Obama for President

On Wednesday June 20th, 2007, I officially endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. At the time I was impressed by his ability to break through the cynicism typically associated with politics. Today, I am awestruck not by the way Barack Obama has broken through the cynicism of politics, but the way he has inspired a generation of young Americans often associated with words like superficial, narcissistic and careless. Truly, the fervor that Senator Obama has tapped into among young professionals, college students, athletes and entertainers is quite remarkable. What I find even more moving is the enthusiasm he is generating among young African-Americans often associated with words such as thug, hopeless and lost. Barack Obama, in the course of his campaign, has re-discovered a so-called “lost” generation of inner-city youth who, through him, have re-discovered a sense of purpose in themselves and faith in this nation. My experiences with these young people over the past several months prompted me to write this final appeal to the American people, just four days before the national election, to ask you join me in voting for Barack Obama on November 4th.

“Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama is running so our children can fly! Fwd to 15 ppl Ensure Change.” – Text Message (Sent by 19 yr old single mother, McKeesport, PA)

I received that text message about 9pm on a friday night a few weeks ago. It was my “Aha Moment”, that something truly amazing was happening before my eyes. Suddenly I started to notice the young guys with the oversized baseball caps, low hanging pants and colorful sneakers wearing Barack Obama t-shirts. At the corner store or the club I found myself talking politics with people who never watched a political debate prior to September 26th. Soon I met an incredible group of young people doing voter registration, knocking on doors and making phone calls to get out the vote. This inspiring group of individuals includes: teen-age mothers, Job Corps students and the formerly incarcerated. Most will admit that this will be first election they will ever vote in. Many were not registered themselves until this month and never cared about politics until very recently. I have watched these young people transform from devout apathy to believing that they can truly make difference in their troubled communities. For the first time in many of their lives, they have hope and faith in their futures and are ready to serve a cause greater than themselves.

“Obama for mankind, we ready for damn change so y’all let man shine”! – Young Jeezy from the song “My President”

Over the last 10 to 20 years, many leaders have tried unsuccessfully to motivate young people from the inner city to overcome the many challenges they face. The vast majority of these appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Most young people have lost the reverence we once held for faith leaders, civic leaders and political leaders. If my generation ever had a leader it would have been Tupac Shakur, until now. Barack Obama has somehow inspired these young Americans and gained their confidence and respect. While the Al Sharpton’s, Jesse Jackson’s and Bill Cosby’s lectures have alienated our young people at times, Obama has found a way to embrace them and be a role model. Barack Obama is making it “cool” for our young people to be intellectual, articulate and poised. This is significant for a generation of young people who often view these qualities as negative traits. He is uniquely positioned to challenge our young people to be better parents, active citizens and future leaders. Senator Obama appears to be our best hope to help rescue these young people from the perils of poverty, crime and low expectations. I cannot imagine a more noble cause in these days and times.

Over the last two decades, inner city youth have been demonized, chastised and written off. To be fair, these young people bear just as much responsibility as their elders for the many challenges they face. At a time when our future as a country is in doubt, it is inspiring to see our young people rising above their own cynicism and hopelessness. Even more moving than that is the way our youth have embraced Senator Obama’s qualities and see their own potential for excellence through him. We have a unique opportunity to seize this moment in our country’s history. A vote for Senator Obama is a vote our young people who have been cast away and forgotten. It is a vote for excellence, intelligence and service. It is a vote for responsibility, respect and hope. It is a vote for lost generation that has been found.

- Khari Mosley is the Democratic Chairman of Pittsburgh's 22nd Ward

It's unanimous!

On Fox, pollster Frank Luntz asked his group to raise their hands who won, and overwhelmingly, the group gave the victory to Obama. "This is a good night for Barack Obama," Luntz said.

Debate Night in America

Tonight, the Presidential candidates will share the stage at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. With the polls continuing to shift in favor of Senator Obama, look for Senator McCain to try a "game-changing event" to stop the bleeding. Recent Real Clear Politics show Obama making gains not only in national polls but in state by state polls as well. Look for McCain to continue to attack Obama on his associations with people like Williams Ayers & Jeremiah to compromise his credibility. Look for Obama to continue to hammer the economy again and again. If there are no game-changers advantage Obama, if there is a game-changer it means that either McCain is on the comeback or Obama is headed toward a landslide victory. Stay Tuned.

Every Superhero Needs Theme Music

From Hip Hop DX:

"It's no secret that many musicians have backed Senator Barack Obama in the race for The White House. Although many have already released songs in support of the Senator, plans are also set to release an entire album to show solidarity on the side of Obama.

Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement is the presumed title of the project, said to include artists including Kanye West, John Legend, Jill Scott, Will.i.am and others. It will be available for digital download at $24.99 and $30 for the actual CD through Hidden Beach Recordings. Proceeds will benefit the Obama campaign."

The Obama Campaign purchased the rights to the CD and they have it for sale on their site, www.barackobama.com, along with a small statement.

"Through their musical contributions, the artists seek to mobilize voters in the final stretch before the November election. Many of the artists involved will also be volunteering their time to promote voter registration."

Here is one of the stellar tracks on the compilation, "Promised Land" featuring Malik Yusef with Kanye West and Adam Levine of Maroon 5

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/audio/id.5738/title.malik-yusef-f-kanye-west-adam-levine-promised-land

Re-Birth of a Nation.

“We know all too little about the factors that affect the attitudes of the peoples of the world toward one another. It is clear, however, that color and race are at once the most important and the most enigmatic.” - John Hope Franklin

Over the last 24 hours, an explosive issue has begun to creep back into the national political conscience. This issue has played a central role in American politics since the 18th century and could decide the presidential election on November 4th. As reported yesterday a recent poll suggests that up to 1 in 3 white democrats may not vote for Barack Obama due to racial biases they hold against African-Americans. Today, a Chicago Sun-Times article on the poll went on to say:

"Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks -- many calling them ''lazy,'' ''violent'' or responsible for their own troubles. The poll, conducted with Stanford University, suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 -- about 2.5 percentage points. Certainly, Republican John McCain has his own obstacles: He's an ally of an unpopular president and would be the nation's oldest first-term president. But Obama faces this: 40 percent of all white Americans hold at least a partly negative view toward blacks, and that includes many Democrats and independents. More than a third of all white Democrats and independents -- voters Obama can't win the White House without -- agreed with at least one negative adjective about blacks, according to the survey, and are significantly less likely to vote for Obama than those who don't have such views."

“I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races - I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of Negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office.” - Abraham Lincoln

My friend Selena Zito, wrote an interesting column in the conservative leaning Pittsburgh Tribune-Review entitled "The States of the Unions", exploring the challenges unions in Ohio and Pennsylvania are facing to get members to vote for Barack Obama. PA State AFL-CIO President Bill George is quoted in the article as saying:

"There is no question, earlier in the primary campaign the racial issue was there, just like the gender issue was with Hillary for some unions," he says."We in America like to think we don't have any hang-ups or stereotypes. But because of our history and because of a lot of industrial psychology controlling the masses, people have innate prejudices."

Ben Smith & Avi Zenilman of Politico.Com weighed in on the re-emergence of race as an issue in this election:

"It may not be in Obama's political interests, but the national conversation on race may have just begun. But if Democrats hope to muffle a discussion of race, which polling and reporting have long suggested is a crucial factor in swing states, discussion of it also carries risks for the Republican nominee. McCain has largely steered clear of anything that could be interpreted as race-baiting, and the Republican Party earlier this year warned its officials to stay on message on the sensitive topic".

“Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The article reminds us that during the democratic primary in New Hampshire when asked "if he would launch another "national conversation about race." Obama responded in the negative. "I'm less interested in a conversation about race in the abstract," he said. "All the self-flagellation, it's not useful. African-Americans get all riled up, and whites get defensive.""

A short two months later, he gave his historic address on race in Philadelphia. He may find himself giving a similar address in a battleground state in the weeks to come.

Race Matters.

What happens when the party that has portrayed itself as a champion for civil rights, diversity and other issues of import to African-Americans, does not close the deal for Barack Obama? This is a storyline yet to be explored in the general election scenario.

What happens if rust-belt and rural democratic strongholds perform considerably poorer than the past two elections? I predict a disastrous post-election backlash from people of color, young people and the left wing of the party. What began as a slam dunk for the democrats could very well turn into the worst implosion down the stretch since the 2007 NY Mets.

Today, a poll came out suggesting that up to 1 in 3 White Democrats may not vote for Obama based on racial bias. Here is a sample of the results:

"Racial views steer some white Dems away from Obama,” By Ron Fournier and Trevor Tompson: “Deep-seated racial misgivings could cost Barack Obama the White House if the election is close, according to an AP-Yahoo! News poll that found one-third of white Democrats harbor negative views toward blacks … The poll suggests that the percentage of voters who may turn away from Obama because of his race could easily be larger than the final difference between the candidates in 2004 — about two and one-half percentage points. …

“More than a third of all white Democrats and independents — voters Obama can't win the White House without — agreed with at least one negative adjective about blacks, according to the survey, and they are significantly less likely to vote for Obama than those who don't have such views."

