Starting a thread so that Liberal posters have a place to discuss the election.

I would like to welcome all to read the get an understanding of what the views are of Democrat supporters. Please be respectful of the views of those that post. If you want to dabate and challenge views, please do that in the Presidental election thread. Thank you all for your support.

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6406

I can not condone twisting the votes to work for either side. I want every voice to be heard in America.

Apparently, the Republicans are trying to stop voters from voting if they had their house foreclosed. Of course this is in only certain states....Democrat states.

Jessy, there is more on this over here. Thanks for bringing this up!

http://www.progressivefuture.org

Political operatives, at work in key states, are hatching schemes to suppress voter turnout, create long lines at the polls, and assure that some votes don’t get counted.

I consider myself to be socially and fiscally liberal. My political awareness began four years ago when John Kerry lost to GWB. Through the 2004 election, gay marriage was used was a wedge issue in which conservative republicans used my community as a scapegoat. The hateful and divisive rhetoric was hurtful and made me lose respect for the republican party. George Bush, his administration, and 2002-2008 helped to cement my belief in the core decency of liberal values. It's a little different for each one of us, but hear is a run down on my thinking on things......

Issues

Gun Control: I agree with advocating stronger criminal, background, and psychological checks before being able to obtain a gun. Also, stronger gun control in metropolitan areas will hopefully reduce gang violence.

Environment: Conservational measures can protect habitats and resources. This includes working to have more clean air, land, and water through regulation of the pollution created. We have an obligation to take care of our home so that future generations will have what we have.

Death Penalty: This is a cruel and unusual punishment that has no place in civilized democracy. It has been shown to not deter crime, has executed innocent people, and costs more than keeping someone behind bars for life. It is morally and fiscally bankrupt.

Gay Rights: Obviously, as a gay man, I favor valuing human rights as gay rights. Non discrimination measures for the workplace, open serving military, marriage equality, and stronger penalties for proven hate crimes are important issues that mean a lot to me.

Reproductive Rights: Women should be able to control their own destiny and body. Therefore, I'm pro-choice with things like birth control and abortion. Women should be able to have the best medical care if they do decide to get an abortion.

Healthcare: With a more universal healthcare, we can become a more inclusive society that doesn't leave our citizens health to the private market. No family or person should have to decide between keeping the house or getting the surgery to be alive.

Education: The NCLBA must be fully repealed in favor of more equitable funding of the public school system. We can expect accountability, but also have the obligation to provide teachers and students with the financial and other support in order to maximize learning potential for ALL.

Foreign Policy: Our nation needs to return to multilateral policy that utilizes diplomacy on a regular basis. By being more transparent, honest, and connected with the world, we can actively work towards rebuilding burnt bridges as well as peace around the world. This means a withdrawl of our troops from Iraq to fully end the war.

Economic Policy: A return to demand sided economic policy to start with! Also, more regulation of our national banks to inhibit things from spinning out of control again. The wealthy can and should pay higher taxes than those in the working and middle classes. We can balance our economy to provide both freedom and security. Regulation and more equitable policies to bring balance are key.

Role of Religion: We should protect peoples right to worship freely as they want or not at all. However, we must also honor the establishment clause of the constitution which states that no central church is to be recognized by the government. This means a separation between religion and state so as to maintain the secular government this nation was founded upon.

Energy: Oil is quickly becoming a problem. How long before we run out of fossil fuels? This country needs to explore wind, solar, biofuel, nuclear, and hydroelectric forms of power. We can drastically reduce our dependence on oil while revolutionizing and revitalizing our economy with news jobs in the "green" industry.

Those are a few issues that have meaning for me in this election. However, it also falls under the umbrella of liberal ideology. As you can see, my positions on these various issues side with the american democratic party. It's humorous to hear people call many of these attitudes as radical when they derive from the very notions our nation advocates: liberty and equality. Liberalism views government no as overly large or overbearing. Instead, it views government as a partner of the people with a reciprocally positive relationship.

Positive collective action is usually of the financial variety toward making programs work better, but it also means protecting minorities from the "tyranny of the majority. For example, Lyndon Johnson ended up signing into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which gave african americans full civil rights. Gay rights are the modern version of this, and is exactly why proposition 8 makes me deeply sad. The majority once thought kidnapping and owning people as slaves was ok in this country. There has to be reciprocal oversight of government and people.

Thus, the power of the government is derived from the people, but minority rights sometimes complicate this sovereignty. In my mind, being a liberal in this great country of ours is a pursuit of equality, justice, and a better world through collective action. As time moves forward, hopefully the nation will pivot more in this direction at the voting level because I think americans values strongly reflect these ideals in many ways. They just might not be as cognizant of it because of a plethora of reasons.

