Happy Birthday Joe

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite guys in politics, Joe Biden. He turns 66 today and I wish the Vice-President Elect many happy returns.

Tag: Joe Biden's Birthday

Florida Early Voters

My kudos today goes to Early Voters in Florida. As I was driving today, I heard on the radio that the final tally of votes casted on November 4th showed John McCain beat Barack Obama by five points. But the great thing was Barack Obama had banked more votes from the absentee and early voters which brought the final results as Obama beating McCain by three points.

So thanks early voters for turning the purple (which some pundits call red) state blue. You showed the truth in the adage that the early birds do get the worms.

Tags: Florida Early Voters

PLEASE Pick Jesse

Now that Barack Obama is our President-Elect, we have no black person in the U.S Senate. Think about that for a minute, out of 100 Senate members, there is no African American. It's now left to the Governor of Illinois to make a critical decision to choose who will take Obama's former seat.

There are many viable candidates being passed around but my pick along with Chicago Defender's is Jesse Jackson, Jr. He is 43 years old, if selected he'll become the youngest member in the U.S Senate - wouldn't that be grand! And not only because he'll bring a fresh face to the Senate, he is qualified. He's spent 13 years in Congress, he was once named among the "Top 50 Lawmakers" in the Congress.

I know another name being tossed around is Emil Jones, who is also an African American, the President of the Illinois Senate and the "GodFather" who groomed Obama in Chicago politics. But here's the deal: Jones is 73 years old! We just elected our fifth youngest President EVER! Can't we start showing holding high public office is not just for the chronologically gifted? I'm just saying . . .

Tags: Jesse Jackson, Jr. for Senate, Emil Jones, Jr., U.S Senate Seat for Illinois

Palin-ed Out

I've had it with Sarah Palin's media blitz! Where was the woman who no one could get for an interview for a month after she was announced as John McCain's running mate? Only to go back in hiding after the Katie Couric interview debacle? Well, that woman has been unleashed!

She is giving interviews to anyone who would sit down and listen or watch her cook, or hike the snow-piled mountains. GIVE ME A BREAK! It must be a slow news week. My TV has been subjected to all things Palin - a great reason to get out of the house last night to see something different, watch a basketball game.

Then she's speaking in my neck of the woods with other Republican Governors. And where are some members of the media? In Miami to get another expose to Palin as if we haven't heard enough already. Even an Aunt told me last night she's thinking of sending Larry King an e-mail to stop the "all things Palin on CNN."

Also, one of my favorite guys on TV, Jon Stewart took issue with this - check out the video:



The video is over seven minutes long - that's dog years in the fast-paced media world. So please Palin, I have defended you that it was wrong for the McCain camp to throw you under the bus. But always defending yourself in the eyes of the Media reminds me of a law adage - "He who defends himself has a fool for a client." So cut it out!

Tags: Sarah Palin, Republican Governors in Miami, The Daily Show

On My Mind - The Historic Week

I'm still reeling from last week's election. But I haven't reflected on my love/hate relationship with a particular subject (politics) in a while. So here goes my musings of some things that took place since last week:

Worldwide Celebration For the President-Elect:



For anyone who says election doesn't matter, the proof is in the embedded video. OMG! It's been a while (well since Barack Obama gave that speech in Berlin) to see such goodwill towards America around the world. Think about it, our current president (counting down the days) is greeted with burning flags among other profanities when he visits most countries but with Obama's win, people were literally dancing in the streets.

A House Divided: Oh the Republican party specifically John McCain's camp. Ok, I'm not surprised there was trouble in the camp before the election. I've made a number of observations on this blog about McCain lurching from one position to the next but I didn't expect the mudslinging from the camp against one another especially to one target - Sarah Palin.


Here's where I've got to come to the Hockey Mom's defense. Anybody with a brain could see Palin wasn't ready to be Vice President or President (in case something happens). I have shown my concern a couple of months ago when the Governor of Alaska wasn't vetted. Seriously, one interview that lasted an hour plus another 15 minutes conversation for the second highest position in the land? I've had more interviews than that for one position as a civilian.

But you know what? I don't blame her. If she didn't know Africa was a continent, not a country was unfortunate but it's not her fault (yeah, I typed that with a straight face). If she couldn't name the countries in North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) as countries in NAFTA doesn't make her stupid. But it shows bad judgment on the person who chose to pick her as a running mate - John McCain.

