Hillary as Secretary of State!

I have been in major hibernation mode and my laptop has been sick.

I was so pleased to hear that Hillary has been tapped by President-Elect Obama as Secretary of State.

DemConWatchblog.com did a great job posting the trascripts and other information regarding today's announcments. You may have remembered that I referred to the great convention coverage by DemConWatchblog.com this past August. They have kept up their work covering the presidential transition.

Transcript of Hillary Clinton announcement:
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/12/president-elect-obama-and-vice.html

Transcript link to remarks by President Elect Obama regarding National Security Team.
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/12/announcement-of-national-security-team.html Sphere: Related Content

Last night!

Wasn't last night amazing. Watching President Elect Obama and the crowd meant a great deal to me on so many levels. Growing up outside of Chicago in Northwest Indiana, I was able to go to events in Grant Park. It was so cool to see the park and Downtown Chicago again on T.V.

A family member works in Downtown Chicago and she sent me this picture of a banner sign in Chicago that says "Congratulations Chicago's own Barack Obama".

Sphere: Related Content

Dallas Morning News asked to leave Obama press plane

Click here to read about it. Sphere: Related Content

President Bill Clinton campaigns with Obama

"Barack Obama represents America's future, and you've got to
be there for him next Tuesday,"
President Bill Clinton

I had a wonderful opportunity to see President Clinton up close when he was in Dallas a couple weeks ago. He was campaigning for our Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega. Right now I am watching the Obama rally with President Clinton on MSNBC and Clinton is making a great case for Obama. I am so glad to see them together and working hard to win back the White House.

President Clinton was incredible when he was in Dallas rallying the crowd for Rep. Noriega. He had the audience in the palm of his hand. You could tell he was enjoying the opportunity and his visit was certainly a boost to the local Democratic Party and the Noriega campaign.

Back in the winter of 1991, I had an opportunity to meet Gov. Clinton when he visited Southern Illinois for an event in preparation of his presidential primary run. I was in the College Democrats at the time at Southern Illinois University. Our organization was somewhat of a joke because it seemed like everyone at SIU was a democrat.

The Southern Illinois area, the home of former U.S. Senator Paul Simon, was Clinton country (Sen. Simon would be so proud of Obama right now). When Clinton came to visit for the 1991 event, I got a last minute call along with a few other College Democrats to help drive staff and press to the event and the airport. Before Hillary and Gov. Clinton left to fly back to Arkansas, they spent time to meet with us. They were so cool and I will never forget that moment. I always will regret that I didn't get a picture with the Clintons. Instead I got up close pictures of them and pictures with them and other members of the College Democrats.

This past year during the Texas presidential primary I got a call from a member of President Clinton's staff. They needed drivers for his campaign swing for Hillary through Dallas and East Texas. Somehow they got my name and called late at night the day before his visit to help drive staff and other officials. It was funny to get the same type of request but 17 years later! Unfortunately, I was in Florida at the time and could not help out.

I thought you might be interested in taking a look at then Gov. Clinton's October 1991 announcement speech for his presidential campaign by clicking here. This part could be applied today:

"I believe with all my heart that together, we can make this happen. We can usher in a new era of progress, prosperity and renewal. We can – we must. This is not just a campaign for the Presidency – it is a campaign for the future, for the forgotten hard-working middle class families of America who deserve a government that fights for them. A campaign to keep America strong at home and around the world. Join with us. I ask for your prayers, your help, your hands, and your hearts. Together we can make America great again, and build a community of hope that will inspire the world."

Here are some initial news stories about tonight's Obama rally with President Clinton:

From the Boston Globe
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/10/obama_clinton_t_2.html
L.A. Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-bc-obama13thld-writethru,1,6258502.story
Wall Street Journal blog
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/30/in-late-night-rally-bill-clinton-sings-obamas-praises/?mod=googlenews_wsj Sphere: Related Content

Clintons crisscross country in final stretch

Thanks to my friends at DemConWatch I had the information to post the following on their site:

Clintons to crisscross country in final stretch
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/10/clintons-to-crisscross-country-in-final.html Sphere: Related Content

Hillary campaigns for Sen. Obama

The AP reports "Sen. Hillary Clinton says she is 'proud' to be working for presidential candidate Barack Obama in her first speech since their long stint as opponents in the primary elections. She says he will champion women's causes."

