ISU College Democrats

Obama on O'Reilly

2008-09-05T15:36:00.006-05:00

As some of you may have seen, Barack Obama appeared on the O'Reilly factor last night to fulfill a promise to O'Rielly that they would have an interview. The first half (approx. 7 min) of the interview was aired and the rest will be shown throughout the next few episodes.

The interview began, as you would assume, with a mature and respectful greeting between both Obama and O'Reilly. Quickly, the interview turned towards the issues, beginning with "terrorism."

At first, O'Reilly and Obama seem to be on the same page...they agree that Al Qaeda and the Taliban are terrorist groups; they also agree that Iran is a prospective threat and that it is unacceptable for them to have control of nuclear weapons. It is not until the two begin discussing the path which the US should take towards Iran that things go south.

As Obama has repeatedly said,

It's sufficient to say I would not take the military option off the table and that I will never hesitate to use our military force in order to protect the homeland and United States interests.But where I disagree with you is the notion that we've exhausted every other resource.

With this being said, O'Reilly quickly retaliated by claiming, "Maybe. But that's just all hypothetical." Hearing this, I quickly yelled at the screen, nearly the exact words which Obama used to respond,..."EVERYTHING IS HYPOTHETICAL." This meaning that anyone could say, "what if diplomacy doesn't work and Iran tries to invade the US" or "what if we use military force and the rest of the world disagrees with us, and this eventually leads to a very secluded, weakened, and allyless US." The point is, is that anyone can make up a situation which would counteract any particular solution to said situation.

Going forward, as one would expect, the interview turned towards our current situation in Iraq. Surprisingly, O'Reilly admitted that "I think history will show it's the wrong battlefield, okay. And I think that you were perspicacious in your original assessment of the battlefield." (I would be lying if I said my jaw didn't literally dropped when I heard that.) To hear O'Reilly, as I am sure you all know Bill O'Reilly's stance on the war, say that Obama was correct in his original assessment of the prospect of a continuous campaign in Iraq really speaks to his character...well, it did...until I heard the rest of the interview.

When the surge is brought up, Obama, like a civilized candidate, explained that he thought that the surge had done well in lowering the violence and helping to extinguish Al Qaeda's presence. The conversation continues and...well, here is a segment of the interview which I think sums up how Bill O'Reilly was going to act for the rest of the interview:

SEN. OBAMA: Well, look --

MR. O'REILLY: No, no, no, no.

SEN. OBAMA: No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

MR. O'REILLY: If it were up to you, there wouldn't have been a surge.

SEN. OBAMA: No, no, no, no. Hold on.

MR. O'REILLY: You and Joe Biden -- no surge.

What Obama was trying to explain, was that when voting for the surge you would of had to taken into account the way the war had been managed by the administration thus far...needless to say, it has not been well. Keeping this in mind, a vote in favor of the same administration would have seemed like national suicide...to me at least.

Also, sure we have lowered the violence, but the Iraqi people still depend on the US; and we are still spending money. If we continue to be the crutch for Iraq and its government...their legs may never heal to allow them to stand on their own.

The interview ended with a pretty heated discussion about potential military force against Pakistan (it ended pretty abruptly, given that only half of the interview was shown last night.)

To give a quick overview of my own thoughts on the interview. I thought it was brave of Obama to go on such a notoriously right wing show, where O'Reilly is known for badgering people who are not of his political persuasion. And, from where I am sitting, it seemed like Obama really blew O'Reilly out of the water.

If you want to check out the interview for yourself, go to the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luA0AMP51Gc

Community Organizing

2008-09-05T14:28:00.024-05:00

So apparently, the occupation of community organizing was the butt of many jokes at the Republican National Convention (aka Hypocrite Convention or White People's Party Convention) this week.

"I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a “community organizer,” except that you have actual responsibilities."
-Sarah Palin, Vice Presidential Candidate for the Republican Party

I found this rather interesting and perplexing. I tried and tried but I just could not find the humor in the joke. Perhaps it's my liberalism that is distorting my sense of humor. Afterall, we did learn from the Republican Convention that liberalism is the source of every problem you can imagine. Nevertheless, it got me thinking. So, I did some research and I wanted to find out more about community organizing and the individuals who have been involved in this occupation. I found that they make very low wages and the work is heavily demanding often requiring long hours. Just imagine trying to organize a community to come together and build up their economic infrastructure. Not easy work. I also found that a lot of recognizable people organized their communities. Here is a brief list of some people who have community organized.

Jesus
Muhammad
Moses
Buddha
Founding Fathers of the United States
Martin Luther King jr.
Mother Theresa
Jane Addams
Saul Alinski
Betty Friedan
Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Barack Obama
Martin Luther
Al Sharpton
Malcolm X
Paul Wellstone
Jesse Jackson
Mahatma Ghandi
Cezar Chavez
Nelson Mandela
Susan B. Anthony
Harriet Tubmannand
10's of thousands more that go unnoticed.

I guess according to the GOP, all of these people are clowns.