And do you notice the person not saying a word while this woman is being thrown under the docked straight talk express bus? Ding, ding, ding, the Maverick! Nobody should make Palin a scapegoat for the campaign's demise; it was a very poor-ran campaign regardless if it was in the way of history.

The McCain's camp wanted to make a history of its own; have the first female VP. But that would have been fine if you picked a person very qualified for the position. Perhaps it would have even been fine if the country wasn't in such a mess - Two wars, Economic downturn since the depression, Climate crisis, etc.

Remember twenty years ago, George HW Bush picked Dan Quayle who couldn't spell P-O-T-A-T-O. It didn't affect him from being elected. Then you have a President who's butchered the English Language so much which makes this writer cringe when she's subjected to listen to a so called "speech." But America said not this time! And John McCain should look in the mirror to see who's fault that was.

Obama draws first blood by picking "Rahmbo": I LOVED this pick. Rahm Emanuel is the right guy as Obama's chief of staff. The guy who's known in Washington as "Rahmbo" a take off the movie character "Rambo" for his volatile temper at times - he's not afraid to use all sorts of bleeps in talking to Washington insiders or his infamous dead fish incident sent to a pollster whose work he disliked. Did I say I love this guy?

Rahmbo is full of complexities (as most of us). After all, this was a guy who got college scholarship from being a classically-trained ballet dancer. But he also joined the Isreali Military to defend the nation. Hmm, a guy who can dance and fight at the same time - my kind of guy :-)

Anyway, some folks on the right feel like this move from Obama doesn't fit the "no drama Obama" motto but I (and Obama) say, you need someone who gets the work done. Other folks both on the right and left have praised this pick. And say what you want about Rahmbo, you can't say he's not brilliant. He, along with Howard Dean was responsible for getting the House back to the Democrats in 2006 and keeping it that way now.

And give it up for Obama for being so secure in who he is that he doesn't care about the candidate's baggage as long as he or she has the brilliance to do the job. Besides, just like I begged on this blog for Joe Biden before he was picked for VP, I'm so glad for the Emanuel pick. You can talk "change" all you want, but you need some insiders who know the game to bring about the change we all need.

Tags: Sarah Palin as scapegoat, Rahm Emanuel as Chief of Staff, President-elect worldwide celebration

Musings on Obama’s Victory

I’ve been in a surreal state for the past two days. Barack Obama as the President-Elect had to take some time for such feat to sink in my psyche even though I told a relative a couple of days prior to November 4th, that an African-American President for me, was not a far-fetched idea.

But I stayed on even-keel temperament after I cast my vote last week – my thoughts were I didn’t want to raise my hopes too high so I don’t become disappointed. I told an Aunt my young brain couldn’t take another presidential defeat for my said candidate that I’ve been subjected to for eight years.

After Obama’s victory, I thought to myself about my temperament in the past week and my average expectations. I wondered if people like me, especially African-Americans are so used to disappointments that they try not to dream big.

Don’t get me wrong; I had a quiet hope that Americans would really make the intelligent decision and stop trying to have a President they would like to have a beer with but someone who will inspire and perhaps, aspire them to their best selves. This was one of the reasons I was encouraging folks to vote and making the case for Barack Obama to one of my Latino friends who was still undecided on the eve of the election.

Since that fateful election night, I knew America made the right choice. The last time I saw people dancing in the streets in my neighborhood was after the Miami Heat’s NBA championship in 2006. So to see such jubilant expression for a presidential candidate was truly overwhelming.

Give It Up For Hope

America has lived up to her promise! All men are created equal and we showed that by electing the first African American President - Barack Obama. I'm at a loss for words right now to justify how I feel about this seminal moment.

I just want to say thank you to the American people. Thank you for choosing hope over fear.

Tags: Barack Obama Elected President

I'm Having Election Fatigue

It’s eight days before the election and in biblical terms, eight signifies the number of new beginnings. Well, I hope our nation will really have such new beginning by voting for the right man for the job (in my opinion, Barack Obama) but in the meantime, it seems like dog years to get to November 4th.

