The Capitol Fax Blog » This just in… Obama returning to Springfield

This just in… Obama returning to Springfield

Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008

* 12:12 pm - Word’s been going around since at least yesterday that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is planning a pre-convention visit to Springfield, and it looks like it’ll be this Saturday at the Old State Capitol at one o’clock. A big speech is reportedly in the works. The Old State Capitol is where Obama officially kicked off his presidential campaign in 2007.

~~There’s no official confirmation yet from the Obama campaign, and things like this have a way of changing at the last minute, so keep all that in mind.~~

Still, at least one of Obama’s top guys is in Springfield and a big planning meeting with the locals just concluded. As one local source just told me, “The only way this changes is if Barack’s pilot makes a wrong turn.”

* 12:34 pm - It appears that Lynn Sweet posted this a few moments before I did, because I was allowing the Obama campaign time to respond to a story I had already pretty much nailed down…

The Obama team, in the run-up to the Democratic convention, will showcase the new Obama ticket Saturday in Springfield at the Old State Capitol, where presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) officially kicked off his campaign in February, 2007.

State of Illinois authorities have beens asked permission by Obama folks to reserve the historic spot at noon. This does not mean that this is the time and place where Obama announces his running mate; that could happen any time from Wednesday morning on. Obama’s time frame is shrinking, so the announcement is coming soon. The new vice presidential contender will jump on the road with Obama to showcase the new partnership. Springfield is a leg on the Obama roots tour.

* 12:39 pm - From the SJ-R, which appears to be down at the moment…

“There will be an event in Springfield on Saturday,” said Justin DeJong, spokesman for the Obama campaign in Illinois.

* 12:43 pm - We’re expecting an official announcement at about 1:30 pm today.

* 12:46 pm - Could Obama announce his veep pick in Springfield? Maybe, says Greg Hinz…

Barack Obama may be returning home to Illinois on Saturday to announce his choice of a vice-presidential running mate.

That, at least was the hot rumor among political insiders Tuesday, as talk spread of an apparent Obama rally set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the Old State Capitol in Springfield — the same place where he announced his candidacy for president a year-and-a-half ago.

There was no immediate response from the Obama campaign. But one source close to Mr. Obama confirmed that such a possibility is under review, with a second Springfield source saying top Obama backers are being notified of a Springfield event.

Meanwhile, political Web site Capitol Fax reported that a planning meeting for an Obama Springfield event was held Tuesday morning. […]

Another source close to Mr. Obama said the Springfield rally could be one of a series of stops with the new running mate, though not necessarily the stop at which the announcement is first made.

* 12:50 pm - Mark Ambinder thinks that a Friday night announcement with a big Saturday splash in Springfield is possible…

So — the e-mail goes out Friday night, and the nominee and the candidate appear together for the first time in Springfield.

Then they’ll go on a biographical tour.

- posted by Rich Miller

89 Comments

- North of I-80 - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:15 pm:
Maybe he’ll announce Emil Jones as his VP running mate…

- Leave a light on George - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:15 pm:
Have him give driving directions to the Gov.

- wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:16 pm:
Makes sense to return to the site of the announcement. I suspect he’ll be on a national tour with his Veep pick.

My guess is Bayh.

- wndycty - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:17 pm:
Very fitting, the location where he announced his candidacy.

- Leave a light on George - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:22 pm:
Will the Old State Capitol be open that day or will the recent layoffs and reduced schedules at historic sites keep it closed? Just asking.

- oneman - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:24 pm:
I hear the governor will be campaining for him in wyoming

- Ghost - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:28 pm:
Im going to follow Words thought, cept to go with Biden as the VP pick.

- A Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:29 pm:
Will there be a laying on of hands? Maybe he can “heal” the dems . . . or maybe just guv. That might be worth the ticket.

- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:32 pm:
oneman — I think you have bad info. I suspect Gov. B will be in Bejing for the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.

- Gregor - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:34 pm:
Oneman, I heard Guam for Rod.

Stopping here after the convention, I understand. Before/ Doesn’t make as much sense to me.

Maybe he’s coming to see what a “real homeboy” Black governor (Rod) looks like?

Considering what a mess Springfield is, I have to wonder why come at all, too much chance for negatives.

- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:45 pm:
AA predicts Biden, but can’t imagine why BHO & Co. would want to get anywhere close to the ‘Patch in light of recent and upcoming events.

- Diamond Dog - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 12:45 pm:
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! G-Rod for VP!

