http://www.citizensugar.com/ Breaking News, Together. en http://www.citizensugar.com/2671347 <p>President-elect Barack Obama, President Bush, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton (that's all of the surviving past presidents) <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/07/presidents.meeting/?iref=mpstoryview" target="_blank">met up for lunch at the White House today</a> in a historic gathering. Collectively the bunch has more than 30 years of presidential experience. Bush, who <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2620571" >sat down with Obama recently</a>, said:<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/02_2009/5474aec6174799c8_presidents.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="392" width="550"></span></p> <blockquote><p>One message that I have, and I think we all share, is that we want you to succeed. Whether we're Democrat or Republican, we care deeply about this country.</p></blockquote> <p>Obama said he was grateful for the opportunity to get "advice, good counsel and fellowship" from the group. A White House spokeswoman said the last time all of the living presidents got together at the White House was in 1981. Apparently, all five men, including Clinton and Carter, who are not exactly friendly with one another, were on their best behavior and put aside differences for the day. To see a short video of what the bunch had to say, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2671347">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2671347#comment Barack Obama Bill Clinton George H W Bush George W Bush Headline Jimmy Carter President Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:35:05 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2671347 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2666979 <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/2666555">Barack Obama on Check Please</a> Now that America has become familiar with President-elect Barack Obama's political agenda, the country has taken interest in the soon-to-be president's personal quirks and preferences. A clip surfaced of Obama on <b>Check Please! Chicago</b>, a Chicago series that features locals reviewing restaurants. http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2666979#comment aside Barack Obama Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:30:18 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2666979 http://www.citizensugar.com/2622017 <p>The members of Barack Obama's cabinet-in-waiting will soon become household names, whether it's during their confirmation hearings or after they begin serving. Take this quiz to find out what you know about the people who will run the United States.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/52_2008/551dc7ecdfeee343_84093712.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span> </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2622017">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2622017#comment Barack Obama Quiz Nation Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:28 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2622017 http://www.citizensugar.com/2661438 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/02_2009/bd0674867e2294f5_obama-girls-to-school.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline preview" height="447" width="550"></span> <ul> <li>Michelle Obama walked her daughters alongside full security detail to their first day at Sidwell Friends School in Bethesda, MD, this morning, making the family's move to DC official. — <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g6mv_lkODQMmQdpyIEnr8Zpm5mogD95H0UMG0" target="_blank">AP</a></li> <li>Residents in Gaza are saying they doubt rocket fire can be stopped. Thousands of Israeli troops battled Hamas fighters Sunday while Israeli warplanes, helicopters, and drones bombarded targets from above for the 10th day. — <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010401679.html?hpid=topnews" target="_blank">Washington Post</a></li> <li>Barack Obama hopes to drum up support from both political parties by proposing up to $310 billion in tax cuts for businesses and the middle class as part of his massive economic stimulus package. — <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE5020XL20090105" target="_blank">Reuters</a></li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/52_2008/67d979ae0d016f39_Monday_Front_Page" alt="" title="" class="image right larger" height="179" width="240"></p> <li>A new US embassy in Baghdad has opened its doors with a dedication ceremony attended by the Iraqi president. — <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7811088.stm" target="_blank">BBC</a></li> <li>Gunmen hit Athens riot police with automatic weapons fire early this morning, wounding a policeman in an escalation of violence that erupted last month when a teenager was killed in a police shooting. — <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123115132331853519.html" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a></li> </ul> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2661438#comment Barack Obama Front Page Gaza Malia Obama Michelle Obama Sasha Obama Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:01:04 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2661438 http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2662136 <a href="/slideshow/2662136?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/16/162306/01_2009/ef3278ed5db54299_obama_arrives_7.xlarge.jpg" alt="Moving Day! Obama Arrives in DC" title="Moving Day! Obama Arrives in DC" class="image xlarge inline left" height="255" width="320" /></a>Obama arrived in Washington on Sunday, following Michelle and daughters, Malia and Sasha, who came Saturday. The girls are set to start school at <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/Sidwell+Friends">Sidwell Friends</a> Monday, and the president-elect is ready to get to work. Only 15 days till inauguration! The <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2654407">family will stay at the Hay-Adams Hotel</a> until Jan. 15. They'll then move into the Blair House, a government-owned guesthouse, according to inauguration tradition. <span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com">Source</a></span> <p> <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2662136?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2662136#comment 2009 Inauguration Barack Obama Obamas Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:02:36 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2662136 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2662291 <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/04/joan-rivers-obama-should_n_155083.html">Joan Rivers: Obama Should Have Pinned Back His Ears</a> When asked about Barack Obama's appearance, Rivers said, "I think he should have pinned the ears back years ago. They really annoy me. He represents my country now — pin back the ears!" http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2662291#comment aside Barack Obama Joan Rivers Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:50:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2662291 http://www.citizensugar.com/2654407 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/0f13687f92b0a122_obamas.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="399" width="350"></span>After a <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2634235" >trip to Hawaii for his late grandmother's memorial</a>, President-elect Obama and his family are moving to Washington this weekend ahead of schedule. The inauguration isn't until Jan. 20, but Malia and Sasha begin classes at the Sidwell Friends School on Monday and Obama reportedly wants to start working. </p> <p>Obama's transition team hoped the family would be able to move into Blair House, the government guest house across the street from the White House, but the <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hWAOpAdIrVNrvgRN26pr_TDmzlkAD95DR0A00" target="_blank">Bush administration claimed it's booked until Jan. 15</a>. The Obamas reportedly found space at the fancy <a href="http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-hotel-gallery.php" target="_blank">Hay-Adams hotel</a>, and will stay there until they are able to move into their new abode.<br /> <p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-7067 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2654412?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/Picture_11.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-66786 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2654412?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/Picture_12.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-30321 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2654412?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/Picture_13.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-66927 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2654412?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/Picture_14.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-29352 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2654412?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/Picture_15.