rhadamanthine

The Pentagon must focus on current war demands, even if it means straining the U.S. armed forces and devoting less time and money on future threats, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday.

Meeting the war-fighting needs of the troops now and taking care of them properly when they get home must be the priority, Gates said in a speech to a journalists at a seminar here sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

"I have noticed too much of a tendency towards what might be called Next-War-itis the propensity of much of the defense establishment to be in favor of what might be needed in a future conflict," Gates said.

But in a world of limited resources, he said, the Pentagon must concentrate on building a military that can defeat the current enemies: smaller, terrorist groups and militias waging irregular warfare.

If it means putting off more expensive weapons for the future or adding to the stress on the Army that is a risk worth taking, he said.

"The risk of overextending the Army is real," said Gates. "But I believe the risk is far greater to that institution as well as to our country if we were to fail in Iraq. That is the war we are in. That is the war we must win."

Gates has warned before that officials must not ignore troops' immediate needs by looking too far into the future. But Tuesday he pointedly challenged theories that current wars have overstretched the military and risked its ability to fight future potential conflicts against foes such as Iran or North Korea.

In a classified Pentagon assessment provided to Congress earlier this year, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, concluded that long battlefield tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with persistent terrorist activity and other threats, have prevented the U.S. military from improving its ability to respond to any new crisis.

On Tuesday Gates acknowledged the debate and agreed the U.S. "would be hard-pressed to launch a major conventional ground operation elsewhere in the world at this time." But, he said, that scenario is not likely, and the U.S. has ample air and naval power to "defeat any repeat any adversary who committed an act of aggression whether in the Persian Gulf, on the Korean Peninsula, or in the Straits of Taiwan."

The risk, he added, is prudent and manageable.

Gates pointed to the mine-resistant, armor-protected vehicles (MRAPs) as an example of spending money now on critical lifesaving equipment, rather than pouring all resources into war-fighting systems of the future.

Roadside bombs and suicide attacks "have become the weapons of choice for America's most dangerous and likely adversaries and the need to have a vehicle of this kind won't go away," he said.

Gates said that while there have been more than 150 attacks on MRAPs so far, all but six soldiers have survived. The 6 percent casualty rate which includes dead and wounded and takes into account the attacks as well as the number of troops in the vehicle is less than a third of the 22 percent casualty rate for troops attacked in Humvees.

Similarly, he said the military needs to spend the money needed to provide adequate medical care and counseling for its troops and to house them in decent barracks.

"Getting the present right when it comes to taking care of our men and women in uniform will go a long way towards making sure we have the kind of force we need in the future," Gates said.

He also issued a warning to the military services, which have long set their sights on pricey, sophisticated weapons systems that take decades to develop and get onto the battlefield.

The Army has its $200 billion Future Combat System, the Air Force has its F-22 jet fighter. Both programs have been plagued by delays and escalating costs, as well as criticism from Congress.

Going forward, such weapons programs will have show they can be useful now against terror groups and insurgents, he said.

In a recent visit to Red River Army Depot in Texas, Gates saw some pieces of the FCS that can be sent to the war front now and he said that must continue in order for the program to continue to be viable. Gates, however, will be leaving office long before the FCS or F-22 programs are fully fielded. In his speech Monday night at the 50th anniversary of the launch of NORAD the North American Aerospace Defense Command Gates reminded the crowd that his stint as Pentagon chief will end in exactly 254 days.

On the Net:

Defense Department:

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                        <span class="strong">Robert Gates</span><br/>                           <span class="dgray f-10">Defense Secretary Robert Gates addresses the crowd during a Landon Lecture at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</span>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/robert-gates/15949/money/">Fund Raising</a></td>
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    <p>The Pentagon must focus on current war demands, even if it means straining the U.S. armed forces and devoting less time and money on future threats, Defense Secretary <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/robert-gates/15949/">Robert Gates</a> said Tuesday.</p>

Meeting the war-fighting needs of the troops now and taking care of them properly when they get home must be the priority, Gates said in a speech to a journalists at a seminar here sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

"I have noticed too much of a tendency towards what might be called Next-War-itis the propensity of much of the defense establishment to be in favor of what might be needed in a future conflict," Gates said.

