CitizenSugar -- Breaking News, Together.

Which Former First Lady's Memoir Piques Your Interest?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:30:46 -0800

Yesterday news broke that First Lady Laura Bush has signed on to pen a memoir with Scribner, the house of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Laura's mother-in-law, Barbara Bush. The book is currently untitled, but scheduled for release in 2010, and it's unclear what type of secrets she will reveal. Memoirs are somewhat of a right of passage for former first ladies — Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Nancy Davis Reagan have each written one. Is there one you find particularly alluring? Source

Which Former First Lady's Memoir Piques Your Interest?

Laura Bush

Hillary Clinton

Barbara Bush

Nancy Davis Reagan

Someone else. See my comments below.

The Most Admired Men and Women of 2008

CitizenSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:20:00 -0800

The Most Admired Men and Women of 2008 A Gallup poll asked Americans who they admired most in 2008 and the results are varied and interesting. For the seventh year in a row, Hillary Clinton was ranked as the most admired woman, and Sarah Palin ousted second place incumbent Oprah Winfrey in the 2008 list.

Favorite Woman in Power of 2008: Hillary Clinton

LibertySugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:30:44 -0800

Hillary Clinton may not have won the presidency, but she did prevail as CitizenSugar readers' favorite woman in power of 2008. With 45 percent of the votes going to Hillary, Condoleezza Rice placed a distant second with 17 percent.

While she won't start 2009 as the nation's first female president, Hillary will most likely be the face of America abroad, serving as the top-US diplomat. So much of Hillary's public life has been directed toward trying to call the White House home, so I'm excitedly curious to see how she evolves during her next chapter in leadership.

Some write-in votes included: DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Sen. Diane Feinstein, Sen. Claire McCaskill, and Sen. Barbara Boxer. All these impressive women leaders make it hard to choose just one favorite! Check out all the other highlights of the past year!

Source

Briefing Book! Bill Clinton Dumps Info on All Donors

LibertySugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:48 -0800

Clinton: The classic Washington dump? Fulfilling Obama's request, Bill Clinton releases 2,922 pages of information on 208,000 donors to his foundation, revealing donations from Saudi Arabia and Blackwater. — Politico
NY: Still putting his mailing list to use? The Spitzers send out a holiday card all about hope. — The Daily Politics
White House: How should the Obamas redecorate the White House? The new first family will have to avoid common redecorating pitfalls. — 23/6
Politics: Who are the most overrated and underrated people of 2008? Check out these proposals. — Huffington Post

Source

Dick Cheney Says Good Morning America!

CitizenSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:00:34 -0800

Today on Good Morning America outgoing Vice President Dick Cheney talked flying shoes, Hillary Clinton, and Saddam Hussein. Here are some excerpts.

On Obama's national security team:"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."
On waterboarding: "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."

To find out what Cheney had to say about Guantanamo Bay, the Iraq War, and this weekend's shoe incident,

Should Bill Clinton Testify at Hillary's Confirmation Hearing?

LibertySugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:32 -0800

Senate Republicans want two Clintons for the price of one when it comes time to confirm Hillary Clinton for secretary of state. Some GOP lawmakers have considered calling on Bill Clinton to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations committee on potential conflicts of interest, before they give his wife their stamp of approval. The ex-president agreed to significant concessions requested by the Obama campaign before the president-elect chose Hillary, including making public all donors to his foundation and clearing all of his future speeches and charitable activities with the Obama administration. Bill also says he plans on staying in the shadows while Hillary serves as secretary of state. In addition, it's rare to have anyone but the nominee testify at confirmation hearings, let alone the spouse! Then again, the Clintons aren't your typical couple, and congressional Republicans have taken a special interest in them before. Do you think it's fair to ask Bill to testify before confirming Hillary?Source

Should Bill Clinton Testify at Hillary's Confirmation Hearing?

Yes! Concerns over Bill's international work are valid and should be addressed.

