Mother Talkers

Pennsylvania Primary Open Thread

Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 08:59:13 AM PDT

Even Sen. Obama doesn't expect to win today. This Obama mama will drink lots of wine in despair.

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Tags: Pennsylvania, primary, open thread (all tags)

Permalink | 93 comments

  • well maya and i went to vote this morning (0 / 0)

    so we have (corny though it sounds) hope!
    i am of the mindset that anything under a ten point loss is a win for obama in the numbers game.  
    and maybe, just maybe, my fellow statesmen and stateswomen will surprise us all.

  • Yup- that's my perspective, too (0 / 0)

    I'm also trying to remind myself that this is still a history-making day, no matter how you slice it.  As will be the convention and the election itself.

  • Think I'll (0 / 0)

    turn on some CNN and maybe buy some shooters at the liquor store later.

    • You know (0 / 0)

      I envy those in states where you can buy hard liquor in the grocery store.  I rarely drink, but when I do I prefer vodka.  You can bring kids into the liquor store, but nothing feels skankier.

      • Aw (0 / 0)

        I was super sad when Edwards left too.  

      • I hate that, too (0 / 0)

        In Washington, we can't get hard liquor in a grocery store either nor in Montana.

        But at least in Montana, you can bring kids into a bar.  I have found it so annoying in Washington when my kids were under 21, we could not wait with them for a table in the lounge or bar part of a restaurant with a glass of wine.  No problem in Montana where sometimes the bar IS the restaurant.

      • Don't laugh, (0 / 0)

        but I was absolutely stunned, as an adult, to visit some states in which alcohol could not be purchased in a grocery store.

      • Liquor in grocery stores (0 / 0)

        As I have said before, I grew up in Oklahoma.  When I returned for a high school reunion, we were "reminded" that we had to bring our liquor bottles to the place where the event was before 7:00.  Huh?  No, it wasn't at a bar, but at a larger college ballroom.  (Remember, Oklahoma doesn't have -- at least at that time -- "liquor by the drink".  You have to bring all the liquor bottles needed for your drinks with you.)

        I just thought it was weird -- I had forgotten how OK was.  But then I just automatically went to the grocery store to get my liquor.  Nope.  None there.

        I had to go to a liquor store to get it.  I had forgotten many things about Okla!

        When I returned home, I laughed the next time I went to the grocery store and saw over one whole aisle devoted only to liquor.

        • hahah (0 / 0)

          see, i think it is weird and disconcerting to be able to buy in the grocery store. you can only buy beer in the grocery here in TN.  

          all wine and liquor are in liquor stores and they are closed on every sunday and all major holidays.

          there are even "dry" counties where no alcohol is sold at all.

          bible belt, indeed!

          We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. - E.R. Murrow

          by lorin on Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 03:54:33 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

          • What kind of beer? (0 / 0)

            This brings back a LOT of memories!  In Oklahoma, we could only buy "3.2" beer.  Since I have been in CA (33 years), I had forgotten all the laws there!  (And the funniest one was that females could buy the 3.2 beer at age 18, but males, not until they are 21.)

  • Um there ARE Some of us here who are HILARY (0 / 0)

    supporters you know.... :-)

    • Thought about that (0 / 0)

      and I am sincerely happy for you.  I keep at the front of my mind that we need to remain united as democrats--very soon we need to be prepared to back the same candidate regardless of our differences right now.

      • We really do! (0 / 0)

        And it's not going to be easy, no matter who the nominee is.

        I know people are really into their candidate right now, but I feel like there are emotional attachments going on too, almost like how people get attached to sports teams.

        They are both good Democrats...and both politicians, with faults.  We need to remember that.

    • hide! (0 / 0)

      Hide yourself, hide yourself, thee Hillary supporter!

      Just kidding.

      We get to drink wine too, when Hillary rocks Pennsylvania.

      So we can all have a drink!

    • I have heard .... (0 / 0)

      ... from both sides, that some supporters will NOT support the other candidate, if s/he wins.  How many of these people do you think mean it?  And how many, even if they DO mean it, will actually do it?

