McCain's claim of a DNC "air drop of lawyers" is false, but we in Alaska knew that already

Per Talking Points Memo:

As noted below, the McCain campaign has a new ad out designed to portray Obama as a predator and Sarah Palin as prey by pointing to 30 opposition researchers that the Obama team allegedly sent to Alaska to savage her.

Of course, the article that the ad references doesn't say Obama sent them -- it actually says Democrats sent them.

But the Democratic National Committee's chief of research, Mike Gehrke, tells me that the DNC hasn't sent a single researcher to Alaska. "Zero," Gehrke says.

We knew that already as a direct result of Alaska Republican Party spokesperson McHugh Pierre's comments on this blog. He made these comments in response to my sharing the information that the McCain folks were on their way within 24 hours of Sarah's selection...VETTING HER AFTER THE FACT.

Per McHugh:

Thanks for the plug, but could you please pick a better picture of me! ; )

I never said McCain folks are coming to Alaska to investigate Palin and "Troopergate"! That is hilarious!

What I did say is that Obama political snoops just came up to Alaska to dig dirt on Palin and were going to be looking into the "Troopergate" allegations and anything else they can find.

Good luck running down more rumors and gossip.

What's hilarious is that he hasn't said a word since the source for my story came forward...the woman who heard him say it was the McCain campaign coming to Alaska the next day.

So when I heard this being spewed as a Republican Party line just a day or two after the comment was posted, I knew it was the cover story they were using to explain all of the Republican Party black suitted lawyers showing up in Alaska to do the job they should have done BEFORE they picked Palin.

Thanks for the tip, McHugh!

P.S. Could someone artsy show me what an air drop of lawyers looks like? I have great pictures of it in my head but I'd love to see some in print!

McPalin Family Values--Updated

Golly, we are rolling in stories over the last few days about Sarah Palin's relationship with her family and the McPalin ticket's relationships with other people's kids.

It's not a pretty picture.

First, we'll start with the blog that originally talked about at least part of the story that the National Enquirer said they "broke"...Track Palin's legal troubles and the basis for his entrance into the military.
Per "What Do I Know:"

While I trust my sources, I don't have enough independent information to nail this. So I'll drop my editorial based on this and just offer the basic allegation.

Four high school students were arrested for vandalizing school buses in Wasilla in 2005.

Troopers did not release names of the juvenile suspects, but David Coon's mother confirmed her son was one of two Burchell High School students involved in the incident. The other two boys are Wasilla High School students.

We also have this story from Detroit's Free Press:

Her oldest son, Track, lived in Portage [Michigan] during most of his senior year in high school. He played junior major hockey. During an interview at the National Governors Association conference in 2007, she told a Free Press reporter that her son went back to Alaska in March to graduate with his class.

The story I was told is that Track Palin was one of them and that he chose to enter the army rather than go to jail (or have a record?).

*****************UPDATE*********************

Progressive Alaska has deleted their "National Enquirer" post for reasons detailed in the linked article. Since my article here only uses the Track and Bristol stuff (which blogs already knew about) and my post has many parts to it of which the NE stuff is only one, I'm not going to delete this. However, I will post this as a disclaimer.

********************************************

Then we have the Energizer Bunnies, the folks at The National Enquirer and their heartwarming story yesterday which included the Track-avoids-jail-in-the-army story, faithfully reported by Progressive Alaska:

The ENQUIRER has learned exclusively that Sarah's oldest son, Track, was addicted to the power drug OxyContin for nearly the past two years, snorting it, eating it, smoking it and even injecting it. And as Track, 19, heads to Iraq as part of the U.S. armed forces, Sarah and her husband Todd were powerless to stop his wild antics, detailed in the new issue of The ENQUIRER, which goes on sale today.

THE ENQUIRER also has exclusive details about Track's use of other drugs, including cocaine, and his involvement in a notorious local vandalism incident.

Of course, that was only the part about Track Palin, there is still the Bristol chapter:

“Bristol was a huge stoner and drinker. I’ve seen her smoke pot and get drunk and make out with so many guys. All the guys would brag that the just made out with Bristol.”

When Sarah found out the teen was pregnant by high schooler Levi Johnston, she was actually banished from the house. As part of the cover-up, Palin quickly transferred Bristol to another high school and made her move in with Sarah’s sister Heather 25 miles away!

And here's the money quote:

The friend also confided that both Bristol and Levi “broke up a few times and they definitely messed around with other people.”

Moving on from the Palin family to the McPalin family values in action...

Alaska Real's Writing Raven mentioned the Lipstick...Pig...Hypocrisy story, but I was more interested in Part II--McCain's assertion that teaching children how to escape child sexual abuse is the equivalent of "sex ed":

This latest attack takes Obama's support of preventing sexual abuse of children as "teaching sex ed to kindergartners."

I worked with young children (before they reached kindergarten!) for five years, and one of the things that was very important to teach them the difference about was "good touch, bad touch" and how to recognize predators.

McCain's assertion that they would know "sex ed" before reading, is somewhat true, but not because Obama is in support of abuse prevention. In actuality, there are far, far too many children who will be sexually abused before they learn to read, and they will know far too much, far too early. Children who know the basics of recognizing a predator are more likely to speak up, and prevent the abuse in the first place, or report an offender to prevent him from further abuse.

So does McCain think that supporting high school anatomy classes is the equivalent of promoting pornography?

Moving from child sexual abuse to disabled children, The Anchorage Press this week describes a shocked Alaska Legislature after Palin's acceptance speech:

“I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.”

It sounded fantastic, and rang true coming from the mother of a child with a disability.

But the declaration was a revelation to some legislators who’ve worked with Governor Palin for the last 21 months.