I’m getting restless with this election and maybe because it also falls around my birthday and I would like to spend my time on what to do in the next phase of my life than listen to another “I approve this message” and other clichéd election terms. So I reflect on the longest election season I’ve ever been a part of, I would like to say things about it I will not miss:

CNN’s John King’s psychedelic election map: I thought I was the only person paying attention to John King’s fascination with his electronic toy called the map but I busted laughing last Thursday when I saw SNL spoofing what I’ve been thinking for months – Enough with the hypnotizing red, blue, pink, grey colored map!


Shouting Pundits: In all my years (though light years) of observing politics, I have never seen such passion or feistiness from pundits that resulted in shouting matches. OMG! I felt like telling some of these pundits “we are not deaf but your shouting matches made us wish we were.” Honorable mentions with the eardrums splitting are most folks at Fox News i.e. Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity.

Buzz-Killing Words: Oh there are so many but let me oblige you with those words: battleground states (Florida, Nevada, etc), Bradley effect, hockey moms, soccer moms, Wal-Mart moms, working-class, and middle-class.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck of The View: Now I think it is necessary to have a “conservative” voice on the view but my God, Hasselbeck has ignited some unnecessary sparks in her defense for the Republican party and her dislike for the Democratic party. It is okay to criticize your party every now and then but not so with Hasselbeck; she will find the good for a Republican but not so much for a Democrat.

Keith Olbermann and his “special comments:” I’m an equal opportunity girl and just like I had a problem with the conservative Hasselbeck; I have a problem with the liberal Olbermann. Now I like Olberman and I get he’s trying to channel the late great Edward Murrow by his “good night, good luck” sign off but come on, you’ve got to be balanced. Olbermann has made it mission to go against Fox News, or as he calls the network “Fox Noise,” or “Fix News.” And his viewers know his on-going feud with “Billo” (Bill O’Reilly) but this viewer would like a day when I don’t have to hear Fix News or Billo, or another “special comment.” The news will be just fine – well, I can only hope.

Race in the race: Yeah you read that right. It’s the issue of race in the race to the white house. I feel in almost two years of watching this election I’ve had to listen to questions like “is he black enough?” “Will race affect this race?” and the like. Just last weekend I said to myself if I find another “race roundtable” discussions, I’m gonna scream.

What I found funny is that most of these questions were coming from white pundits. Seriously, how could four white people gather around an oak table on some of these political shows (i.e. Meet The Press) and they are talking about race? Where is a person of color? I understand you can’t get the go-to black pundit (Donna Brazille) all the time but there are others. I wish Tim Russett was still alive. If those race discussions were going to be brought up, there will be PBS Gwen Ifill or NPR Michelle Norris to balance the table. I’m just saying.

Pandering from the candidates: Have there been another election season that had this much pandering? Examples: Hillary Clinton taking shots of whiskey showing is “one of the boys,” Obama going bowling (note to Barack: stick with basketball), or McCain with his incessant “Joe the plumber” to show he relates to the middle-class (in what world?)

Preachers in politics: Now I get preachers are citizens too and they have freedom of speech. But there is something called separation of church and state. This election season has brought about preachers who almost derailed a candidate’s presidential campaign. In Obama’s corner: Rev. Wright, Father Pfleger, and Rev. Jesse Jackson. In McCain’s corner: Arnold Conrad, John Hagee and Rod Parsley.

So the aforementioned are just some things I will not miss as this election season comes to a close. But it was a fun ride and I must say by channeling one of an old times variety show signoff: I’m so glad we had this time together.

Tags: SNL, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Keith Olbermann, John King

Misery At Florida Polls

To "early vote" or not to early vote, that is the question? For the past few days I've been trying to do something I've never done when it comes to voting; do it early. But doing so, I've found comes at a huge price. Am I able to wait for four hours to do my civic duty? I get it more than most Americans since I've been to other countries where citizens spent a whole day or two to cast a historic vote from a military regime to a civilian one.

But when you have only an hour of free time to cast this significant vote, it becomes a problem. So for four days I've been checking out the early voting locations close to me and as usual it's long lines across the building. This afternoon, after meeting with some friends for breakfast, I decided to take a trip to the closest early voting site. OMG! I couldn't find a place to park, NONE! There were cars on the grass, across the streets, over three buildings parking lots and across other people homes. To get through the fleet of cars was an experience.

So I decided to go further to another public building, about a 20 minutes drive and I thought it was better. Well it was, I found a place to park but when I walked further, I saw the lines. There's no way I'll be done voting in an hour.