But in a world of limited resources, he said, the Pentagon must concentrate on building a military that can defeat the current enemies: smaller, terrorist groups and militias waging irregular warfare.

If it means putting off more expensive weapons for the future or adding to the stress on the Army that is a risk worth taking, he said.

"The risk of overextending the Army is real," said Gates. "But I believe the risk is far greater to that institution as well as to our country if we were to fail in Iraq. That is the war we are in. That is the war we must win."

Gates has warned before that officials must not ignore troops' immediate needs by looking too far into the future. But Tuesday he pointedly challenged theories that current wars have overstretched the military and risked its ability to fight future potential conflicts against foes such as Iran or North Korea.

In a classified Pentagon assessment provided to Congress earlier this year, Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, concluded that long battlefield tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with persistent terrorist activity and other threats, have prevented the U.S. military from improving its ability to respond to any new crisis.

On Tuesday Gates acknowledged the debate and agreed the U.S. "would be hard-pressed to launch a major conventional ground operation elsewhere in the world at this time." But, he said, that scenario is not likely, and the U.S. has ample air and naval power to "defeat any repeat any adversary who committed an act of aggression whether in the Persian Gulf, on the Korean Peninsula, or in the Straits of Taiwan."

The risk, he added, is prudent and manageable.

Gates pointed to the mine-resistant, armor-protected vehicles (MRAPs) as an example of spending money now on critical lifesaving equipment, rather than pouring all resources into war-fighting systems of the future.

Roadside bombs and suicide attacks "have become the weapons of choice for America's most dangerous and likely adversaries and the need to have a vehicle of this kind won't go away," he said.

Gates said that while there have been more than 150 attacks on MRAPs so far, all but six soldiers have survived. The 6 percent casualty rate which includes dead and wounded and takes into account the attacks as well as the number of troops in the vehicle is less than a third of the 22 percent casualty rate for troops attacked in Humvees.

Similarly, he said the military needs to spend the money needed to provide adequate medical care and counseling for its troops and to house them in decent barracks.

"Getting the present right when it comes to taking care of our men and women in uniform will go a long way towards making sure we have the kind of force we need in the future," Gates said.

He also issued a warning to the military services, which have long set their sights on pricey, sophisticated weapons systems that take decades to develop and get onto the battlefield.

The Army has its $200 billion Future Combat System, the Air Force has its F-22 jet fighter. Both programs have been plagued by delays and escalating costs, as well as criticism from Congress.

Going forward, such weapons programs will have show they can be useful now against terror groups and insurgents, he said.

In a recent visit to Red River Army Depot in Texas, Gates saw some pieces of the FCS that can be sent to the war front now and he said that must continue in order for the program to continue to be viable. Gates, however, will be leaving office long before the FCS or F-22 programs are fully fielded. In his speech Monday night at the 50th anniversary of the launch of NORAD the North American Aerospace Defense Command Gates reminded the crowd that his stint as Pentagon chief will end in exactly 254 days.

On the Net:

Defense Department:

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Maybe the politicization of the Olympics would be less volatile if heads of government weren't invited at all, and the focus remained on the athletes alone. At the Olympics, the athletes are the bone fide representatives of their countries. Politicians, stay home!

Maybe the politicization of the Olympics would be less volatile if heads of government weren't invited at all, and the focus remained on the athletes alone. At the Olympics, the athletes are the bone fide representatives of their countries. Politicians, stay home!

Barack Obama joined Democratic presidential rival Hillary Rodham Clinton on Wednesday in calling for President Bush to boycott the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Clinton had commended British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for announcing that he will skip the August ceremonies in China's capital, and called on Obama and likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain to join her in urging Bush to do the same.

Obama did later in the day; his campaign issued a statement in which, for the first time, he urged Bush to boycott the festivities.

Activists are urging world leaders to stay away from the ceremonies to underscore concerns about China's human rights record, its handling of recent unrest in Tibet and its relationship with Sudan.

Obama said a boycott "should be firmly on the table," but that a decision should be made closer to the Games.