No! It's a hearing about Hillary's ability to serve, not a political circus.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Biggest Headlines of 2008: Barack Obama Defeats Hillary Clinton For Nomination

CitizenSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:29 -0800

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 upset Hillary in the Iowa primary, few people took the two-year senator's chances of beating the front-runner seriously. His victorious finish in the the marathon Democratic primary proved to be one of the most shocking headlines of 2008, and of American political history.

Obama's ability to persevere through dozens of debates 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 Rev. Wright or the Obama in Muslim garb pictures) and Obama's demonstration of executive prowess in running a capable campaign most likely got Americans more confident in his presidential abilities.

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 biggest news from 2008!

Source

Law or Lies? Rumors Question Eligibility of Obama and Clinton

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:30:23 -0800

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!

A case questioning Barack Obama's US citizenship made it to the US Supreme Court today, where the justices decided against hearing the case in full. 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 was born in Hawaii and is a natural-born citizen. To find out the questions surrounding the validity of Hillary's appointment,

Another Senator Kennedy? Caroline Could Get Hillary's Seat

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:30:49 -0800

While I'm dying to know who's your favorite woman in power of 2008, a well-known female might soon jump from prominent to powerful. Rumor has it that New York Governor David Paterson has talked to Caroline Kennedy about filling Hillary Clinton's Senate seat.

Caroline wouldn't be the first Kennedy to fill that seat — her uncle Robert F. Kennedy served as the senator from New York.

Until recently, Caroline typically shunned public attention. But this year we saw her run Barack Obama's VP selection team, and she appeared with her uncle Teddy at an Obama rally while the candidate was still fighting a bitter primary battle with Hillary Clinton. Would you like to see another Senator Kennedy?

Source

Who Is Your Favorite Woman in Power?

LibertySugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:30:33 -0800

Even though there hasn't been a female US president, the country's women in power remind us that leadership isn't just a man's job. Hillary Clinton took on many roles this year: she was a senator from New York, the wannabe leader of the US, the reluctant leader of the PUMAs, and now know she will most likely be the leader of the US State Department. Current Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the first African-American woman to serve in the post, traveled around the world signing missile deals with Poland, trying to keep tensions down between India and Pakistan, and playing the piano for the Queen of England.Nancy Pelosi had a good time at the Democratic National Convention before heading back to Washington for a Fall full of bailouts. Sarah Palin's run for vice president made some conservatives give thanks. Another governor, Janet Napolitano of Arizona, got tapped to serve as Obama's secretary of Homeland Security. All the while, Ruth Bader Ginsburg served her 15th year on the Supreme Court presiding over cases about gun control, the death penalty, and Guantanamo Bay. I want to know all you favorites from this year, including your favorite woman in power! Source

Bill Clinton Says He's Cool With Staying in the Shadows

LibertySugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:30:30 -0800

Bill Clinton, America's 42nd president, says he's ready to stay out of his wife's way as she serves as president 44's secretary of state. Bill told CNN that he would act as Hillary's sounding board, but doesn't think he'll do more than that.

As for helping Obama, Bill said he would if Obama asked him "to do something specific." I could imagine Bill acting as America's on-call peace negotiator, dispatched on specialized missions.

Either way it appears that the former president read Cherie Blair's advice to Michelle Obama: learn to like the backseat. Considering Bill's expertise, accomplishments, and ego, it surely will take some effort to keep quiet. Should he?

Source

Obama Introduces National Security Team Starring Hillary!

LibertySugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 10:30:57 -0800

This morning President-elect Obama rolled out his national security team, proving that you don't have to be an Obama loyalist to get a plumb role in his administration. Hillary Clinton appeared as the next US secretary of state, delivering a moving acceptance speech.

Joining Hillary was Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Robert M. Gates, the current defense secretary, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano who will be secretary of Homeland Security, Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander who will be a national security adviser, Eric Holder who will serve as attorney general, and Susan Rice, the next UN ambassador.