“I can tell you she wasn’t a champion for disabled children as governor,” says state Senator Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage). “I was surprised to hear her say that in her speech.”

The state of Alaska has what’s called a “Developmental Disabilities Waiting List,” a list of individuals whose needs qualify them for assistance, but that the state doesn’t have adequate funding to help. At the time of the most recent report, issued in December 2007, the list had 943 individuals on it. The report estimates that it would cost nearly $45 million to provide the services those on the waiting list need. Estimates vary, but most place the state’s budget surplus at about $5 billion.

So we're supposed to believe, Governor Palin, that the child that sprung forth from your uterus has completely changed your mind set regarding the priority of disabled children in your budget plan? Does this mean that as soon as you get the opportunity you will call an emergency session of the Legislature to make sure that $45 mil is allocated?

I'll start holding my breath now.

(Picture photoshopped and provided by Brian Little)

Those old stereotypes, myths and lies keep on working for Sarah and those Repubs***UPDATE*** women are fighting back

***UPDATE***
Running L8 mentioned in the comments that there was an Alaskan group called "Alaska Women Reject Palin" and that they are having a rally on Saturday...which is a very busy day in Anchorage (I'll be posting more about that later).

Here are the links for more anti-Palin groups:

- the blog for "Women Against Sarah Palin" and the website

- The Wiki "Sarah Palin is NOT Hillary Clinton"

**********************************************8

You know, I'm really sick of seeing Sarah's dysfunctional family splashed across the screen as "cute" and "normal" so I'm going to start using more pictures of Obama's adorable kids.

And I'm also sick of folks who claim there are 1) a large group of "angry white women" out there disaffected by Hillary not being on the ticket who are 2) going for McCain/Palin purely because of gender.

Don't believe it for a minute. First off, at the Convention I saw lots of evidence of "Unity" and the only evidence of anything else was someone handing me a solitary PUMA flyer.

I went out to dinner last night with one of my best friends of about 17 years where, of course, the Palin issue came up. Our waitress came over and after the drink and food ordering was over, we started having a discussion with her. We discovered that she had lost her husband not terribly long ago and we could see the pain in her face.

It's actually good that I found that out before the rest of the conversation so that I could mentally strap myself down for what was still to come.

She asked us how we felt about Palin and then before we could really answer, she talked about being a Democrat who was probably going to vote Republican for the first time. She talked about frustration and anger over Obama not picking Clinton for VP and how she didn't like Biden (probably because he wasn't Hillary) She also stated that no matter what Obama said, he was really a Muslim and that she wasn't racist because she "liked black people."

**and the red flags started flying**

She also talked about how "honest" and "ethical" Sarah Palin was and that "she would fight for us."

Clearly she hasn't heard about "Troopergate" or Palin lying about the Ketchikan bridge.

Later on, it got a little tougher for me to keep quiet. She said that "we can't let "that black man" win."

So much for the "not a racist" argument...

I've read a number of the articles from the small number of "PUMA" supporters out there. Many of them fit into the category of this waitress...they'll swear to high heaven that race has nothing to do with it but all McCain had to do was add a white uterus...any white uterus...to his ticket and they have an excuse to vote for the Republicans. In doing so, they are voting against every single ideal that Hillary Clinton stands for, but voting against a black man...errrr...I mean "for a woman" seems to take priority over that.

Folks need to stop giving these lost causes any attention.

THIS IS A VICE PRESIDENT!!!!!

Please notice how, when someone yells "Give 'em hell Joe," Sen. Biden goes completely off script and brings up his grandfather's recounting of Harry Truman's response when folks used to say "Give 'em hell Harry."

"I'm not going to give 'em hell, I'm going to give them the truth and they'll think it's hell!."

Let's see what happens when Sarah tries to pull something that good out of her ass.

He's going to kill her in the debates. Folks just need to find a way to get her off script.

Oh, and for the absolute final word on Sarah's speech and that night at the Convention, I finally caught up with my "Daily Show" videos:



He nailed it!

Lord help us all, Sarah Palin is the VP pick--UPDATE

UPDATE: It's official.

For all of those who need more information about Sarah and her scandals, I have written extensively on the issue. The link to those posts is HERE.

I will be doing a lot more writing on all of this but that reading should tide you over as well as the linked posts to Andrew Halcro's blog...the blog that broke a lot of these stories. Bear with me...I didn't get back from Invesco Field last night (due to transportation mismanagement, which I'll discuss later) until quite late and it's only 10:00 am Denver time (8:00 AM Alaska time). I still haven't posted on the Obama speech, which I think is rather important and I refuse to be completely sidetracked by this Republican media grab.



She's under investigation.

Her Lt. Gov is in the political fight of his life.

She said she wouldn't leave Alaska.

Selfish much?

Invesco Field...take THAT Focus on the Family!

****UPDATE****

MORRIGAN AND RAVEN GOT COMMUNITY PASSES...WOOOO HOOOO! They are already there standing in, as Morrigan says, "The biggest line I've seen in my whole life!" The delegate busses don't come for 30 min or so and I'll be jumping off here shortly to catch one.

By the way, remember THIS? Focus on the Family prayed that it would rain on the Obama speech.



Ummmmmmm...guess not! You can't see even the hint of a cloud anywhere in the Denver sky.

If raining on Obama would infer God's wrath...what could we infer from this?

Keep checking in with my Twitter page to see what's happening!

****************
Today, I'm heading to the breakfast with the AK Delegation where we'll find out if a pass for Writing Raven is possible. If yes, then we'll work from that. If no, at this time I am planning NOT to bring my laptop because a) there is no power on the field b) there is no wifi or other internet access on the field c) the "blogger lounge" is with the rest of the MSM and very small and is at the tippy top of the Stadium (i.e. using a cane and hauling gear up there a no-go for me).