Palin Accepts GOP Nomination for VP

2008-09-03T22:34:00.003-05:00

Tonight Sarah Palin accepted the Republican National Committee's nomination for Vice-President. She spoke of John McCain's desire to stick up for what he believes in, her own family's call to serve this country in the military, and a life story speaking to small towns (making reference to Democratic President Harry Truman).

But she lost me when she stated that a community organizer does not have actual responsibilities compared to mayor. Are you kidding me Sarah Palin? I have worked on the individual level doing volunteer work and many people in low-income, under-serviced areas depend on that help from community organizers. If a church volunteer group no longer has that food pantry, where do they get supplemental food? If an organization that is training people to get back into the job market leaves, who will help them learn to get back on their feet? Community organizers play a much more important role in the lives of everyday people more than a mayor to many people. In cities and towns across the country you see this on all levels.

She also made mention on how if you are on the outside, people do not appreciate you. You are not the only person still in this campaign trail who has been tested by the media. Your opponent Barack Obama had been criticized from day one for many of the same things you are being criticized for, like experience and personal life. It is a part of national politics unfortunately, and it is a life of get tough quick. You appear to be strong, but do not make yourself seem like the only person who was been looked at critically this election season.

Here are a few of her own talking points she stated about Republicans and Barack Obama:
"Leave this nation better than we found it"

Ok, Sarah Palin. Let's look at how your party will be leaving our nation when your party leaves the White House. A war on two fronts, one of which was waged under false pretenses. A slumping economy with $4 a gallon gas when in 2001 when the GOP took office gas was $1.46. Hmm, just on that it looks like America is doing much better than before. Next point.

Sarah Palin is against using foreign supplies of oil. I agree with this since we are helping fund nations who support Islamic extremists, but the answer is not more oil, it is new technology which I will get into later in this blog. But if we need oil, where will we get it. Alaska? But if we did that wouldn't that interfere with your staunch ethics stance against personal gains. I would think this would be a great asset to your home state of Alaska.

"Two memoirs, yet no reform or laws in Senate"

This is an outright lie. First, one book was a memoir. The second was a political theory book looking at what needed to be done and how to do it. Barack Obama passed one of the most sweeping ethics reforms in decades in the Senate as well as working across the aisle to pass a bill to keep nuclear arms out of the hands of terrorists and keeping all accounted for.

"Take more of your money" WRONG! See below with taxes.

"Against producing energy"

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have been for creating new "Green Collar" jobs working towards alternative sources of energy including building new nuclear power plants.

"Terrorists are looking for nuclear weapons, and meeting leaders without preconditions"

See above with Obama working to pass a bill to keep nuclear arms out of the hands of terrorists. And when it comes to speaking to world leaders, without conversation all you have is ignorance. And when you don't speak what happens is a war like Iraq. We have a VP candidate who called Slobodan Milosevic a war criminal to his face. Talk does not mean weakness, sometimes it takes much more strength to say something to an enemy than to never speak at all.

"Raise taxes" WRONG!

Apparently Sarah Palin was not watching last Thursday where Barack Obama stated he would LOWER taxes for 95% of Americans. He would tax windfall profits of big oil, and create incentives for the creation of small businesses.

So, now I guess comes my conclusion of what I saw tonight. I could not tell whether is was ignorance or an attempt at stand-up comedy. So many points Sarah Palin brought up were not only false, but outright lies. Stating a community organizer does not have responsibility was a statement from someone who has lost touch with their surrounding community. Organizers do have a responsibility at the same level you did Gov. Palin to your community. As you stated, politicians get involved to make their communities better, the same way organizers work from the bottom up to change their communities, and I will still do what I can to help change the communities I live in, even if I do not have any responsibility as you stated tonight.

I shall return with my reaction to Senator John McCain's speech tomorrow.

A Quick Word

2008-09-03T00:10:00.004-05:00

Firstly, I want to say that the prospect of this reemerging blog is an exciting one.

Secondly, and on a more politically relevant note, I want to drop a quick word about the poll to the right of my post...you know, the one about the candidates children. Well, I just wanted to justify my vote (which was "no".)

I am a server at Ruby Tuesday, on a daily basis I am forced to interact with the fowl mouthed and disrespectful youth of the Bloomington-Normal area. This experience has aided in making me a firm believer that children, especially at a young age, are susceptible to the poor tactics implemented by their parents/guardians. With this being said, I think it is completely acceptable to analyze the offspring of a candidate, especially the candidate of such an important office as....I don't know...let's say...President of the US.

I am not advocating the revocation of a child's privacy simply because their parent is in the public eye. What I am suggesting, is that a look at a candidate's child may give us, the voters, a look at their executive experience behind closed doors. I hate to write in callous terms...but children are an excellent metaphor for a corporation.

I would like to know if anyone else shares, or opposes, my justification...feel free to let me know.

Welcome Back to the ISU College Democrats Blog!