It's great to see Hillary active again!


Sphere: Related Content

Clinton answers questions on her website today

This week we have heard a great deal from Hillary. Today, her website offered an interesting web chat that gave some insight on what she is up to.

Sen. Clinton's website hosted a web chat located at http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/blog/main/2008/08/07/153910

The full content is on the link above. She commented on issues she is working on, her future, working with Sen. Obama and the Democratic National Convention. Here are the 12 questions she answered:

Question #1: What are you working on now
Question #2: What goals do you have for yourself during the next four years both professionally and personally?
Question #3:
From a high school student: I want to go into law one day as my major what is the best piece of information you can give me? The second one is what wanted you to go into politics?
Questions #4:
I want to say if he does ask you to be his VP you should and you would make a great vice president Mrs. Clinton:)
Question #5: One of the main reasons that I voted for Hillary is her plans for healthcare. Can you make a comment on how healthcare carried out in the next administration?
Question #6: Special thanks to you for your leadership in the birth control issue! What is the prospect for the paid family leave bill the house is taking up?
Question #7 Hey Hillary, My 12 year old daughter and I are sitting here, waiting anxiously, for each reply. Love you!!!!!!
Question #8
As a college student (one of your biggest student supporters; Go Hillary!) I am wondering what you and Senator Obama feel is the best course of action to deal with rising tuition costs and continued cuts to the higher education budget. (It's gotten really bad here in California-thousands of teachers losing their jobs, tuition costs rising, funding disappearing).
Question #9
Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?
Question #10
As a college student who is participating in his first presidential election, your candidacy really brought to my attention to and energized me about the great things that can be accomplished through our political process. Now that, unfortunately, your candidacy is over, and since you (reading your biography) were able to accomplish so much during your collegiate years: What would you suggest college-aged Americans do to become more involved in the American politcal system, aside from voting?
Question #11
Good Morning Senator Clinton: Thank you for taking time to chat with your supporters. Is there any possibility of your name being placed in nomination for President at the convention? This would at least give your supporters a voice in the choice for the party's nominee.
Question #12
Hillary, I hope that we will be able to talk with you at the Convention in Denver! Please consider meeting with us -- YOUR supporters! Sphere: Related Content

Signs of unity and signs of Hillary

There are definately signs of unity! And signs of Hillary. There are reports of joint statements and rumors of deals being made. An example of unity was a conference call I was on last night for a few minutes hosted by the Obama campaign. The call included high profile Texas Clinton backers as speakers. The Obama campaign has also announced events headlining Hillary on behalf of Obama.

Hillary may have suspended her campaign and endorsed Sen. Obama, but more than half the delegates at the convention are Clinton delegates. I am hearing from many unhappy Clinton delegates and work needs to be done to smooth things over. Perhaps tension has increased with rumors that Hillary is far from consideration for VP. The core issue for many Clinton delegates is that they want her name put up for a symbolic nomination vote. Here are some articles I thought you would like. Hillary has issued a video and clearly states her support for Sen. Obama and will host an online chat today

Clinton aims to soothe delegates at Dem convention
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iv65dWFozYKp8tdz6Gpjoz3fZZXQD92D69M80

Clinton, Obama Seek to Defuse Talk of Contested Floor Votehttp://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/06/clinton_obama_seek_to_defuse_t.html

Clinton wants her delegates heard at convention
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-clinton7-2008aug07,0,6846877.story Sphere: Related Content

Interesting news items worth noting

Five news stories I thought I would share with you....

Hillary to do more campaigning for Sen. Obama
According to the Obama campaign, Hillary is heading off to Florida and Las Vegas to campaign on behalf of Sen. Obama. These will be solo appearances.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0535125820080805

McGovern: Demo party convention too scripted
It's not the good old days anymore, but I think there might be some excitement this year that the convention. McGovern thinks we are boring in this short piece. http://www.kxmc.com/News/261615.asp

Hospitality training in Denver
I never thought of Denver as a unfriendly city but convention goers should expect to be enthusiastically greeted. I might be a little crazy after seven days of being enthusiastically greeted!

