A star is born. Barack Obama's stirring speech was something that makes a political career. In Illinois, it doesn't matter who will be taking Jack Ryan's place in the forthcoming Senate race. If Obama doesn't win, I will be in utter shock.

Here were a few highlights of Barack Obama's speech from the DNC:

I stand here today, grateful for the diversity of my heritage, aware that my parents’ dreams live on in my precious daughters. I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible. Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation, not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. Our pride is based on a very simple premise, summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America—there’s the United States of America. There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don’t like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

Read all the speeches from the Democratic National Convention.

08:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 27, 2004

John Thune Must Be Stopped

Republican John Thune is trying to unseat Democratic Senator Tom Daschle in the next South Dakota election. Thune's main campain platform is that gay marriage must be stopped - it's destroying traditional values. I've always had problems with the terms "values" and "morals." What makes one person's values or morals better than the next person's?

A recent article in Newsweek featured John Thune's war against gay marriage.

Thune, 43, 6 feet 4 and tan, with the good looks of a television anchor, doesn't drink, smoke or swear. An evangelical Christian, he does not believe in evolution. Riding in a silver Tahoe past rolling fields choked with corn and soybeans on Interstate 229, he charged that gay marriage would mean "it's going to be taught in the schools as the moral equivalent" to the union between a man and a woman.

On Main Avenue in Brookings, S.D., a smartly dressed woman spotted John Thune, the Republican running to unseat Sen. Tom Daschle, and charged across the street, her smile beaming and her hand outstretched. "I'm with you," 62-year-old Connie Burdick told Thune. "Something's got to be done," she said, to stop the downfall of traditional values. It's the gay-marriage issue that riles Burdick, an issue that Thune is betting will knock down the Democratic Senate leader.

Still, it's unclear how well that message will draw voters to the polls. At a coffee shop on Main, Rob Rasmussen, a bearded 50-year-old, shrugged his shoulders. "I'm much more concerned about things like health insurance," said Rasmussen, who owns a bicycle shop in town. "I worry about our troops, the economy. Gay marriage—that's way down the list."

It's time to get out and vote this year if you want to make a difference.

08:21 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 17, 2004

Meryl Streep on George Bush

Fox News Channel commentator Monica Crowley was at a fundraiser for the Kerry/Edwards campaign and had a few things to say about President Bush.

"It seems to me," Streep reportedly told the crowd, "that if you are going to invite Jesus on the campaign bus with you, you ought to know what he said."

"Jesus said, 'Blessed be the peacemakers.' What happened [with Bush]?" The aging star recalled that as the Iraq war began, "I wondered to myself, through the shock and awe, which of the megaton bombs our president's personal savior would have personally dropped on the sleeping families of Baghdad."

Streep's attack on Bush culminated with the suggestion that he was a religious hypocrite for responding to the Sept. 11 attacks with military force.

"Jesus said, 'Turn the other cheek when you're hit,'" the Hollywood actress lectured. "And Jesus also said, 'Love thine enemy.'" [via NewsMax]

I love it when reporters who disagree with what someone is saying, add their own dig. Example: Crowley calling Meryl Streep an aging star. Grow up.

05:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 14, 2004

Gay Marriage Amendment Killed

Thanks to the six Republican Senators who didn't vote for the amendment.

The Senate scuttled a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on Wednesday, handing a defeat to President Bush yet assuring the issue renewed prominence in the fall campaign for the White House and control of Congress. Forty-eight senators voted to advance the measure — 12 short of the 60 needed — and 50 voted to block it. Defeat came at the hands of dozens of Democrats joined by six Republicans.

Bush issued a statement saying he was "deeply disappointed" with the vote, but casting it as a temporary setback. "Activist judges and local officials in some parts of the country are not letting up in their efforts to redefine marriage for the rest of America — and neither should defenders of traditional marriage flag in their efforts," he said.

Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle said there was no urgent need to amend the Constitution. "In South Dakota, we've never had a single same sex marriage and we won't have any," he said shortly before the vote. "It's prohibited by South Dakota law as it is now in 38 other states. There is no confusion. There is no ambiguity." [via AP]

06:57 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

Vote On Gay Marriage Ban Is Today

The vote on a gay marriage ban is today. It's not looking good for Bush, and his fellow anti-gay marriage Republicans. The creation of the amendment is seemingly backfiring, in what President Bush wanted to have happen - make the Democrats look bad, and in a sense override a federal law that gives the states the right to define marriage.

When Senate Republicans scheduled a vote on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, they knew it would fail. They were hoping instead to put Democrats — and their expected presidential nominee, Sen. John F. Kerry — on the spot. But with the vote coming today, it is a divided Republican Party that will seal the measure's doom. And it is President Bush (news - web sites) who faces a potentially embarrassing defeat in the Republican-controlled Senate on a measure he has pushed. There may not even be a straight up-or-down vote on the measure. The amendment, which would define marriage as a "union between a man and a woman," may succumb to a filibuster if the Senate cannot muster 60 votes to limit debate and put the issue to a vote.

But the amendment has caused discomfort within the GOP's ranks, despite Bush's support for it. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lincoln Chaffee of Rhode Island, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and John McCain of Arizona have come out against the amendment. Collins told reporters Tuesday: "I see no need for a constitutional amendment … at a time when we already have a federal law on the books that protects the rights of states to define marriage as between a man and a woman." Even Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.), usually a reliable GOP vote, expressed concerns about the wording of the measure, saying it could prevent states from passing legislation dealing with civil unions and domestic partnerships. [via LA Times]

11:35 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 12, 2004

Please Register To Vote

After reading a number of articles on America's beloved George W. Bush, and after finally seeing Fahrenheit 9/11 (yes there were a number of inaccuracies and exaggerations, but it's hard to imagine how someone can be impartial in dealing with the Middle East, if they have so many business and personal ties to Saudi Arabia), I urge you to get out and vote. Preferably for Kerry/Edwards.