For many people this is not a revelation, but a validation of their concerns, fears and frustrations about race in America. We'll see how far this country has come on November 4th.

Obama Hits Back

For all you Democrats that wanted Barack to hit back, you got your wish.

McCain up 10 in Gallup poll?

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/docs/2008_09_05topline.html

What the hell's goin' on out here?

Today's USA Today Gallup Poll has McCain up 10% among likely voters, up 4% among registered voters. This is an interesting turn of events when you consider a number of things:

- Obama's nomination speech vs. McCain's nomination speech
- The Obama campaign's VP search vs. the McCain campaign's VP search
- The Democrat's Convention vs. The Republican's Convention

Personally I am baffled. If you examine the three things I just mentioned, any reasonable human being would agree the Dems did better in all three areas. What does this mean? Is the GOP that good? Do they understand the psyche of the American people better? The real question is: Does Sarah Palin really boost the GOP's ticket? Based on recent polling it appears so. At the same time this could be an aberration, but if not the next 50 some odd days will be a helluva fight.

Fresh off the plane Konichiwa B--ches!!!

Turn around another plane my passport on pivot...


What's up world?


I'm continuing my crazy ass tour of the country. Right now i'm blogging from the Firewood Grill in San Francisco International Airport en route to Washington, DC.


Over the past couple days I've been building with the country's leading voices on green jobs. Very fruitful conversations with folks all committed to lifting people out of poverty while healing the planet. Real Talk for sure.


It's been real wild lately huh? I'm somewhat detached because I spend so much time on the road these days. This Presidential race got thrown for a loop by Barack Obama's vanglorious trip abroad. When was the last time an American has been so graciously received by our friends across the pond?


I've been listening to Nas' latest record, it's real tight. I think my homie Wendell Wade is right though, the beats could've been better. Nevertheless it is some good stuff.


On a somber note, I wanna send a shout out to Gloria Forouzan, we're praying for you and wish you a speedy recovery. Keep fighting!


Alright i'm about to take this red eye into Dulles, should be fun.

It's Been A Long Time...

In all the excitement of my state by state travels on behalf of an unnamed group that pays my bills, I didn't realize I have not posted in like a month. WOW

Anyway a lot has been going on, too much to keep us with:

- A grassroots movement to draft a young, smart & scrappy State Rep from the South Hills to run against Mayor Luke
- Mayor Luke throwing the City Council President's hat into the ring
- Bram got interviewed by the Feds
- The bonus-gate scandal in Harrisburg, hold your head PJ!
- Jesse Jackson went gangsta rap on Barack (Must've been listening to that new Weezy too.)
- Barack Obama's about to embark on this biggest European tour featuring an American since David Hassellhoff
- The New Yorker cover
- Lil' Wayne sells over million records in a week, discusses the prison industrial and disses Al Sharpton in one fell swoop
- Nas releases the NWord Album to critical and underground acclaim

Well, all this stuff is very entertaining in some way or another. If this is just a preview of fall 2008 & the beginning of 2009, well keep blogging, taking videos and sharing your most private thoughts over the airwaves.

In the meantime, my homie State Rep Tony Payton is ringing my phone...

Could be some good stuff!!!

Until next time enjoy this selection from the Microphone Fiend Rakim Allah




- Rakim Lyrics

Barack Obama's tribute to a dear friend...

Friends,

I am writing to express my deepest sympathies on the loss of our friend Dwight White. On behalf of Michelle and our entire campaign family, I share my prayers with his family and friends today.

I came to know Dwight months ago, as he was one of my earliest supporters in Pennsylvania. I remember the excitement and the hope that he held for our future and the strong support he gave to me, to my staff and supporters throughout the past months. In the final days of the campaign here in Pennsylvania, Dwight and his fellow Steelers hopped on a bus and hit the road to stump for us in this great state. I will never forget his commitment to our cause and his incredible devotion not just to the Democratic Party, but to changing this country for the better.

I remember telling Dwight that coming from Hawaii I didn't have a home football team, so I always cheered on the Steelers. Dwight and I had a laugh over it then, but I always did feel that Dwight was on my team -- a friend who'd fight hard for what he believes in.

I will continue to keep his family in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

AMEN.

Hillary hits a homerun.