However, I have "Twitter" which means I'll be texting from the Stadium and my comments will show up on the right hand side of the blog in the "Twitter Update" section. I'll post and show pictures of what went on when I get back from the shindig and I'll be writing posts and analysis on everything I've seen heard and experienced during the Convention for days!

I want to thank all of you who have been following Writing Raven's and my journey this week! We've appreciated all of the feedback and support!

Liveblogging the Democratic Convention Aug 25th, PART II

6:47 Barack's sister gave a very sweet and touching speech.

Best line of the Convention so far came from Jessie Jackson Jr. (paraphrased): "I know Dr. King is smiling down on us here tonight since this is the first Democratic Convention in history within sight of a mountaintop."

That was the beginning of a very stirring speech...the man has his dad's talents without the baggage.

(Remember how loyal he's been to Obama, he condemned his dad's whispered comments.)

OK...this band they have kicks some serious ass. They are doing some amazing covers but adding their own personality to it. Really getting everyone moving (if I could dance holding a laptop, I would be.)

7:47--Frustration: trying to get a decent picture of Carolyn Kennedy and having the MSM completely clog the aisles and then snap at us when we are trying to get through (can you say "fire code?)

Tears: Watching the tribute to Ted Kennedy. Then he clearly got choked up after he was introduced and the entire audience screamed, clapped, shouted "Teddy" and lifted up "Kennedy" signs. I talked to CC from KUDO 1080 briefly today and she mentioned that she got choked up when she heard there would be a tribute to him. I couldn't help but cry as I watched. Ted Kennedy is the end of an era for folks my age...the end to our childhood.

8:06--Jim Leach, Republican (yes, I said Republican) Representative from Iowa is speaking--one of the two "prominent" Republicans who have come out and endorsed Senator Obama. The other is former mayor of Fairbanks, Jim Whitaker and he speaks tomorrow.

Quotes: "America has seldom faced more critical choices." "This is not the time for politics as usual." "Little is riskier to national interests than more of the same."

8:19--Claire McCaskill's kids introduced her and she's emphasizing the theme "that's the change we need." Claire says "I know that this son of a single mom will stand up for America's daughters..." Very nice pull at those who are still grumpy over Clinton.

BTW--our Alaska Clinton delegates met and decided ahead of time that no matter what happened at the Convention, they were supporting Obama. I've seen very little of these "PUMA" people...was just given a flier and that's about it.

Michelle Obama video on now--her mom is narrating. She'll be speaking soon.

8:28--Lovely blonde BBC reporter is broadcasting right next to me and the blonde chicky babe from Fox is on the other side. What a friggin' difference in intellect.

Craig Robinson is speaking right now--big brother to Michelle Obama. She's next.

BTW...I now know why they don't allow signs in here because they give you a new one every friggin' 10 minutes. They just handed out "Michelle" signs on long sticks.

Heh...new BBC reporter switched out the other one...still cute and blonde.

Craig quote about Barack: "He's a team player who approves the people around him."

8:38--BBC is on my nerves now, they keep redoing this spot. Michelle is speaking and it's distracting.

8:58--That was an excellent speech and rather than write about it, I got a chunk on video. I'll post it and all the photos when I get back to Kim and Erick's.

Here we go! Liveblogging from the DNCC Monday!

Here is the schedule for tonight:

Barack Obama’s story is an American story that reflects a life of struggle, opportunity and responsibility like those faced by Americans everyday. The opening night of the Convention will highlight Barack’s life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans who are calling for a new direction for this country.

Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Former Governor of Vermont

Invocation
The Honorable Polly Baca – Greeley, Colorado
Former Colorado State Senator
President & CEO Latin American Research & Service Agency

Presentation of Colors
Navajo Code Talkers Association
Keith Little, Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo, Jimmy Begay

Pledge of Allegiance
Angela Morgan –Alexandria, Virginia
Served 9 years in the Marines and now runs a leadership development small business

National Anthem
Colorado Children's Chorale
Group over 30-years old – Tad Koriath (piano)
Local children (7-14) performing throughout US & the world (China, Asia, Europe, etc.)

Welcome
Reverend Leah D. Daughtry
Convention CEO & Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee

Video - “Welcome to the West”

Introduction of and Report by the Credentials Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Pres. & CEO Tuffs Health Plan (HMO) and grandson of FDR
The Honorable Alexis Herman
Co Chair Credentials Committee
Former US Secretary of Labor

Introduction of and Report by the Rules Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Sunita Leeds
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Member of the US Congress, Ohio,
President of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
The Honorable David Walters
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Governor of Oklahoma
President of Walters Power International

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Ashley Baia -Native of Pennsylvania and an Obama field organizer mentioned in Obama's Philadelphia speech. Know as the "sandwich girl" who, at age 9, convinced her mother she liked mustard & relish sandwiches to save money while her mother was fighting cancer. She is now twenty-three.

Introduction of Convention Co-Chairs
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator, Texas District 26
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Turning Over the Gavel
The Honorable Howard Dean, temporary Chair of the Convention turns over the gavel to
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic Convention.