2008-09-02T22:20:00.002-05:00

As you can tell from our last post date, we have been gone a while. While this is just a quick, "We're back!" entry we want you all to please keep checking back here for more updates as we continue to work at bringing our page back up to date. But for now, there is a new ISU Dems Poll you can take on the right side of the page regarding children in campaigns. Dems '08!

DR. DAVID GILL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION ! ! !

2006-07-13T12:46:00.000-05:00

We all know how important this election year is to America's future. Central Illinois voters have a chance to take 2 important votes away from the Republican Regime. Please consider joining the ISU College Democrats and help the Gill campaign.

"Gill for Congress" continues to gather momentum. David and his supporters have been in several recent parades and attended numerous other public gatherings throughout the 22 counties of the 15th district in recent weeks. David also had a very successful one-week visit to Washington, D.C. in early June, with a very positive reception from many progressive PACs. Fundraising continues to progress well, with the campaign raising approximately four times as much as it was managing during Dr. Gill's first effort two years ago; David is particularly proud of the fact that 96% of his funds come from ordinary individual contributors, lending credence to his determination to actually work for ordinary citizens when he arrives in Washington!

Several months of phone canvassing have demonstrated that 77% of district residents desire a Congressman other than Tim Johnson, and Dr. Gill is poised and ready to knock off this 3-term incumbent who has taken more of Tom DeLay's tainted funds than the rest of the Illinois Congressional delegation put together. Walk canvassing has been progressing well over the past two months, and the number of volunteers and donors grows on a daily basis. We're also looking forward to assistance from Senator Obama, who met privately with David in his Washington office earlier this month and indicated that he'd be back in central Illinois this summer to help the campaign. Recognizing that the House may well be 218-217 after November's election, one way or the other, the Gill campaign is bound and determined to succeed, in hopes of securing a Democratic majority that can at last derail one of the most dangerous administration in American history."

Thursday, July 13th
Fire Dept Open House, Longview @ 5p
Saturday, July 15th
House Party: John & Rosalie Otto, Champaign @ 9-11a
House Party: Charlie Gano, Charleston @ 6:30p
Sunday, July 16th
Gill Rally & Ice Cream Social in B-N @ 1:30-4p
House Party at home of Dick & Charline Watts in Normal @ 4pm

Fourth of July Activities

2006-07-01T11:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, July 4
July 4th in Towanda!
The Democrats will once again be represented in Towanda Fourth of July Parade.
Volunteers to join the parade should start the line up at 8:30 am - look for the
Democratic Party Parade Banner
Jim Larkin will be there with the parade truck, flags and campaign signs.

July 4th in Chenoa!
Then the Democrats move on to the Chenoa Fourth of July Parade.
Everyone will gather at Jayne Zeller's at 1:00 pm
Potluck at Jayne's afterwards. We can park cars at her house and ride the
official Democratic float to the parade route.
Jayne's address is:
516 McClellan St.
Chenoa, Illinois
If you need directions please give Jayne Zeller or Betty Kinser a call.
Congressional Candidate David Gill will be at the parade in Champaign

And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice:
"We will not go quietly into the night!
We will not vanish without a fight!
We're going to live on!
We're going to survive!"
Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!

There is Only One Man Who Can Save the Republican Party

2006-04-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

The G.O.P. is in trouble. Tom Delay has dropped out of his re-election campaign and White House staff members are being replaced.
CNN reported tonight that Delay, who won his primary race, will announce his departure Tuesday. CNN also reported the “possible departure” of Propaganda Secretary Scott McClellan and Treasury Secretary John Snow. It is rumored that McClellan’s replacement will be counselor Dan Bartlett. According to an administration source, the potential shake-up will not include Karl Rove or Dick Cheney’s team. According to CNN’s Suzanna Malveaux “The changes would come during a tough stretch of time for the president, whose poll numbers have dropped, in particular because of growing dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq.”
In my opinion, a “shake-up” isn’t going to cut it. The country needs immediate regime change. The country needs….CHUCK NORRIS.

CHUCK’s qualifications:

Chuck Norris sneezes electricity.
Chuck Norris can lick his own elbows. At the same time.
Chuck Norris is the only man to ever defeat a brick wall in a game of tennis.
Chuck Norris doesn't shower, he only takes blood baths.
Chuck Norris beat the Sun in a staring contest.
Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris.
Chief export of Chuck Norris is pain.
Chuck Norris swallows ashes and spits out cigarettes.

Brendan Sullivan
ISU College Democrats

RICE 2008?

2006-02-28T12:38:00.000-06:00

"The Far Right likes Condolezza Rice because she makes Colin Powell look like Malcolm X"

In 2004 we saw the Illinois GOP travel to Maryland for an African-American, Alan Keyes, to run against Obama. Is it out of the question to think the National GOP will want a women, Condoleezza Rice, to run against Sen. Clinton in 2008? Last summer at the College Democrats of America annual convention, former DNC chairmen Terry McAullife said his money was on Hillary Clinton and it appears as if Rove & Co feel the same.

