Obama Dodges Farrakhan Issue

Not much to say, other than file this under “Guilt by association.” Here are some excerpts.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 7:48 AM

By: Ronald Kessler

It’s one thing for Barack Obama to have a minister, friend, and sounding board who supports and admires Louis Farrakhan and whose church gave him an award.

It’s another thing for Obama to dissemble about it.

That’s what Obama did recently when he told Jewish leaders in Cleveland, “An award was given to Farrakhan for his work on behalf of ex-offenders, completely unrelated to his controversial statements.”

In fact, the award, named for Obama’s minister Jeremiah Wright Jr., was given for “lifetime achievement” and for Farrakhan’s “influence on the African-American community.” The presentation of the award last December and the accompanying article in Trumpet, Wright’s Trinity United Church of Christ magazine, never mentioned ex-offenders.

On the contrary, the article in the November/December issue of Trumpet begins by calling Farrakhan — who refers to Jews as bloodsuckers and whites as blue-eyed devils — an “icon.” It ends by saying that he “truly epitomized greatness.”

Hailing Farrakhan’s “integrity and honesty,” Wright went on to say, “His love for Africa and African-American people has made him an unforgettable force, a catalyst for change, and a religious leader who is sincere about his faith and his purpose.”

Why is a Christian minister praising a Nation of Islam “minister” who hates Isreal?

After Newsmax broke the story of the award to Farrakhan on Jan. 14, Obama issued a statement purportedly addressing the issue. However, Obama ignored the main point: that his minister and friend had spoken adoringly of Farrakhan and that Wright’s church was behind the award to the Nation of Islam leader.

In fact, not only is Trumpet owned and produced by Wright’s church out of the church’s offices, Wright’s daughters serve as publisher and executive editor.

Entranced by Obama, the media largely ignored the story. Having gotten away with sidestepping Wright’s adoring comments about Farrakhan, Obama went further on Feb. 24 when he spoke to Jewish leaders in Cleveland. This time he flatly said that the award was because of Farrakhan’s work with ex-offenders. To date, no news outlet has pointed out that Obama’s claim is false.

While Tim Russert asked Obama during the last Democratic debate about Farrakhan’s support of him, he never pressed him about his relationship to Wright. In his comments to Jewish leaders in Cleveland, Obama continued to tiptoe around Wright and what he stands for. As in the past, without specifying how he disagrees, Obama said he does not “necessarily” share Wright’s views, which include blaming America for the 9/11 attacks because of what the minister calls its racist and violent policies.

Obama told the Jewish leaders that the award to Farrakhan “showed a lack of sensitivity to the Jewish community.”

That is an understatement.

I’d say.

If John McCain’s minister, friend, and sounding board gave an award to white nationalist David Duke, would Obama have said the gesture showed “insensitivity” to blacks, or would he have issued a searing condemnation expressing outrage?

Exactly.

Wright has equated Zionism with racism and has compared Israel with South Africa under apartheid.

“The Israelis have illegally occupied Palestinian territories for over 40 years now,” Wright has said. “Divestment has now hit the table again as a strategy to wake the business community and wake up Americans concerning the injustice and the racism under which the Palestinians have lived because of Zionism.”

Those views run parallel to Farrakhan’s, who has said that there will be “no peace for Israel, because there can be no peace as long as that peace is based on lying, stealing, murder, and using God’s name to shield a wicked, unjust practice that is not in harmony with the will of God.” [more here]

This is definitely guilt by association. Of course friends aren’t always exactly the same on everything. But this isn’t a simple case of Minister Wright likes ski and Barack plays golf. Sports differences are piddly. When someone is running for president ya really have to look at their friends with racist associations.

Convicted Calif. Molester Jumps to Death

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A 52-year-old man jumped to his death from a Southern California courthouse balcony hours after being convicted of child molestation, authorities said.Carlos Edward Tello was facing more than 20 years in prison when he jumped from a ninth-floor balcony of the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana Tuesday afternoon. A suicide note was tucked into his clothing, authorities said.A jury in a Fullerton courtroom earlier Tuesday convicted Tello of repeatedly molesting a young girl between 1989 and 1994.Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown tried to have Tello’s bail revoked and have him taken into custody immediately after the verdicts were announced. She said he was carrying a suicide note when he was arrested in 2006 in the case and that he might be in danger.Superior Court Judge Greggory Prickett declined to revoke Tello’s bail, instead ordering him to return to the Fullerton courtroom by 4:30 p.m.

Just after 4 p.m. at the Santa Ana courthouse, an alarm sounded that someone had entered a restricted area, said Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino.

A bailiff found Tello standing on the balcony and tried to wrestle him away from the edge, said police Cpl. Jose Gonzalez.

“He said, ‘Nobody’s stopping me,’” Amormino said, “and he jumped.”

Tello died at the scene. [source]

I hope he writhed around a bit before dying.  I also hope he is writhing in pain in hell. This was a sissy’s way out. In reality, that’s what a molester is, a sissy.