While Obama made it obvious that he wasn't going to outline his entire plan to keep the nation secure, the press conference did have some insightful moments. They include:

Obama on what made him tap Hillary: "She possesses an extraordinary intelligence and toughness, and a remarkable work ethic. . . . She is an American of tremendous stature who will have my complete confidence, who knows many of the world's leaders, who will command respect in every capital, and who will clearly have the ability to advance our interests around the world."
On how he reconciled with former rival Hillary: "I extended her the offer and she accepted. I know that’s not as juicy a story as you were hoping for, but that’s all you’re going to get.”
On his role as leader of the team of rivals: "I will be setting policy as president. The buck will stop with me.”
After thanking her fellow New Yorkers, Hillary said: "Mr. President-elect, I am proud to join you on what will be a difficult and exciting adventure in this new century."

Source

It's Official! Hillary Clinton To Be Secretary of State

CitizenSugar — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:15:00 -0800

After "much will she or won't she?" speculation, Hillary Clinton has accepted the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama. After the news broke a couple weeks back, 75 percent of you said they thought Clinton should take the position because she and Obama would make a great team.

Secretary of state is the highest-ranking cabinet secretary and head of the Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs. President-elect Obama will appear tomorrow with Hillary Clinton and current Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who will remain head of the Pentagon under Obama, at a press conference in Chicago at 10:40 a.m. (EST).

Do you think Hillary will make a capable secretary of state?

Source

Clinton Is Said to Opt For Secretary of State Position

LibertySugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:00 -0800

Clinton Is Said to Opt for Secretary of State Position Hillary Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday. Senior Obama advisers said Friday morning that the offer had not been formally accepted and no announcement will be made until after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for an official confirmation!

Hug It Out: Top 20 Embraces From the Presidential Campaign

CitizenSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:02:43 -0800

The 2008 Presidential campaign is over, and while it wasn't all champagne kisses and caviar dreams, there were some pretty phenomenal embraces from the candidates and their families and friends. Some squeezes showed honest and sweet support, while others seemed to be manufactured for the camera. Here's a look back at the best of the best.

Should Hillary Accept the Secretary of State Position?

LibertySugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:35:39 -0800

Democratic officials have announced Barack Obama offered Sen. Hillary Clinton the position of Secretary of State.While there's been much speculation that Clinton was among Obama's top picks, she reportedly requested time to consider the offer. Clinton spoke at a transit industry conference in New York on Friday and held back from making any indication of her choice, saying "any inquiries should be directed to his transition team." The Secretary of State is the highest-ranking cabinet secretary and head of the Department of State, concerned with foreign affairs.Source

Should Hillary Accept the Secretary of State Position?

Yes! They would make a great team and she could do great foreign affairs work.

No! I'd like to see her continue her domestic work in the Senate.

Something else. See my comment below.

Clinton Met With Obama About His Administration

CitizenSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:20:27 -0800

A Democratic official has confirmed that Sen. Hillary Clinton met with President-elect Barack Obama this morning to discuss her role in his administration.

Clinton's trip to Chicago was described as "personal business" in a press release, but happened after a request from Obama. Rumor has it Clinton is under consideration for the secretary of state position.

Forty-two percent of CitizenSugar readers said the Clintons are still a favorite political family, but 36 percent of reader suspected Colin Powell would be the Secretary of State pick. On Monday Clinton said she is "happy being a senator from New York" and "looking at the long list of things I have to catch up on and do." What do you think about the prospect of Clinton having a place in Obama's camp?

Source

Did This Election Season Create Clinton Backlash?

Molly — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:57 -0800

For years, Bill and Hillary Clinton have been the portrait of the American political couple — while of course they've always had their detractors and critics — they've stood as powerhouses both on their own and together. Even before her campaign for president ended, however, to some the election season exposed a less than pleasant underbelly of the Clintons. While Bill and Hill supported Barack Obama, at times it seemed like they were intentionally not putting their hearts in the campaign. For instance when Bill stopped by Letterman he complimented McCain and (as Chris Rock pointed out right after) seemingly avoided saying Obama's name.The rationale behind Clinton's tepid support could have had something to do with wanting Hillary to have another chance in 2012, but that might be painting the couple far more sinister than we should. They came under fire again this week when they had to deny having told senators to support Lieberman. While in the end the Clintons did rally for Obama, the lack of full-hearted support turned some fans sour. Now that the election is over, do you think this election season caused a Clinton backlash?Source

Did This Election Season Create Clinton Backlash?