I'm proud to be a democrat and am fired up for Obama/Biden!!!

I am fired up about Obama/Biden, as well. I have not much doubt that the democrat ticket will win the popular vote...it is the electoral vote I am a little concerned with. The swing states are;

Leans towards McCain:
Colorado(9)
Nevada (5)
Ohio (20)
Virginia (13)

Leans toward Obama:
Michigan (17)
New
Hampshire(4)
Pa. (21)


I actually believe that the electoral vote is a fair neccessity, even though I often wonder if the Dems will ever again be able to win the white house because of it. :unsure:

I'm not a liberal by any stretch, but I am supporting Obama.

Here's an article about how close Florida is:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/c...ory/695102.html

Article Title: Poll: McCain's slight edge in Florida may hinge on economy

I can't stop thinking about how many retired people could have been in ruins had we supported President Bush and Senator McCain's position on privatizing Social Security.

The strange thing is that McCain says he still supports this position.....and I feel like we dodged a bullet.

Thanx jessykaw for this thread and to everyone for sharing information!
I am a liberal democrat and very, very proud to be.

I was very pleased while watching the Emmy's last night, and hearing Tommy Smothers, who said;
""It's hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war. And there's nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action," he said, dedicating his award to "all people who feel compelled to speak out, and are not afraid to speak to power, and won't shut up and refuse to be silenced." "

soulmusicrocks, Thank you for your well-thought out layout of your beliefs on the governmentsand the publics roles. On the environment, I want to point out that the time for exploration of renewable energies has passed. Now is the time to commit to them and rebuild our nation's infrastructure based on a region-specific mosaic of diverse renewable energies. There's many viable sources available even besides your lengthy list, like geothermal and the various tidal technologies.

And we need to immediately commit to a overhaul on how we fuel our cars, well, even how we transport ourselves and how we plan our communities. There has been much study on this subject and now is the time for our government to stop being a handmaiden to the oil and gas industry and join the rest of the world in moving toward an oil-free society. That means helping consumers and producers make this transition. And that definitely means raising fuel mileage standards, significantly. And moving toward hydrogen, sustainable electric cars, possible algae-fueled cars. There have been people working on these issues who have remained on the margins, in terms of attention paid and resources available. They need to be up front and center. Think about how far we can go with a government, business, universities all committed toward making this transition as seamlessly as possible. It will go down in history as equivalent to the Industrial Revolution, if we take our heads out of the sand, and venture courageously together.

How we handle this economic crisis will determine how well we can rebuild this country. If we agree to tie our hands behind our backs and give the Treasury Secty unlimited powers, we're essentially giving our country's future over to the very businesses that dug us this deep hole in the first place. And there will be few resources to make any significant changes. We just cannot let that happen.

I'm glad to hear you are a proud Liberal. The word "liberal" tends to be used as a dirty word these days. "The Liberals" this, and "The Washington Liberals" that are always said with a nasty tone.

George Will, famous conservative, with serious misgivings about McCain:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...id=opinionsbox1

He seems to be writing an article a day.

it's becasue he's a smart man, and knows in his head (and heart) that McCain is a dangerous, tempermental man and untrustworthy when it comes to the honor of the office to which he aspires.

http://slackeruprising.com/download/location.php ~~Michael Moore's -Slacker Uprising..Thought you might enjoy this

As a long-time fan of Rachel Maddow, it was great to see this article,
Channel Changer

"For years, liberals thought they could catch up in media by playing by conservatives' rules. Rachel Maddow's success proves it's better to just change the game."

For the most part, liberals tend to support gay rights. And I'm very thankful that one political group "gets it". Here are some interesting ads from New Jersey:

Think Equal # 1

Think Equal # 2

Think Equal # 3

Think Equal # 4

Marriage Equality:

To Have and To Hold

California Couples

My heart bursts with joy at the happiness for all of those couples in California. I only hope Illinois will do the same thing, or even at the federal level. Sadly, Senator Obama nor Senator McCain supports civil marriage. But we can at least protect Californian gay couples from discrimination. Please vote no to hate and vote no to proposition 8 on November 4th.

Equality is possible if only enough of the community comes together to stand up for the values so many extoll. It is indeed time to live up to these promises in gay equality. Thanks for watching the videos and reading. Peace and love to everybody.:)

I love her show. Congrats to Rachel.

JMO, but I think Obama will look bad if he continues to participate in this Friday's debate while McCain has suspended his campaign.