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"><br /> For a closer look at the Obamas temporary home (it sure is snazzy!), </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2654407">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2654407#comment Barack Obama Malia Obama Michelle Obama Sasha Obama Sat, 03 Jan 2009 08:00:49 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2654407 http://www.citizensugar.com/2651561 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/16/162306/01_2008/973ada5ec5bb32d0_obama_eating.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="247" width="288"></span>Everyone wants <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/2509100" >food reform</a>. Parents want better school lunches. Consumer groups call to improve food-safety regulations. The Humane Society wants kinder policies towards animals. And a high-profile White House chef who cooks "delicious, local food" would be great! (Thanks <b>Gourmet</b> editor.) </p> <p>But one person's reform is another person's tax dollar, and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/dining/24food.html?pagewanted=1" target="_blank">there aren't enough dollars to go around</a>. As if there ever were. Even once decided, improved food policies could take years to implement. </p> <p>If policy changes take years and tax dollars are tight, Ruth Reichl, the <b>Gourmet</b> editor, could be onto something. After all in like 2004, I read about the back-to-basics cocktail trend in <b>Gourmet</b>, and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/2502503" >look where we are now</a>! To see how Obama's personal changes could affect the way we eat, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2651561">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2651561#comment Barack Obama Department of Agriculture Food Politics of Food Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:00:26 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2651561 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2654125 <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/2642314">Obama Hits the Gym 48 Days in a Row</a> President-elect Barack Obama knows that nothing beats stress like a rigorous workout, and between selecting his cabinet members, getting a head start on his plans for the economy, and traveling to Hawaii for his late grandmother's memorial service, Obama has continued to make time for exercise. In fact, it seems his commitment to fitness has only intensified as inauguration day draws nearer. http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2654125#comment Barack Obama Health Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:50:37 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2654125 http://www.citizensugar.com/2650537 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2650537"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2650537',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2650537');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/21ece635c3c2776f_cd.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline larger" height="240" width="240"></span>Former Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman incited <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2645536" >quite a controversy this holiday</a> when, as part of his campaign to be the next RNC chairman, he gave out copies of a mixed CD including conservative satirist Paul Shanklin's track, "Barack the Magic Negro." The song, which is set to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon," originally aired on Rush Limbaugh's talk radio show and has been described as a parody, but Saltsman's gift <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/29/msnbc-anchor-i-wouldnt-fi_n_154107.html" target="_blank">isn't sitting well with the media and most of the public</a>. Current RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, who is seeking another term, even issued a statement saying it is "shocking" and "appalling."</p> <p>Meanwhile, experts say the move <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16919.html" target="_blank">hasn't hampered Saltsman's bid at all</a> — in fact, it might have helped it. The chairman of the Maine Republican Party went on record saying it was "no big deal." Today, <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16919.html" target="_blank">Politico reports</a> RNC chairmanship hopefuls Duncan and Saul Anuzis could have hurt <i>their</i> campaigns by chastising Saltsman. Do you think it will all blow over? <span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2650537" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Will Saltsman&#039;s Mixed CD Scandal Help His Campaign? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! The other candidates will look bad for making a big deal out of it. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. It's bad news all around. It will put a damper on his campaign. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Hard to say. See my comment below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2650537" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2650537#comment Barack Obama Chip Saltsman Citizen Poll Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:30:24 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2650537 http://www.citizensugar.com/2624673 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/3814a45b6c1682f1_afd5e552f4d264ee_BabyBarackObama.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="298"></span>President-elect Barack Obama's remarkable life story, which he describes as unlikely, has always been a cornerstone of his public life. In the speech that garnered him national prominence, his <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html" target="_blank">2004 DNC keynote address</a>, Obama eloquently introduced America to a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. Well it looks like America does have a place for him — the White House!</p> <p>Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the next US president's biography.</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.bauergriffinonline.com" target="_blank">Bauer-Griffin Online</a></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2624673">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2624673#comment Barack Obama Quiz Nation Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:20:06 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2624673 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2649160 <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/2648488">Obama Hides His BlackBerry In a Cell Phone Holster</a> President-elect Barack Obama was spotted in Hawaii this past weekend sporting his beloved BlackBerry 8830 World Edition Smartphone in a pretty geeky belt holster. http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2649160#comment aside Barack Obama BlackBerry Technology Tue, 30 Dec 2008 07:45:57 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2649160 http://www.citizensugar.com/2648190 <p>Barack Obama took his daughters and some friends out to the mall in Hawaii this past weekend, and according to Reuters, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BQ06I20081229" target="_blank">"caused a commotion" with lookers-on and photographers</a>. The president-elect, <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/2648488" >his trusty BlackBerry</a>, his daughters, Malia, 10, and, Sasha, 7, and friends sat and snacked at a table while a crowd and Secret Service agents assembled around them. It's a scene that comes as no surprise to the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2634235" >71 percent of CitizenSugar readers</a> who say so long as people want to see the pictures, there will be paparazzi and buzz wherever the Obamas go. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE4BQ06I20081229" target="_blank">Here's more</a>:<br /> <span class="inline left"><a href="/node/2648246" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/fe432f7cc13d27fc_Obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="370" width="550"></a></span></p> <blockquote><p>The agents struggled to hold back people trying to get closer to snap pictures of Obama eating a tuna and melted cheese sandwich and the girls enjoying shave ices, a local treat made from finely shaved ice and fruit syrup.</p></blockquote> <p>In recent interviews, such as his <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2507845" >60 Minutes special</a>, Obama said he is dedicated to maintaining some normalcy for his daughters. At this point we expect to stay dialed in to what the Obamas are up to, but do you think the intense fascination will stay as fervent post the Inauguration?<br /> <p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-63732 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2648264?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/84126541.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-66564 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2648264?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/84126578.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-75747 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2648264?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/84127298.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-39982 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2648264?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/84127300.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-15400 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#ff3399'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2648264?