Dear Senator Clinton:

Over the last several months, this primary campaign has driven to say some unflattering things about you and your campaign. I could roll out my laundry list of gripes but I'm going to take a page from your speech today and not look to the past. I will on focus on the amazing speech you gave today. I applaud your grace, spirit of unity and appeal to supporters to ensure a democrat takes the oath of office in January 2009. Hats off to you Senator, after that speech like Senator Obama said, "Senator Clinton is on anybody's short list for VP." I never thought I would say this, I can't wait to see you and Senator Obama sharing a stage at the first post-primary unity rally. Enjoy your vacation and be well, you made me proud to be an American today.

Good Night and Good Luck.

“Seeking to forget makes exile all the longer; the secret of redemption lies in remembrance.” - Richard von Weizsaecker

I'll mourn ya' 'til I join ya'!

Today I received a shocking email informing me of a tremendous loss to the Pittsburgh community. 4-time Super Bowl Champ Pittsburgh Steeler Dwight White passed away this morning in Pittsburgh. The details surrounding his death are not yet known, I'm truly devastated by the loss.

In the last year, Dwight has become a mentor and a teacher to me and a true example of how to transition from the NFL to the game of life. A few months ago we were together and we talked about how the Patriots blew their chance to be the best team ever, he then asked me "Do you know who the best team ever was," as he pointed at one of his 4 Super Bowl rings. He didn't have all 4 on, but I tell you that everyone needs to see a Super Bowl ring up close. Talk about Bling!

I will miss his spirit, sense of humor and his no nonsense approach to life, business and politics. I remember the early meetings we had with him to get on board with Barack Obama's campaign. He asked all the right questions and raised reasonable concerns. Nevertheless, we got him on board and he ran to be an Obama delegate in Pennsylvania's April 22nd Primary Election. I'll never forget seeing him on stage with Joy Woodruff, Dan Rooney, Senator Bob Casey and Franco Harris on the friday before the election in PA. I can't believe that would be the last time I would see him alive.

Steeler fans get your terrible towels and wave'em one time for Dwight, we'll never forget you Champ.

"A Lot of White People Were Crying!"

Barack Obama is proving to be the person who gets into more trouble for things other people say than anyone on Earth. Chicago Catholic Priest Michael Pfleger made some loaded comments from the pulpit this past Sunday at Trinity Church. A lot of media has been picking up on this, I think it is silly. How is this any different from people who were official Clinton surrogates (Bob Johnson, Geraldine Ferraro, Senator Clinton herself) This dude resigned from Obama's faith steering committee some time ago. I guess this is the last ditch effort to wrest the nomination from Obama, stay tuned to CSPAN for the DNC meeting on Saturday.

Wisdom from Yoda for Obama...

Today, I took a break from my insane travel schedule and kicked it in Philadelphia with some my closest and dearest friends. I did get a chance to take in Meet The Press, the Celtics/Hawks Game and Michael Moore on Larry King. As I was clicking through the channels I noticed that "Stars Wars III: Revenge of the Sith" was on.


As I watched Yoda duel with The Emperor I began thinking that Senator Obama could use some wise council from none other than the Jedi Master himself at this critical juncture in the campaign. Yoda had faced much adversity during his long life such as: catastrophic accidents, loss, betrayal and near extinction of the Jedi. His experiences have given him the insight to be able to navigate the most daunting scenarios. Imagine if a long time ago in a galaxy far away, Barack Obama had the opportunity to chat with Master Yoda. What do you think Master Yoda would say?


Maybe something like this:


“Ready are you? What know you of ready? Grave danger you are in. Help you I can, yes.


Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor. Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes.


Your ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Already know you that which you need. Always in motion is the future."

Has the campaign gone hip-hop all of a sudden?

Barack brushes the the dirt off his shoulder

I guess Soulja Boy wasn't feeling the debate either...



For Good Measure...

Back From Hiatus...It's gettin', it's gettin, it's kinda hectic!

Sorry y'all my new job got a little bit hectic. Pennsylvania is getting hectic too.


Bittergate, the most ridiculous debate ever and we're still 5 days out.


Hillary's Play:



Barack's Response:



This is real funny..



As Slick Rick said once said, "HERE WE GO"!

Crazy Talk, New Polls and Ads in Pennsylvania!

NEWS FLASH!!!

In the middle of writing this blog I saw this on MSNBC:



Absolutely speechless, now back to the program.

As new a poll showing Obama closing in on Clinton in Pennsylvania, the democratic candidates for President launched new TV ads (Clinton 5 in total) targeting each other's core base. Today, Quinnipiac University released results from their latest poll in a memo declaring, "Obama Catching Up With Clinton In Pennsylvania; She's Losing Ground Even Among Women".