I, too, believe this is a political ploy. But the fact of the matter is, people aen't focused on foreign policy right now, they care about their own personal situation here at home. It may not be pc, but I think it's reality.

I listened to Obama's press conference regarding continuing with the debate on Friday. He's very calm, cool and collected. Very presidential. I haven't seen a video up yet but I'll post a link if I find one.

Here's an article regarding his position.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26872907

Obama's response is in CNN's video library:

http://www.cnn.com/video/

Edited: Thanks for the info Wowhesgood. McCain has obviously set this up to be a lose/lose situation for Obama. Well, he could do both. They can meet with the leaders earlier in the day and get to MS by evening. Then, instead of foreign policy, they can focus upon the economy and what congress did earlier. That way both campaigns get their way.

Here's a full video of Obama's response to the "delay the debate" issue.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032553/

I watched the video of McCain/Palin/Couric. And yeah, it was just weird. All I kept thinking was, NO WAY, would Obama speak for Biden like that. Shoot, no one would even speak for HILARY like that. It was almost like a sketch...'cept it was real. That is scary to me. It appears McCain has NO faith or confidence in Palin, so why he picked her becomes more confusing by the day.

I believe McCain picked Palin because, unfortunately, he doesn't appear to have much of a dynamic personality, and she does. I used to admire McCain when he truly was a maverick of sorts. When he lost to Bush 42 he realized he could never win the rightwingers until he changed and became Bush 43. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Colbert was on fire last night. I loved the "Death by Chocolate by Association" ice cream.


Here is the link to his web site:

http://www.colbertnation.com/home?kw=thecolbertreport

Click on the P.O.W. video clip. It's long, but well worth it.

Brilliant piece, I am so enjoying Colbert these days, My teen sons and I watch every night. I will be watching the debate tonight with my 16 yr old son, his homework for this evening, this election has proven to be quite the conversation maker around our dinner table, my sons are opinionated, and love to argue, much like their mother...lol

Colbert is a NWU grad :rocker:

He is a wonderful journalist and humorist.

I'm hearing that donations to Democrats who are down ticket and have a chance of unseating their opponent are being encouraged over donations to Obama.

The McCain surrogate who was on Hard Ball and implied some folks were more patriotic than others is an elected official in Minnesota and I believe is up for re-election.

That would be one down ticket race I would think about making a campaign donation to the Dem opponent.

The surrogate's name escapes me at the moment.

There are numerous races this year where the incumbant republicans are having to fight the Bush/McCain/Palin factor this year. I'm really not sure the RNC understands that the majority of the nation's electorate are just plain fed up with their policies and campaign tactics. I don't know that I've ever seen so much lying and hypocrisy as I have this year. It seems that everytime McCain/Palin make some charge against Obama there is proof that either their campaign or the RNC has done something much worse, and actually done it not just been accused. The hate and racial tension that has been incited is just beyond belief. I don't believe that McCain/Palin or the RNC really has any desire to curb it either. That just scares the heck out of me. I really want Obama/Biden to win but I'm very concerned for Obama's safety. I certainly hope it is unwarranted concern.

I've been following this election much closer than any race before and I've become very passionate. Probably too much so if truth be told.

^^

Wow,

I saw a really good story on CNBC's Rachel Maddow show last night on the Bradley Effect.

Her guest said that everything the McCain/Palin campaign is doing these days seems to indicate they believe that the Bradley effect is real.

In essence, the Bradley effect is when people say they will vote for a black candidate/Obama, when in fact, they will actually vote for a white candidate/McCain when in the voting booth.

The Obama camp has said they do not believe this is a factor based on primary voting.

The use of the term "welfare" is creeping into more and more of the McCain/Palin campaign speeches with the goal of playing into a much hoped for Bradley effect.

I think there's another "effect" that the McCain campaign needs to be concerned about...the "Obama Effect".

It will be real and seen by the world on Nov. 4th.

Lol. Here's the email I got from "Hllary" this morning on downticket races that could benefit from campaign donations:
-----------------------------

Dear Shelley,

Sixty is the magic number. If we reach 60 Democrats in the Senate, then the days of Republican obstruction are over. With Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, there's nothing we can't accomplish.

But we can't reach 60 if these three Democrats don't win their extraordinarily close races: Mark Begich up in Alaska, Jeff Merkley in Oregon, and Mark Udall in Colorado.

I need these three Democrats working side-by-side with me on the Senate floor to accomplish the goals you and I set out -- rebuilding a strong middle class, health care for every American, and ending the war in Iraq. Barack Obama needs their help to reach a filibuster-proof majority that will end GOP obstruction once and for all.