'In the new book…'Strategery' by Bill Sammon, Karl Rove is quoted as saying: 'Anybody who thinks that she's [Clinton] not going to be the candidate is kidding themselves.'" (CNN.com)

"'What they're hoping is that all of their missteps, which are now numbering in the hundreds, are going to somehow be overlooked because people, instead of focusing on the '06 election, will jump ahead and think about the next one,' said Clinton, D-New York." (CNN.com)

Up until recently I, having read articles in Newsweek and Time, thought 2008 was going to be a battle of moderates, Clinton vs. McCain. But I should have known better. The Far Right is not going to let moderate Republicans gain power. But with no prominent leaders they will try to create one as they did with Bush, Jr.

In the current Time Magazine a panel is asked about Cheney's legacy after the hunting accident. Robert Dallek, presidential historian, had this to say, 'I can imagine the Bush Administration, at some point, encouraging Cheney to step down on the pretense that his health is poor, and that would leave Bush the possibility of anointing his successor.'
Rice, a Bush crony since Texas, rose to Secretary of State when Powell jumped the stinking ship. In my opinion, she is a candidate for Vice President if Cheney steps down and President when the Bush term ends. I am not the only one with this prediction. Yesterday I saw in Bloomington a bumper sticker that read 'RICE 2008.'

Those who say Rice is not nearly as popular as McCain are right, but since when has politics been about popularity? Whereas McCain is a maverick, Rice, like Bush, has proven herself loyal to the Far Right. McCain, who sold his soul for a ’08 party nomination, will lose because he is too old and poor, especially compared to a young Rice with Big Business in her purse.

-Brendan Sullivan
ISU College Democrat

ps.
If Rice, an African-American, wins in 2008 she would be a good match against our Obama in 2012. Today’s date is February 28th 2006. If any of this happens remember you heard it here first.

Not all Right-Wing Christians are Patriotic.

2006-02-22T17:34:00.000-06:00

Some hate America, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and the War in Iraq. In fact, the most outrages statements against the Iraq War, the troops and the current administration are produced by right-wing Christians.
Westboro Bapist Church (WBC) has been organizing Anti-America Protests at the funerals of Iraq veterans. Why do they hate America? To find out go to GodhatesAmerica.com. You’ll find that they hate everyone; especially homosexuals. What does this have to do with Iraq veterans?
You see, Pastor Phelps and his follows believe that the Iraq war, hurricane Katrina, 9/11 and Space Shuttle Columbia are examples of God’s wrath. According to the WBC website, God is mad at us for not enforcing “the death penalty on those convicted of committing” same-sex love. Jesus loves everyone, but his father, according to Godhatesfags.com, is not as tolerant.
Who will stand up against these crazy Christian fundamentalists? A motorcycles gang called “Patriot Guard Riders; and they are more than 5,000 strong.” They have formed “to counter anti-gay protests” at military funerals. According to CNN.com “The bikers shield the families of dead soldiers from the protesters, and overshadow the jeers with patriotic chants.” While the bikers are chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A” the people from WBC wrap themselves in "upside-down American flags. They danced and sang impromptu songs peppered with vulgarities that condemned homosexuals and soldiers.”
"The most important thing we can do is let families know that the nation cares," said Don Woodrick, the group's Kentucky captain. "When a total stranger gets on a motorcycle in the middle of winter and drives 300 miles to hold a flag; that makes a powerful statement." Richard Wilbur, a retired police detective, said his Indiana Patriot Guard group only comes to funerals if invited by family. He said he has no problem with protests against the war but sees no place for objectors at a family's final goodbye to a soldier.
"No one deserves this," he said

SOURCE: CNN.com

-Brendan Sullivan
College Democrats

ISU College Dems Endorsements

2006-02-13T18:17:00.000-06:00

With the upcoming Democratic Primary on March 21, here is the list of candidates endorsed by the ISU College Dems...

State Treasurer
*Alexi Giannoulias

Congress Dist 3
*Dan Lipinski

Congress Dist 5
*Rahm Emmanuel

Congress Dist 6
*Tammy Duckworth

Congress Dist 14
*John Laesch

State Senate Dist 1
*Tony Munoz

State Senate Dist 10
*Kimberly Lightford

State Senate Dist 12
*Martin Sandoval

State Senate Dist 39
*Don Harmon

State Representative Dist 33
*Marlow Colvin

State Representative Dist 39
*Toni Berrios

State Representative Dist 91
*Mike Smith

State Representative Dist 99
*Chuck Redpath

Cook County Sheriff
*Tom Dart

Will County Treasurer
*Pat McGuire

McLean County Board - Dist 4
*Duane Moss

VP CHENEY GOES ON MURDERING RAMPAGE!