The memo went on to say:
"With two weeks to go, Sen. Barack Obama is knocking on the door of a major political upset in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary. Obama is not only building on his own constituencies, but is taking away voters in Sen. Hillary Clinton's strongest areas - whites including white women, voters in the key swing Philadelphia suburbs and those who say the economy is the most important issue in the campaign," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. "The Pennsylvania primary is like a game of horseshoes: Sen. Obama needs only to come close to be considered the winner - taking away, perhaps fatally, Sen. Clinton's argument she is the candidate best able to defeat Sen. John McCain in critical swing states like Pennsylvania."


Real Clear Politics did a quick diddy on this as well.


Key info:


- This compares to a 50 - 41 percent Sen. Clinton lead in an April 2 poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University.

- One of the biggest shifts is among women who went from 54 - 37 percent for Clinton April 2 to 54 - 41 percent for her today. A look at other groups shows:

-Obama leads 55 - 37 percent among Philadelphia voters and 53 - 42 percent in the Philadelphia suburbs, widening a 49 - 44 percent April 2 lead in this critical area.

* White voters for Clinton 56 - 38 percent, down from 59 - 34 percent last week.
* Black voters back Obama 75 - 17 percent, compared to 73 - 11 percent.
* Men are for Obama 48 - 44 percent, compared to a 46 - 46 percent tie last week.
* Voters under 45 go with Obama 55 - 40, while older voters back Clinton 55 - 38 percent.

- By a 71 - 23 percent margin, Pennsylvania likely Democratic primary voters have a favorable opinion of Clinton, compared to 67 - 19 percent for Obama.

- The economy is the single most important issue in deciding their primary vote, 52 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats say, followed by 22 percent who list the war in Iraq and 15 percent who cite healthcare.

Pennsylvania Democrats approve 65 - 23 percent of the way Obama is handling race issues in the campaign, with white voters approving 62 - 25 percent and black voters approving 80 - 14 percent.

Voters approve 56 - 28 percent of the way Clinton is handling race issues, with white approval at 60 - 24 percent and black approval at a negative 35 - 48 percent.

From April 3 - 6, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,340 Pennsylvania likely Democratic primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percentage points.


Check out these new TV Ads!

Sunday's Good, Better and Best.

What's up y'all?

It's been another crazy week in Diondegaland. Anyway it is time to check out this week's good, better and best...

Hillary's 3AM Call of Duty: "Because It Takes A Village...To Take A Village!"
(Bill Maher from Real Time is a fool for this one!)







A Beast: The Michael Beasley Highlight Reel. This 6'10'' freshman from the nation's capital averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds for Kansas State. This time next year he could have a multi-million dollar pro contract and a sweet sneaker deal.







Obama on the View: Must See TV!


Part 1:



Part 2:



Part 3:



He would not have been my pastor! Hillary in my hometown with tough words for Obama and Rev. Wright. Can you believe the newspaper she sat down with was at the forefront of the "vast right wing conspiracy" and ran this story. Funny how things change huh?





Have A Good Week...

The Significance of the Bobby Casey Endorsement.

“I believe in my heart that there is one person who’s uniquely qualified to lead us in that new direction and that is Barack Obama.”

Yesterday, US Senator Bob Casey endorsed Barack Obama for President in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I'm thinking it is an interesting move for the only man or woman in PA history to get 3.3 million votes in a statewide election (Nov. '04) . No man or woman running for any office (President, Governor, etc.) in the state of PA has ever got that many votes before or since. Many thought Bobby, as we call him here in PA, would "fall back" and wait until the primary played out to weigh in.

Instead, he took a major swipe at Governor Ed Rendell, Philly Mayor Mike Nutter, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and other leading PA democrats who have rallied around Hillary Clinton's campaign. I think the only way he could of made this move is if he thinks it is over. I mean it's getting pretty personal here in PA, people are getting real "grimy", as we say on the Northside of town. More importantly, this has to be the biggest endorsement in the state. Even though Ed Rendell got the most juice in PA, most would agree that Casey still is the best political "brand name". Bob Casey is integrity, credibility and humility personified, I can see the commercials and mailers now, I'm Bob Casey and I'm asking you to vote for Barack Obama. A Rendell endorsement is interpreted as political; A Casey endorsement is interpreted as principled. Usually endorsements don't mean much, this could be an exception.

By the way, here's an interesting piece on Pittsburgh featuring some of my good friends.