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/01_2008/84127304.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2648190#comment Barack Obama Hawaii Malia Obama Sasha Obama Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:00:46 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2648190 http://www.citizensugar.com/2628531 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/2/22911/51_2008/c267b9feb686badb_obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xxlarge" height="473" width="340"></span>It was a tremendous year for Barack Obama. He was elected President, named <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2620651" >Time's Person of the Year</a> and even picked as CitizenSugar readers' <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2596209" >favorite newsmaker of 2008</a>. </p> <p>Like the presidential election, it wasn't even a close call. Obama brought in 56 percent of the vote, far ahead of Sarah Palin, who received 17 percent of the vote, and Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps, who received 12 percent of the vote. </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2628531#comment Barack Obama Best of 2008 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:30:17 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2628531 http://www.citizensugar.com/2645536 <p><center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NfxVkLhlu5s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NfxVkLhlu5s&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <ul> <li><b>Not-So-Pleasant Greeting</b>: <a href="http://wonkette.com/405176/heres-that-hilarious-song-parody-sent-out-by-this" target="_blank">Former Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman sent committee members a CD this Christmas featuring a 2007 parody song called "Barack the Magic Negro"</a>. — Wonkette</li> <li><b>Caroline Dropping Bombshells</b>: <a href="http://donklephant.com/2008/12/27/caroline-dropping-bombshells/" target="_blank">Caroline Kennedy says she will not support pal Mayor Bloomberg in his re-election effort and that she will not seek the Senate seat in 2010 should Patterson appoint someone else</a>. — Donklephant</li> <li><b>Future of Journalism</b>: <a href="http://www.good.is/?p=14300" target="_blank">What will the news look like after the newspapers disappear?</a> — GOOD</li> <li><b>Cheney</b>: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/29/cheney-i-dont-have-any-id_n_153891.html" target="_blank">"I don't have any idea" why I'm unpopular</a>. — Huffington Post</li> <li><b>Huckabee Show</b>: <a href="http://www.236.com/news/2008/12/23/is_huckabee_the_worst_show_on_10873.php" target="_blank">Have you tuned in to Huckabee</a>? — 236</li> </ul> http://www.citizensugar.com/2645536#comment Barack Obama Briefing Book Chip Saltsman Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2645536 http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2634992 <a href="/slideshow/2634992?page=0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/52_2008/4caa2ed176db2009_83565389.xlarge.jpg" alt="Biggest Headlines of 2008: Barack Obama Elected President" title="Biggest Headlines of 2008: Barack Obama Elected President" class="image xlarge inline left" height="320" width="229" /></a>Out of all of <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/best+of+2008">2008's biggest headlines</a>, the election of Barack Obama may be the most significant. We started off 2008 with little idea that Barack Obama would be America's president-elect come year's end. A long road of formidable opponents, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2634699">record fundraising</a>, and dozens of <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/debates">debates</a> led Obama to the White House. Take a look back at how Obama became the president-elect and made history as America's first African-American elected to the highest office! <span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com">Source</a></span> <div id='pager' style='margin:25px auto;text-align:center;margin:8px; '><a href="/slideshow/2634992?page=0">Start Slideshow</a></div> http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2634992#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Best of 2008 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2634992 http://www.citizensugar.com/2606180 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/3332e7402406fe14_Barack-Obama-Victory-Speec.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="258"></span>CitizenSugar readers apparently care about results! Barack Obama's victory speech won <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2596740" >favorite Barack Obama moment of 2008</a>, beating out all the other choices having to do with Obama's path to the White House. </p> <p>On election night Obama greeted the world from Chicago's Grant Park, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2467445" >exclaiming that</a>:<br /> <blockquote> Change has come to America. If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible. Who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.</p> <p>The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep, we may not get there in one year or even in one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you. We as a people will get there.</p></blockquote> <p>One of the top write-in choices involved Obama's comments on the yet-to-be-chosen White House puppy. For other top moments of 2008, check out all our <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/best+of+2008" >highlight coverage</a>!</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span> </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2606180#comment 2008 Presidential Election 2008 Sugar Awards Barack Obama Best of 2008 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 08:00:09 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2606180 http://www.citizensugar.com/2639536 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/52_2008/c295b1d572c5d70d_84118606.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="386" width="550"></span></p> <ul> <li>President-elect Barack Obama attended a memorial service for his late grandmother in Hawaii yesterday. The woman who helped raised him died the day before the election. — <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/24/obama-attends-memorial-se_n_153279.html" target="_blank">AP</a></li> <li>Christian pilgrims are filling up Bethlehem's Manger Square on Wednesday. Security forces loyal to Palestinian President Abbas are providing holiday security. — <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4BN2A620081224?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=topNews" target="_blank">Reuters</a></li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/4b90b0ba296808b3_Wednesday_Front_Page" alt="" title="" class="image right larger" height="179" width="240"></span> <li>Falling gas prices put more money in people's pockets and helped boost consumer spending last month. — <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/25/business/economy/25econ.html?_r=1&amp;hp" target="_blank">New York Times</a></li> <li>The US military will be tracking Santa's sleigh ride. NORAD, which monitors air and space threats against the US and Canada. It is charged each year with tracking Santa's sleigh <a href="http://www.noradsanta.org" target="_blank">on the web</a>. — <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2008/12/24/D95926EG0_tracking_santa/" target="_blank">AP</a></li> </ul> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span> </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2639536#comment Barack Obama Front Page Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:05 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2639536 http://www.citizensugar.com/2634699 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/52_2008/b67e868ad1f9e528_83370469.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="266"></span>During his successful bid for the White House, President-elect Barack Obama <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-12-02-obama-money_N.htm" target="_blank">raised</a> $750 million to help him get there. In 2004, Kerry and Bush brought in a combined $504.2 million during the primaries, and took $74.6 each in public money. But since Obama made the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1721997" >unprecedented and controversial decision to forgo public money</a>, he could keep raking in the money from small and large donors alike. </p> <p>Only weeks before the election, Obama got some financial (and psychological) momentum when he <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2386025" >filed his September fundraising numbers</a> with the FEC: Barack had raised $150 million in September alone. Obama was able to use the money to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2440817" >buy 30-minutes of prime time TV for a special appeal</a> a few days before voters officially went to the polls. Obama spent a total of $240 million on TV ads, compared to John McCain's $126 million and President Bush's previous record of $190 million. </p> <p>With the extra money, the Obama campaign decided to pay the staff's salaries and health insurance until Dec. 31. Obama's fundraising abilities, one of <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/best+of+2008" >the biggest stories of 2008</a> and will surely impact future elections.