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-08-04-denver-hospitality-training_N.htm

Denver Courts and Jail getting ready for convention

I don't plan on getting arrested but it seems to be pretty good news that things will be taken care of quickly in Denver. I wonder if the same will take place for the republicans?

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/04/denver-courts-jail-gearing-up-for-convention/

Denver brews special beers for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Drink beer? Yes we can!

The best idea I heard this week. A special beer for the convention. I will give this a try and let you know!
http://www.examiner.com/x-241-
Beer-Examiner~y2008m7d31-Denver-brews-special-beers-for-the-DNC

Sphere: Related Content

Articles worth sharing

Clinton supporters are asking for a platform item to call on party leaders to condemn future perceived instances of bias.
Interesting article in the Los Angeles Times, "For Clinton supporters, it's a gender issue", discusses the platform and Clinton supporters. It appears that Clinton supporters are hanging in there through the platform process and showing up at platform meetings across the country. Follow this link to the article: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-clinton1-2008aug01,0,3257440.story?track=ntothtml

Here is MSNBC's First Reads take on the gender bias platform item in their blog entry "CONVO WATCH: NOW THE GENDER CARD?" (remember MSNBC's Convo Watch writers are all dudes: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/08/01/1240056.aspx

Susan Estrich reminds her readers that close to half of the convention delegates are pledged to Clinton
She comments "exclusion could cost him dearly. It's time to make nice, on all sides" and "you don't win by denouncing people on your own side" and its "time to extend the welcome mat". Check out her article Obama Needs to Make Nice on All Sides.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,395141,00.html

Hillary is on the road speaking to union leaders.
San Francisco Chronicle article "Hillary Clinton rouses union workers in S.F." comments on her speech to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees at Moscone Center. Click on this link to view the article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/31/MN1O122TU5.DTL&type=politics Sphere: Related Content

CNN says "What Happened to Hillary?"

With all the media reports this week of Gov. Tom Kaine and V.P. selection, I have been disappointed that Hillary has been counted out by the press as a top choice. I believe that she would bring a great deal to the ticket and make an incredible Vice President.

In an article on CNN.com, Senior Political Analyst Gloria Borger comments "From what we can gather, she's not really on the short list". She continues that "The reason Hillary Clinton is out is because she's not on message for Barack Obama, her campaign is not about change, she represents Washington."

A link to the full article is below. It mentions a few key things including:

• Hillary will hit the campaign trail for Obama in Nevada, Ohio and Florida


• Sources say that she will be campaigning alot in the Fall
  
• Obama campaign feels they don't need Clinton to bring in older women, voters in rural America and battleground states
  
• Hillary is fully engaged in talks with the Obama campaign
  

Link to the article: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/30/hillary.clinton/

Sphere: Related Content

Obama's speech to be at 50 yard line.

The Denver Post is reporting that Sen. Obama will be accepting the nomination from the 50 yard line of Invesco Field. Close to 6,000 seats will be on the football field next to the stage.

Here is the link to the article: http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_10008650

Sphere: Related Content

Obama racks up 2,200 first time donors who supported Clinton

With the financial reports just in, the Washington Post blog is reporting that "More than 2,200 Clinton donors became first-time Obama donors, giving him $1.8 million". Click here to read the full story. Sphere: Related Content

What are the Clinton's doing these days?

Here are some recent stories I thought I would share about the Clinton's.

Hillary in Boston campaigning for Sen. Obama.
On Monday, Hillary campaigned for Sen. Obama at the meeting of 10,000 members of the National Association of Letter Carriers. They had earlier supported her campaign. Hillary said "The best way to stand up for everyone who feels invisible is to make sure we have a Democratic president taking the oath of office on January 20, 2009". Click here for the article

Bill Clinton says he is ready to campaign for Obama

ABC News Blog reports that Bill Clinton discussed campaigning for Obama by commenting "I just told him that whenever he wanted to do it, I was ready," Clinton told a room full of reporters, following a news conference at his foundation's Manhattan headquarters about new agreements that will lower the price of malaria medication. "It's basically on their timetable. He's got a lot of things to do between now and the convention of which this is simply one. So, I'll do whatever I'm asked to do, whenever I can do it." Check out the full story by clicking here.

And Hillary is working hard for the State of New York!
She is working on making sure the new owners of Anheuser-Busch, InBev, won't be moving jobs away from New York factories. Read by clicking here.

