Obama starts with some big, vote-rich states in his column--  New York, California, and Illinois. He should also do well in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Washington, all of new England, and with a decent shot in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Florida, and Missouri.

Even if we concede the South to McCain, he faces the problem that he pretty much has to run the table and take all the swing states and win all the close ones.  His margin of error is a LOT smaller than Obama's.

Throw in the fact that the Democrats are unusually organized and motivated this year and should benefit from huge minority and youth turnout, the GOP is discouraged and not solidly united behind McCain, the Iraq War is unpopular, McCain's predecessor Bush is rated lower than a snake's belly, and gas is pushing $5 a gallon.  If we can't win given this scenario, then I'm moving to Easter Island or someplace.  IMHO, the only formula for a McCain victory is that maybe there are enough closet racists who aren't reflected in the polls to make the difference.

Community organizers help people help themselves, in other words, by empowering them. With the notable exception of those who need, above all, to be protected.

What's to hate about that?

And apparently small-towners are more patriotic.

Basically the same assholes who talk about class warfare practice it all of the time.

But fuck logic. That shit's for elitists.

Hope you're right!

I am just furious. More money sent to the campaign and tomorrow I'm going into the Obama office to see what more I can do to help out. Even my Republican (for Obama) dad was furious at this hypocritical waging of the culture wars. The country is in shambles after eight years of this crap. All they have to offer us is more condescension and hatred of our neighbors...

Really?

Palin and those convention-Republicans are pathetic to the nth degree.  With them it's always a matter of money, of how many of the good things they can hold on to, of how the pie is only so big and they must get their share, or more than their share.

Their flag waving patriotism just disguises and justifies their fundamental selfishness.  Their wearing Christianity like a cloak reminds me of what that Galilean carpenter once said to the Republicans of his day:  you are like whitened sepulchers, gleaming on the outside, hiding corruption on the inside.  Their hypocrisy and basic materialism guarantees them a place in the hell they so freely consign others to.  That is, those truly blessed souls who see Christ (or Buddha or Vishnu or Allah or whatever Deity you wish) in the unfortunate souls they come upon.

Sarah Palin and company are not entitled to their wealth nor to the riches of heaven; no matter how frequently they prattle on about their coming salvation.  It's works that count, not just words.

Healers, like community organizers, are my kind of people. God bless them all.

Suppose you scrub your ethical skin until it shines, but inside there is no music, then what? Kabir

Thank you for your reminder of the goodness in this world. And that actions, the hallmark of community organizing, done well and determinedly can prevail.

The instant echo chamber of the media repeating all things right-wing serves to make one feel hopelessly unable to stop the maniacs. Your reminder of the power of community was exactly what was needed.

If you talk to people online, give them this website:

https:/voteforchange.com

There, they can look up their voter registration information and can apply to register to vote if need be.

For everyone who has done community organizing, thank you. I've participated and it can be tiring, but fun and bring enjoyment at helping others.


Recommended by Hideo Kojima

Sarah Palin and Rudy the Ghoul can go fuck themselves.

John Mccain Called his wife WHAT??

I watched the speech last night and felt insulted.  My girlfriend and I kept wondering how the the Republicans could degrade the hard working folks that keep people in their homes and help them find jobs.  That my parents were once organizers made the insults personal.  

Your post makes me feel better this morning.  After seeing the reaction of CNN's Roland Martin, I feel better still.  I believe that most people in the country agree that the work you and other organizers have done in the past and continue to do today is important.  I don't think Palin's speech will be received too well among anyone except the conservative base.    

The Republicans don't believe the government should help people, it should be handled on the local level.

Republicans don't believe local organizations should help people.  

Straight-forward contradiction and one that is completely outside the mainstream.

Och nu den svenska kocken bakar en Alaskan älg jägare. Bork! Bork! Bork!