      I write off those who say that if their candidate doesn't win the  primary, they will vote for McCain.  That person is a Republican.

      • A few, that's all. (0 / 0)

        I remember back in 2004, many who supported Edwards or Clark or Dean also said they would never, under any circumstance, vote for John Kerry.  Most came home in November.

        I do think, however, that we kid ourselves if we don't see that we'd lose a lot of African American votes if Obama stays ahead in delegates and popular vote and Hillary gets the nomination through the super delegates.  

        • For sure!!!!! (0 / 0)

          "... we kid ourselves if we don't see that we'd lose a lot of African American votes if Obama stays ahead in delegates and popular vote and Hillary gets the nomination through the super delegates."

          ******************

          A LOT!  AAs have been a bedrock in the Democratic Party.  Other minority groups have gone back and forth, or have been GOP a long time.  But there is no dispute over AA's background and voting.

          And not just AAs -- I, too -- and many, many Americans would be furious if that happened.

          • you can count me in (0 / 0)

            on being furious if that happens. i might just get my sons passport and get the hell out of dodge. i will be extremely upset, because in my brain that is some Republicanism. i know, fierce emotional reaction on my part, but it is how i feel.

            We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. - E.R. Murrow

            by lorin on Tue Apr 22, 2008 at 03:57:50 PM PDT

            [ Parent ]

            • With each day .... (0 / 0)

              ... I get more and more scared of Hillary.  This weekend (up until today), she threatens nuking Iran, IF ..... (they nuke Israel?  What else?)

              Huh?  To me, that is F-ing scary.

              I realize that some of her comments are just pandering/politicking, but it is getting scary now, to me.

              • With each day (0 / 0)

                I get more confused by Hillary.  I don't know if anyone has discussed the Bosnia thing here, and I don't mean to bring it up as a political distraction, but I just don't get it.  WTF?  

                I haven't read too much of the coverage on it, so I could be missing something, but Hillary's answer in the debate was so weird.  Basically, "I may be many things, but I'm not stupid," and then "I lied," only she said it fancy.  Why would she tell a lie that there was so much documentation to contradict?  What else does it indicate but stupidity, or self-destructiveness?  

                Hillary supporters?  What's your take?  I'm just curious about the whole thing.

                • eh (0 / 0)

                  As an HRC supporter, I just thought it was a politician misstatement, but nothing that big or important.  

                  I think they all pols say stupid things sometimes.

                  • I hope that's it (0 / 0)

                    we surely don't need more "bomb Iran" rhetoric.

                    • Good Lord NO (0 / 0)

                      I can't say that I'm especially bothered by the Bosnia comments from a political perspective.  I'm not exactly an HRC supporter, but I think she's very competent and if she's elected will make a good president.  I'm more concerned about how many people hate her.
                      The Bosnia line, like I said, just leaves me confused.

                      • I have an opinion (0 / 0)

                        but I'm respectful of HRC supporters, so I won't make it.

                        The more I think about it, the worse I feel about the bomb Iran statement by HRC. After seven and a half years of living outside of the US, it amazes me how warlike American political rhetoric is, and how free American politicians feel to threaten military reprisals at the rest of the world. It simply isn't done elsewhere. Not in France, not in the UK (not even in the wake of the July 7 2005 bombing), and not in Australia. I don't think the average American or the average American politican realises how casually aggressive Americans are, and how much resentment and fear it engenders.

                        Iran exists. A lot of people may not like the theocratic regime, but it's there. At the moment, Iran doesn't apparently have a nuclear bomb. What's going to work better - threatening to bomb an entire nation (and let's remember, we're the only country that has used nuclear weaponry on another, so even if it's an empty threat, it still means something) if it attacks Israel, or conversing and trying to behave as if we are all neighbors on this tiny planet of ours?

                        • You are so right (0 / 0)

                          these aggressive statements are stunning, as is the widely accepted idea American lives are actually more valuable than others.  You're almost considered subversive if you point out otherwise.