It's amazing this was a subject of discussion at breakfast this morning. Florida 2000 recount is still VERY fresh in our minds and we're hoping we don't experience the same thing with all the trickery at the polls. Voters have been delayed more than usual in the past week for faulty equipment (which was fixed). And I have a problem with using the third different kind of voting system in eight years.

But I believe in the democracy we have in voting and living in this great country we call America, I hope there is a better and more efficient way of keeping our democratic system relevant.

Tags: Early Voting,Florida Voting System

Elitism Debunked

I would like to say I like elitism. If I get in trouble, I would want an elite lawyer like the late Johnnie Cochran (RIP) or the fictional, Alan Shore (of Boston Legal fame). If it is a brain surgery that's needed, get the elite surgeon of them all, get Dr. Ben Carson. The same goes for the Navy Seals; you don't hear them being called "mediocre" seals but the "elite" seals. What about our Marines? They are "A Few Good Men" or "The Few, The Proud, The Marines." That sounds quite elite.

So imagine my surprise this election season when Sen. Barack Obama referred to as elite because he drinks lattes or tries to eat healthy. Seriously, a guy raised by a single mother who at one time depended on food stamps go on to Harvard and became the school's law review first Black President. When he was criticized about a car he drove being a gas-guzzler, he changed it to a more efficient-mileage one. And did I mention he has but one house.

Now compare him to Sen. John McCain, who is called "NOT elite." He came from a family with a good pedigree, married a heiress, who wore a $300K thousand outfit to the RNC convention (but told folks not to criticize her wealth) has seven (or more) houses and 13 cars but the black guy is the one who's "elite?" Is there something I'm missing here?

What brought this post up you might ask? Sarah Palin! Palin and the $150K she and her family were endowed for wardrobe choices in the past seven weeks. Who's elite now? Can I just say, Michelle Obama wore $148 black and white dress on the View that became a fashion sensation, a GAP dress on the campaign trails that got a shoutout from Vogue and for her speech at the DNC convention, the dress was about $700 NOT $300K (Three hundred thousand Dollars) as Cindy McCain.

It's nice to look good but as a fashionista myself, I can tell you it is OUTRAGEOUS to spend $150K for fashion in this economic downturn especially when you call yourself just your "average hockey mom." You gotta be kidding me! Part of the $150K was used for hair and makeup consultations. Seriously, what's the big deal with putting your hair in a "beehive" or letting it down that cost almost $5K?

This is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong! Just like I had a problem with Sen. John Edwards with his two haircuts costing $400 each while he preached he was just a son of a steelworker, who loved eating at Wendys, and wanted to see poverty abolished, this action from the RNC camp doesn't live up to the narrative.

Tags: RNC Shells $150K for Sarah Palin, Sarah Palin fashion, Elitism

Vote In The Box

My lighter side - Check it out:




Tags: Vote In The Box, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel

Why I'm Voting For Barack Obama

To readers of this blog, this post shouldn't come as a shock. In real life, I'm a very private individual, so my voting preferences normally remain a secret except to a few close family members who dare ask. Sometimes, they just assume who I will be voting for. But to others who for some preconceived notion of who they think I am and have the nerve to question my reasoning for making a decision about a candidate normally get some rude awakening. But I digress. Yes, I will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama.

I never thought just a little after four years of a guy coming into my consciousness, I will be voting for him for President. But like millions of Americans, I welcomed a certain unknown Senator from Illinois to my living room when he made that iconic "key-note" address in 2004. Since then, I've made it a point to buy whatever magazine he's graced (these days in a tough economy, that decision is getting hard to live up to though I recently bought the "Men's Health" issue).

And earlier this year some of my family members wondered about me (thinking I was leaning another way) especially when I made a radio address that "ISSUES" matter to me. And a candidate wasn't going to get my vote only because of his race and another won't get it just because of her gender. Also, I took Obama to task during the Primaries debates and made some constructive criticism that made some commenters on this blog and others wonder who's side I'm on. I've always been on the side of fairness and truth.

But I made such criticism because I believed in the message he gave that night at the DNC in 2004. If I don't care for someone, what good is it for me to say anything? (Heard any peep from me about our current President?)

That being said, I believe Barack has the best solution for what ails our country. Like Colin Powell, I've seen generations of folks get excited about politics again. Just over a week ago at a debate watch party, I sat between a teenager and a guy old enough to be my uncle. Read that one more time, "a teenager" (who happens to be black) in the front row watching a Presidential debate.