Feeling the pressure with only two weeks before Election Day, Republicans have stepped up their attacks against Democrats. They're putting everything they have into these races, and our candidates need to match their efforts dollar-for-dollar.

They're tight races where the polls have them tied or within striking distance, and your decision to support them right now could make the difference on Election Day. Join me today and help Mark, Jeff, and Mark win.

Click here to make a contribution directly to Mark, Jeff, and Mark's campaigns.

These are some great candidates who need our help. Mark Udall has been a leader on clean energy issues in Congress and is running a great race for an open seat in Colorado -- now held by a Republican.

Jeff Merkley in Oregon is the son of a sawmill worker who was the first member of his family to attend college. He's running against the entrenched incumbent Gordon Smith, and now his race is right on the knife's edge. Your contribution could make the difference.

Mark Begich is a lifelong Alaskan -- he's the first mayor of Anchorage actually born in the city. He's is working hard to unseat Ted Stevens, who is facing corruption charges back in his home state.

These three great Democrats are all within striking distance of victory. With just two weeks to go, now is the critical moment in their races. If you contribute to their campaigns today, you could be making the difference that gets us to that magic number of 60 votes in the Senate.

Help us build a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate and end the Republican obstruction. Contribute to Mark, Jeff, and Mark's campaigns today!

As we're celebrating a new direction for our country on November 5, with a Democratic President and a filibuster-proof Democratic Senate, you'll be so proud to know that you helped to make the difference. Thank you so much for your hard work -- we are almost there!

Sincerely,

Hillary
------------------------------
Sounds like a plan!!

That was a powerful letter, Sk8888. It is a definite reminder of how important this election is. We can either get the changes we want to see passed or continue down the same destructive path. I definitely pick positive change.

I know this has been posted in the Presidential thread, but this link has two of Jon Stewart's bits from last night on "real Americans."

Pfriend or Pfoe indeed.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/21/j...l_n_136484.html

All I can say is YIKES!!!

There is usually a thread here at one time or another I cannot stand to read. Easy solution....I don't go there.

Censorship?
Division of Elliott fans?

COME ON....it is the same passion some of us have for the presidential race this year that we have for Elliott.

Exactly wow!

Politics & religion. 2 topics that can really get some opinions flowing!

I think all of the generalizations are rather annoying. To imply that I am on welfare because I am a Democrat is rather narrow minded. To imply someone must be rich because they are Republican is also narrow minded. There are extremes of both parties, but the majority of people are modertes of their party. Generalizing either party is unfair & I believe has resulted in many hurt feelings unnecessarily.

We are all here because of our passion for Elliott & his music, all the other stuff is just filler till we have Elliott stuff to focus on!

RM, I think the term moderate means something a little different to each one of us. The moment someone does not believe or frame things with rightist conservatism, we are labeled radicals and unamerican. The GOP's ideological war to incite anger and fear towards american democrats (namely liberals of the party) is disgusting. I'm not saying I disrespect people who are conservative, but the GOP party itself has lost my respect for the way it has handled itself over the last few decades.

But it's all good. The tides of history are making yet another turn and I think the GOP will realize they will be considered to have been on the wrong side of a lot of issues (especially their fear and prejudice based tactics to keep gays unequal). IDK if it will happen in my lifetime, but I hope it does. The time for being second class citizens needs to be over.

I know we have some out there who are from Florida. Can you elaborate on this story I heard last night on Rachel Maddow?

Apparently, the hours for Early Voting in Florida have been pared back significantly, meaning that some people are actually waiting to vote for several hours just to vote early.

The weekend schedule went from eight hours on both Saturday and Sunday, to eight hours TOTAL for weekend Early Voting.

During the week, it sounds like some locations don't open until 10 a.m. and close before 5 p.m.

Not very subtle in my book.

On an up note, Maddow ran a story reporting that 98% of all people eligible to vote in Michigan have registered. And despite people leaving the state in droves, new voter registration is at an all time high.

Check this link out, it is freakin hilarious!!! :rotfl:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-stranaha...l_b_137709.html

Ok, can't help myself. A blog about McCain's experience in crisis situations.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-abrams/...n_b_137729.html

Last one, I promise!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-seit...h_b_137028.html

I lied....

Palin is proving to be divisive w/in her own party and campaign...aides and insiders call her "self-serving" and "a diva" OUCH!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/25/p...e_n_137834.html

I hope we hear nothing more of her after 11/5 other than her impeachment in Alaska.

that made me laugh!!