Yes — Their behavior during and after the election tarnished their reputation.

No — They're still one of my favorite political families.

I never admired them to begin with.

Other — I'll tell you below in comments.

In Pictures: McCain, Obama, and Americans Everywhere Vote

CitizenSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:15:02 -0800

Election-day fever is sweeping the nation, with experts predicting record turnout. From Phoenix to Chicago, Ohio to New Hampshire, voters are experiencing long lines — but as you'll see, they're sticking around to cast their ballots. Take a look as John and Cindy, Barack and Michelle, Joe and Jill, Sarah and Todd, Bill and Hill, and citizens everywhere make their choices.

Sen. Clinton Says Second White House Run Is Unlikely

CitizenSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:12:02 -0700

Sen. Clinton Says Second White House Run Is Unlikely Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton puts the chances of her running for president again at near zero — slightly higher than the chances she gives for becoming Senate majority leader or a Supreme Court justice. In an interview aired Tuesday on Fox & Friends on the Fox News Channel, Clinton was asked the chances, on a scale of 1 to 10, that she would be the next majority leader in the Senate. "Oh, probably zero," she said. "I'm not seeking any other position than to be the best senator from New York that I can be."

Briefing Book! Clinton and Planned Parenthood Join Forces

LibertySugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:30:49 -0700

Women's Health: Ideology ahead of science? Hillary Clinton and Cecile Richards urge women to make voices heard about proposed rule from Bush Administration to allow health workers to refuse abortion, contraception, and sterilization. — New York Times
Edwards: Does she have to go away, too? Elizabeth Edwards finally speaks out about husband's infidelity. — Radar
Palin: What do the Clintons and Palin have in common? Mutual respect for each other's political skills. —Townhall
Socialism: We're all socialists now? Republican president announces that government will spend hundreds of billions of dollars to takeover not-insignificant chunk of the economy. — Donklephant
Same-Sex Marriage: Is a religious institution trying to buy an election and change the California Constitution? Large amount of money coming from Utah, along with Mormon neighborhood canvassers, to help pass same-sex marriage ban. — Daily Kos

Source

Palin says Obama Regrets Bypassing Clinton

CitizenSugar — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 12:45:52 -0700

Palin says Obama Regrets Bypassing Clinton Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin said Friday she thinks Barack Obama regrets not making Hillary Rodham Clinton his running mate. Palin praised Clinton's "determination, and grit and even grace" during the Democratic primaries, sounding an altogether different note than when she suggested earlier this year that the New York senator was whining about negative press coverage and campaigning in a way that was not advancing the cause of women in politics. "I think he's regretting not picking her now," Palin told ABC News.

Nancy, Hillary, and Michelle Show Up For EMILY's List

LibertySugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:00:37 -0700

Citizen and I checked out out the EMILY's List event this week, attended by Nancy Pelosi, Michelle Obama, and Hillary Clinton. So what sort of organization attracts all three of these big-name women? EMILY's List is a political action committee that works to get pro-choice Democratic women in office.

The name of the game is talent and money. EMILY is in fact an acronym for "Early Money Is Like Yeast" — early money raises the dough, just like yeast! The group pairs seats that are realistically up for grabs with strong candidates, and then helps the women build and run a campaign with very early funding and guidance. Members of EMILY's List receive profiles of the up-and-coming pro-choicers, so they can donate to candidates running throughout the country. Here are pictures of the members in Denver.

EMILY's List drew an eager crowd of supporters, but vocal opponents came out to graphically protest abortion, too. To see video of one critic of EMILY's List,

Clinton Frees Her Delegates

CitizenSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:04:51 -0700

Clinton Frees Her Delegates Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton released her remaining convention delegates on Wednesday as Democrats were poised to formally deliver the party's presidential nomination to Barack Obama, making him the first black nominee of a major party.