Also, I believe on the issue of the economy, Obama has shown a steady hand in a troubling time. He has advisors I respect (i.e. Warren Buffett) in his corner. Over a year ago, "the Oracle" (Buffett) went before congress to tell the government something NEEDED to be done about the tax structure of our country. Buffett made his point that his executive secretary who made just over $60,000 was paying more in tax in percentage than what he paid. Can you believe that? At the time, the second (now the) richest man in the country had a problem with paying less taxes in percentage in relation to his secretary.

Now the McCain camp calls that "socialism." I'm not a "trickle-down" person as the former administration refers to how wealth is distributed. I'm an American who deserves a fair shake just like the folks with many zeroes attached to their net worth. I believe under an Obama-Biden administration, I could hope for such fairness. That's why I will be "Baracking The Vote."

Colin Powell - The Real Maverick

The bombshell was dropped this morning. Former Secretary of State (a Republican) endorses Barack Obama. The Mainstream Media (MSM), or as John McCain would call MSM - the Elite Media wasted no time to declare the "breaking news."

Powell was bombarded by the MSM as he left NBC studios this morning after taping "Meet The Press" and he was well prepared for the questions on why he made the decision. He called Obama a transformational figure (a term used to describe Ronald Reagan in the past) who has inspired people over racial, ethic and generational lines. I couldn't agree more.

Tags: Colin Powell, Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama

Final Presidential Debate

Thank goodness the debates are FINALLY over! My mind was already made up who gets my vote and nothing during the debates (both Presidential or Vice-Presidential) was going to change my mind. The debates only confirmed the reason of why I made my choice.

Be that as it may, I’d like to give full disclosure here that I was on the road when tonight’s debate started. So I missed the first 14 minutes via television and I’m grateful for NPR for carrying the debate live so I could listen while driving.

Here’s my take on the debate: I thought John McCain came out swinging (which was no surprise) and he landed a few hard knocks but he got tired like a boxer who wastes his punches in the early rounds, his strength waned in the last 45 minutes of the debate and Obama was still left standing since he maintained his composure.

Now enough with the boxing terminologies and into the meat: I want to know who the heck is Joe DePlummer (I hope that’s his last name but that’s what it sounded like)? Or was it Joe, the plumber? OMG! Whoever Joe is, his ears must be ringing! I almost got to the point of saying to my TV: “Enough about Joe, What About Mo? (My stake in this debate)”

And what about the line of the night from John McCain – “I am not President Bush!” Well he isn’t technically but if a guy like him says (it’s on tape) I’m in support of President Bush and I’ve voted with him over 90 percent of the time” means you’re kind of similar. Also, for John McCain to say, “education is a civil rights issue” during the debate made my brain go hmmm, that phrase sounds familiar; I wonder who made that statement? Oh, oh, oh, I know; that’s straight up from W’s mouth!

Then there was the William Ayers issue. Enough already! I heard about this guy during the Primaries now I have to be subjected to it for over 10 minutes of the debate. What does an action a guy did 40 years ago, long before my parents even met have anything to do with the state of the economy, energy or health care? But McCain wanted to milk the Ayers issue as much as he could. I could dissect this Ayers issue between both candidates but I’m already drained.

Another significant moment was the issue of abortion. Now let me say something about this issue. I’ve been following Presidential elections since my mid-teens (Bill Clinton’s first run) and this issue came up and I’ve almost doubled my years and this issue remains a bone of contention among candidates. As I grew older, I’ve made my decision that I don’t agree with act of abortion.

However, I’m one of those people who can’t be easily swayed just because a candidate is against abortion but is unethical on other issues that are vital. What am I saying? You cannot be against abortion but vote against funding for children’s healthcare (SCHIP anyone)? So until our government could be balanced in all areas (you don’t torture, you don’t let a certain group of people live in poverty and hunger to force mothers to do atrocious things to their children) then Roe V. Wade should stay!

Then there was that issue about the qualifications of each of the Vice-Presidential candidates to be President. Obama seemed very comfortable (as he should) about describing Joe Biden but McCain had to resort to clichés like “reformer,” “shake things up” to describe Sarah Palin. To this viewer (and I’m sure many viewers), the Palin qualifications to be President (a scary thought) just didn’t sell.