"If the Chinese do not take steps to help stop the genocide in Darfur and to respect the dignity, security and human rights of the Tibetan people, then the president should boycott the opening ceremonies," he said. "As I have communicated in public and to the president, it is past time for China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, to allow foreign journalists and diplomats access to the region, and to engage the Dalai Lama in meaningful talks about the future of Tibet."

Obama previously had said he was conflicted about U.S. participation, but that "there should be consequences" for China if it does not take steps to respect rights and freedoms in Tibet.

Clinton said Bush should use the threat of a boycott to exert leverage on the Chinese government.

"I believe that the president should not attend the opening ceremonies because that is giving a seal of approval by our United States government," she told reporters near Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said he condemns "the brutal oppression" the Chinese have inflicted on Tibetans, and thinks the president should monitor the situation and "keep his options open."

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                        <span class="strong">Barack Obama</span><br/>                           <span class="dgray f-10">Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks during a town hall meeting at Great Valley High School in Malvern, Pa., Wednesday, April 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)</span>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/money/">Fund Raising</a></td>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/rivals/">Rivals</a></td>
                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/supporters/">Supporters</a></td>
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    <p><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/">Barack Obama</a> joined Democratic presidential rival <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Hillary Rodham Clinton</a> on Wednesday in calling for <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/george-w-bush/15308/">President Bush</a> to boycott the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Beijing.</p>

Clinton had commended British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for announcing that he will skip the August ceremonies in China's capital, and called on Obama and likely Republican presidential nominee John McCain to join her in urging Bush to do the same.

Obama did later in the day; his campaign issued a statement in which, for the first time, he urged Bush to boycott the festivities.

Activists are urging world leaders to stay away from the ceremonies to underscore concerns about China's human rights record, its handling of recent unrest in Tibet and its relationship with Sudan.

Obama said a boycott "should be firmly on the table," but that a decision should be made closer to the Games.

"If the Chinese do not take steps to help stop the genocide in Darfur and to respect the dignity, security and human rights of the Tibetan people, then the president should boycott the opening ceremonies," he said. "As I have communicated in public and to the president, it is past time for China to respect the human rights of the Tibetan people, to allow foreign journalists and diplomats access to the region, and to engage the Dalai Lama in meaningful talks about the future of Tibet."

Obama previously had said he was conflicted about U.S. participation, but that "there should be consequences" for China if it does not take steps to respect rights and freedoms in Tibet.

Clinton said Bush should use the threat of a boycott to exert leverage on the Chinese government.

"I believe that the president should not attend the opening ceremonies because that is giving a seal of approval by our United States government," she told reporters near Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

McCain spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said he condemns "the brutal oppression" the Chinese have inflicted on Tibetans, and thinks the president should monitor the situation and "keep his options open."

    <br class="clear-both"/>

Voters want to know. Will she pay her bills, or pocket the money and run? Maybe Sir Reg can find her a 12 step program, too, for nouveau riche millionaires who mishandle their finances, but who still want others to entrust them with trillions.

Voters want to know. Will she pay her bills, or pocket the money and run? Maybe Sir Reg can find her a 12 step program, too, for nouveau riche millionaires who mishandle their finances, but who still want others to entrust them with trillions.

Experience is central to Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid, and Wednesday night she tapped one of pop music's most venerable rockers to help fill her campaign coffers with $2.5 million. Elton John, who has sold records and filled arenas for four decades, played a benefit concert for Clinton at Radio City Music Hall.

"I've always been a Hillary supporter," John, 61, said before launching into his 1970 breakthrough hits, "Your Song" and "Border Song." "There is no one more qualified to lead America."

The English singer, composer and pianist added: "I'm amazed by the misogynistic attitudes of some of the people in this country. And I say to hell with them .... I love you Hillary, I'll be there for you."

The cheapest tickets, $125 and $250, sold out quickly, campaign aides said. The other seats were filled by fans paying as much as $2,300, the limit for an individual's contribution to a federal candidate.

Preceding John on stage were Clinton, her husband, former President Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea.

Hillary Clinton struck a defiant, underdog note in describing her battle against Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

"What I want you to know is I'm still standing, and I believe this country is worth fighting for," the New York senator said, playing off the title of one of John's hits. "So we're taking our campaign to Pennsylvania and all the states that haven't voted." Pennsylvania votes April 22.