Day 3: Who Are Hillary's Supporters? Are They Voting For Her?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:00:23 -0700

After Hillary's rousing performance last night and reviews and analysis rolling in, it's easy to see why some of her supporters are as loyal and vocal as they are. Much has been made of Hillary supporters standing firm in the face of an Obama inevitability, and it's true — we've seen them.

For the PUMA crowd, tonight's roll call vote is crucial even while it's undergoing negotiations today. PUMA, the political acronym you might be hearing when Hillary Clinton halts the roll call and releases her delegates into the wild, stands for "Party Unity My Ass," and no, not the Democratic donkey kind.

The term originated in the comment section of a pro-Clinton blog, and later became the name of a political action committee protesting Barack Obama's place as the Democratic nominee. The term later underwent a PC transformation and now officially means "People United Means Action." Hillary spoke directly to the issue last night saying, "I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me?"

Though given the spirit in the air, and the genuine way she threw her support behind Obama, there will be fewer PUMAs and more stubborn donkeys for a united party. To see video of one such Hillary supporter explaining his decision,

Day Two: The Democratic Party Unites With Hillary's Big Speech

CitizenSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:11:01 -0700

Dressed in radiant orange, Hillary Clinton, runner-up in the historic Democratic primary, owner of those 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, brought down the house. The vibe in the air, in the city, and in the arena was one of unadulterated excitement.

Excitement that the candidate who made it so far in the race was here to lend her formidable prowess to the candidate to be, pride over what she accomplished, respect for how she did it, and a little bit of ownership over the memories. Regardless of who voted for whom, in Denver tonight, Democrats came together.

Hillary Clinton, long accused of splintering the party during the agonizing months of the campaign, successfully made the Democrats whole. With signs waving in the stands with "Unity" on one side, and "Obama" on the other, Hillary made even those who aren't Democrats proud to be part of the country that made her candidacy possible. The mood is ebullient and electric, weepy and thrilled. To some tonight, Hillary Clinton just became the new Bill. But that's just what I think — what about you?

Source

Quiz Nation: Happy Anniversary, Women's Suffrage!

LibertySugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Hillary Clinton's speech tonight at the Democratic National Convention coincides with the anniversary of women's suffrage.

It's crazy to think only 88 years ago women could not vote in the United States. Today, American women hold powerful positions in government and vote at a higher rate than men. Take this quiz to find out what you know about the road to women's suffrage!

Source

Half of House Democrats May Vote Hillary at the Convention

CitizenSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:00:51 -0700

1976? Do I hear a 1976? According to Rep. Loretta Sanchez, as many as half of the House Democrats may indeed vote for Hillary Clinton during the state by state roll call since allowing the vote was decided last week. I don't want to rock the boat, but come on! Let's have it out!

Hillary getting votes and making it a re-do of the 1976 contested convention between Ford and Reagan would be ridiculously exciting — and give the 1,800 delegates Hillary earned a real voice at the end of the road — a redemption of sorts from the seven-year-long campaign we've been through. A return to purity if you will. Karl Rove has laid out a whole plan on how to win a contested convention, let's do it?

As I'm sure many of you, lots of superdelegates disagree with me, and are a little squirmy about the vote. To see why,

Democrats Up in the Air, Hillary's Name Put in For Nomination

CitizenSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:01:16 -0700

Hold up y'all, I don't hear any kind of lady singing on the Democratic nomination just yet! The Obama and Clinton camps have just come to an agreement that will allow Clinton's name to be put up for nomination, too. A source close to the development says, "both sides agree that it is in the best interest of party unity and making sure that everyone's voice and vote is honored to make sure her name is put into nomination. It's to honor everyone who worked so hard on both sides."

Aimed at healing hurt feelings from the 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, the deal, according to a Clinton camp source, "truly was a joint decision. This wasn't something she was itching for, looking for. But so many of her supporters said it was important to them. And the Obama people got how important it was to smooth over any tensions and that it was the right thing to do."