I could go on about various issues but let’s talk about the tone and body languages. As usual, Obama was just too cool for school. Even when McCain attacked him, he had this disarming smile (it seems he took a page from Biden) while McCain on the other hand, seemed agitated. There was the sighing, eye rolling, I had to ask myself does McCain know much about history? Check out Nixon V. Kennedy or Gore V. Bush; the former lost the debates and election (though Gore’s was stolen). Hel-lo McCain, over 60 percent of what you’re saying, is not coming out of your mouth.

So what’s my verdict? On the debate, I would say a draw but on the tone, I give it to Obama.

Tags: Final Presidential Debate, Hofstra University, Joe the Plumber

I'm Ticked Off

Another Reverend who's getting on my last nerves is Arnold (Arnie) Conrad. You haven't heard of him; well check out this video:


What is it about this election season and all the Pastor Problems? Let me count them: Rev. Wright, Father Pfleger, John Hagee, Rod Parsley, etc. Now we have Conrad joining the list with his "unique" opening prayer at a John McCain's campaign event last Saturday for His God not to allow other gods' prayers to come to pass for Barack Obama to win.

First of all, that is some ignorant mess because Hindu is not a god but a religion. Second, he's assuming that millions around the world cannot be Christians but most are talking to Allah or Buddha. Third, he's part of the so-called Christians who think because a person has a unique name (present company included), he cannot be a Christian; hence saying Obama cannot be someone who could do God's will.

Conrad is wrong on a number of levels as a Christian and a Minister of the Gospel. And it is not a great commentary that he's being the latter for over three decades. It is NOT his place to pray for one leader inspite of another; your Bible tells you to pray for ALL leaders of the land that we may lead a peaceable and quiet life.

Also, God is not in the game of fleecing. If God wanted John McCain to be President, then He could just make McCain President and forget about voting and Conrad won't need to bargain with God. Speaking of voting, according to Conrad's prayer, any Christian voting for Obama must not be doing God's will since according to him, McCain has the vision to lead the country.

One more thing: Conrad should remember that as a Minister of the Gospel, it is not his place to curse what God has blessed. If both candidates profess to be Christians, it is NOT Conrad's place as a Minister to question (or deny) the salvation of one and hold the other as right. That is left to His God to judge.

Tag: Arnold Conrad, Prayer at McCain Event

Jesse, Please SHUT UP

Sorry Dad, the heading of the post goes against everything you taught me about respecting my elders but Jesse Jackson is getting on my last nerves. When it seemed the Rev. Jesse Jackson had gone into exile after his "nutty" remarks during the "hot mic" moment on Fox, he comes out only to drop another bombshell.

The latest from Jackson is a speech in France saying Barack Obama would not put Israel's interest first if he becomes president when making Mid-East policies. This guy (Jesse) has really become a thorn in Obama's side. How else do you explain his gaffes over the past year from Obama acting white, to emasculating him for talking down to black people (actually, Obama was only giving a speech about responsibility) and now this?

Could someone remind Jesse how Obama has been trying to gain the confidence of many Jewish voters (who voted for Hillary) after the Primaries? He even went to Israel and New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg had to come to his defense among his Jewish constituents. Hel-lo, I live in an area with a significant amount of Jewish voters who might I say vote regularly and are normally swing voters. Now I wake up this morning browsing through the day's headlines only to get a nagging headache from the Reverend. Not again!

Seriously Jesse, YOU'RE NOT HELPING!!! How do you explain this comment: "Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades" remain strong, they'll lose a great deal of their clout when Barack Obama enters the White House." What part of America will always remain a friend to Israel don't you understand? And who made you the future Press Secretary for Obama saying what he'll do (or not do) when he gets into the white house?

Oh and Jesse didn't stop there. There's more: "Barack is determined to repair our relations with the world of Islam and Muslims," Jackson says. "Thanks to his background and ecumenical approach, he knows how Muslims feel while remaining committed to his own faith." Can somebody tell me how Jackson is not perpetuating the rumors about Obama being a muslim with aforementioned comments?

I'm begging for some new rules when it comes to Jesse Jackson: Since Jackson has never seen a mic he doesn't like, don't put ANY mic in front of him, attached to him until after the election because if he REALLY was an Obama supporter (and not an adviser), he wouldn't be this much of a distraction.