2006-02-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

Well not exactly, but he did accidentally wound a friend while hunting quail at a Texas ranch. According to CNN.com “Harry Wittington, 78, took ‘quite a bit of spray’ in the face, neck and upper torso but is recovering nicely after he was wounded Saturday afternoon.” Katharine Armstrong owns the ranch and witnessed the shot. She said “Whittington was about 30 yards from Cheney when the vice president fired.” This reminds me of when Bush Sr. accidental hit a man in the head while golfing. Accidents happen. Just ask Rumsfeld. The military accidental bombs the wrong building all the time. It’s no big deal. If Wittington is like Iraqis, then an apology and a get-well-soon card will be enough. Armstrong said, "The nature of quail shooting ensures that this will happen. It goes with the turf."

State of the Union Live Blogging

2006-01-31T19:40:00.000-06:00

That’s it folks, give it read and hope you enjoyed...

9:01
HIV/AIDS here an idea lets give out condoms to prevent AIDS, that’s right that’s to pro-active...
GO OBAMA!!!
And thats the speech

9:00
TEETHDECAY: human animal hybrids? Like Sen. Coburn
You support our efforts to clean up Washington, lets start by getting rid of all the Republicans!
Wouldn't it be funny if someone pulled the fire alarm and everyone had to run out!

8:58
I am not even going to get into all the abortion stuff he just mentioned, lets just say hes pandering to his base...
To all the people that can be saved by Stem-Cell research you should tell the President to suck it!

8:56
Note the 42 Senators that do not clap for Alito.

8:54
OK...That's it, you want math and science, I am a poli-sci/history guy for a reason, back off Georgie...

8:52
RINKYDINKYBARBIE: wanna bet middle east dude really isn't too happy with this speech?
I think she means the Saudis???

8:50
TEETHDECAY: "He said Nuclear correctly....Like a big boy..."
Yes, I know where can get oil from, Venezuela, Hugo Chavez will trade with us...

8:48
Here we go, lets blame the Personal Injury attorneys, please Lionel Hutz is a good guy!
America is addicted to oil, NO SH*T SHERLOCK...
I am all about clean and renewable energy...I am not sure how clean or safe nuclear energy is, just ask Homer Simpson...

8:46
Rising cost of health care...Hello! The Drug Companies are drug cartels, if you ask me!

8:44
CUT 140 programs, like student aide???
Sounds like something GWB would cut...
GO DEMS!!! WE KILLED YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY PLAN...That was just awesome, we spanked him...
Wait, this happened in a West Wing, remember Season 2. "A blue ribbon commission to examine entitlement programs." He stole Sam Seaborn’s writing...

8:42
More tax cuts for the rich why not, wait I am not rich, screw that!!! Remember more tax cuts equals more debt...
Line Item Veto, did the Supreme Court rule that unconstitutional...
WE LOVE YOU BILL CLINTON!!!

8:40
Did he jut infer a guest worker program? Someone get Jim Oberweis' helicopter ready...
Arlen Specter is asleep...

8:38
I think the Republicans should just stay standing during the whole speech...
The economy is healthy? Ask the employees of Nabisco and Ford Motors...

8:36
PATRIOT ACT!!!
NO!!! Clap it up, Ben Nelson, clap it up, as the rest of the Dems sit and good for them...
Terrorist surveillance, AKA, Peeping Tom!!!
Hillary totally shook her head on domestic spying, YOU GO GIRL!!!

8:34
Compassion of America??? Domestic Spying, that's very compassionate...
Clap, Stand, Clap, Stand...This speech is a good workout, for some members of Congress...

8:32
As he talks to the citizens of Iran, I want to remind the President, that Iranian State TV is not going to air this speech!
TEETHDECAY: "win your own freedom = let the bombing begin"
Expand the education of girls as long as it is not with the Saudis...OIL!!!!

8:30
What word is used more? Fear or Evil?
OH GOD, THE LINE ON HAMAS...NO WAY THEY WILL DISARM THEY ARE TERRORISTS!!!
Yay, Saudi Arabia is a great reformer...

8:28
What do you think would happen if the teleprompter died?
Boy, I wish I was playing the drinking game, because I would be drunk by now!

8:26
As they pan the audience I only noticed one Congressman sleeping...
Look at the puppy...
RINKYDINKBARBIE: "most of those men and women don't wanna be there!" when referring to troops in Iraq

8:24
See Obama!!! Right next to Sen Reid, good seats!!!
Hindsight may not be wisdom but it is 20/20

8:22
Don't forget Poland they are in the coalition...
Lets ask the Iraqis who they think is winning the war?

8:20
Any bets on how many times he says evil in the speech? Every time he says Evil you drink one shot...

8:18
TEETHDECAY: "Did the axis of evil just double in size"
Did you see the Ambassador from Saudi Arabia not clap for "We love our freedom" wonder why?

8:16
McCain looks on skeptically
I like how he mentioned every election in the Mid-East, but Palestine, opps!!!

8:14
"The State of the Union is good" what union is he talking about?
Outsourcing, war, eavesdropping, corruption, high energy costs, yeah the Union is in great shape...

8:12
What civility from this administration remember when VP Cheney told Sen Leahy to BLEEP OFF!

8:10
Respectful remembrance of Correta Scott King, not a bad start...