Sphere: Related Content

George Michael says Obama should pick Clinton for VP!

“Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.”

George Michael came to Dallas last month and it seems like everyone I know went to his concert. I didn't make the show at the American Airlines Center. However, I do have to admit that I owned a Wham! casette at one point. If you could only see my 80's hair!

The Reuters blog reports that "George Michael has tip for Obama- team up with Clinton. Check out the story by clicking here .

And you wonder.... what ever happened to Andrew Ridgeley (the other half of WHAM!)? He now lives in Cornwall, United Kingdom, in a restored 15th-century property with his wife Keren Woodward of the pop group Bananarama

Sphere: Related Content

Hillary tells teachers to vote for Sen. Obama at the American Federation of Teachers Convention

Hillary told attendees of the national convention of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to support Sen. Obama in the Fall. The AFT is holding their national convention in Chicago. (picture taken of Hillary at last year's AFT convention).

Click here for details.

I did a Google image search on my dad, Bill Strater, and found this image! My dad (his 78th birthday today) is a lifetime member of the AFT. I remember when he went to the national convention many years ago when it was held in San Francisco. This year's AFT convention consists of 3,000 delegates and they will vote on a recommendation to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president. This was the organization's 80th convention. The AFT is a affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

I have talked to my dad a couple times since my election as a delegate. As a former history and government teacher, he is pleased that I am going to the convention.

My parents were teachers and my dad coached baseball and taught high school for several decades. I learned that hard work can help you live the American Dream. We had a great home and access to high-quality health care. My parents paid for my sisters and me to go to college, and were fortunate enough to retire comfortably. Unfortunately, the American Dream of working hard, providing for your family and enjoying a comfortable retirement has faded away for most people. Wages have not increased, and health care and college tuition are no longer affordable. People are losing their homes, retirement is out of reach and filling up your gas tank is a financial burden.

I believe and trust that both Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton will fight so hard to make the American dream possible again.

Sphere: Related Content

Obama says "Senator Clinton still has some debt. And I could have had some debt if I hadn’t won so I know the drill”

Obama and Hillary are appearing together this week. Caroline Kennedy is also with them in NYC. Obama gave a 30 minute speech at a Clinton debt retirement party.

Maria Gavrilovic at CBS News From the Road Blog reports that Obama completed his speech then dashed back on stage to say "Senator Clinton still has some debt. And I could have had some debt if I hadn’t won so I know the drill”. Click here to read the CBS News From the Road Blog.

On another website, Susan Estrich (former presidential campaign manager for Dukakis) has a great opinion piece on Hillary's debt and Obama. I can certainly understand how hard it is to raise money to pay off debt... it's not very glamorous. Also, I can't imagine asking after a hard primary. To be honest, I was completely unaware of the tradition that Estrich mentions that "it's an old tradition in politics for the winner to help the losers retire their debt." Take a moment to read her op ed piece by clicking here. Sphere: Related Content

Clinton and Obama to appear together three times next week

The Washington Post blog, The Trail, reports Clinton and Obama are appearing together "Putting their money where their mouths are, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton will appear together three times over two days next week, raising money for each other and further advancing the Democratic cause of unity"

Click here for the full article.

Sphere: Related Content

Change of acceptance speech location considered

ABC News reports that "Democrats familiar with convention planning tell ABC News that Obama may seek out a bigger venue from which he will deliver his acceptance speech."

Click here for full article

The AP reports that "Barack Obama's campaign is considering having him accept the Democratic presidential nomination at Invesco Field at Mile High instead of the Pepsi Center, the chosen site for the Democratic National Convention, two people with knowledge of convention planning said Thursday." Click here for full article

Sphere: Related Content

Rumors that convention planning is a mess and Obama's campaign trying to clean it up.

DenConWatch blog is reporting that the convention planning is a fiasco and the Obama campaign is trying to salvage what they can.

The blog hightlights a New York Times article that comments "Only in the last month has the Obama campaign been able to take over management of the convention planning with the candidate claiming the nomination, and his aides are increasingly frustrated, as the event nears, at organizers who they believe spent too freely, planned too slowly and underestimated actual costs."

Link to DenConWatch article

Link to New York Times article Sphere: Related Content