Pingback The Daily Background » Semi-confirmation: Obama will announce VP before convention - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:01 pm:
[…] Update: More over at the Illinois political blog Capitol Fax. […]

- Skeeter - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:03 pm:
My money is on Bayh for VP, which is unfortunate because if it was my choice, he would be behind Wes Clark, Anthony Zinni, San Nunne, Joe Biden, Chuck Hagel, and Brian Schweitzer.

Bayh is a good guy who will make a fine Vice President, but his record does not compare to the others I mentioned.

That being said — anyone else think a Friday announcement is strange? That’s usually when bad stuff is reported, to avoid coverage.

Which, by digression, tells me to expect VP Hillary Clinton.

- Ghost - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:07 pm:
My prediction (stirs tea leaves; reads entrails) we get an annoucnement tomorrow (wed) on the VP pick (Biden). With the first stop for the new team being springfield.

- Black Ivy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:13 pm:
Obama is remarkable, but my support still remains solidly behind Clinton. I am hoping Obama has the courage to do what REALLY needs to be done to “UNIFY THE PARTY” and bring women home - select CLinton as his VP…not Bayh (though I am a fan), not Biden, not Sebellius, not Kaine, not Clark.

The time to be bold is NOW!

- jj - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:14 pm:
Tom Cross for VP!

- sonicalum - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:17 pm:
what about the big Blues festival going on downtown Saturday - that will be a ngihtmare for teams trying to bring in their grills and set up -its all up and down 5th street right by the old capitol.

- wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:19 pm:
Biden is a sharp and dynamic guy, but I think he would be a poor choice for veep. The guy talks too much and is unusually enamored with his own qualities, even for a politician. I don’t think he has the temperament to be a second fiddle.

- Captain America - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:21 pm:
My money is on Senator Biden becsue of his foreign policy expertise. Biden would also be an excellent Secretary of State. My personal favorits for VP is Governor Bill Richardson. I like Clark for Secretary of Defense assuming Nunn or Hagel don’t want the want the job.Hagel might want to be SecDef.

I haope I can find someone to work for me Saturday so I can go down to Springfield.

- Pat colllins - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:21 pm:
So, is this morphing into a national campaign thread?

My money is on Bayh for VP

How important is Indiana? Nunn would make Georgia in play, that would be important.

- Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:21 pm:
I hate to sound old fashioned but in my youth I remember the political parties having a convention, then they nominated a Presdential candidate a majority confirmed it and then the Candidate would suggest their potential running mate and the process was repeated. What happened? Why even have the conventions if it’s already decided? Looks like a large waste to me. Just sayin…..

- Pat colllins - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:22 pm:
I am sure DE is not very important.

- I'm just sayin' - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:28 pm:
Me thinks the crowd will exceed what the Republicans produced last Thursday when they tried to glom onto Lincoln (talk about resting on your laurels!).

Just a guess.

- Black Ivy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:35 pm:
Dan S., you are right. My support for Clinton remains steadfast, but I continue to be disappointed by the Democratic National Convention and its party rules. I, too, would like to return to the days where we selected nominees from a pool of candidates.

Pod Cast, Clinton can visit Illinois if she wishes. She can room with me if she wants. Show some respect, please.

Do not discount the power of the female vote - it is unwise to neglect us.

Finally, GO WHITE SOX!

- Skeeter - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:38 pm:
Black Ivy,

That’s a great strategy you’ve got there.

Since, if you stay home in November, the GOP is going to do everything in its power to promote your interests. Keep making new demands on the Democrats. Way to go.

- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:46 pm:
Downtown Springfield will be a mess! He drew 17,000 for the announcement; he’s been drawing that anywhere he goes nowadays. I can’t see Bayh for VP due to age and location; Biden probably for Sec of State; and not Sebalius since that would peeve off all HRC supporters. So I’m predicting an announcement Thursday with Kaine in the D.C. area, a criss-cross starting in the east, stopping in the ‘patch to refuel on Saturday (got to assume there’s a Chicago stop; is Soldier Field available?) then onto the west coast on Sunday and to Denver Monday.

- Macbeth - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:49 pm:
Biden will be the pick.

Nice to have them kick it off in Illinois.

- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:50 pm:
First,

if nominated I will not run. If elected I will not serve.

Now that I have that outta da way”

My guess is that Obama picks Bayh.

Mr Charisma locks up Indiana and would help solidify Michigan and Ohio. They love him in Hoosierville and I doubt there are any serious scandals in his closet.

- wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:55 pm:
I think the Sam Nunn talk has been a charade. He’s been out of politics forever. I think it was a way for Obama to give a nod to Southern Conservatives, without then having to blow off one who is still in office.

- Bathos - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 1:58 pm:
As someone who is/was scheduled to work the gate at the Blues and BBQ Fest, how are the volunteers going to handel the hords of people who will arive early for the Obama event?

- The Conservative - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:04 pm:
Makes no differance Barack Hussain Obama will loose in the fall.

- Captain Flume - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:05 pm:
Biden would be a great pick: a former losing presidential candidate twice 20 years apart, accused of plagiarism like a certain southern Illinois politician/educator, in the bottom of his law school graduating class, nice hair transplant. Perfect counterpoint to the Bammer.

- sonicalum - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:05 pm:
bet they cancel festival - or move it

- Ghost - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:09 pm:
Bayh gives Obama Indiana, and flushes out his campaign for change by including a fresh new face on the ticket.

Biden brings foreign policy chops. The recent Georiga incident has brought the spotlight back sharply on foreign policy, so I think Obama plugs that hole with Biden.

The true dream ticket, Obama with Collin Powel as VP.

I can not imagine a worse VP pick for Obama then HRC, except perhaps Rush Limbaugh.

- wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:16 pm:
Ghost, you have the Dream Ticket right, but the order is wrong.

Think how different the last few years would have been in Powell had won he battle for Ws mind over Cheney and Rummy.

- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:17 pm:
“- The Conservative - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:04 pm:

Makes no differance Barack Hussain Obama will loose in the fall.”

Learn how to speeell “lose” and I might take you more seriusly. OOops, where did my spelchck go.

Actually, any time someone mentions Obama’s middle name I immediately put them in my “dumbass” file.

- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:19 pm:
Move the BBQ to the fairgrounds….gotta find those grand champions a good home!

- Legal Eagle - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
Bayh would give Obama Indiana in the same way that Bentsen gave Texas to Dukakis: that is, not at all!

- Ghost - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
Word I agree.

Too bad the repubs never marchalled behind Powell as a canidate, I think he would have draw regan’esque support. I would like to see him back as Secretary of State, perhaps Obama will pursue him for a job he did well (when he was allowed).

- Skeeter - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:28 pm:
The IrishPirate quoted“ The Conservative” who wrote:

“Makes no differance Barack Hussain Obama will loose in the fall.”

Per Irish Pirate:

“Learn how to speeell “lose” and I might take you more seriusly. OOops, where did my spelchck go.
Actually, any time someone mentions Obama’s middle name I immediately put them in my “dumbass” file. ”

Adding to that: If you can’t spell “Hussein,” you probably should not be tossing the name around.

It is almost like the post by “The Conservative” was parody.

- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:28 pm:
Now thru Sunday will be somewhat overshadowed by the Olympics. I suspect we might see a “whistle- stop” style bus trek through Illinois to rally the volunteers and ask them to step up their efforts in the border states. He could hit at least two stops on the way from Chicago to Springfield for the big rally, then one or two more stops on the way to St. Louis for a mega rally there. That would also ease some of the strain on Springfield.

If he wants to accumulate more power for the presidency, he will pick Cheney. Now there’s a dark horse pick!

- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:28 pm:
to Black Ivy the issue in the end was never HRC it’s Bill and his antics on the trial. He is the past not the future.

- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:32 pm:
My proposed trip could also provide a boost for Debbie H. if one or two of the stops are in her district.

- Big Guy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:43 pm:
He is pulling out!!!!!! Could it be????? Oh, well.
Back to the location of his outstanding IL Senate career….The only thing that could be more boring is if Blago shows up too.

- Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:47 pm:
I think he will pick someone completely unexpected at this point- like HRC.

- Black Ivy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:48 pm:
Agreed, Anon. Bill CLinton was unfairly placed in the center of Hillary Clinton’s campaign, which is disappointing. Never has a male candidate been held responsible for the actions of his spouse (let a alone a two-term sitting Democratic President).

Be advised, I am one of the 7% of African-Americans who proudly voted for Hillary CLinton during the February 5th primary and believe her selection as VP could bring truth to the “party unity” mantra.

Purely politically speaking, Obam will seal his candidacy if he chooses Hillary CLinton, if he truly want tos win this nomination.

As a Black woman, the Democratic Party has disspointed me greatly to say the least.