Remarks
The Honorable Doris Matsui, Parliamentarian
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Andrew Tobias, Treasurer
Democratic Party Treasurer

Remarks by the Secretary and the Electronic Roll Call of Attendance
Alice Travis Germond - West Virginia
Secretary, Democratic Party
Member of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks – Presentation of Platform
The Honorable Patricia Madrid
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Attorney General of New Mexico

Judith McHale
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Business Executive (former President, Discovery Communications; Board of DigitalGlobal)

Remarks
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Honorable Joe Baca
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Grace Napolitano
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Silvestre Reyes
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks
Nancy Keenan
President, NARAL - Pro-Choice America

The Honorable Emil Jones, Jr.
State Senator, Illinois
Amanda Kubik
Young Delegate – North Dakota

Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson,
Pres. Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord – lifetime Republican

Reg Weaver
President, National Education Association

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Gabrielle Grossman
New Hampshire Obama Supporter "U2 mamma for Obama"

Remarks
The Honorable Lisa Madigan
Attorney General, Illinois

The Honorable Dan Hynes
Comptroller, Illinois

The Honorable Alexi Giannoulis
State Treasurer, Illinois

Randi Weingarten
American Federation of Teachers

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Musical Performance
John Legend (vocals & piano) and accompanied by:
Agape Choir - International Spiritual Center, Culver City, CA
Trans-denominational Spiritual Community founded by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith

Video/Remarks
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

America’s Town Hall – Economy
Moderator: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio,
Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Remarks
Margie Perez
New Orleans jazz singer & song writer from Musicians Village

President Jimmy Carter Segment
Jimmy Carter/New Orleans Video
Acknowledgment of President Carter

Remarks
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half-sister of Barack Obama
High School teacher - Hawaii

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Remarks
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Mike Fisher & Cheryl Fisher – Beech Grove, Indiana
Mike – Amtrak tech & Cheryl – hospital tech (hosted Obama for lunch)

Tom Balanoff
President, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Tribute
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
Daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Video - Edward M. Kennedy Video

Remarks
The Honorable Miguel Del Valle
City Clerk of Chicago, Illinois

Candi Schmieder
Delegate Chair, Iowa County Convention

Jerry Kellman
Hired & supervised Obama at Developing Communities Project - Chicago, Illinois

Introduction of Jim Leach by
The Honorable Tom Harkin
US Senator, Iowa

The Honorable Jim Leach
Former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, 1st District, Iowa

Introduction of Claire McCaskill by
Austin Esposito
Son of Senator McCaskill

The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri

Video - Michelle Obama Package

Introduction to the Michelle Obama Package
Craig Robinson
Older brother of Michelle Obama

Remarks
Michelle Obama
Wife of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Benediction
Don Miller -Portland, Oregon
Best-selling author & public speaker focusing on Christian spirituality

Recess
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

4:10--So far, I've gone through the nightmare of getting here (it is NOT walking distance from the Big Tent), getting set up, just becoming overwhelmed with the media, the energy, and the beautiful job the lighting and decorating folks did with the Pepsi Center.

We've heard from Howard Dean and the Credentials Committee, the Rules Committee, P (MI and FL have full votes), our first hearing from Nancy Pelosi, the Platform Committee with Patricia Madrid--first Latina Attorney General, New Mexico and Judith McHale. Nancy Pelosi called for a vote and the Platform has been adopted.

5:00--OK, while the other kinda repetitive speeches were happening, I got pictures of Ryan Bucholtz on stage with young Democrats. I also got a chance (be still my heart) to thank Senator Jim Webb for his work for Veterans, invited him fishing in Alaska (with Mo Bailey) and got my picture taken with him.

Dan Rather stood right behind me with his grandson and talked to him. I got an amazing picture.

5:45 Interesting idea...questions from the people of the country (via video) to Sherrod Brown and a panel of Obama surrogates answering them.

Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Public Education--how can we improve it: Ned Helms--invest in every single child--as parents take responsibility for our children's education. Helms also said that Barack Obama proposes a $4,000 education credit.

Working Families--cannot afford health insurance. How will you assure that working families can afford insurance for all members of the family. Dr. Laura Tyson--Obama health care plan affordable, people won't be turned away--Jon Schnur--if you have insurance, you can keep it. If you don't, Obama and Biden wants you to be able to sign up for the same plan they have.

Questions ended early due to technical problems.

Nancy Pelosi speaking now and listing the accomplishments of the House. 9/11 Commission, Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims (recovery rebates), passed legislation to keep working families in their homes, increased minimum wage for first time in 10 years, improved fuel efficiency, passed new GI Bill, passed largest Veterans health care increase...largest in 77 years.

I heard someone say quietly "why didn't we impeach Bush?"

She's talking about honoring the Veterans and doing so with a new leadership in the White House.

It's hard to blog about this and not get distracted and enthralled by the amazing technology going on during her speech. Biggest LED screen I've ever seen showing beautiful beach backdrop and a close up of her so clear if she had warts, we'd see them.

The speech wasn't bad...there were some more inspiring speeches before hand.

Jazz Singer Margie Perez is doing a description of her experiences with Katrina and the lead-in to a tribute to Pres. Jimmy Carter.

The Katrina video which also honored Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity was a tear-jerker. I ran into a cool Texas delegate I met on the train and he was crying. We hugged each other and he said "that's why I'm here."

The Delegate Party, Pike's Market in Seattle and now WE'RE HERE just in time for a VP candidate!

Holly Miowak Stebing, the Alaskan chosen to be backstage with Barack at the Thursday speech, was at the Delegate Party. I was very impressed by her intellect, candor and insight regarding her experiences and research of Alaska Native issues.

So, it's been radio silence for a bit but now we're here!

Before we left, I went to the Delegates Party at Club Soroya--it was a great time and a great job! Thanks Cal and Barbara for putting together a great time for all!!!

The Samoan dancers were a wonderful addition to the party!

We took off from Anchorage Airport after 1:30 AM and flew to Seattle where we had a six hour layover. We decided to hit Pike's Market, have breakfast and walk around. What inadvertantly happened is we became incredibly depressed over the difference in prices between Seattle and Anchorage--we Alaskans are so ripped-off!





We then took a walk on the waterfront in Seattle. It was about 65 degrees but I forgot that the dampness in Seattle makes it feel colder. Morrigan was smart and was wearing her new kuspick.