8:08
"Mr Speaker the President of the United States"
I think they should play the West Wing theme as he walks in...

8:06
Ok, nothing to report...

8:04
Not a fan of the pink Laura...

8:02
Here comes "SC"Alito...Does anyone else think that the Justices should get together and sing some good ol' gospel, they have the robes?

8:00
Well Wolf Blitzer beat me to the joke, about Speaker Hastert and VP Cheney wearing matching outfits, how cute. Maybe they should go on Queer Eye...

SOTU Year 2

2006-01-31T19:37:00.000-06:00

Well its 2006 and time for the State of the Union Address, this is the second year that I will live blogging for the speech. Expect updates every 5-10 min and give me an IM at ndpotus with questions and comments...

Thanks and enjoy,

--Nick

Legislative Reception

2006-01-17T20:42:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, January 11th the Fund for Campus Democratic Activism held a legislative reception in Springfield. College Dems from ISU, U of I , and Eastern were all in attendance. Members from both chambers were in attendance including;

Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson
Senator AJ Wilhelmi
Representative Marlow Colvin
Representative Will Davis
Representative Lou Lang
Will County Executive Larry Walsh
Agricultural Director Chuck Hartke

Thanks to all who joined us at Floyds for this event. We will be back there on Feb 17 for another reception...

Here some pics from the evening...

Rep Zach Koutsky (D-Normal, IL)ISU Dems and Sen Maj Leader Halvorson

Fmr Sen Walsh, Future Sen Daggers, and current Sen Wilhelmi

Rep Lou Lang and a group of College Dems

Fmr Rep and current Ag Dir Chuck Hartke with some ISU Dems

Rep Will Davis and the College Dems

Pavich in Bloomington

2006-01-07T23:13:00.000-06:00

If you are going to be down at school on Tuesday, January 10 come check out Congressional candidate John Pavich...

=======================
Media Advisory -- January 7, 2005
Contact: Nick Daggers communications@isudems.com

Pavich to Call Weller out on Corruption

Congressional candidate John Pavich will be holding a press conference to discuss the culture of corruption currently thriving in Congress. Pavich will also discuss what he will do if elected to bring an end to the culture of corruption.

In the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal and other scandals involving high ranking Republican officials the issue of corruption is being pushed to the forefront. Pavich’s opponent has received over $15,000 from Abramoff and his clients. His opponent has also received over $4,250 from indicted House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

John practices law in Chicago and the southern suburbs of Cook and Will County. John and his wife Kelly currently live in Beecher Illinois, and have one son Andrew.

Event: Press Conference by John Pavich on Congressman Weller and the Culture of Corruption in Congress.

Date: Tuesday, January, 10^,2006

Location: Lucca's Grill, upstairs dining room, 116 E Market St, Bloomington

###

Alexi Giannoulias for Treasurer

2006-01-01T17:21:00.000-06:00

Just an FYI to everyone the website for Democratic State Treasurer candidate Alexi Giannouilias is up and running...

www.alexiforillinois.com

Here is a little info on Alexi...

The son of Greek immigrants and a Chicago schoolboy basketball legend and community activist, Alexi Giannoulias has spent his professional career helping families and businesses in Illinois. Now, the Democrat is running in the March 21, 2006 primary for Illinois State Treasurer.

An all-star basketball player at Chicago's Latin High School, Alexi helped Boston University reach the NCAA Basketball Tournament regional playoffs. He later played professional basketball in Greece.

Giannoulias graduated cum laude from Boston University and earned his law degree at Tulane University, where he focused on environmental protection issues.

Alexi returned to Chicago to play an integral role in managing the family's community bank, Broadway Bank, one of the most successful privately owned financial institutions in Illinois. In that position he has helped create thousands of jobs in the Chicago area by providing loans to small businesses, including dozens of African American, Asian, Hispanic and women-owned firms. Similar to the responsibilities of the Illinois State Treasurer, Alexi has used bank investments to spur economic development and help the community.

As the head of his own AG Foundation, Alexi has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Chicago-area charities and environmental organizations, including significant help for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Primary Post

2005-12-19T21:32:00.000-06:00

Today marked the end of the filing season for the March primary. Unless, any candidates are kicked off the ballot here is a list of the primaries we should expect come March 21, 2006. Remember these are only the Democratic primaries...

Governor
Rod R. Blagojevich
Edwin Eisendrath
Philip J. Sitkowski

Lt. Governor
Pat Quinn

Attorney General
Lisa Madigan

Comptroller
Daniel W. Hynes

State Treasurer
Alexander Giannoulias
Paul Mangeiri

To vote in the March 21 primary you must register by Februray 21, 2006. To register contact the ISU Dems at isudems@gmail.com. Also consider this a chance to sound out on your opinions about any of these primaries. Feel free to comment or share your thoughts on who you think will win...

Got Guv???