Tags: Jesse Jackson, Israel relations, World Policy Forum, Michael Bloomberg

Leave James T. Harris Alone

So just like I came to the defense of the Big "O" by last month's post, for her support for Barack Obama and not allowing any politician running for President in the past two years on her show, I'm saying the same for James T. Harris - leave him alone.

Who is James T. Harris you ask? Well, he's no where popular as Oprah but over the past week, he's got some unwarranted publicity because he's a brother who's in support for McCain as seen here:


Now I will admit when I first saw the video last week with a black man (Harris) telling a white guy (John McCain) to "stick it to him (Barack Obama)," it gave me a pause. But afterwards, I brushed it off as "to each his own."

So it was a shock to me last night watching CNN with Don Lemon that Harris has been getting hate mail and death threats for supporting his candidate of choice in spite of race. Oh come on! What is really going on with this election? My question is can't folks support their candidate without antagonizing others for their choice?

Granted, I feel Harris is relishing this moment in the spotlight as a conservative radio host most people haven't heard of BUT he doesn't deserve to be called an "Uncle Tom," "traitor to his race," etc. He like many others should support his candidate based on whatever views he uphold.

Another question to those folks attacking him is haven't blacks voted for white candidates for presidents for a long time; why should it stop with a few of them who want to continue the tradition? Isn't it about the issues after all? Are whites voting for Obama betraying their race for not supporting McCain? Why should it be any different for Harris?

I know, I know, some folks feel it's a once in a lifetime opportunity since Obama marks the first African-American party nominee for President and Harris should join the bandwagon. But what if Harris' issues and views constrain him not to vote for a man based on just the color of his skin?

Tags: James T. Harris, Hate Mail, Don Lemon

Undecided Voters

I don't get undecided voters. Every election season we go through this with undecided voters who choose to remain uncommitted to any candidate. Why? We have 27 days to go and you want to tell me you haven't made a decision with all the issues around us.

Granted, during the Primaries, I was uncommitted almost until I went into my voting booth. Not because I didn't know who mattered to me but I was torn between two candidates. And I wanted to vote as intelligently as I could regardless of all the noise boistering between the two candidates.

But for a general election? Come on! How could you be undecided? Is it the need for attention from the media? How many times have you seen the interviews with undecided voters? Why, Why, oh why? Look at the issues at stake: The Economy, Iraq War, Climate Change, Health Care, Education and did I mention the economy? Can't the undecided voters find a candidate who has a better solution on most of the issues? I'm just saying . . .

Tags: Undecided Voters

Town Hall Presidential Debate

Debate number two is now in the books. Can I just say I can’t wait for this election season to be over so I could have a normal schedule, better yet, return to a normal sleeping pattern.

Yesterday, I did something different from how I’ve watched debates over the years; went to a debate watch party hosted by national syndicated radio host Michael Baisden at the Gulfstream. The party was incredible, a chance to network with some folks in South Florida and for me, it was something different to do than staying in the comforts of my living room.

Now on to the debate in a town hall setting moderated by NBC’s Tom Brokaw: The questions in this setting were generated by many over the Internet and some undecided voters (more on them later).

The first question came from Allan who asked a question about the economy (surprised?) Sen. Barack Obama was the first candidate to start off with the answers and I was impressed he kept it precise and was up to date with the day’s news about AIG executives frolicking at a posh spa after the government gave them $85 billion bailout. PLEASE punish those executives!!! That’s my tax dollars!

Next up, Sen. John McCain for a follow-up: He started with energy but then he went on this merry-go-round that left writing in my notes: “How? How do you know how to fix the economy Mr. Fundamentals of our economy are strong?” I couldn’t get my answer so I looked forward to the next question.

The question was whom would the candidates appoint as Treasury Secretary in their administration. McCain made a lame attempt at a joke by telling Brokaw “not you!” That fell flat on me and the audience. I was wondering what Brokaw might have felt what did he ever do to McCain (because there were more exchanges to come). McCain mentioned Meg Whitman, the first woman CEO of E-Bay (hmm Carly Fiorina, former CEO of HP must have been banned from his campaign). As he went on about Whitman growing from 12 people to thousands, I thought to myself what a wrong example since E-bay just announced it was cutting over a thousand jobs in the U.S last week (does McCain keep track of business news?)