We got back on the plane and arrived in Denver at 4:45 Mountain Time--picked up by my friend Erick. We passed out almost immediately after we ate a yummy beef stew cooked by my friend Kim (Erick's wife) so we didn't get the text message about Joe Biden until I got up at about 7:30 AM. (He was the best choice, by the way.)

Anyway, I'm going to be mostly relaxing today until the media party this evening (the kickoff for the Democratic Convention) which I'll write about tonight. Tomorrow I plan to attend the Faith Gathering and I have media credentials for the Cheryl Crow and Dave Matthews concert! We'll all be putting our heads together over the next two days to come up with a planned schedule (which will probably change constantly) so folks have an idea what I'm planning to do. By the way, feel free to make suggestions!

Six Questions for Alaska Congressional Candidates--#3 Campaign Finance: Taking money from lobbyists and PACs

I submitted six questions to all of the Progressive candidates for the Alaska At-Large Congressional seat (running against Don Young) as well as the U.S. Senate seat (running against Ted Stevens). The ones who responded were Ethan Berkowitz, Diane Benson and Mark Begich. Here is the answer to question number three from AK-AL candidates Diane Benson and Ethan Berkowitz, running in the primary on August 26th.

(P.S. I've had several people ask why I have not been including any commentary on these posts. I wanted to present these answers to you as I received them from the candidates and allow everyone to analyze and decide for themselves.)

3) Campaign Finance: Senator Barack Obama, as the new leader of the Party has told the DNC that they are no longer permitted to accept money from lobbyists or PACs. For his own campaign, this requirement has been so stringent he’s returned small, personal donations to anyone who identifies him/herself as a “lobbyist” of any kind. Will you be incorporating that directive into your own campaign and refusing money from these sources?

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Time and again I stood up in Juneau for campaign finance reform. For limits from big money, against easing restrictions on lobbyists – for more accountability and more transparency in our political process, and for measures that defended the integrity of institutions against corruption.

Those are the principles I have imparted to my campaign.

It’s about more than PACs. I believe that working families, and not just the wealthy, should have a voice in the political process and am proud to accept the support of labor unions. I am honored to receive the support of members of Congress. I am grateful that supporters of groups like Planned Parenthood and the Human Rights Campaign have found a way to pool their resources and support my candidacy.

I will continue to speak out for public financing of campaigns. I will continue to oppose corporate participation in the political process, and I will continue to be a proven voice for ethical government.

DIANE BENSON

Let me be clear. Representatives of the people should not take money from lobbyists. It’s just that simple. I applaud Senator Obama and the DNC for taking such a bold stance on campaign finance reform. I believe that we as democrats, the party which represents the heart, the soul, and the voice of the average American, have an obligation to resist the temptation of special interests.

As many of you know, I’ve been calling for campaign finance reform since I ran to retire Don Young in 2006. I’m proud to run a campaign financed by people and not by special interests. This is why I’ve never taken money from lobbyists or Industry PACs. The simple truth is these sources don’t hand out large piles of money without expecting something in return.

Clean government is THE defining issue in this election. Campaign finance reform is the best way of cleaning up government and is the primary difference between myself and my opponents. When our elderly are forced to choose between life sustaining food and life saving medicine, when telecom companies get off the hook for violating our civil liberties, or when Congress watches while families collapse under the weight of excruciatingly high gas prices; and yet refuses to act…we can bet it is because Representatives took money from big business lobbyists. Campaign finance isn’t just a matter of ethics. It’s a matter of making progress as a country. I hope that all voters will think long and hard between now and August 26th. Before the people of Alaska vote they need to ask themselves one simple question, “Do you want your Congressperson to represent you or lobbyists?”

Barack Obama's "Backstage with Barack" Campaign--one of the 10 folks is an Alaskan!

The Obama Campaign had a fund-raising drive where if you donated $5.00 or more within a certain time frame, your name would be put in the hat to be selected as one of 10 folks to be backstage with Barack Obama before his historic speech at Invesco Field a week from Thursday.

One of those folks selected is an Alaskan!

Per the email:

Holly Miowak Stebing of Anchorage, Alaska

Holly, a 20-year-old Alaska Native Inupiaq, is spending her summer break from Stanford University at the First Alaskans Organization interviewing native elders about their experiences with segregation. Holly is passionate about improving healthcare access for Native Americans, and protecting Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. The 2008 presidential election is Holly's first as a voter. She says: "This was the first campaign I felt I needed to support. I don't have a lot of money, but I donate what I can because I believe in [Barack]." She will attend the convention with her mother who is the first Native American woman to pass the Alaska bar.

Jim Wallis--"A Step Forward on Abortion"

I found myself in a deep discussion/debate on this topic many months ago at Radical Catholic Mom's Blog. We discovered, after many attempts at refining and communicating our views, that we absolutely agreed that we could enthusiastically work together on the issues that could take the pressure off women so they wouldn't feel they needed abortion as an option. These issues are homelessness, poverty, birth control, affordable child care, livable wages, etc...

RCM and I found the "meeting place." I believe that there are many of us on both sides of the abortion debate who were waiting for someone to build that bridge between us so that we can work together towards a solution.

I believed that Barack Obama was the candidate that would attempt that common-ground within the Democratic Party and it looks like that is correct.

Here is a great piece by one of my favorites, Jim Wallis.



Abortion is a moral issue, felt deeply on all sides of the debate. That debate has also been deeply divisive, becoming a "third rail" of American politics. It often influences outcomes of elections, and therefore the direction of the country in other important policy areas. Consistent polling shows that most are between the polarized extremes, simplistically named "pro-life" and "pro-choice." A majority is both concerned, even alarmed, about the abortion rate in America, yet is hesitant to criminalize it. We have sorely needed new common ground that focuses on reducing the need for and number of abortions. Such common ground could be supported by both sides and affirmed by many in the middle.