Barack Obama would do well to select Hillary Clinton in my humble opinion.

- Skeeter - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:55 pm:
“As a Black woman, the Democratic Party has disspointed me greatly to say the least.”

But how has the GOP been treating you?

- wordslinger - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:01 pm:
Pot, I think the juice is out of the Olympics. The ratings are way down from the weekend. Phelps is done, as are women gymnastics and the 100 meter (”Lighting” Bolt’s world record dash was one of the most astounding athletic achievements I’ve ever seen. Just watch him when he runs a complete race!).

Obama’s timing is good. He’ll own the weekend and roll into Denver.

- Rob_N - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:02 pm:
Black Ivy… Bill Clinton placed himself in the center of his wife’s campaign (he’s done the same thing twice during her Senate campaigns).

Why are you blaming others for something he himself did? Once it became clear his commentary was becoming more of a hindrance than a help, the campaign asked him to tone it down. He did.

PS: Sen. Obama already has the numbers to win the nomination.

- Black Ivy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:03 pm:
Skeeter, McCain is not the worst presumptive Republcian nominee that I have ever seen.

I have followed his career closely, as the self-professed independent maverick who reached across the aisle as well as the moving right-of-center politician who indicated that he would remove the four “most liberal” justices from the U.S. Supreme Court if he could.

- Anon - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:06 pm:
I agree with you mostly but I dont think it was “unfairly”. Bill used his position both as a former President and a spouse to assist her campaign. If Mrs. Obama said or did what he did she would receive the same heat.
I was a big Clinton suporter back in the day and made it to his 1st swearing in. It was a great time filled with hope. I guess I just worn out with the Clintons.

- Pat colllins - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:08 pm:
“As a Black woman, the Democratic Party has disspointed me greatly to say the least.”

But how has the GOP been treating you?

Ah, but that isn’t the point. The GOP hasn’t really done a lot for it’s base either. McCain can’t really say “what has the party that calls you “white males” done for you and expect to win.”

People can choose to stay home.

- S. Illinois - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:09 pm:
OBAMA CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCES BATTLEGROUND STATE TOUR LEADING UP TO DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

Obama kicks off tour at site of campaign announcement in Springfield, Illinois

Chicago, IL – Today, the Obama campaign announced that Senator Barack Obama will kick off his trip to the Democratic National Convention on Saturday, August 23, 2008 with an event at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois, where Obama officially announced his campaign for president on February 10, 2007.
Senator Obama will also make stops next week in several battleground states before arriving in Denver. Additional details will be announced as soon as they become available.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008

Campaign Event with Barack Obama
Old State Capitol
Springfield, IL

This event will be free and open to the public.

Please visit www.barackobama.com/springfield to RSVP for the event, and for updated public details as soon as they are available.

- JFK Legacy - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:31 pm:
I think Barack should take a page on what W did in 2000, and simply pick the head of his VP committee to be his running mate. Obama should choose Caroline Kennedy. She would help boost his presence among female voters and not upstage him from an experience standpoint.

- Click - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:48 pm:
#

- Skeeter - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 2:28 pm:

The IrishPirate quoted“ The Conservative” who wrote:

“Makes no differance Barack Hussain Obama will loose in the fall.”

Per Irish Pirate:

“Learn how to speeell “lose” and I might take you more seriusly. OOops, where did my spelchck go.
Actually, any time someone mentions Obama’s middle name I immediately put them in my “dumbass” file. ”

Adding to that: If you can’t spell “Hussein,” you probably should not be tossing the name around.

It is almost like the post by “The Conservative” was parody.
——-
Apparently Hussein & Lose aren’t the only issues with his spell check… Differance? No “The Conservative” - it’s Difference, no ‘a’. I suggest you download Firefox. There’s a plug in that will help you auto-detect your misspelled words.

- GUV IS ELVIS - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 3:59 pm:
I DON’T SUPPORT HIM BUT ATLEAST HE KNOWS WHERE SPRINGFIELD IS, UNLIKE BLAGO.

- Macbeth - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 4:35 pm:
So does this mean the rise of Obama and the end of Blagojevich?

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/08/dnc-gives-plum.html

- Go Sox - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 4:43 pm:
OMG, Obama, here?! I don’t know what to do?! I need to get my hair done ASAP! Do we have enough hotel rooms for our European friends?!