Joel Westrom’s Message about Last Night’s Live Blogging on First Disrict GOP

Here is the First District email blast that Joel Westrom sent out regarding the Live Bloggin on www.firstgopblogs.com for the March 4 Presidential Primaries.

First District Updates -Live Blog Success

March 5, 2008 First District- We had a great night last night with our new First District blog site. We had several people participating sharing thoughts and stories from all over the District. Special thanks to Keith Almli, John Niemela and Kathy Wells for taking the challenge on and delivering a great event. Couple comments from last night’s event… John Niemela (Houghton County) “The live blogging event hosted by the First District GOP was like attending a Primary Watching – District Wide event. Having fellow Republican Activists sharing their observations or items they found while viewing TV, Cable News or online media was an enjoyable evening.” Kathy Wells (Mackinac County) “Last night’s live blogging on www.firstgopblogs.com was a great example of First District members participating in team work and having lots of fun. It was great to have Saul Anuzis, Michigan GOP Chairman, join in with us.” Saul Anuzis (Chairman, Michigan Republican Party) Excerpt from daily blog. “Congratulations to the First Congressional District for running “live” blog last night, tracking commentary and numbers on the presidential primary…once again, leading the way. Special thanks to Kathy Wells, John Niemela and Keith Almli. Maybe a new meaning to #1(First)!?!” We’ve done great things over the last year to help improve communications in the First District using technology and there is a still lot of room for growth. I receive emails weekly from people across the District asking all kinds of questions and suggestions on a range of issues. Keep them coming and lets keep moving forward in the First. Joel Westrom

www.FirstGOP.com

Since I can not add in the link to Mr. Anuzis’ blog post on “That’s Saul, Folks,” in the original message, I will add it here.

Thoughts on Yesterday’s Super Tuesday

Last night I did some live blogging, along with other First Districters and Michigan GOP Chairman Saul Anuzis, on www.firstgopblogs.com. It was really fun. I was watching Glenn Beck and his panel on CNN Headline News and blogged about it. I stayed neutral on the Republican front regarding John McCain. I dissed a little on the Democrats. Since the First GOP Blog is a group blog of fellow Republicans, I held back a little and didn’t give my full thoughts on things. I did not feel it was right to talk about some things, so I will talk about them here.

Mike Huckabee conceded out of the race. Thus making John McCain the Republican nominee. As of last count John McCain has a delegate count of 1192. That is one more than the 1191 needed delegates to clinch the nomination. Today John McCain is expected to be at the White House, where President George W. Bush is expected to endorse John McCain. I am still not sure how to think of John McCain. I am not thrilled with the any of the Democrat choices. The thing is, Hill and Bar are just so freakin awful.

A part of me thinks about voting third party once the general election comes up. But then I think, what if too many Conservatives vote third party and Hill or Bar become the next president. Sometimes I think that maybe this would be a great wake-up call to the Republicans and it would be a great chance for us to re-group and bring the party back to it’s conservative principals. It would be a good four years to heal. But would the hurting that Hill or Bar be so permanent that the country could never heal? There needs to be a balance. I want to see the Republican party heal itself, but I don’t want to see the entire country get hurt in the process.

Rush Limbaugh talked about Republicans voting for Hillary in the Texas primary to keep her in the race and mess with the Democrats primary, since he is not a fan of John McCain. I get some of his points on why he said this. His feeling as that the longer the Democrats go without a sure nominee the more money that gets spent, from the campaigns and supporters of the campaigns and gives the DNC a shorter time to group up once they have a nom. There are some out there who want to see Hill become the Dem nom. They think that Hillary will be easiest for John McCain to beat.

While I left my support of Mike Huckabee, due to some things I read about him that I didn’t like, there is one thing I agree with him on. When I first supported Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama was just an after thought he said that Hillary Clinton would be a formidable candidate. He said not to underestimate her. Again, ya gotta admit, him living in Arkansas and seeing the “Clinton political machine” first hand. They even had a hand in Arkansas politics after leaving the state.

A part of me is seeing this Obama craze and thinking that maybe he would be harder for McCain to win against. But then I recall about how Mike Huckabee has said about how Hillary Clinton can be sneaky and using dirty tricks. I just don’t think Obama would be able to use dirty tricks, or at least not to the extent that Hillary would. Then I think to myself, why even bother thinking about this. I am not a fan of McCain.

I had heard people banter about Condoleeza Rice possibly running for president. Obviously that ain’t gonna happen for ‘08. I didn’t know too much about her when I heard this. I know who she is and I have followed up on her a little bit. But not to the extent that those who wanted to see her run has. I have just started really learning about her. She is a well accomplished lady. I think if enough people can talk her into it, she just may run in ‘12 or ‘16.

Here is the problem if Hill or Bar were to become president. Obviously Hillary is a woman. Obviously Barack is black. Obviously Condoleeza Rice is a black woman. From my point of view, if one of these two become president and messed up, I would say Hillary royally messed up because of who she is. Or I would say Barack royally messed up because of who he is. I judge people on their minds and actions. Unfortunately, there would be people out there who would say that that is why a woman and or black should not be president. This would mess up Condi’s chance.