</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span> </p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2634699#comment Barack Obama Best of 2008 Campaign Finance Wed, 24 Dec 2008 03:00:17 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2634699 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2637991 <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008/12/23/us/AP-Illinois-Governor-Obama.html?hp">Obama Report: No Improper Contact With Governor</a> An internal review prepared for Barack Obama found his incoming chief of staff had multiple conversations with the Illinois governor's office, but said the talks did not involve any deal concerning whom the governor would appoint to replace Obama in the Senate. The Obama transition team also released the report to the public in PDF format. http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2637991#comment aside Barack Obama Rod R Blagojevich Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:06:35 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2637991 http://www.citizensugar.com/2634235 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2634235"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2634235',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2634235');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p>John McCain was onto something when <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1829865" >he called</a> Barack Obama one of the biggest celebrities in the world. While the first-family-in-waiting rings in a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM5iiuQOMyg" target="_blank">Mele Kalikimaka</a> from Hawaii, he's been <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2632215" >followed by paparazzi</a> usually found on the A-list celebrity beat.</p> <p><a href="http://citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406" ><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/5747876483d03359_obamas-in-hawaii.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="550" height="363"></span></a></p> <p>While <a href="http://popsugar.com/tags/bikini" >swimsuit pics</a> of Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, and Matthew McConaughey are common, we sure haven't seen a flood of pics of President Bush in his swim trunks over the last eight years. </p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-65793 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/81221NB1_OBAMA_B_B_GR_01wtmk.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-75975 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/81221NB1_OBAMA_B_B_GR_02wtmk.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-73810 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/81221NB1_OBAMA_B_B_GR_03wtmk.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-34673 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/81221NB1_OBAMA_B_B_GR_30wtmk.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-65880 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2637406?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/88/52_2008/181221NB1_OBAMA_B_B_GR_18wtmk.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.bauergriffinonline.com" target="_blank">Bauer-Griffin Online</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2634235" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Are You Surprised the Paparazzi Love Barack Obama? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes! I thought the Secret Service and respect for Obama would deter photographers. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. If people want to see the pictures, there will be paparazzi.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2634235" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2634235#comment Barack Obama Citizen Poll Hawaii Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:41:43 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2634235 http://www.citizensugar.com/2632215 <p>Everyone needs a moment of relaxation, especially if you're about to take on the most important elected office in the world. President-elect Barack Obama was spotted playing a round of golf in Hawaii over the weekend with quite an entourage keeping watch. He's in town with his family for the holidays like they do every year and found time to hit the links before he takes office in January. Never straying too far from work, his hotly contended and <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/2621474" >headline making BlackBerry</a> was strapped to his belt as usual. After admitting that he's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/21/obamas-hawaiian-holiday-s_n_152742.html" target="_blank">"not that good" at golf</a>, Obama enjoyed a lunch of <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/spam" >Spam</a> sushi. President Bush <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1626857" >gave up golf</a> out of respect for our soldiers, so we'll see if Obama comes under fire for his hobby. Until then, enjoy some shots of Barack Obama hitting the links in his cargo shorts.</p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189" ><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/1ee8276bfad11deb_obamagolfing.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span></a></p> <p><p><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-94687 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 active" href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189?page=0,0,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/84104041_10.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-3289 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189?page=0,1,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/84104043_10.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-79585 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189?page=0,2,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/84104045_10.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-94713 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189?page=0,3,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/84104047_10.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div><div style="float:left;line-height:8px;margin-bottom:0px;font-size:9px"><div id=mask-72450 class=mask style=';width:100px;height:100px;overflow:hidden;background:#FFF;margin:0px 8px 8px 0px;border:0px solid #111;padding:0px;' onmouseover={style.borderColor='#0072bc'} onmouseout={style.borderColor='#111'}><div style='margin-left:0px;margin-top:0px;padding:0px;'><a target="gallery4" class="thumb2 " href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2632189?page=0,4,0"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/16245/51_2008/84104050_10.mediumsquare.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image mediumsquare" height="100" width="100" /></a></div></div></div></p><br clear="all"></p> <p>To see 15 more photos of Barack golfing in Hawaii just </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2632215">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2632215#comment Barack Obama Golf Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:01:00 -0800 Molly http://www.citizensugar.com/2632215 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2624677 <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/slideshow/2489651">Top-10 Things You Didn't Know About Barack Obama</a> If you found yourself asking "Who is the real Barack Obama" during the campaign, a British newspaper is here to help. The Telegraph put together a list of the 50 facts you might not know about the president-elect. Here are my 10 favorite facts about the next leader of the free world! http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2624677#comment aside Barack Obama Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:00:55 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2624677 http://www.citizensugar.com/2624300 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/9756ba1b8902c25e_83147414.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="211" width="320"></span>Medical professionals who oppose abortion, sterilization, certain contraception, or other medical procedures for moral or religious reasons still have a friend in President Bush. The Bush administration <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2008pres/12/20081218a.html" target="_blank">formally issued</a> its "conscience rule" today, which <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1787766" >prohibits recipients of federal money</a> from discriminating against doctors, nurses, or other healthcare providers who refuse to participate in procedures as a result of their convictions. </p> <p>The current secretary of Health and Human Services explains that "This rule protects the right of medical providers to care for their patients in accord with their conscience." But such protection might not last for long, since Barack Obama's already looking for a Plan B. The transition team <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122947155578512197.html?mod=googlenews_wsj" target="_blank">has dedicated time to figuring out</a> how to reverse the right of conscience as soon as possible. It could take some time though.</p> <p>Since a conscience is inherently subjective, it seems problematic to let a sliding standard determine healthcare available to patients. Can you think of any other job a person would get if he refused to do part of it? Do you think requiring healthcare professionals to provide legal services that offend their morals is discrimination or reasonable? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2624300#comment Aboriton Barack Obama Check This George W Bush Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:30:23 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2624300 http://www.citizensugar.com/2621417 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2621417"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2621417',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2621417');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p>Prominent evangelical Pastor Rick Warren <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/17/rick-warren-to-give-inaugural-invocation/" target="_blank">will deliver the traditional blessing</a> at Barack Obama's Inauguration. While selecting Rev. Jeremiah Wright would have created many more waves of outrage, the choice of Rev. Rick Warren has caused some ripples of disappointment among Obama's more liberal supporters. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/e610e1ab38af8051_barack_obama_rick_warren.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="367" width="550"></span></p> <p>Rev. Warren, who <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1869730" >hosted a non-debate</a> between Obama and McCain at his Saddleback Church, publicly supported California's successful gay marriage ban <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/proposition+8" >Proposition 8</a>. But he's also tried to widen the social conservative agenda to include causes like global poverty, human rights, and HIV/AIDS. </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2621417" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Rick Warren To Give Inaugural Invocation — Righteous Choice? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes. Warren represents many Americans and brings a sense of inclusiveness to the event. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. Obama could have picked someone who shared his campaigned-on values. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2621417" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2621417#comment 2009 Inauguration Barack Obama Citizen Poll Homosexuality Proposition 8 Religion Rick Warren Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:43 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2621417 http://www.citizensugar.com/2620587 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/16/162306/51_2008/ec76e2afbab75c75_gay.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarger" height="320" width="250"></span>Yesterday Obama <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2616900" >announced</a> Arne Duncan, head of the Chicago school system, as education secretary. With the reputation of a tough, results-gettin' reformer and an agenda to make schools so competitive <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/world/asia/27seoul.html?ex=1367035200" target="_blank">you'll think you're in a Korean prep school</a>, his appointment on paper sounds like an A. Minus.</p> <p>He chilled his reputation in the Windy City this Fall with the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2328838" >proposal of a gay-friendly school</a>. Not surprisingly, <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1290197,CST-NWS-skul20.article" target="_blank">it was met with resistance</a>. After a few edits — <strike>sexual orientation</strike> — he reproposed it as a safe haven for all bullied students. But at the last minute he withdrew the plan, promising a revised version next year. </p> <p>Opposition came not only from social conservatives but also from liberals and, let's be inclusive, moderate conservatives who called it segregation. And right, I get it. At first light, it does sound like a plan to hoard gay teens in a separate school lined with rainbow-colored lockers; however, after reading about <a href="http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/features/10970/" target="_blank">New York City's gay high school</a>, I decided it's not. To find out why, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2620587">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2620587#comment Arne Duncan Barack Obama Chicago Department of Education education Homosexuality Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:30:20 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2620587 http://www.citizensugar.com/2620651 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/259056f1fec07631_obama_cover.larger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right larger" width="182" height="240"></span>The suspense has finally ended. We now know that <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/personoftheyear" target="_blank">Time magazine's Person of the Year</a> is, drum roll please, Barack Obama! The President-elect beat out US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, director of the Beijing opening ceremonies Zhang Yimou, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. </p> <p>The magazine cites Obama's ability to overcome a lack of experience, a funny name, two candidates who are political institutions, and America's racial divide to become President as evidence that he's the person of the year. If you're worried that the feature holds few surprises, <b>Time</b> does pull through with a playful <a href="http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1866765_1815160,00.html" target="_blank">1980 photo shoot</a> of college freshman Barack Obama. And in the <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/2008/personoftheyear/article/0,31682,1861543_1865068_1865069-1,00.html" target="_blank">interview</a>, Obama details his views on the economy, his mandate, and his temperament. </p> <p>Even if <b>Time</b> made a predictable choice, do you agree that Barack Obama is <i>the</i> person of the 2008?</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.time.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2620651#comment Barack Obama On the Newsstand Time Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:30:39 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2620651 http://www.citizensugar.com/2620571 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/8f3503840ac5079f_83634056.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="550" height="394"></span></p> <ul> <li>George W. Bush's White House has prepared more than a dozen contingency plans for President-elect Barack Obama to use if he faces an international crisis after Inauguration Day. The extent of the transition, which also includes personal briefings by senior counterterrorism officials with their replacements, is unprecedented. — <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/us/politics/17transition.html?_r=1&amp;hp" target="_blank">New York Times</a></li> <li>UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced that British troops will fully withdrawal from Iraq by May 31, leaving the US as the only foreign military presence in the country. — <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq18-2008dec18,0,1013013.story" target="_blank">LA Times</a></li> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/4b90b0ba296808b3_Wednesday_Front_Page" alt="" title="" class="image right larger" width="240" height="179"></span> <li>Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. claims that he went to federal agents in 2006, reporting what he believed was corruption and misconduct by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Jackson rejects the label "informant" and says his complaint was unrelated to the current investigation. — <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/16/blagojevich/index.html" target="_blank">CNN</a></li> <li>Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari said that there's no firm evidence that gunman from the Mumbai Massacre came from Pakistan, despite the fact that US, Indian, and British officials claim the attack originated from training camps inside Pakistan. — <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7787518.stm" target="_blank">BBC News</a></li> </ul> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2620571#comment Barack Obama Front Page George W Bush Wed, 17 Dec 2008 07:35:30 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2620571 http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2619292 <a href="http://www.petsugar.com/2616315">Biggest Headlines of 2008: The Long Tale (Tail?) of the First Puppy-to-Be</a> PetSugar can't think of any other dog that's been more anticipated by the general population than the yet-to-be chosen, announced, named, or introduced addition to the Obama family. If we're all so excited, wanting to share our opinions for their pet, can you imagine what lil Sasha and Malia are feeling?! PetSugar backtracked to round up some of her fave posts about one of the Biggest Headlines of 2008. http://www.citizensugar.com/node/2619292#comment aside Barack Obama Wed, 17 Dec 2008 06:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2619292 http://www.citizensugar.com/2617671 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2617671"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2617671',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2617671');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p>Guilt by association thrives in the minds of at least 25 percent of Americans. According to <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/113416/One-Four-See-Obama-Staff-Illegally-Tied-Blagojevich.aspx" target="_blank">a recent USA Today/Gallup poll</a>, a quarter of Americans believe that Barack Obama's staff engaged in illegal activities related to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's alleged plan to sell Obama's senate seat. The rate of suspicion jumps among Obama's opponents — half of Republicans surveyed think Obama's staff has an illegal connection, while the other half apparently agrees with John McCain that we <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2606524" >should not jump to conclusions</a>.