- Belle - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 4:43 pm:
In reading thru all the posts one thing kept jumping out at me - how many times race and gender are used. Frankly, I don’t care what race or gender you are, if you are the best candidate for the job I’m with you. We’re picking a war time president. Not a puppy. I know most of you have fun trying to guess what is going to happen and who he will pick. Can’t it be debated on the persons qualifications? Do any of them have any? It would be nice if someone on the ticket did.

- Bill - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 5:28 pm:
My, my the repubies sure are bitter today! It looks like it will be a long 8 years for you right wingers.

- Muskrat - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 5:34 pm:
I’m not saying it’s going to be Sebelius, but a bus tour that starts in Springfield and ends in Denver could pass through Kansas….

- A Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 5:34 pm:
Doubtful, Bill, but if the case is so at least we will have you to comfort us and translate what is meant in our time of sorrow. And I want to assure you We will be there for you if the coin flip goes the other way!

- Arthur Andersen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 5:54 pm:
Bill, I wouldn’t be measuring the offices in the West Wing quite yet if I were you.

Besides, if the Blago “administration” is a preview of things to come, you’ve done more flips about him than the Chinese gymnastics team.

BTW, this is one happy R if the OBots are calling Illinois a “Battleground State.”

word and Ghost, amen on Gen. Powell. A great soldier and a great leader. Coulda, woulda, shoulda. I don’t see him coming back into the public arena, though.

- Mountain Man - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 5:57 pm:
It will be Biden or Clinton.

Here’s why.

If Obama were to pick Evan Bayh or Tim Kaine, it would be at least partially to help the ticket in their home states. By introducing his running mate in Springfield, he loses a major opportunity for a large rally in their home state for the candidate’s “coming out” party.

Clinton and Biden are both in the running for reasons other than putting any specific state in play (New York and Delaware are safely Obama’s already), so it makes more sense for him to “go home” for this next major step in his journey to the White House.

As for the other name that the talking heads have been saying is in the running Kathleen Sebelius, I don’t believe, is really in the running any longer. She couldn’t deliver Kansas and she doesn’t strengthen any of Obama’s weaknesses.

Were I betting, I’d bet on Biden….

- The Shadow Knows - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:08 pm:
If you want the “inside scoop” as to who Barack’s new VP is going to be, all you have to do is ask Emil. My guess is that Barack’s mentor Emil knows.

- GOP'er - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:17 pm:
You’re all wrong and you’re missing all the clues.

Who has been one of Obama’s most faithful supporters? Who has never waivered? Who has campaigned tirelessly on Obama’s behalf? Who is comfortable “reaching across the aisle”? Who will bring some much needed puffy rich white guy diversity to the ticket? Who has recently been talking about running statewide? Who brings a real Lincoln connection (a relative or inlaw who supposedly first coined the nickname, “the Rail Splitter”)?

That’s right, the Dems are gonna double down on Illinois with KIRK DILLARD!

You heard it here first.

- A Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:20 pm:
- GOP’er -
Puffy white guy - Man! I was gonna go with Rich or Bill as my guess. You really fooled me . . .or maybe I’m right?

- Nanner - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:35 pm:
Belle, just why is it that we are picking a “war time president,” hmm? Is it because a fatuous president got us into an unnecessary war over oil? What we need is not a another war president (who wants to go to war with Iran and Russia) but a president who will never put American soldiers in harms’ way without a damned good reason!

- Mark W. Johnson - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:35 pm:
Maybe Obama is coming back to get the documents pertaining to the Annenberg Challenge Project at the U of I Chicago.

Will you be posting on this Rich?

- Rayne of Terror - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 6:54 pm:
Indianapolis democrats are coming over.

- OneMan - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:02 pm:
Bitter….
Shoot Emil calling it quits, Rod being the only Illinois Democrat not speaking at the DNC. I would argue it’s been an up day.

- ChicagoDem - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:10 pm:
Re: Ghost’s comment re: Powell “when he was allowed” to be Secretary of State. Please give Mr.Powell more respect. He was and never will be anybody’s puppet. Give him his due as a man. It just seems rediculous to suggest that when a man of Powell’s caliber makes mistakes, the blame is hurled at others. Yet, when a when he makes good decisions, these are attributed to his greatness, independence and good judgement.

Irish Pirate: What is wrong with mentioning Obama’s middle name? What is so dumbass about that? When people referred to William Jefferson Clinton in the past, did you refer to these people as dumbasses as well? Obama is running for the presidency of the United States, quit been so overprotective!