I saw John McCain make his victory speech last night. His wife was standing beside him. She looked like an aging Barbie Doll. She looked plasticky like she had no personality. She had this closed lip perma grin. She looks so country clubby. Those clothes, jewelry and hair. I don’t know what it is about her, but I just can’t help but she just gives me chills. Everytime I see her, I can’t see the coloring in her eyes, looks like just white surrounded by too much black eye make-up. Creepy, if you ask me.

Posted also on Michigan Redneck.

John McCain has clinched the Republican presidential nomination

By Jill Zuckman |Washington Bureau

8:27 PM CST, March 4, 2008

WASHINGTON – A jubilant Sen. John McCain formally clinched the Republican nomination Tuesday with wins in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont, and prepared to collect President Bush’s endorsement Wednesday at the White House as he begins to take over the GOP in his bid to become the 44th president of the United States.

“I understand the responsibilities I incur with this nomination, and I give you my word I will not evade or slight a single one,” McCain told cheering supporters in Dallas. “Our campaign must be and will be more than another tired debate of false promises, empty sound bites or useless arguments from the past that address not a single American’s concerns for their family’s security.”

By reaching the threshold of 1,191 delegates necessary to claim the top spot on the GOP his party’s ticket, McCain ended the race. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Tuesday night conceded and offered his support to McCain. The Arizona senator now is prepared to take control of the Republican National Committee, its operatives and resources for the general election fight against the Democratic nomination.

Winning the last of the necessary delegates will also free the Arizona senator to set his own schedule in order to raise money for his campaign rather than following the dictates of the primary contests. For the rest of the week, McCain will hold fundraisers in West Palm Beach and Fort Myers, Fla., as well as in Atlanta, New Orleans and Phoenix.

And finally, the last victory on his path to the nomination allows McCain to train his sights on the Democrats and try to define the issues for the fall campaign.

To a certain extent, McCain had already begun to do that.

On Monday morning, after a weekend break in Sedona, Ariz., McCain stepped before reporters and gave what amounted to a foreign policy briefing as he detailed the news of the Russian election, Hamas attacks on Israel, rising tensions in Venezuela and the question of a free trade agreement with Columbia.

But Charles R. Black, Jr., a senior adviser to McCain, said foreign affairs won’t be the only topic of discussion. Foreign policy is widely seen as McCain’s strength.

“We’ll obviously be talking about national security and foreign policy, but in the general election the economy is going to be a big issue and health care is, too, and we’re going to spend a lot of time talking about those issues,” he said.

For now, McCain will begin making decisions about how to flesh out the programs he’s already presented to voters, Black said. And McCain said he plans to examine the different approaches that nominees have taken to selecting a vice presidential running mate.

“We’ll pick a process and move forward,” McCain told reporters. “I don’t know the timing.”

In his speech Tuesday, McCain took the opportunity to jab Democrats for trying to walk away from the North American Free Trade Agreement, which many voters believe has cost Americans’ their jobs. And he painted his future opponent, whoever that may be, as an advocate of “failed, big-government mandates from the 1960s and ’70s.”

“I will leave it to my opponent to argue that we should abrogate trade treaties and pretend the global economy will go away and Americans can secure our future by trading and investing only among ourselves,” McCain said, promising to campaign for free markets and help displaced workers.

McCain also tried to present himself as a different kind of candidate who won’t offer voters “platitudes instead of principles and insults instead of ideas.”

“Their patience is at an end for politicians who value ambition over principle, and for partisanship that is less a contest of ideas than an uncivil brawl over the spoils of power,” he said. [source]

NBC Reports Mike Huckabee to Concede

h/t to Saul Anuzis.

NBC reports Huckabee to concede

Posted by Saul Anuzis

NBC News: Huckabee to concede tomorrow; George W. Bush to endorse McCain tomorrow; RNC to anoint McCain tomorrow.

Post here.  This is from his post on First GOP Blog.

Blogging Glenn Beck

I will be over at First GOP Blogs to blog about Glenn Beck.  I checked out some of what I missed.  Saul Anuzis and Joel Westrom have added some great posts.

John McCain

I just saw some coverage of John McCain, on MSNBC.  He is already starting to go after the Democrats.  He has confidence that this will be the day that he gets enough of his delegates, equaling 1191.  I heard on one of the other news sources that if that happens, the national party will start working as though it is already into the general election.  John McCain doesn’t know who his opponent is so he is going after both Hill and Bar.

My caffeine buzz is waning, bummer.  I think I need a rest.  I will be back to blog Glenn Beck tonite at 7pm and 9pm.  Don’t forget to check out the First District Blog.  John Niemela has a great post Orginizational Challenge, check it out.  He has been doing a great job on the First GOP Blog, give him a hand clap.  And check out all the posts.