The Clintons have hobnobbed with Hollywood and music industry figures for years. In 1998, John performed at a White House State Dinner the couple hosted for then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Last October, Clinton celebrated her 60th birthday with a fundraiser at New York's Beacon Theater that featured actor Billy Crystal and musicians Elvis Costello and the Wallflowers. It netted more than $1.5 million for her presidential effort.

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                        <span class="strong">Hillary Clinton</span><br/>                            <span class="dgray f-10">Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., walks off stage as British singer Elton John reacts to the crowd at Radio City Music Hall in New York as former President Bill Clinton looks on during a campaign fundraising event, Wednesday, April 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)</span>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Biography</a></td>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/money/">Fund Raising</a></td>
                        </tr>
                        <tr>
                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/rivals/">Rivals</a></td>
                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/supporters/">Supporters</a></td>
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    <p>Experience is central to Democrat <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Hillary Rodham Clinton</a>'s presidential bid, and Wednesday night she tapped one of pop music's most venerable rockers to help fill her campaign coffers with $2.5 million. Elton John, who has sold records and filled arenas for four decades, played a benefit concert for Clinton at Radio City Music Hall.</p>

"I've always been a Hillary supporter," John, 61, said before launching into his 1970 breakthrough hits, "Your Song" and "Border Song." "There is no one more qualified to lead America."

The English singer, composer and pianist added: "I'm amazed by the misogynistic attitudes of some of the people in this country. And I say to hell with them .... I love you Hillary, I'll be there for you."

The cheapest tickets, $125 and $250, sold out quickly, campaign aides said. The other seats were filled by fans paying as much as $2,300, the limit for an individual's contribution to a federal candidate.

Preceding John on stage were Clinton, her husband, former President Clinton, and their daughter, Chelsea.

Hillary Clinton struck a defiant, underdog note in describing her battle against Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.

"What I want you to know is I'm still standing, and I believe this country is worth fighting for," the New York senator said, playing off the title of one of John's hits. "So we're taking our campaign to Pennsylvania and all the states that haven't voted." Pennsylvania votes April 22.

The Clintons have hobnobbed with Hollywood and music industry figures for years. In 1998, John performed at a White House State Dinner the couple hosted for then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Last October, Clinton celebrated her 60th birthday with a fundraiser at New York's Beacon Theater that featured actor Billy Crystal and musicians Elvis Costello and the Wallflowers. It netted more than $1.5 million for her presidential effort.

    <br class="clear-both"/>

This is from an April 14, 1988 Washington Post story by Howard Kurtz when Jesse Jackson was campaigning in Mississippi and the South:

 Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, (ed. Jesse) Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."

Furthermore,

Discussing the same point in Washington, (ed. Jesse) Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."

Now about to have a new African American Governor in New York state, Hillary Clinton's fundraiser Mrs. Ferraro must be in an absolute tizzy.

This is from an April 14, 1988 Washington Post story by Howard Kurtz when Jesse Jackson was campaigning in Mississippi and the South:

 Placid of demeanor but pointed in his rhetoric, (ed. Jesse) Jackson struck out repeatedly today against those who suggest his race has been an asset in the campaign. President Reagan suggested Tuesday that people don't ask Jackson tough questions because of his race. And former representative Geraldine A. Ferraro (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday that because of his "radical" views, "if Jesse Jackson were not black, he wouldn't be in the race."

Furthermore,

Discussing the same point in Washington, (ed. Jesse) Jackson said, "We campaigned across the South . . . without a single catcall or boo. It was not until we got North to New York that we began to hear this from Koch, President Reagan and then Mrs. Ferraro . . . . Some people are making hysteria while I'm making history."

Now about to have a new African American Governor in New York state, Hillary Clinton's fundraiser Mrs. Ferraro must be in an absolute tizzy.

When you can't say it yourself, get someone to say it for you. Right, Hillary? And on the day of the Mississippi primary of all days!

When you can't say it yourself, get someone to say it for you. Right, Hillary? And on the day of the Mississippi primary of all days!

Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday she disagrees with Geraldine Ferraro, one of her fundraisers and the 1984 vice presidential candidate, for suggesting that Barack Obama only achieved his status in the presidential race because he's black.

In a brief interview with The Associated Press, Clinton was questioned about Ferraro's remarks. The Obama campaign has called on the New York senator to denounce them.

Ferraro told the Daily Breeze of Torrance, Calif.: "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

The newspaper published the interview last Friday.

Clinton said, "I do not agree with that," and later added, "It's regrettable that any of our supporters on both sides, because we both have this experience say things that kind of veer off into the personal."

"We ought to keep this on the issues. there are differences between us" on approaches to health care, energy, experience.

Ferraro is a former New York congresswoman and was Walter Mondale's running mate when he was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984. She has endorsed Clinton and raised money for her campaign.

Obama senior adviser David Axelrod said Ferraro should be removed from her position with the Clinton campaign because of her comments.

"The bottom line is this, when you wink and nod at offensive statements, you're really sending a signal to your supporters that anything goes," Axelrod said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.

"There's no other way to send a serious signal that you want to police the tone of this campaign," he added. "And if you don't do those things then you are simply adding to the growing compendium of evidence that you really are encouraging that."

Axelrod said Clinton has encountered problems because people view her as a "divisive and polarizing force."

"The best way to address those concerns is to not allow divisiveness and negativity to flourish among your supporters," he said. "And this is an opportunity for her to address that."

Jan Schakowsky, an Obama supporter and Illinois congresswoman, said Democrats should not tear each other down, and instead focus on defeating John McCain, the Republican nominee-in-waiting.

"I respect every person's right to promote his or her candidate, but any and all remarks that diminish Senator Obama's candidacy because of his race are completely out of line," Schakowsky said on the conference call.

Ferraro also said Obama has it easy because of a "very sexist media."

"I think what America feels about a woman becoming president takes a very secondary place to Obama's campaign to a kind of campaign that it would be hard for anyone to run against," she said. "For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign."

Last week, a former adviser to Obama resigned after calling Clinton "a monster."

Associated Press Writer Peter Jackson in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.

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                        <span class="strong">Hillary Clinton</span><br/>                            <span class="dgray f-10">Former Democratic vice presidential candidate and former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferarro is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington in this June 21, 2001 file photo. on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, Ferraro, a fundraiser for Democratic Presidential hopeful, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., suggested Sen. Barack Obama only achieved his status in the presidential campaign because he's black. The Obama campaign called on Clinton Tuesday to denounce the comments. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)</span>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Biography</a></td>
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                            <td class="alt"><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/money/">Fund Raising</a></td>
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    <p><a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Hillary Rodham Clinton</a> said Tuesday she disagrees with Geraldine Ferraro, one of her fundraisers and the 1984 vice presidential candidate, for suggesting that <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/">Barack Obama</a> only achieved his status in the presidential race because he's black.</p>

In a brief interview with The Associated Press, Clinton was questioned about Ferraro's remarks. The Obama campaign has called on the New York senator to denounce them.

Ferraro told the Daily Breeze of Torrance, Calif.: "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

The newspaper published the interview last Friday.

Clinton said, "I do not agree with that," and later added, "It's regrettable that any of our supporters on both sides, because we both have this experience say things that kind of veer off into the personal."

"We ought to keep this on the issues. there are differences between us" on approaches to health care, energy, experience.

Ferraro is a former New York congresswoman and was Walter Mondale's running mate when he was the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984. She has endorsed Clinton and raised money for her campaign.

Obama senior adviser David Axelrod said Ferraro should be removed from her position with the Clinton campaign because of her comments.

"The bottom line is this, when you wink and nod at offensive statements, you're really sending a signal to your supporters that anything goes," Axelrod said in a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.

"There's no other way to send a serious signal that you want to police the tone of this campaign," he added. "And if you don't do those things then you are simply adding to the growing compendium of evidence that you really are encouraging that."

Axelrod said Clinton has encountered problems because people view her as a "divisive and polarizing force."

"The best way to address those concerns is to not allow divisiveness and negativity to flourish among your supporters," he said. "And this is an opportunity for her to address that."