Some thought provoking posts:

"Bush urged civility in the debate, saying that 'all people deserve to have their voices heard.'"

Bullshit. Debate? What debate? Is the president taking part in a debate somewhere that I'm not aware of?

See, we had this debate already. Five months ago this debate went on across the country. And now this jackass Bush gets up on his bully pulpit and resets it from the top, spewing the same shit like he didn't hear any of the national debate we already had. Oh, wait, I guess he didn't hear any of that, since that would involve, you know, reading the newspapers and listening to opinions with which he disagrees. Which we know he doesn't do. [Angst-ident Prone]

Last week, Homeland Security honcho Tom Ridge warned that al Qaeda may be planning to a large-scale attack "in an effort to disrupt the democratic process." So of course what should we do if one happens in early November? Well, Ridge's number two has an idea: Delay the elections! So best.

Because the terrorists hate our freedom, you know. And if we allow the democratic process to move forward, the terrorists will have won! It all makes so much sense, I think my head might explode! [Wonkette]

"Every person deserves equal rights no matter who they love. Laura Bush enjoys certain privileges and look, she's made a hideous choice—but it's none of my business." — Sandra Bernhard [Towleroad]

All I want is equality, and the truth.

08:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

July 06, 2004

It's John Kerry & John Edwards

Despite an early prediction blunder by the New York Post, the announcement of John Edwards as John Kerry's running mate went off without a hitch.

Democratic White House hopeful John Kerry on Tuesday chose former political rival North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, a man with "guts and determination and political skills," as his vice presidential running mate. The choice of Edwards, 51, once picked by People magazine as one of America's sexiest politicians, brings a dash of fresh-faced charismatic appeal to a ticket headed by Kerry, who has been criticized for his leaden campaign style.

I am pleased to announce, that with your help, the next vice president of the United States will be Senator John Edwards of North Carolina," Kerry told a rally in downtown Pittsburgh as a huge banner unfurled behind him that read, "Kerry-Edwards. A stronger America." Kerry called Edwards, a first-term senator and millionaire trial lawyer, "a champion for middle class Americans." Although he won only one state during the Democratic primaries, Edwards received praise for his strong Populist campaign. [AP]

The Republican's immediately branded John Edwards, as "phony" and too liberal, painting an unflattering image of the Democrat whom the White House had feared most during this year's primaries. I think the pairing is a good match. Kerry is a middle of the road Democrat, and Edwards is left enough to stir things up a little.

Kerry/Edwards in 2004.

08:04 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

June 25, 2004

Jack Ryan Quits Senate Race

A guess a sex scandal can still kill a campaign. I would be interesting to know if he had been upfront at the start about the allegations, if it would have made any difference.

He chose not to speak in person (coward), but released this statement:

"Thirteen months ago, I announced my determination to seek the Republican nomination for the United States Senate. I entered this race because I love my country and my home state of Illinois - and because I believe that one man, living for purposes larger than himself, can make a difference.

"The media has gotten out of control. The fact that the Chicago Tribune sues for access to sealed custody documents and then takes unto itself the right to publish details of a custody dispute - over the objections of two parents who agree that the re-airing of their arguments will hurt their ability to co-parent their child and will hurt their child - is truly outrageous.

"The debate between competing visions and philosophies is a vital one - one the voters of Illinois absolutely deserve. Elections, after all, are about choices. But it's clear to me that a vigorous debate on the issues most likely could not take place if I remain in the race.

"What would take place, rather, is a brutal, scorched-earth campaign - the kind of campaign that has turned off so many voters, the kind of politics I refuse to play.

"Accordingly, I am today withdrawing from the race.

"To the 234,000 Republican voters who cast a ballot for me in March, to the thousands of supporters and volunteers who have invested in our campaign the two most precious resources they have - their time and their money - I say thank you. I will never be able to properly express the depth of my gratitude for the trust you placed in me."

[via The Illinois Leader]

04:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

June 22, 2004

Jack Ryan Seems To Like the Sex Clubs

Illinois finally gets it's own sex scandal. Jack Ryan who is running for The Senate, used to be married to Jeri Ryan of Star Trek and Boston Public fame. The previously sealed divorce documents uncovered Mr. Ryan's alleged enthusiasm for sex clubs.

In what may prove a crippling blow to his U.S. Senate campaign, divorce records reveal that Illinois Republican Jack Ryan was accused by his former wife, actress Jeri Ryan, of pressuring her to have sex at swinger's clubs in New York, Paris, and New Orleans while other patrons watched.

The salacious charge leveled at the politician was made by Jeri Ryan, who has starred in TV's "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Boston Public," in a court filing in connection with child custody proceedings (you'll find a portion of that heavily redacted September 2000 document below). The performer alleged that she refused Ryan's requests for public sex during the excursions, which included a trip to a New York club "with cages, whips and other apparatus hanging from the ceiling." While Ryan confirmed the trips with the actress, he described them simply as "romantic getaways," denying her claims that he sought public sex. [via The Smoking Gun]

This can't help his already hurting campain. He was previously criticized for having a cameraman follow opponent Barack Obama up close, and personal. Ryan vows he won't quit the race, but after this scandal, I think we'll be seeing Barack Obama in office.

08:46 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)