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/51_2008/bdd58dd2abb7c7b1_blago-and-obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="444" width="550"></span></p> <p>The US attorney asked Obama to <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16641.html" target="_blank">hold off on disclosing his staff's contacts</a> with Blagojevich, and Obama, who is refusing to answer questions on the scandal, has complied. Do you think the Obama team has dirty hands? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2617671" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Think Obama&#039;s Staff Is Illegally Tied to Blagojevich? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes. Blagojevich must have had a willing contact among the staff. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No. It seems clear that Obama's team wouldn't give Blagojevich what he wanted. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Other. I'll tell you in the comments.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2617671" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2617671#comment Barack Obama Citizen Poll Crime Illinois Rod R Blagojevich Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:00:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2617671 http://www.citizensugar.com/2617177 <p><center><iframe height="340" width="420" src="http://newsclipper.org/embed.php?storyid=64507" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></center></p> <p>Today <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=6464697&amp;page=1" target="_blank">on Good Morning America</a> outgoing Vice President Dick Cheney talked flying shoes, Hillary Clinton, and Saddam Hussein. Here are some excerpts. </p> <ul> <li><b>On Obama's national security team</b>:"I must say, I think it's a pretty good team. I'm not close to Barack Obama, obviously, nor do I identify with him politically. He's a liberal. I'm a conservative. But I think the idea of keeping Gates at Defense is excellent. I think Jim Jones will be very, very effective as the national security adviser. While I would not have hired Sen. Clinton, I think she's tough. She's smart, she works very hard, and she may turn out to be just what President Obama needs."</li> <li><b>On waterboarding</b>: "I was aware of the program, certainly, and involved in helping get the process cleared, as the agency in effect came in and wanted to know what they could and couldn't do. And they talked to me, as well as others, to explain what they wanted to do. And I supported it."</li> </ul> <p>To find out what Cheney had to say about Guantanamo Bay, the Iraq War, and this weekend's <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2606420" >shoe incident</a>, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2617177">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2617177#comment Barack Obama Dick Cheney Good Morning America Hillary Clinton Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:34 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2617177 http://www.citizensugar.com/2606524 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/50_2008/02f5d91802e9c582_84031039.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="261" width="320"></span>After getting back in the Sunday talk show saddle this weekend, John McCain fielded a question about his old opponent's ties to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/Rod+R+Blagojevich" >embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich</a>. When asked if Barack Obama's pledge to transparency was being tested, as RNC head Mike Duncan has said, McCain <a href="http://www.abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/story?id=6459155&amp;page=1" target="_blank">took Obama's side</a>: </p> <blockquote><p> “I think that the Obama campaign should and will give all information necessary. You know, in all due respect to the Republican National Committee and anybody — right now, I think we should try to be working constructively together, not only on an issue such as this, but on the economy stimulus package, reforms that are necessary.” </p></blockquote> <p>The RNC has released a new web ad called <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_qee5KPgsk" target="_blank">Questions Remain</a>, which links Obama to Blagojevich. McCain did use some guilt-by-association tactics during the campaign, <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/william+ayers" >bringing up the likes of William Ayers</a>; but he also <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2579753" >avoided the topic</a> of Obama's controversial pastor Rev. Wright. Are you surprised that McCain has come to Obama's defense, or is he just proving his maverick cred by rebuking his own party? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2606524#comment Barack Obama John McCain Rod R Blagojevich Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:01:30 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2606524 http://www.citizensugar.com/2596740 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2596740"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2596740',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2596740');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/50_2008/2ee9b072bae35950_51052763.preview.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="274"></span>On Nov. 4 we found out that we have at least another four years to make Barack Obama memories, but I'm sure some of the all time best will come from this year. Before he <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2575455" >beat Hillary Clinton for the nomination</a>, Barack delivered <a href=" http://www.citizensugar.com/1125110" >a compelling speech in Philadelphia</a> addressing the recurrence of questions about Jeremiah Wright, as well as the effect of race on his candidacy. After locking up the presumptive-nomination Obama launched a world tour, stopping in Germany to <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1810223" >speak before tens of thousands of Berliners</a>. </p> <p>In the week before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Barack had supporters waiting by their cell phones for a text message about <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1885606" >his choice for VP</a>. We finally found it was none other than gaffe-machine Joe Biden, who would soon join Obama on stage after his rock-star sized acceptance speech <a href=" http://www.citizensugar.com/1901917" >before thousands at Invesco Field</a>. After a slump in the polls Obama fought back and used his <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2370982" >debate performances</a> to hold his lead. Finally, on Nov. 4 he gave a <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2467445" >somber victory speech</a>, but one that included the triumphant proclamation that change had come to America. </p> <p>Obama capped off his eventful year (to say the least) by <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2552420" >unveiling his administration's team of rivals</a>, including rival, and now cabinet member, no. 1 Hillary Clinton. Since we already asked you about <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2587435" >your favorite John McCain moment</a> in our roundup of the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/Best+of+2008" >best stories of 2008</a>, tell me which Obama moment did you like the best! </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2596740" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>What Is Your Favorite Barack Obama Moment? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Makes a compelling speech on race issues in Philadelphia.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Goes on a world tour over the Summer, speaking to thousands in Berlin.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Taps Joe Biden for VP with a text message.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Delivers nomination acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Says change has come to America in Election Night victory speech.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="5" class="form-radio" /> Unveils his team of rivals including Hillary Clinton.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2596740" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.citizensugar.com/2596740#comment Barack Obama Best of 2008 Citizen Poll Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:30:25 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2596740 http://www.citizensugar.com/2597493 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/50_2008/7d41425decb9c04e_Department-of-Agriculture.