Now on to Obama about potential Treasury Secretary: He talked about “the Oracle of Omaha” (aka Warren Buffet). Excellent choice! As a former business student and current professional, I will read anything the Oracle proposes. Also, Buffet is an Obama supporter and he’s been talking about raising taxes on the filthy rich for years. So score goes to Obama (again) for having the Oracle on his side.

Oliver Clark, a young black guy in the audience asked the next question of how the bailout package will actually help Americans. McCain corrected Oliver that it wasn’t a “bailout” but a “rescue” package. That correction gave me a pause and I wondered if McCain knew he sounded condescending and I don’t care what term he called it; the package was both a bailout (for the foolishness of Wall Street) and a rescue (to Main Street). He must have sensed what he did because he rambled his way through the question.

But Obama answered the questions by giving examples of the vicious cycle that will happen if the bailout was not passed. Score number three for Obama.

For time sake, I won’t go line by line of all questions but more poignant moments from the debate and the watch party. I think McCain is off his rocker (pun intended) about the issue on the economy because why would he say this statement: “It depends on what we do . . .” But nothing on what we EXACTLY do, then he tried to twist his “fundamentals” gaffe to being the American people. Can I just tell McCain about some new rules: New Rules Sen. McCain! Since you’ve put your foot in your mouth about fundamentals, why don’t you decide NOT to use the word fundamentals in any sentence because we will think about your gaffe about the economy?

A light moment at the party: Michael Baisden asked why does McCain keep checking his notes for the debate. Baisden called the notes “cheat notes.”

Another light moment: When McCain attacked Obama on the question about climate change and green jobs but couldn’t remember what Obama said on the issue that drew his ire. In McCain’s words: “ . . . or something like that” which drew laughs from the audience.

Then McCain referred to Obama as “that one!” Hey about some etiquette PLEASE! That’s a man you’re talking to McCain. Seriously!!!

All in all, I would say I have a whole new respect for Barack after this debate. He kept his cool even when McCain referred to him as “that one” but he knew how to throw the measured punches as on attendee said to me, he show a bit of the “Chicago street smarts” of politics in this debate. So unlike the last debate when I gave my verdict as a draw, last night’s town hall debate was definitely a WIN for the new kid on the block – Sen. Barack Obama.

Tags: Michael Baisden, Town Hall Presidential Debate

What I Expect From Tomorrow's Debate

The Media and many of us are gearing up for the second debate between the Presidential candidates. And there are some things I expect from each candidate. Let's start with John McCain:

I expect he might FINALLY look Barack Obama in the eye. But I expect for McCain to throw everything and the kitchen sink at him. Why? Well, seeing his position in the national polls have switched to over seven points in the past two weeks after his "fundamentals of the economy are strong" stupid comment on the day this country experiences the highest (777) points drop on Wall Street.

Not only is McCain slipping in the national polls but in key battleground states, which will affect the Electoral College come election night. Case in Point: Michigan. Most experts say when America suffers a cold financially, Michigan suffers pneumonia. So the polls have dramatically shifted in Michigan for Obama, which makes McCain battle for other key states an uphill battle.

I expect McCain to keep making Obama seem very risky. Did you count how many times in the last debate he said Obama just "didn't understand." So more naivete comments and maybe a siding with terrorists comment (in Obama's quest for diplomacy) while keep referring to the viewers as "my friends."

Other honorable mentions from McCain:

• Maverick
• Reformer
• Change Washington
• POW
• Earmarks
• Taxes
  

What about Barack Obama at the debate? I expect more precise comments and less professorial stance on the economy. Seriously Barack, the folks at their kitchen table don't need to know the ins and outs of how Wall Street works (leave that to CNBC folks) but how much you care and want to get them out of their mess.

Also, I expect Obama to keep referring to McCain as "McSame" in relations to Bush policies. If you haven't heard McCain's 90 percent voting record with Bush enough, brace yourself for more.

Then I expect just like McCain questions Obama's inexperience for Obama to question John McCain's judgment over and over again to test McCain's temparament (don't you think it will be great TV when McCain's legendary temparament comes unhinged?)

Other honorable mentions from Obama:

• Ch-Ch-Changes (Get ready for the word "change" to make you turn blue)
• Hope
• Middle Class
• Economy
• Kitchen Table
• Joe Biden from Scranton (to pander to the working class)
• A few names of ordinary citizens we don't know dealing with hard times.
  

That's a snapshot! See you at the debate.