- Bill - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:19 pm:
Obama will only be a wartime president for about 6 months and will then begin a safe withdrawal of American troops from the Iraqi quagmire, pacify Afghanistan, neutralize Iran and North Korea, and begin using the $5 billion per month that we are no longer spending on war to spur the American economy.
Happy days are almost here again.

- A Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:46 pm:
Bill, you rascal, it’s been a couple of years, but, I sense you are “smell’n the bacon” yet again?

- Bill - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 7:55 pm:
And this time the smell is even sweeter!
Pass the pork chops.

- Ghost - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 8:11 pm:
ChicagoDem Mr. Powell has commented himself on how he was limited by the Bush administartion on a number of occasions. Mr. powell is not a renegade maverick, and he follows orders. Unfrotunetly those orders went a different direction then he would have gone had the decision been his.

- A Citizen - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 8:23 pm:
Could it be that Emil resigned the Senate Presidency to get himself out-of-the-way for the coming Obama poison pill based in his Illinois relationships? Enough so that it might clear the way for a Hillary nomination in a cloud of suspicion and possibly scandal? Rezko et al have been mysteriously way out of the spotlight for a while now. Just wonder’n. Bill and Hill do play for keeps, after all - and they are Not good losers!

- Louis Howe - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 8:29 pm:
Gov. Kaine offers the right match in a change election year and a possible swing state. If this election is about foreign policy, Obama loses. So why take on Biden and end up focusing the election on foreign policy and Biden’s Hot Air. Bayh is even more bland than Obama. Of course, any of the three is better than a sure losing ticket with Clinton.

- Speaking at Will - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 9:05 pm:
Bill

Just curious, are there any democrats that you would not support?

- Mountain Man - Tuesday, Aug 19, 08 @ 9:25 pm:
Speaking,

Your question wasn’t directed at me, but I’ll answer it anyway. I’m a die hard democrat and there is no way I’d support a ticket which has former Senator Sam Nunn anywhere near it. He is an anti-gay bigot that should have been bounced from the party faster than was Joe Lieberman.

- Reality Check - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 12:12 am:
Seal the deal! Pick Hillary and his election is a done deal. It would show Barack is smart enough and has a bold imagination by doing what is conventionally unconventional. Provided Bill will park it till Nov. 4, this team would be unbeatable!

- prowler - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 7:15 am:
If Obama follows his mentors (Emil) lead his VP running mate will be Michelle.

- Bill - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 7:34 am:
Speaking at Will,
Uh,,,,,No.
Well yeah, Forrest(Gump)Claypool, but he is not really a democrat.

- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 8:23 am:
Obama, whose ties to Springfield was as a part time work office when the state legislators were in town, has turned down Chicago venues, Hawaiian venues, New York City venues and Los Angeles venues, each city actually once his home, to make his historic announcent there.

Why? Because he wishes to tie himself to Springfield’s native son Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s 200th birthday event will occur February and Obama wants some of that Lincolnesque connection.

Obama recognizes that his lack of a curriculum vitae necessitates some PR work. He skipped Wendell Willkie, who was the last US presidential nominee with as weak an experience record as Obama, and instead, settled on Lincoln, the other Republican.

As he demonstrated when he announced his candidacy in Springfield in 2007, Obama knows that image is important. So although he has lived in larger, more politically important US cities and could fill any venue with roaring Democrats, Obama and Axelrod want us to see Obama as having ties to Lincoln.

That is why Obama is returning to Springfield. A little cynicism is in order here.

- the Patriot - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 9:04 am:
He is coming to Springfield because his campaign is collapsing. Why waste the biggest moment in your campaign and probably your life in a state you will win in a landslide? Because he can’t draw more than 1500 people in OHIO, FL, PA, or any other battleground state. The rock star is no longer a sell out show and he knows it.

He had to either go where he knows he will draw a crowd, or do like he did in Berlin and offer free beer to get people to show up.

Elvis has left the building and the Barack Obama Show is not far behind.

- Bill - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 9:22 am:
Patriot,
LOL. Even you can’t be that far out of touch with reality.

- Anon from BB - Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 9:43 am:
Bill,

So after he pacifies the world, when does he turn water into wine, multiply the loaves and fishes, and raises people from the dead? [/sarcasm]

Pingback Good Morning, America, How Are Ya? | Ora et Labora - Saturday, Aug 23, 08 @ 4:03 am:
[…] Looking for your Obama-Biden bumper sticker before the anouncment today in Springfield? […]

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