                          Honestly?  Maybe I shouldn't say this.  But here goes.  Barak Obama wouldn't say that.  I think he will be leaps and bounds better at diplomacy than HRC will, and we desperately need to establish some goodwill with the rest of the world.

                        • And yes (0 / 0)

                          Iran is there.  It's full of people.  Many of whom probably don't like the government.  They don't deserve to be destroyed.  It is not acceptable.

                          • ITA (0 / 0)

                            I think at one of the debates Obama even said that the US should talk directly to Iran - remember how much flack it cost him?

                            • Yes!!!!!! (0 / 0)

                              Know what I would like?  I would like to have Rachel (and other non-America-dwelling Mother Talkers) write about what citizens of other countries feel about America.

                              I have talked to Americans who have traveled to other countries recently, and most say people of other countries are friendly to them but I would like to see how citizens of other countries REALLY feel about this -- and other things.  Like Bush being in charge for 8 years, with no stopping him.

                              • To be honest... (0 / 0)

                                A lot of people are a bit scared of Americans. In that perplexed terror you have when you've got a pitbull on the end of a chain and you're not really sure if it's growling because it wants to kill you or if it really just wants to play. I spend a lot of time saying "We're not all like that. Only the scary minority have loud voices...most people are just like you." But the TV that we get doesn't support me...

                                • I know (0 / 0)

                                  And I feel the exact same way.  Do I think most Americans are "good"?  Yes.  But I also see a herd mentality.  One that makes good people "go with the flow" because it is popular.

                                  And you can tell your Aussie friends that at least one American feels the same way that they do -- only in spades.  I live here -- and am scared, too.

                        • I understand ... (0 / 0)

                          ... why she probably said it.  She was pandering to the Pennsylvania voters (who are more "conservative" than most).

                          But criminy!  She said it several times -- it wasn't a slip of the tongue.  AND, as many others have said, people the world over heard it.  I think she is trying to make herself look "presidential" ... by being "tougher" than Obama?  Is she kidding?  How far has America gone downhill that a candidate thinks you have to seem butt-ass crazy (with nukes!) to win an election?

                          Also, on the Bosnia lie, she said it numerous times -- neither that nor the Iran thing were slips of tongue.  And that rather scares me, too.  This isn't 1992.  Does she understand the "internets?"  Does she realize how easy it is to bring up footage of her saying these things from the 90s?

                          • all I'm saying is (0 / 0)

                            she got called out by Sinbad...

                          • There have been plenty of things (0 / 0)

                            that Obama has said and done, that people have gone back and taken a look on the internets and have found not to be true.  Doesn't he realize this as well?

                            "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                            by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 05:36:43 AM PDT

                            [ Parent ]

                            • I keep hearing this .... (0 / 0)

                              ... but never hear any specifics.

                              Give me details!

                              • Okay... (0 / 0)

                                Here's one...a copy of Obama's Handwriting on a questionnaire supporting total handgun ban.  From the last debate:

                                Gibson: But do you still favor the registration of guns? Do still you favor the licensing of guns? And in 1996, you - your campaign issued a questionnaire. And your writing was on the questionnaire that said you favored a ban on handguns.

                                Obama: No, my writing was not on that particular questionnaire, Charlie. As I've said, I have never favored an all-out ban on hand handguns.

                                "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                                by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 02:09:56 PM PDT

                                [ Parent ]

                                • OK (0 / 0)

                                  Although I don't know if this is Obama's handwriting (or a handler's), I will assume it is his.  This would be called a flip-flop.  That is quite different than blatantly lying numerous times.  (And shrieking "Shame on YOU, Obama!")

                                  Can you see the difference?

                                  Just turn the tables.  What would happen to Obama if he did the exact same things as Hillary has done?

                                  • No I can't (0 / 0)

                                    No, my writing was not on that particular questionnaire

                                    How is that flip flopping?  He said it wasn't there but it's there.  Flip flopping is saying something and then changing your mind.  

                                    Oh... and who is shrieking?  I think this discussion is pointless.