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" height="222" width="320"></span>In this week's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com" target="_blank">New York Times</a>, columnist Nicholas D. Kristof argued that changing the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Food would be appropriate since only two percent of Americans farm, while all of them eat. But more importantly a name change would send a powerful message of reform.</p> <p>Kristof quotes Michael Pollan, the author of the <b>Omnivore's Dilemma</b>, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/opinion/11kristof.html" target="_blank">who says</a>:<br /> <blockquote>“We’re subsidizing the least healthy calories in the supermarket — high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated soy oil, and we’re doing very little for farmers trying to grow real food.”</p></blockquote> <p>Kristof goes on to explain that Democrat and Republican presidents hand the department over to lobbyists for industrial farming. He calls on Barack Obama to end the trend and make the powerful agency about improving the standards of American food and spending taxpayer dollars more efficiently. </p> <p>Would you like to see the Agriculture Department work on a healthy children’s school lunch program, promoting local food sources and sustainable organic farming, instead of subsidizing industrial farmers? Or do you think that will just make everything more expensive for the consumer? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2597493#comment Barack Obama Department of Agriculture Food Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:40:22 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2597493 http://www.citizensugar.com/2589103 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/50_2008/04277a4879980db2_Barack_Obama_Muslim.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="262"></span>Just like all presidents before him, the President-elect plans to be sworn in using his full name: Barack Hussein Obama. Although Obama said that by using his full name, he's just doing what every other president did, he also <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-barack-obama-muslim-1210,0,5694976.story?xid=rss-page" target="_blank">told the Chicago Tribune</a>, that he has a unique opportunity to renovate relations with the Muslim world. He hopes to "create a relationship of mutual respect and partnership in countries and with peoples of goodwill who want their citizens and ours to prosper together."</p> <p>Obama's Muslim-community outreach won't end on Inauguration Day. The president-elect also plans to deliver a major address in an Islamic capital as president. </p> <p>The election of the first African-American president with the middle name "Hussein" surely reveals an openness not seen in many other countries. Maybe all those Obama supporters who <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1746826" >changed their middle names to Hussein on Facebook</a> actually reduced the stigma, transforming the name from a campaign liability to a tool of US diplomacy. </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2589103#comment Barack Obama Headline Muslim Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:30:22 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2589103 http://www.citizensugar.com/2584699 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/50_2008/cb87f937f01b0a7a_Blagojevich.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" height="400" width="310"></span><br /> New details have emerged since FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today on federal corruption charges <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2583498" >alleging that he tried to sell</a> Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.</p> <ul> <li> The <a href="http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1209081rod1.html" target="_blank">FBI affidavit filed in District Court</a> quotes Blagojevich as explaining that the vacant seat "is a f**king valuable thing, you just don't give it away for nothing." On Nov. 11 Blagojevich said that he didn't care that Obama wanted Valerie Jarrett, a longtime confidante, to succeed him, because "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. F**k them."</li> <li>When the FBI called Blagojevich this morning to tell him they were coming to arrest him, <a href="http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/blago_to_fbi_is_this_a_joke.php" target="_blank">he asked</a>: "Is this a joke?"</li> <li>US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who conducted this investigation along with the Valerie Plame investigation, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/09/illinois.governor/index.html" target="_blank">said at a press conference today</a>: "Gov. Blagojevich has taken us to a new low. This conduct would make [Abraham] Lincoln roll over in his grave."</li> <li>The <b>Chicago Tribune</b> delayed running its independent investigation of Blagojevich for misconduct, after prosecutors asked them to wait, or risk jeopardizing the criminal investigation. The <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-gerould-kern-statement-1209,0,1902006.story" target="_blank">editor explained</a> that the paper's "interest in reporting the news flows from its larger obligation of citizenship in a democracy."</li> <li>As for the Obama seat, Blagojevich still has the authority to fill it, but the US Senate could always reject his choice. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin has <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/Durbin_calls_for_Senate_seat_election.html" target="_blank">asked the Illinois state legislature</a> to call for a special election to fill Obama's seat, saying that no appointment by Blagojevich would be credible.</li> </ul> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2584699#comment Barack Obama Illinois Rod R Blagojevich Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:30:03 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2584699 http://www.citizensugar.com/2575455 <p><span class="inline left"><IMG class="image left xlarger" title="" height=400 alt="" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/7461ca5a364e004a_Hillary.xlarger.jpg" width=274></span>Hillary Clinton had the name, the experience, the money, the contacts, and the tenacity — yet her momentum of inevitability couldn't stop Barack Obama. Before he <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/922212" >upset Hillary in the Iowa primary</a>, few people took the two-year senator's chances of beating the front-runner seriously. His victorious finish in the the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1091119" >marathon Democratic primary</a> proved to be one of the most shocking headlines of 2008, and of American political history. </p> <p>Obama's ability to persevere through <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1004204" >dozens of debates</a> with such a policy-expert as Hillary, and his skill in dodging the kitchen sink lobbed his way from Camp Clinton proved to make him a stronger general election candidate. The early airing of potential scandals (like <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/jeremiah+wright" >Rev. Wright</a> or <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1072447" >the Obama in Muslim garb pictures</a>) and Obama's demonstration of executive prowess in running a capable campaign most likely got Americans more confident in his presidential abilities. </p> <p>And, of course, the storyline for these two Democrats is far from over. Perhaps something they accomplish together as president and secretary of state will make the cut for biggest headline of 2009! As for this past year, stay tuned because we'll be looking back on all the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tag/best+of+2008" >biggest news from 2008</a>!</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2575455#comment 2008 Presidential Election Barack Obama Best of 2008 Democrats Hillary Clinton Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:29 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2575455 http://www.citizensugar.com/2578939 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/16/162306/50_2008/1a7feff69814a42a_flags.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right outline xlarge" height="204" width="320"></span>Ohh, 'bama. America fell in love with your smile, your smarts, your wife, and your story. And what a story you tell! Some call it high-flying rhetoric, which it is. But that implies style without substance; emotion without logic; dip without chips, which it is not. I hope anyway!</p> <p>Speaking of hope, I knew it wouldn't be long before science explained why <a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/oprah/2008/11/so_who_was_that_guy_oprah_was.html" target="_blank">Oprah cried on a perfect stranger's shoulder</a> and <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2472917" >sincerity killed irony in unmarked warehouse neighborhoods</a> across the country. It's called elevation. Jonathan Haidt, a psychologist at the University of Virginia, coined the term and <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2205150" target="_blank">explained it to Slate</a>. He said: </p> <blockquote><p>Powerful moments of elevation sometimes seem to push a mental 'reset button,' wiping out feelings of cynicism and replacing them with feelings of hope, love, and optimism, and a sense of moral inspiration.