR200702200114.shtml

Throughout the Campaign 2008 Primary Obama will try to pick apart Senator Clinton's seeming annoyance of some in her party to want her to pick a side on the war and stick with it. Some Democrats demand to know, either you supported it or you didn't. If you state you support the approval of the war but deplore the mismanagement your base want to see the balanced and articulately stated positions and solutions for operations in Iraq and a real strategic winning strategy for Iraq and the stabilization of the middle east as a whole. Unfortunately Hillary Clinton and the democrats are lacking in this area.

Dennis Kucinich position on "International Cooperation" is spelled out on his website where he quotes Abraham Lincoln. One of the things you see in a Kucinich nomination is the true nuts and bolts of a campaign exposed and in the open. Most of the language on Kucinich's site reads like it's coming directly from his stump speeches.

"In the America of my dreams, the America I see taking root and flourishing under new administration, other nations will encounter an America that abides by Lincoln's precept: "The only lasting way to eliminate an enemy is to make him your friend." We will accommodate rather than alienate, make friends instead of enemies, and employ carrots far more often than sticks. We need an administration that will drain the swamps of hopelessness, exploitation, and humiliation that cause vulnerable individuals to head down the terrorist road."

Other campaigns are frustrating for media types because the heart of their strategy is tucked away. With Kucinich you see it all without the many political professionals. Some could argue there was no one in the Kucinich camp to let him know that you can't extend the hand of friendship to a determined enemy. The 'lasting way' of defeating terrorism is not showing signs of weakness. Field commanders listening to a speech with phrases like "we will accommodate rather than alienate." must wonder about the Democratic field of candidates resolve in defeating the enemy for several reasons:

Other democratic candidates are a little more scripted and subtle about their plans. Well funded campaign speechwriters are more creative in criticizing the war. Some argue positions that are thrust on the airwaves like "we should be talking to our enemies" naively miss the fundamental nature and scope of today's enemy versus the Cold War of industrialized superpowers.

Democratic Senator Obama's plan to bring home the troops by March 2008 should be scrutinized by other world leaders, because the fundamental premise of the plan does not take into account the over 3000 lives that he deems wasted. There can be no apology for stating what you fundamentally believe. Obama's botched speech is detrimentally more harmful than even what Senator John Kerry said about the troops. Singing the noise that he was against the war and campaigned against it from the beginning is a lot easier than putting a more comprehensive agenda to win and stabilize the region.

When you want to see the full measure of a party's position, there is some credence to looking at the candidates without the power players. Kucinich's approach to the Iraq war -- his immediate withdrawal plan and lasting fight against terror based on friendship and accommodation -- is easy to be viewed as the Democrats plan without the dressings of paid political professionals.

From eNews Reference article: http://www.enewsreference.com/enr/articles/2007/AR200702160112.shtml