This past weekend, the Democratic Party's 2008 platform language was approved. Many have been waiting to see their language about abortion for this election season. The 1996 and 2000 Democratic platforms contained a clause that read, "The Democratic Party is a party of inclusion. We respect the individual conscience of each American on this difficult issue, and we welcome all our members to participate at every level of our party." The draft language of the 2008 platform builds on that clause by supporting two choices that a woman might make--both of which the Democratic Party "strongly supports."

First, the platform states that the Democratic Party "strongly and unequivocally supports Roe vs. Wade and a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right." That traditional position of the Democratic Party was to be expected.

Then the platform says the Democratic Party "also strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed choices and live healthy lives. We also recognize that such health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions."

The platform takes a significant step forward in affirming those whose moral convictions lead them to make a different decision than abortion. It reads, "The Democratic Party also strongly supports a woman's decision to have a child by ensuring access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal health care, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs." That position will help make room for people, especially in the religious community, who have strong moral convictions about abortion. Many pro-life Democrats (and there are many in the party) have been looking to be heard, respected, and given a valued space in their own party (as pro-choice Republicans have in their party).

There is indeed some chance for common ground here in the mutual respect for different moral convictions and a shared desire to decrease the need for abortion. There is also a deep and growing conviction among evangelicals and Catholics that the "life issues" also extend to the 30,000 children who die globally each day from poverty and preventable disease, issues of genocide in places like Darfur, human trafficking, the domestic issues of poverty and health care, the foreign policy issues of war and peace, and even in threats like climate change. This election provides us with a pivotal opportunity to transcend old polarities and attempt to bring people together on common ground in a "consistent ethic of life" across a range of issues.

There is a "parallelism of choice" here in the Democratic platform that is a good and new direction that will make many people feel more welcome. The party is now on record in "strongly" supporting both a woman's right to choose abortion or to decide to have her child with promised support, creating common ground in agreeing for the need to reduce abortions.

All that is a step in the right direction: supportive of individual conscience, of the different decisions a woman can make, and of reducing the need for abortions. By supporting the fuller range of women's choice, the Democratic Party would be empowering more women, including low-income women who might like to carry their child to term for personal or moral reasons, but often lack the support to do so.

The rate of unintended pregnancies among poor women (below 100 percent of poverty) is nearly four times that of women above 200 percent of poverty. The abortion rate among women living below the federal poverty level is more than four times that of women above 300 percent of the poverty level. Three-fourths of women who have an abortion say a reason is that they cannot afford a child.

Policies and programs that focus on reducing poverty--also strong planks in the Democratic platform--would increase the economic stability of women and thus also help reduce the abortion rate. Policies that prevent unintended pregnancies through accessible family planning, including contraceptives, age-appropriate sex education-- including abstinence education--reducing teen pregnancy, economic support, accessible and affordable health care, adoption reform and incentives, are all critical and are pointed to in the platform.

The Democratic platform has taken an important first step. They took an important step beyond the traditional position on Roe vs. Wade by also supporting a woman's decision to have her child. They also sought and listened to input from moderate religious leaders.

Republicans have long made a strong opposition to abortion a central issue in their platforms and campaigns. Yet their symbolic commitment to making abortion illegal, even with a Republican in power, hasn't made any change in the rate of abortions in America. Religious leaders should also now urge the Republican Party to move forward. It's not enough to affirm their traditional support for making abortion illegal; they should also adopt the policies on reducing abortions. The bottom line for many Christians is how to save unborn lives.

Of course, it is now up to the Democratic candidate to interpret the platform and shape the issue. In an interview with Christianity Today, Barack Obama said, "I do think that those who diminish the moral elements of the decision aren't expressing the full reality of it."

Acknowledging that abortion is a moral issue, no matter what side you are on, is a way to respect the moral convictions of both sides, and begin to find some common ground. We could truly make reducing the abortion rate in America a nonpartisan issue and a bipartisan cause. It is a common-sense approach that could unite the vast majority of Americans around a goal that leverages support for women, instead of coercion, to dramatically reduce the number of abortions in America.

--Jim Wallis

***UPDATE***

Jim Wallis posts a "Response to his Readers" because of the overwhelming number of comments on his article.

I would encourage those critics to listen to the comments of Doug Kmiec, a Republican judicial appointee of Ronald Reagan, a Catholic intellectual, and Chair & Professor of Law at Pepperdine University, who cares deeply about abortion but now thinks the Democrats have a good chance to reduce the abortion rate. During a conference call that Sojourners hosted this week with evangelical and Catholic leaders, Doug said, "What this does is commit the Democratic Party to supply real support for the child and for the woman facing this question in terms of pre- and post-natal healthcare, in terms of income support, the kind of support like paternity leave, family leave and an improvement in the accessibility in adoption. These are tangible things and very much related to Catholic social teachings." He also sees a positive step in the Democratic Platform language in the affirmation of abortion reduction and the practical solutions that would support that goal; rather than just repeating a symbolic ban. I agree with him.

I encourage a respectful debate in the comments...with the emphasis on respectful. Don't make me have to moderate!

Another McCain myth bites the dust--Troops deployed abroad give to Obama 6:1

The John McCain Campaign's constant drumbeat of his military experience as a POW is meant to make you believe that he is a friend of the military and veterans.

I have made many posts discussing how that is not true and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America have verified it as well.

It seems that deployed U.S. soldiers have also figured that out:

During World War II, soldiers crouching in foxholes penned letters assuring their sweethearts that they'd be home soon. Now, between firefights in the Iraqi desert, some infantrymen have been sending a different kind of mail stateside: two or three hundred dollars -- or whatever they can spare -- towards a presidential election that could very well determine just how soon they come home.