Jan Schakowsky, an Obama supporter and Illinois congresswoman, said Democrats should not tear each other down, and instead focus on defeating John McCain, the Republican nominee-in-waiting.

"I respect every person's right to promote his or her candidate, but any and all remarks that diminish Senator Obama's candidacy because of his race are completely out of line," Schakowsky said on the conference call.

Ferraro also said Obama has it easy because of a "very sexist media."

"I think what America feels about a woman becoming president takes a very secondary place to Obama's campaign to a kind of campaign that it would be hard for anyone to run against," she said. "For one thing, you have the press, which has been uniquely hard on her. It's been a very sexist media. Some just don't like her. The others have gotten caught up in the Obama campaign."

Last week, a former adviser to Obama resigned after calling Clinton "a monster."

Associated Press Writer Peter Jackson in Harrisburg, Pa., contributed to this report.

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From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. ...Gov. Steve Beshear, U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (KY superdelegate) of Versailles, Party Chairman Jennifer Moore (KY superdelegate) and (Nathan) Smith (KY superdelegate) - have chosen not to make an endorsement yet. "Why would we? We could be king makers," said Jim Cauley, Beshear's chief of staff. Cauley, a Pikeville native, managed Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate race.

UPDATE: May 22, 2008  Following the Kentucky Democrati primary on May 20th, Gov. Beshear still has not endorsed either candidate. Kentucky voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Beshear earlier had stated he would wait until after the primary before announcing. Reporter Mark Hebert of WHAS-TV in Louisville reports, "Sources are telling me that decision has been made and they're not sure why Beshear isn't announcing his support for Hillary."

 

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. ...Gov. Steve Beshear, U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler (KY superdelegate) of Versailles, Party Chairman Jennifer Moore (KY superdelegate) and (Nathan) Smith (KY superdelegate) - have chosen not to make an endorsement yet. "Why would we? We could be king makers," said Jim Cauley, Beshear's chief of staff. Cauley, a Pikeville native, managed Obama's 2004 U.S. Senate race.

UPDATE: May 22, 2008  Following the Kentucky Democrati primary on May 20th, Gov. Beshear still has not endorsed either candidate. Kentucky voted overwhelmingly for Clinton. Beshear earlier had stated he would wait until after the primary before announcing. Reporter Mark Hebert of WHAS-TV in Louisville reports, "Sources are telling me that decision has been made and they're not sure why Beshear isn't announcing his support for Hillary."

 

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. (Jennifer) Moore, the Democratic Party chairman (in KY), said she's had to tell both Chelsea Clinton and Michelle Obama that she feels obligated to wait until after the May 20 primary. "It is an honor to get calls from someone like Michelle Obama and Chelsea Clinton," she said. "It shows how important this process is and how they recognize that."

UPDATE: May 21, 2008  Following Clinton's huge victory in the Kentucky primary, Jennifer Moore stated the Clintons will always have a loyal following in Kentucky because voters there remember the economic good times of the 1990s."Cllinton supporters need to get to know Barack Obama, get to understand that he stands for many of the same principles as Senator Clinton," Moore said.

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. (Jennifer) Moore, the Democratic Party chairman (in KY), said she's had to tell both Chelsea Clinton and Michelle Obama that she feels obligated to wait until after the May 20 primary. "It is an honor to get calls from someone like Michelle Obama and Chelsea Clinton," she said. "It shows how important this process is and how they recognize that."

UPDATE: May 21, 2008  Following Clinton's huge victory in the Kentucky primary, Jennifer Moore stated the Clintons will always have a loyal following in Kentucky because voters there remember the economic good times of the 1990s."Cllinton supporters need to get to know Barack Obama, get to understand that he stands for many of the same principles as Senator Clinton," Moore said.

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. ...Moretta Bosley, is "probably going to go with Clinton," said her husband, Ken Moretta Bosley, who...has known the Clintons 20 years.

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. ...Moretta Bosley, is "probably going to go with Clinton," said her husband, Ken Moretta Bosley, who...has known the Clintons 20 years.

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. JoEtta Wickliffe, a Harrodsburg banker and another superdelegate, formally committed to Clinton's campaign when Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state under President Bill Clinton, recently called her. "She said, 'Oh, that's wonderful,'" recalled Wickliffe, who said she mailed Clinton's campaign her pledge committment papaers.