                                    "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                                    by 1plain1peanut on Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 10:33:15 AM PDT

                                    [ Parent ]

                              • How 'bout his statements that (0 / 0)

                                The Selma march resulted in his conception (even though he was about 4 year old at the time of the march) or the Kennedy family having paid to bring his father to this country (his father was already here when the Kennedy family became involved in the program).  There are others - these two (in addition to the one 1p1p posted about) are the ones which came to mind without a Google search.  

                                I find it hilarious how people can turn a blind eye to the mistakes and faults of their candidate while vilifying another candidate for similar errors.  

                                For the record, I voted for Obama in my precinct caucus and will happily support whichever candidate gets the nomination - well, maybe not as "happily" as I would have at the beginning of this primary race, as I've been extremely disappointed by the conduct of both campaigns (and campaign supporters) over recent weeks.

                        • She's trying to prove (0 / 0)

                          that she's "tough".  And honestly, I can understand why a woman running for president could feel the need to do this.  However, I'm also a bit concern that this perceived need might actually cause her to ACT more quickly should she be president.

                          • the thing is (0 / 0)

                            this election is being very closely watched overseas. On the one hand, sure, why should a candidate care about what the rest of the world thinks of her; it's the electors in the US who matter.

                            But on another level, this incoming president is going to be severely handicapped on the international stage by what Dubya et al have done over the last eight years. We aren't even the Willy Lomans of the world anymore; we're just not liked.

                            I think there's a fatal conflation of "tough" with "must threaten to use the big guns." I think it takes a much tougher person to say, "we are citizens of the world and it's time we acted that way."

                        • I think the statement (0 / 0)

                          was more about a specific situation.  I don't believe she'd be holding her finger on the button, so to speak just waiting to push it.  I think she'd be using diplomacy first... and NOT the way that GWB used it (in his threats to the UN before attacking Iraq).  

                          I'm thinking of Clark here and how he operates... and he's got her ear.  I'm still holding out hope for a Clinton/Clark ticket.  Those two would not jump at war w/o exhausting all other options first.

                          "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                          by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 05:34:16 AM PDT

                          [ Parent ]

                          • Hilary (0 / 0)

                            I hope you're right. But the fine nuanced argument isn't what was broadcast here in Australia; it was "Hillary Clinton says she will bomb Iran if it attacks Israel." I heard that and my heart just dropped. She is a smart, smart woman who is running while touting on her understanding of foreign policy; does she not comprehend how her statements are going to be interpreted in lands friendly and not so friendly?

                            I will say, our PM Kevin Rudd considers himself a FOHillary, and I'm cool with Kevin Rudd.

                            You know that I mean this with no disrespect and with the sure knowledge that I will vote for Hillary if she is our candidate. But more assertive language is not what we need now!

                            • The spin (0 / 0)

                              It's the spin that was derived from her interview w/KO.  It's unfortunate that ended up being the sound byte that played over and over.  KO didn't understand the concept.

                              "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                              by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 05:52:59 AM PDT

                              [ Parent ]

                          • Hilary (0 / 0)

                            any chance Clark would run with Obama should Hillary not get the nom? I really don't know who else can give the military cred that the Dems need to compete.

                            • Good question (0 / 0)

                              A lot of people are asking that question... especially some old Clarkies from '04 who are supporting Obama.  I really don't know.  Part of me feels like he's thrown his support behind Hillary so vigorously, that Obama wouldn't ask him.  But... politics makes strange bedfellows.  

                              I will tell you this.  Though I can't speak for General Clark, he has always put his country first and his life has been about service to this country.  If he got the call, I'm sure he'd seriously consider it.  

                              "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                              by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 02:13:11 PM PDT

                              [ Parent ]

                              • That would be great (0 / 0)

                                I would love to see him as VP no matter who the Pres is...

                                • Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (0 / 0)

                                  "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                                  by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 02:18:39 PM PDT

                                  [ Parent ]

                                • Well... so much for that (0 / 0)

                                  Obama's campaign has started whisper campaign against WKC...

                                  Clark has been at the top of the pack of Clinton's military cadre, appearing with her at major foreign policy addresses and surfacing in rumors as a possible running mate.