</p></blockquote> <p>While another person's "moral beauty" may make us want to be a better people, Haidt's research shows it's a rather useless catalyst for action. But hope's not lost! Yet. Elevation changes people cognitively and opens minds to new possibilities. "This," Haidt said, "will be crucial for Obama."</p> <p>Sounds like Obama will have to move quickly before his window of hope is shut? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2578939#comment Barack Obama Jonathan Haidt Psychology Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2578939 http://www.citizensugar.com/2577008 <p>Yesterday on <b>Meet the Press</b> President-elect Barack Obama promised to make the White House a symbol of everyday Americans during his presidency. He <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28096219/" target="_blank">explained</a>: "Part of what we want to do is to open up the White House and remind people this is the people's house." Obama plans to invite artists and scientists on a regular basis, in an attempt to inspire national character.<br /> <SPAN class="inline left"><IMG class="image preview" title="" height=367 alt="" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/b477aa44e13b4887_83942751.preview.jpg" width=550></SPAN><br /> Some other highlights from Obama's interview include:</p> <ul> <li><b>On culture</b>: [I'm] "thinking about the diversity of our culture and inviting jazz musicians and classical musicians and poetry readings in the White House so that once again we appreciate this incredible tapestry that's America."</li> <li><b>On the economy</b>: The recession “is a big problem, and it’s going to get worse. . . The key for us is making sure that we jump-start that economy in a way that doesn't just deal with the short term, doesn't just create jobs immediately, but also puts us on a glide path for long-term sustainable economic growth, and that's why I spoke in my radio address on Saturday about the importance of investing in the largest infrastructure program, in roads and bridges and other traditional infrastructure since the building of the Federal Highway System in the 1950s."</li> </ul> <p>To find out what Obama had to say about education and Iran, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2577008">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2577008#comment Barack Obama Headline Meet the Press Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:01:09 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2577008 http://www.citizensugar.com/2572818 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/6/61259/49_2008/40d106095f9da61b_ObamaGirlsGreen.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="356" width="550"></span>On Friday, CasaSugar let you know about the American Institute of Architecture's offer to <a href="http://casasugar.com/2567693" >help the White House become an international model of energy efficiency</a>. If President-elect Barack Obama takes AIA up on the offer, he'll really be getting somewhere with his aforementioned green building goals. But, as it turns out, Obama has already begun to walk the walk: <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2507879" >after much ado</a>, he and Michelle have <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/21/AR2008112103248.html" target="_blank">decided to send their daughters, Malia and Sasha, to an environmentally friendly, LEED-platinum school</a>, the <a href="http://www.sidwell.edu/" target="_blank">Sidwell Friends School</a> in D.C. To hear about the school's eco-friendly architecture, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2572818">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2572818#comment Architecture Barack Obama Eco Green Building Malia Obama Sasha Obama Sidwell Friends Sat, 06 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800 CitizenSugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2572818 http://www.citizensugar.com/2571973 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/131be7f9690fa768_Hillary_Clinton_and_Barack_Obama.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left xlarger" height="400" width="258"></span>Did you guys hear? Barack Obama can't be president because he's not a natural US citizen, and the constitution says Hillary Clinton can't be Secretary of State! Well both rumors have nearly zero chance of becoming reality, but that won't stop people from trying! </p> <p>A case questioning Barack Obama's US citizenship <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-obama-birth-certificatedec04,0,664988.story" target="_blank">made it to the US Supreme Court today</a>, where the justices <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2008/12/05/obama-citizenship-case-gets-high-courts-attention/" target="_blank">decided against hearing the case in full</a>. But more challenges to his citizenship follow, including a lawsuit filed by Alan Keyes, Obama's opponent in the 2004 Illinois Senate race. Obama, Hawaii, and other experts agree that the president-elect <a href="http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html" target="_blank">was born in Hawaii</a> and is a natural-born citizen. To find out the questions surrounding the validity of Hillary's appointment, </p> <p><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2571973">read more</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2571973#comment Barack Obama Headline Hillary Clinton SCOTUS Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:30:23 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2571973 http://www.citizensugar.com/2571275 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/53e91069476f28ab_83683508.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarger" width="234" height="400"></span>President-elect Barack Obama <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/news/barbara-walters" target="_blank">has topped Barbara Walters's list </a>of the Most Fascinating People of 2008. The ABC special <a href="http://abc.go.com/specials/barbarawalterspecial/index" target="_blank">aired last night</a>, and last year the honor of Most Fascinating Person <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/guess_who_was_barbara_walters_most_fascinating_person_of_2007" target="_blank">went to Harry Potter author JK Rowling</a>. While many people probably agree that Obama is the most fascinating figure of the year, it's somewhat surprising that his opponent John McCain did not make the list.</p> <p>The complete list includes:</p> <ol> <li>Barack Obama</li> <li>Tom Cruise</li> <li>Sarah Palin</li> <li>Frank Langella</li> <li>Thomas Beatie</li> <li>Rush Limbaugh</li> <li>Tina Fey</li> <li>Miley Cyrus</li> <li>Michael Phelps</li> <li>Will Smith</li> </ol> <p>Do you find the people on this list fascinating? Anyone you'd like to sub in? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2571275#comment Barack Obama Barbara Walters Frank Langella Michael Phelps Miley Cyrus Rush Limbaugh Sarah Palin Thomas Beatie Tina Fey Tom Cruise Will Smith Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:30:00 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2571275 http://www.citizensugar.com/2567129 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/c819b31c564d2efb_Barack-Obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="550" height="369"></span></p> <ul> <li><b>Obama</b>: <a href="http://www.236.com/news/2008/12/04/poll_obama_broke_a_promise_how_10537.php" target="_blank">How does it make you feel? Obama breaks promise to tax oil company windfall profits.</a> — 23/6</li> <li><b>GOP</b>: <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16174.html" target="_blank">The comeback party? RNC chair discloses comeback plan that helped Chambliss win.</a> — Politico</li> <li><b>Spitzer</b>: <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2205995/" target="_blank"> The sheriff of Wall Street is back? Fallen Governor Spitzer writes his first column in Slate all about the bailouts.</a> — Slate</li> <li><b>Media</b>: <a href="http://www.good.is/?p=13865" target="_blank">Time for a print media bailout? A number of local New England newspapers may get government help, calling into question the meaning of "free press."</a> — Good</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.citizensugar.com/2567129#comment Barack Obama Briefing Book Oil Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:41 -0800 LibertySugar http://www.citizensugar.com/2567129 http://www.citizensugar.com/2565289 <p><span class="inline left"><a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/gallery/view/2564540?page=0,0,0" ><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/19/193328/49_2008/55ca6cc89509ec42_83900703.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right xlarge" width="320" height="230"></a></span>In 1996 President Clinton <a href="http://www.mlkmemorial.org/site/c.hkIUL9MVJxE/b.1190613/" target="_blank">signed a bill proposing the establishment of a Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial</a>. Twelve years later, friends, associates, and admirers of King are still working to raise the $120 million needed to build the memorial. </p> <p>Yesterday, original civil rights activists <a href="http://www.salon.com/wires/ap/us/2008/12/03/D94RH6S00_dc_king_memorial/index.html?source=refresh" target="_blank">gathered on the National Mall at the planned memorial site for a rally</a>. Their goal: to raise the final $18 million so President-elect Obama can