To see how it will happen,

Clinton Advisor Wanted to Hit Obama For Un-American Roots

LibertySugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:41 -0700

A clash of personalities unraveled Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House, according to The Atlantic, which published internal Clinton camp emails and memos last night.

One of the most astonishing communications came in March 2007, when Hillary Clinton's then-chief strategist Mark Penn authored an email that resembled a smear chain email, more than a strategy recommendation against a friendly primary opponent. Penn wrote:

All of these articles about his boyhood in Indonesia and his life in Hawaii are geared toward showing his background is diverse, multicultural, and putting that in a new light. Save it for 2050. . . . It also exposes a very strong weakness for him — his roots to basic American values and culture are at best limited. I cannot imagine America electing a president during a time of war who is not at his center fundamentally American in his thinking and in his values.

Penn goes on to say that Hillary should own "American." To find out what he suggested,

Hillary Advisor Says Edwards "Cheated" Her Out of Nomination

CitizenSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:30:38 -0700

Is Hillary having a huge case of dé ja vu? The last time a popular Southern politician got caught fooling around and wrecked her life, it was admittedly closer to home — but this time it may have cost her a ticket back to that very White House. Top Clinton Aide Howard Wolfson is alleging that fancy philanderer John Edwards done Hillary wrong — and worse — cost her the nomination.

Wolfson says that had the Edwards story broken last Fall when the Enquirer first started digging into it, "I believe we would have won Iowa, and Clinton today would therefore have been the nominee." Clinton finished a squeaker third behind Edwards, with Obama getting a huge boost from having beat two more well-known candidates. Without Edwards, splitting the share, Clinton would have won Iowa the course would have been different.

After recovering from the brutal campaign and laying low, Clinton is back in the news in a cavalcade of stories. To see what else is going on,

The End? Hillary Clinton Asks Not To Be Nominated At Convention

CitizenSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:07:28 -0700

The End? Hillary Clinton Asks Not to Be Nominated at Convention A source close to the New York senator confirmed she won't file a formal request to the convention asking to be nominated along with Barack Obama, who eked out the victory in their fierce primary slugfest. "She is not going to submit the signed request. People are still circulating petitions on her behalf, but this is a done deal."

Bill Clinton On African-American Anger: "I Don't Think It'll Last"

CitizenSugar — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:50:49 -0700

Bill Clinton On African-American Anger: "I Don't Think It'll Last" The relationship between Clinton and Harlem's African-American community has gone through a distinctly rocky patch this year. Many black residents say they were hurt and angered by what they perceived as racially disrespectful comments made by Clinton during the campaign. One owner of an Internet cafe in Harlem said, "there's a definite level of betrayal, of 'You done us wrong by marginalizing us.'" Clinton said he did not expect the hard feelings to linger, "I don't think it'll last," adding that he was touched that his wife had won 53 percent of the vote in the district.

Should Contraception Be Considered Abortion?

LibertySugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:45:07 -0700

Right now Church and State aren't looking so separate in the US. Both the Catholic Church's opposition to birth control as well as the Bush Administration's similar attempt to limit access to contraception by defining it as abortion, have been openly criticized this week by contraception advocates. An open letter, written by over 50 international Catholic dissent groups, asks the Pope to lift the Church's ban on birth control. Taking out an ad in an Italian newspaper, the groups point to the important role contraception plays in the fight against AIDS, especially in poor countries. But the plea fell on deaf ears, as the Vatican quickly denounced the ad as propaganda, adding that condom policies have failed to fight AIDS.Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton wrote an open letter to her supporters, hoping to raise awareness about Bush's plan to put "ideology before science and women's health." Clinton explains that the Department of Health and Human Services wants to make it harder for women to access common forms of contraception like birth control pills, emergency contraception, and IUDs by labeling them "abortion." Proposed regulations would allow healthcare providers to refuse to provide contraception to women who need it, disproportionately impacting uninsured and low-income Americans. Source

Should Contraception Be Considered Abortion?

Absolutely! Contraception facilitates the attitudes that lead to abortion.

No! Widespread contraception is the most effective way to prevent abortion.