According to an analysis of campaign contributions by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, Democrat Barack Obama has received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas at the time of their contributions than has Republican John McCain, and the fiercely anti-war Ron Paul, though he suspended his campaign for the Republican nomination months ago, has received more than four times McCain's haul.

Despite McCain's status as a decorated veteran and a historically Republican bent among the military, members of the armed services overall -- whether stationed overseas or at home -- are also favoring Obama with their campaign contributions in 2008, by a $55,000 margin. Although 59 percent of federal contributions by military personnel has gone to Republicans this cycle, of money from the military to the presumed presidential nominees, 57 percent has gone to Obama.

While the totals are much closer, Obama is still significantly ahead among all military personnel:

Obama, Barack--------------------------$335,536 859
McCain, John---------------------------$280,513 558
Paul, Ron------------------------------$232,411 537
Clinton, Hillary-----------------------$167,050 376
Republican National Cmte---------------$135,902 219
Huckabee, Mike-------------------------$66,751 127
Thompson, Fred-------------------------$46,400 93
Romney, Mitt---------------------------$43,307 96
Giuliani, Rudolph W--------------------$22,050 47
National Republican Senatorial Cmte----$21,885 26
DNC Services Corp----------------------$16,873 53

I don't think Hillary Clinton's or Ron Paul's donors will be going to John McCain.

The McCain camp needs to realize the military is wise to where he really stands on the issues.

Republican Mayor of Fairbanks-Northstar Borough Endorses OBAMA

Via my email--Obama Campaign Press Release from Jeff Giertz:

FAIRBANKS, AK – The Barack Obama campaign in Alaska today announced the endorsement of Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Jim Whitaker. Whitaker is a registered Republican.

Whitaker said, “Barack Obama has the unique ability to bring people together from all political backgrounds—Democrats, Republicans, and independents. Partisan business-as-usual has crippled Washington. It’s time for a president who will work to unite our country and bring about the change we need.

“Barack Obama will stand up for Alaska’s families. As president, he’ll support the Alaska natural gas pipeline and work to lower the skyrocketing fuel prices that have caused an energy crisis here in Fairbanks. He has a plan to move this country forward and will be a president who is as independent as Alaskans are.”

Barack Obama said, “I’m grateful for Mayor Whitaker’s support. Fairbanks residents are paying some of the highest energy prices in the country. Mayor Whitaker knows firsthand the importance of solving our energy crisis. He believes as I do that we need to bring people together in order to solve the many challenges our country is facing right now, from energy to the economy.”

Jim Whitaker has been the mayor of the Fairbanks-North Star Borough since 2003.

I made a post back in June where the importance of Obama supporting the gasline was discussed. I also posted about Obama's Energy Policy and the teleconference last week:

In a brilliant move on the part of the Obama Campaign, Rouse stated that in this "Federal partnership" with Alaska over the gas line, "Exxon should not have a disproportionate influence over the timetable for construction of this important national project." Rouse stated that Obama wants to move the project forward as what is best for Alaska and nation. Also, Rouse pointed out that "McCain opposed tax incentives to build the pipeline."

This endorsement is an example of why the move by Obama was so brilliant. I think it's only the beginning.

Obama Campaign Energy Teleconference--"Alaska features prominently in the Obama energy plan"

Sen. Obama's initial comments on his energy policy August 6th from Elkhart, Indiana

I'm a little teleconference-happy today.

9:00 AM Alaska time we had one with Diane Benson (as you can see in my previous post).

Then at 11:00 AM, we had one with two heavies in the Obama for America campaign: Pete Rouse, Senior Advisor for the Campaign (and Former Chief of Staff, Alaska Lt. Gov. Terry Miller) and Heather Zichal, Director of Energy Policy for the Campaign.

Heather started by describing the plan Barack Obama has been unveiling over the last several days in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

Zichal listed an "aggressive" set of measures both in the short-term and the long-term to "make the investments we need to break our addiction to oil". We can't solf this overnight but we need to start now. Short-term: This begins with the "emergency energy rebate" of $1,000.00 per family, because "American consumers need direct assistance and need it now," stop putting oil in the strategic petroleum reserve and "crack down on speculators." (During later questioning, Zichal clarified that the $1,000 rebate will be capped at families that make over $150,000 and will be paid for by a proposed windfall profits tax.)

Zichal focused on three points that are at the center of the plan:

1) Increasing automobile standards - 1 mil hybrids on the road 2015 increase investment commit to 36 bil gallons advanced biofuels by 2012. As Senator Obama described it in Indiana:

First, we’ll commit ourselves to getting one million 150 mile-per-gallon plug-in hybrid cars on our roads within six years. And we’ll make sure that the cars of tomorrow are built not just in Japan or China, but right here in the United States of America.

2) 25% renewable energy by 2025

Second, we’ll double the amount of our energy that comes from renewable sources by the end of my first term. That means investing in renewables like wind and solar power, and we’ll also invest in the next generation biofuels.

3) Efficiency standards-15%

Third, I will call on businesses, government, and the American people to meet the goal of reducing our demand for electricity 15% by the end of the next decade. This is by far the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to reduce our energy consumption – and it will save us $130 billion on our energy bills.

In the interim, the Obama Adminstration would continue with our domestic supply of natural gas and oil.

Also, resources are available that need to be developed and Zichal restated Obama's support for the Congressional Dems "use it or lose it" policy, as there are 68 million existing leases that need to be developed now.

Zichal also stated that a "cornerstone of the plan is a commitment from Fed gov't to build AK natural gas pipeline and bring resources on line."