2005-11-29T17:55:00.000-06:00

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago Republican gubernatorial hopeful State Senator Bill Brady came to speak at Illinois State University. During that time the ISU College Democrats published a letter to the editor welcoming Brady to campus and pointing some of his more radical views. Another Republican hopeful Jim Oberweis visited ISU this week and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome him to campus and give him the same treatment that was given to Brady.

--First of all Oberweis is a political opportunist, over the past three election cycles he has ran twice for the US Senate and is now running for governor. He has never been able to obtain the nomination of his party and repeatedly wastes millions of his own dollars in the process.

--During his campaign in 2004 for the Republican nomination for US Senate in one of his television commercials he climbed into a helicopter and flew over Solider Field talking about how everyday enough illegal immigrants come to the United States to fill the stadium. He slammed illegal-immigrants for their coming to this country and it was later found out that within his very company their illegal immigrants working. That’s hypocrisy at its finest.

--While appearing on NBC 5 Chicago’s City Desk in 2004 Oberweis declared his pro-life stance by saying “I will have to get back to you” when asked about whether or not women should be allowed to have an abortion to protect the life of the mother. Would you think someone who is pro-life would believe in saving someone’s life?

I thank Mr. Oberweis for coming to ISU to share his ideas about why he thinks he should be the next governor of Illinois. I just wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the things that I am sure he did not discuss while visiting ISU and provide more information to the electorate.

Yours truly,

Nick J. Daggers
Communications Director – ISU College Dems
VP of Legislative Affairs – IL Federation of College Democrats

Thanksgiving Post

2005-11-26T18:27:00.000-06:00

With Thanksgiving just past I thought we could have a little fun with this pic from the President and a turkey. I was thinking we should have a caption contest, place what you think the caption for this picture should be in the comments section...

Campus Progress

2005-11-25T20:33:00.000-06:00

I just read some articles on the Campus Progress webpage and felt like I should share a little about the organization. Campus progress is a progressive organization born out of the Center for American Progress, an organization started by former White House Chief of Staff to Bill Clinton, John Podesta. Campus Progress is aimed at the college level, its goals are to; sponsor progressive speakers on campuses across the nation, sponsoring progressive publications on different campuses, taking part in events with big name pols such as Tom Daschle, they also have an annual training and conference which last year featured a keynote by Bill Clinton, and they have a blog. Also every week they have a variety articles written such as; Know Your Right Wing Speaker, Crib Sheet (which is an issue of the week), and Five Minutes With (where they have a conversation with a leading progressive thinker).

Campus Progress is a fantastic organization and starting hopefully next week their full color magazine will be distributed on the ISU Campus. I am a Campus Representative for Campus Progress and will hopefully finding ways to get people involved with it over the next year. If you are interested in Campus Progress please give me an e-mail at ndaggers@gmail.com.

Also in the mean time entertain yourself with this little read regarding Pat Robertson...

Thanks and have a good break...

--Nick J. Daggers

Treasurer Race

2005-11-22T20:07:00.000-06:00

In the past few days there have been some very interesting developments in the race for the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer.

October -- Knox County States Attorney Paul Mangieri is slated to run for the Democratic nomination for treasurer. He is the only candidate to present credentials to the State Central Committee. He is a downstate pro-lifer who is very proud of his conservative leanings on social issues.

November 7 -- Judy Baar Topinka announced that she would not run for reelection, but instead seek her party's nomination to take on Governor Blagojevich.

November 20 -- The Chicago Sun Times Michael Sneed had this to say regarding the race.

--"Is Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) using his ever-growing political clout in the state treasurer's race?

--Translation: Buzz among politicos is that Alexi Giannoulias, the son of a prominent banking family and a veteran of Obama's senate campaign, will throw his hat into the treasurer's race as a liberal Democrat."

November 21 --The Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson runs a piece on Mangieri where saws some controversial items including;

--"Issues such as abortion, are important factors in demonstrating that the statewide Democratic ticket is a "big tent" not dominated by Chicago liberalism."

--"I can guarantee you this, and guarantee any potential opponent in the Democratic primary, no one's going to outwork me and no one's going to beat me Downstate,"

November 21 State Representative John Fritchey who was considering a run for State Treasurer long before any of this had this to say on his blog;

--"Furthermore, I find it interesting that while he is quick to tout his 'conservative ideology on social issues', he said nothing about why he substantively wants to be Treasurer. Given that this is now at least the fourth different office for which he has run, I guess I'm not surprised."

--"If he wants to thump his chest, more power to him. It's an appropriate tactic when used judiciously. But doing it the day before he was supposed to be coming in to meet with me probably wasn't the best move on his part."

Today -- It was confirmed that Alexi Giannoulias is passing petitions and recruiting staff and volunteers for an upcoming primary fight.

I think the only thing to do at this point is sit back and enjoy the show, its going to be a good one...

Also just in case any candidates for State Treasurer are reading this the ISU Dems would love to try to set up a forum between all of you sometime next semester, so stay tuned...