Maybe. If the method prevents a newly conceived embryo from implanting in the womb.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Hillary's Money: She Wants to Keep It, Obama Wants to Tap It

LibertySugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:40 -0700

Hillary Clinton wants supporters who donated to her aborted general election campaign to forgo a refund, and allow her to roll $2,300 into her fund for Senate reelection in 2012. If the donors don't send in her user-friendly permission card by August 28, they'll receive their money back.

Barack Obama, also concerned about the "Hillraises," hopes (refund or not) that Hillary's supporters will open their checkbooks for his general election campaign. But a small group of important, and generous, Hillary backers have cold feet.

A male Hillraiser-turned-Obamaman thinks gender plays a role:

"What these [women] are doing is confusing their legitimate anger over sexism that occurred in this campaign -- and particularly in the media— with the Obama [campaign]. I think, as a man, I can't really speak to them about it, even though I feel the same anger about it. I was off the wall about [the sexism directed Clinton's way] during the campaign."

A few holdouts themselves, less interested in causes think they have a solution — add Hillary to the ticket as vice presidential nominee. Is this blackmail, or a fair trade?

Source

Obama Hasn't Ruled Out Clinton As Vice President

CitizenSugar — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:55:32 -0700

Obama Hasn't Ruled Out Clinton As Vice President Barack Obama told a potential donor to his campaign that Hillary Rodham Clinton is on his list of possible vice presidential running mates, but he also explained that he was thinking through a potential "complication" — Bill Clinton. In the conversation according to the donor, "he said once you're a president, even if you're a former president, you're always a president," suggesting Obama might be worried the White House could get crowded with Bill Clinton back on the scene.

FISA: Does It Mean — For Illegal Surveillance Act?

LibertySugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:30:53 -0700

Yesterday the Senate voted to revamp government surveillance powers and grant retroactive immunity to telecom companies, thus ending all pending lawsuits filed to uncover the extent that Bush and the telecoms violated the Fourth Amendment prohibition of surveillance without warrants. Bush unsucessfuly tried to pass a similar bill under a Republican congress, but finally got what he wanted from the Democrats.

To the surprise of many, Barack Obama voted for the bill while Hillary Clinton opposed it. (John McCain was not there to vote.)

In a statement on her vote, Hillary explained:

In my judgment, immunity under these circumstances has the practical effect of shutting down a critical avenue for holding the administration accountable for its conduct.

Obama's base is inconsolable about its candidate's vote for the bill. Obama explained his rationale directly to his online supporters. To see what he wrote,

One Big, Happy Family! Hillary and Obama Begin Unity Tour

CitizenSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:00:55 -0700

Together again, campaigning on stage — only this time not as rivals. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton make their much touted joint appearance in Unity, NH this morning, eager to give a kick in the pants to the grand healing of the Democratic Party. Almost too cute for words, Unity, NH, was chosen as the spot not just for its name, but because voters there awarded exactly 107 votes to each candidate at the primary contest in January.

It's a back-scratching come-together (as in, "I'll scratch yours if. . .") Obama needs Clinton to give her voters and donors the thumbs up to shift their loyalties, and Clinton needs the guarantee she'll be treated as a respected surrogate and important part of the campaign — as well as a "hey, Obama. Can I borrow a few million?" campaign debt-clearing effort. To see how Obama kicked that off,

Pelosi on Clinton's Defeat: "I'm A Victim of Sexism Myself All The Time"

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:55:28 -0700

Pelosi on Clinton's Defeat: "I'm A Victim of Sexism Myself All The Time" Said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) discussing Tuesday morning whether sexism played a significant role in the defeat of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. "Is there sexism? Probably so," said Pelosi. "Is it responsible for the defeat? I really wouldn't have the scientific knowledge, all of the information to know that. But I do think that being a woman has a positive upside in the campaign, probably offset by more sexism. I don't know. Of course there is sexism, we all know that. I mean but it is a given, it is a given."