Pete Rouse came on-line specifically addressing the energy plan as it effects Alaska and wanted to emphasize several points:

1) AK features prominently in the Obama energy plan (which was acknowledged by Governor in a press release earlier in the week).

2) There is a "sense of urgency in Barack's approach to the natural gas issue." While demand for gas is skyrocketing, gas development has been flat from 2000-2007. There is a great "potential for natural gas" as motor fuel, etc...

3) Barack Obama's understanding of the issue pertaining to Alaska has increased greatly through discussions with prominent Alaskans.

- He met one-on-one with Mark Begich in Miami and came back from that clearly on his mind that it needed to be highlighted even more.

- In the January op ed by Gov. Hickel, his "enthusiasm was not lost on Senator Obama."

- Tony Knowles is a good friend and close advisor to Sen. Obama--he has talked for several years to Senator Obama on this issue and will continue to do so.

Rouse also emphasized that the Obama Administration would look for a Federal Partnership with the State of Alaska to help move the pipeline project forward. (In response to my later question--establishing whether they were proposing to only work with the pipeline licensed by the state vs. competing lines--- Rouse stated that the idea was to first work with Governor Palin -- start from the leadership at the top we believe we can make real progress) He believes that Alaskans should share in benefits of project, which would include jobs and a reduction in the huge cost of energy in Alaska. According to Rouse, high energy prices in Alaska is "a fact underrecognized in the lower-48."

In a brilliant move on the part of the Obama Campaign, Rouse stated that in this "Federal partnership" with Alaska over the gas line, "Exxon should not have a disproportionate influence over the timetable for construction of this important national project." Rouse stated that Obama wants to move the project forward as what is best for Alaska and nation. Also, Rouse pointed out that "McCain opposed tax incentives to build the pipeline."

In response to the question as to whether Barack Obama will be visiting Alaska, Pete Rouse said that it is "still on the planning docket here and we hope that it happens."

HERE is the text of the remarks that Sen. Obama presented at the beginning of the Town Hall Meeting.

HERE is a link to the YouTube contributor with the eight videos of the entire Elkhart, Indiana Town Hall (starting in backwards order with Evan Bayh's introduction).

Obama's new energy Ad and (Update) Energy Plan speech in Michigan--2nd Update: Gov. Sarah Palin supports parts of Obama's Plan

Here is the YouTube of his speech today in Michigan, which also mentions finishing Alaska's gas pipeline:



***UPDATE***

It seems Governor Palin likes at least part of Sen. Obama's Energy Plan:

Per her Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 08-135

Governor Pleased That Obama’s Energy Plan Includes Alaska

August 4, 2008, Fairbanks, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin today responded to the energy plan put forward by the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

“I am pleased to see Senator Obama acknowledge the huge potential Alaska’s natural gas reserves represent in terms of clean energy and sound jobs,” Governor Palin said. “The steps taken by the Alaska State Legislature this past week demonstrate that we are ready, willing and able to supply the energy our nation needs.”

In a speech given in Lansing, Michigan, Senator Obama called for the completion of the Alaska natural gas pipeline, stating, “Over the next five years, we should also lease more of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska for oil and gas production. And we should also tap more of our substantial natural gas reserves and work with the Canadian government to finally build the Alaska natural gas pipeline, delivering clean natural gas and creating good jobs in the process.”

Governor Palin also acknowledged the Senator’s proposal to offer $1,000 rebates to those struggling with the high cost of energy.

“We in Alaska feel that crunch and are taking steps to address it right here at home,” Governor Palin said. “This is a tool that must be on the table to buy us time until our long-term energy plans can be put into place. We have already enjoyed the support of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, and it is gratifying to see Senator Obama get on board.”

The Governor did question the means to pay for Obama’s proposed rebate — a windfall profits tax on oil companies. In Alaska, the state’s resource valuation system, ACES, provides strong incentives for companies to re-invest their profits in new production.

“Windfall profits taxes alone prevent additional investment in domestic production. Without new supplies from American reserves, our dependency and addiction to foreign sources of oil will continue,” Governor Palin said.

How many people out there think that part of the reason for this press release is a bitchy little slap at the McCain Campaign for not taking her seriously as a potential VP?

Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a @#$%^&* idiot

She always has been...she always will be...

What are the Repubs thinking? Someone needs to teach them about "safe YouTube."

First, the RNC's "parody" about Obama in Germany (which also features David Hasselhoff) is actually just damn funny in...OK, I'll say it...a positive way for Obama.



Someone needs to tell the McCain people that a "parody" isn't supposed to make people laugh at the people who are making the "parody."

Then, McCain compares Obama to Britney and Paris, claiming that he is as big of a superstar as they are:



Has someone told them that calling Obama a celebrity isn't necessarily a bad thing...that people spend millions of dollars on tabloids and magazines tracking the movements of celebrities?

Can you say D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E?

I like the Obama Campaign's response a lot!

In a statement, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor had this to say:

On a day when major news organizations across the country are taking Senator McCain to task for a steady stream of false, negative attacks, his campaign has launched yet another. Or, as some might say, "Oops! He did it again."

Also, a group called Progressive Accountability came up with a great video rebuttle--comparing Britney rather successfully to John McCain:



And then there is my favorite...McCain doesn't speak for the McCain Campaign.



When it comes to just about everything about Sen. McCain's campaign, he has not chosen wisely.

Yay!!!! A new JibJab!!!! "Time for some Campaignin'"

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Based on Bob Dylan's "The Times They are a Changin'"

TICKETS...get yer tickets...

Photo: Invesco Field

...to Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado!!

Hat tip to AAPP for directing us to The Colorado Independent who then sends us to the form on The Colorado Democratic Website.

It's only a request for info but they do ask how many tickets you want.