                                  Yet Clark could pose a potential liability among Jewish voters, just as the Jewish Rendell poses a benefit.

                                  At least, that's something the Obama campaign is quietly suggesting, mentioning Clark's name as Obama himself comes under attack for ties to people who don't sit well with certain segments of the Jewish community.

                                  Clark's actually part Jewish. (His father is Jewish).  

                                  "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                                  by 1plain1peanut on Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 10:44:15 AM PDT

                                  [ Parent ]

                                  • Ugh (0 / 0)

                                    to whisper campaigns whatever their ilk. Clark will come away unscathed, however. It's just a bummer because this seems to signal that he will not be a part of the Obama cabinet should that come to pass.

                                    • The thing is, (0 / 0)

                                      it's already been discussed and there was a HUGE brouhaha about it. They called him antisemitic. People on the blogs defended him for the most part and screeds were written about it.  He finally met with the head of the AICAP and was pronounced by him as not antisemitic...like he ever was.  

                                      You're right... it is a bummer....for all of us.  

                                      "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                                      by 1plain1peanut on Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 12:27:46 PM PDT

                                      [ Parent ]

                              • I would love to see him (0 / 0)

                                as VP, Sec of State or Sec of Defense. ITA with you on this, Hil.

                • BTD (0 / 0)

                  Sums it up very nicely here and here.  It's about understanding what she's saying.  

                  "If it's not Scottish, it's crap!" ~Mike Meyers

                  by 1plain1peanut on Wed Apr 23, 2008 at 05:46:00 AM PDT

                  [ Parent ]

        • I don't think so unfortunately (0 / 0)

          I didn't follow all this as closely back in 2004, but I feel like things are different this time.

          I think if Obama is not the nominee, the Dems will lose a lot of his supporters, but not necessarily based on race.

          And I think if Hillary is not the nominee, a lot of Hillary supporters will be lost this time too, whether to McCain or staying home.

          • I don't know. (0 / 0)

            I can only speak about what I saw here in Ohio.  Much of Hillary's support came from teachers unions, public employees unions, etc.  These people will vote for the democrat in November.  

            In fact, I know a lot of people that still like both Hillary and Obama.  Most people aren't as politically involved as we are, and the case can be made that part of what's keeping this race going is that both of these candidates are very popular with a lot of crossover.

            And last, but not least, the Ohio Democratic Party just released a really kick-ass commercial against McCain today.  I hope they run it every day between now and November!

  • Don't Bum My High (0 / 0)

    Hey, I got to vote for a woman and she is probably going to win.  So, let me have my moment of pride and joy.  

  • I just keep thinking about (0 / 0)

    November...our eight year long nightmare will be over!

  • Obama mama here in Montgomery County PA!!! (0 / 0)

    here's the statue on our properyy that we decorated
    last night!!
    http://www.flickr.com/...

    Just got back from working the polls. Turn-out is really good.I think the suburbs...Montgomery, Bucks will carry BO...

  • By the by (0 / 0)

    I'm thinking of my first election, a local election when I was 18 or 19.  I voted against a publicly funded baseball stadium and for decent public transportation in Seattle.  I won both of those elections, but today Seattle has a publicly funded baseball stadium and probably the worst public transportation system of any major city in the nation, possibly the world.

  • This is what I can't get beyond (0 / 0)

    Most here say that if Hillary is the nominee, they will happily support her.

    FACT:  The chances of her being the legal nominee are VERY slim.  As in:  She would have to win 100% of the rest of the primaries in the 70% zone.  Who truly thinks that would/COULD happen?

    Will that happen?  If it does, why would it??

    This game of her trying to change the rules now is not funny to me.  This isn't a football game.  And I surely couldn't vote for her with a smile.

    • I might not (0 / 0)

      vote for her with a smile.  But I will vote for her.  

      More and more I'm unimpressed with her personally.  But as a president?  I think she will get things done.  I feel she has been president before--successfully.  I'm not excited about how dirty she has been playing, but if she plays dirty when she's getting us universal health care?  It may be wrong, but I can live with that.

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