--Nick J. Daggers
Communications Dir
ISU Dems
www.isudems.com

Another Bites the Dust

2005-11-22T18:30:00.000-06:00

Rich Miller is reporting that DuPage County States Attorney will not be running in the GOP Gubentorial Primary this March. This leaves, State Senators Brady & Rauschenberger, Businessmen Gidwitz & Oberweis, and State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.

This is the note sent by Birkett to supporters this afternoon...

==============================================
NOTE: The following note is being sent today by DuPage County State's Attorney Joe Birkett to his supporters.

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005
3:15 p.m.

I want to let you know that I am very grateful to you for your efforts on my behalf as I vigorously explored a run for Governor.

For the past several months, I traveled our state along with several other Republicans who were running or considering entering the race. During this exploratory campaign I traveled more than 50,000 miles and I met great people. Our message and our ideas were well received everywhere we went.

I have decided not to be a candidate for governor or any other statewide office next year. There are few things in life that are as all-consuming as politics – especially a campaign for Governor. While I fully intend to explore another run for statewide office in the future, I have found that it would be very difficult to simultaneously run and still perform my duties as State’s Attorney; especially at a time when my office is facing a number of significant challenges.

I want you to know that while I will not be on the statewide ticket, I will be very active in supporting fellow Republicans, including the candidacy of my good friend and colleague, Tazewell County State’s Attorney Stu Umholtz, who will be our candidate for Attorney General. I will also focus on bringing about needed legislative and policy reform to improve the justice system and the quality of life in Illinois.

Finally, thank you again for your continued support. We have a great opportunity to achieve Republican victories next fall and I look forward to working with you to help make them possible.

Once again, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

2005-11-19T20:40:00.000-06:00

The answer to this question depends on 1) our goal in Iraq 2) the best way to achieve that goal. Peace should be the ultimate goal. Most politicians in Congress believe a military presence is the best way to achieve peace. However, a growing number of individuals believe we need a new stradegy.
Congressmen John Murtha from Pennsylvania “called Thursday for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.” Murtha said, "It is evident that continued military action is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf Region."
Murtha “introduced a resolution that calls for the immediate redeployment of U.S. forces as fast as can be done safely. The resolution also calls for the creation of a rapid-deployment force in the region and an ‘over-the-horizon’ force of Marines.”
Republicans have described Murtha as “cowardly” and in favor of “surrendering.” Surrendering and troop redeployment are two very different things. It is possible to be effective in Iraq without a strong military presence. George W. Bush said withdrawal will send a bad message and encourage more terrorism.
I believe that this war is wrong and continuing it sends a mixed message. We need to do what is in the best interest of the Iraqi people. But we should also consider the damage this war is causing our country.
source: United Press

-Brendan R. Sullivan
ISU College Democrats

Open Letter to Senator Brady

2005-11-16T17:39:00.000-06:00

Open Letter to Sen. Bill Brady and the ISU Community,

ISU College Democrats were pleased to welcome State Senator Bill Brady to campus Wednesday. As the opposing civic organization at ISU we welcome any addition to the debate on the future of this state and nation, even when we vehemently oppose what visiting candidates stand for. Sen. Brady is no exception. We thought that since he had an opportunity to address the College Republicans we wanted to have the opportunity to address our fellow students and introduce the other side of Sen. Brady we are sure he didn’t speak about.

• Brady recently said on WMAY radio in Springfield, “I think we should teach the Bible in our schools,” and later went on to say that he believes we should be teaching evolution in our public schools, “I think we should teach everything that educates our children, and I think bringing God and the Bible into that is critically important.” This sounds like something former Republican Senate hopeful Alan Keyes would have said.

• Brady claims that he, “will lessen the burden on Illinois taxpayers and provide property tax relief for Illinois families, senior citizens and businesses,” while at the same time he, “will empower and benefit students in the classroom.” We wonder how he will be able to help students when he is promising to cut the main revenue stream to our public schools.

• Better yet is Brady’s staunch support for the radical pro-life agenda in Illinois. This last year saw Democrats in Springfield stand up for a woman’s right to choose and expand insurance benefits to cover birth control while the governor issued an executive order that requires pharmacists to fulfill their job description and not impose their personal moral values on women. Does Sen. Brady really want to take Illinois back to the days of back alley abortions?

• And most recently Sen. Brady claimed that he will support, “the moral values that make Illinois families strong.” We wonder if that includes voting against covering 253,000 CHILDREN in the state of Illinois who did not have health insurance, as Sen. Brady did. Under Democratic leadership Illinois passed the All Kids program to become one of the few states in that nation to offer insurance to our most vulnerable citizens.

As we said above, we welcome Sen. Brady to campus. We wish he had been here more often when it came to halting the state budget cuts to higher education that have especially hurt Illinois State University, but we’ll take any opportunity to expose Sen. Brady as the true radical conservative, Alan Keyes want to-be that he is. 2006 should be an interesting election regardless of which Republican eventually takes on the record of accomplishment that Democrats have accomplished in the past four years.

Democratically Yours,
On behalf of all ISU College Democrats