From Ryan Alessi, Herald Leader newspaper, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. JoEtta Wickliffe, a Harrodsburg banker and another superdelegate, formally committed to Clinton's campaign when Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state under President Bill Clinton, recently called her. "She said, 'Oh, that's wonderful,'" recalled Wickliffe, who said she mailed Clinton's campaign her pledge committment papaers.

From Ryan Alessi, Lexington Herald Leader, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. Democratic superdelegate Terry McBrayer, a lobbyist and former party chairman, has committed to Clinton, whom he's known "for 20 years" and to whom he occasionally offers political advice. But he said "because the race might well come down to the superdelegates," making public his pick probably won't stop the lobbying from Obama's camp. "I'm getting calls every day urging me to change support," he said.

From Ryan Alessi, Lexington Herald Leader, Lexington, Ky. Feb 12, 2008. Democratic superdelegate Terry McBrayer, a lobbyist and former party chairman, has committed to Clinton, whom he's known "for 20 years" and to whom he occasionally offers political advice. But he said "because the race might well come down to the superdelegates," making public his pick probably won't stop the lobbying from Obama's camp. "I'm getting calls every day urging me to change support," he said.

Ryan Alessi of the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper reported on February 12, 2008 that superdelegate Nathan Smith of Fort Mitchell, KY., received a telephone call from Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a supporter of Barack Obama. "He was trying to get me to vote for Obama." Smith politely dodged Kennedy, as Alessi reported, "to remain solidly undecided in the party's presidential primary." Smith also has rebuffed calls by Hillary Clinton supporters... Smith...said he wants to watch both candidates to see "who's going to be best for Kentucky, who's going to understand the issues for Kentucky." He said he's conflicted because his wife is a huge fan of Clinton, while he's been impressed with Obama's charisma. "It sucks you in," said Smith, 36. "He talks to people under 40." Nathan Smith is vice-chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Ryan Alessi of the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper reported on February 12, 2008 that superdelegate Nathan Smith of Fort Mitchell, KY., received a telephone call from Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a supporter of Barack Obama. "He was trying to get me to vote for Obama." Smith politely dodged Kennedy, as Alessi reported, "to remain solidly undecided in the party's presidential primary." Smith also has rebuffed calls by Hillary Clinton supporters... Smith...said he wants to watch both candidates to see "who's going to be best for Kentucky, who's going to understand the issues for Kentucky." He said he's conflicted because his wife is a huge fan of Clinton, while he's been impressed with Obama's charisma. "It sucks you in," said Smith, 36. "He talks to people under 40." Nathan Smith is vice-chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Feb 9, 2008 Today Patty Murray endorsed Barrack Obama.

Feb 9, 2008 Today Patty Murray endorsed Barrack Obama.

Feb 9, 2008 Maria Cantwell today endorsed Barrack Obama.

Feb 9, 2008 Maria Cantwell today endorsed Barrack Obama.

Feb 8, 2008 The AP reports Washington State Governor Christ Gregoire has endorsed Obama.

Feb 8, 2008 The AP reports Washington State Governor Christ Gregoire has endorsed Obama.

Pimping out is a phrase now very common in the colloquial lexicon. Proof exists all over the television airwaves. Ever watch the show Pimp My Ride? Ever watch Jay Leno and listen to his guests talking about being pimped out? Ever go to You Tube where pimping out is a recreation? Times have changed. Pimping out no longer strictly means putting a prostitue on the street. How about the TV show You Been Punked!? Means the same thing. There's a reason why Hillary doesn't connect with under 30s. She doesn't command their language.

Pimping out is a phrase now very common in the colloquial lexicon. Proof exists all over the television airwaves. Ever watch the show Pimp My Ride? Ever watch Jay Leno and listen to his guests talking about being pimped out? Ever go to You Tube where pimping out is a recreation? Times have changed. Pimping out no longer strictly means putting a prostitue on the street. How about the TV show You Been Punked!? Means the same thing. There's a reason why Hillary doesn't connect with under 30s. She doesn't command their language.