Front Page: Attack Threatens Cease-fire, Clinton Back to Work, Germany Sending More Troops

CitizenSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:56:44 -0700

Attack Threatens Cease-fire: Two Palestinian rockets struck southern Israel moments ago, prompting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office says the week-old cease-fire has been broken. The first rockets fired since the truce hit an open area leaving no injuries. As of yet, there has been no word as to how Israel will react, nor any claims of responsibility. The attack occurred hours after Israeli troops killed two Palestinians in a West Bank raid. Though the West Bank is not formally included in the Gaza truce, the Israeli raid could be perceived as violating the spirit of the cease-fire.

Clinton Back to Work: US Senator Hillary Clinton is heading back to work today, a return to congressional politics for the first time since conceding to Obama nearly three weeks ago. Her return to the chamber today comes before her first joint appearances with White House contender Barack Obama, expected later this week. On Sunday, Clinton told a high-school graduating class in New York that meeting thousands of people across the nation during her primary campaign had been an "extraordinary experience."
Germany Sending More Troops: Germany is preparing to send 1,000 more soldiers to serve with the NATO-led peace-keeping force in Afghanistan. The US urged Germany to send more troops in February, and NATO allies have pushed for a boost in deployment to southern Afghanistan, the heart of the Taliban insurgency. Most of Germany's 3,500 troops are already based in northern Afghanistan and around the capital, Kabul. The UN has just announced that the Taliban made an about $100 million in 2007 from Afghan farmers growing poppy for the opium trade, producing about 8,000 tons of opium.

Hillary's Debt Could Become an Asset

CitizenSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:55:02 -0700

Hillary's Debt Could Become an Asset Though Hillary Rodham Clinton racked up more than $30 million in debt during her Democratic primary campaign, she could emerge from her loss with a bundle of campaign cash to either play kingmaker or mount another campaign of her own. At her disposal are a handful of accounting maneuvers — some never before tried in presidential politics — that would render her political debt practically insignificant, while at the same time freeing up $24 million in currently off-limits cash, according to interviews with her lawyer and outside campaign finance experts.

30% of Voters Say They Might Change Their Minds, Could You?

LibertySugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:00:19 -0700

Now that we know it's down to Barack Obama and John McCain, we still don't know who will be the next President. Polls show that 30 percent of voters could change their minds between now and election day. The numbers suggest that Obama's Democratic base is a little less sure about supporting him. And, according to Rasmussen Reports, 56 percent of the uncommitted respondents are women. Want some more stats? Check out the poll.Uncertainty surrounding Barack makes it appear that there may be a Hillary Clinton effect taking place. Some are even asking if her decision to remain in the race, after Obama appeared to have an insurmountable delegate lead, will place the historical blame for a possible Obama loss on Hillary. Do you think Hillary supporters will play a big role in swinging the election? Could you change your mind before November? Source

30% of Voters Say They Might Change Their Minds, Could You?

Obama. Not changing my vote for change!

McCain. I know I want an experienced, American hero.

I was for Hillary, but now I support Obama.

Now that Hillary is out, I'm for sure supporting McCain.

I like Obama, but still uncommitted.

I like McCain, but still uncommitted.

I'm a disappointed Hillary fan, still assessing my options.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Clinton Faces Largest Campaign Debt In History

CitizenSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:55:24 -0700

Clinton Faces Largest Campaign Debt in History Clinton is facing what appears to be the biggest campaign deficit ever. Besides the $11.4 million of her own money that Mrs. Clinton lent her campaign, she had about $9.5 million in unpaid bills to vendors at the end of April, according to her most recent filing with the Federal Election Commission.

Clinton Spent $212 Million on 18 Million Votes

CitizenSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:55:23 -0700

Clinton Spent $212 Million on 18 Million Votes The NY Daily News reports on Clinton's costly loss: "Eighteen million votes: $212 million. Some 1,926 delegates: $109,823 a pop. Blowing the biggest head start in presidential history: priceless. From anointed to also-ran, Hillary Clinton spent more money to lose a primary election than any candidate in Democratic Party history." The story breaks down just how that amount of money could have achieved the goals she was championing.