Barack Obama

Completing a Speech Not Resolving Issue

2009-06-07T21:01:00.001+07:00

Barack Obama

Voice loud, but friendly. "Hello, hello, hello," he said while entering the room. Seven journalists have been many countries that wait around the round table in the hall next to the University of Cairo, Egypt, it also stands to welcome, on Thursday last week.

Barack Obama recently finished a hall at the university. Around 3000 in front of the audience-mostly students-President of the United States is talking about his country, the world of Islam, and mustahaknya peace. He quoted al-Quran and the Torah. Throughout the 55 minutes it gives the audience more than 25 aplaus, and two times the cry of "I love you!"

He did not look tired when entering the interview room. While shake, journalists began to ask. "Still can speak Indonesia?" Shahanaaz journalist Habib's The Star newspaper, Malaysia, greet. Obama said in the fluent English, "It is many forget."

Tempo journalist, Bambang Harymurti, ask four questions, including about Obama's plan look in her house in Menteng Dalam, Jakarta. Also sikapnya on the relationship of political and religious.

Obama is not the pure sekularisme, such as the generally liberal in the Democratic Party. Experiences interact in the church make activists see the role of pastor of the church circles of color (black Churches), which are also social activists, and even politics.

Wear the black suit and blue tie, President Obama sitting in the chair and start the event with a relaxed, but serious. "We only have a say within 30 minutes, and a new me," he said. "So, should we just start this event in turns." He was immediately appointed Wafa Amr, women journalists in the newspaper Al-Quds Palestine.

Questions for the question slide, and President Obama to answer them with full confidence. Presumably, as the experience of making the problem complicated campin with the fresh, as always dilampiri an amusement.

Do not feel 50 minutes elapsed, and the interview should be terminated. "I now want to see the pyramid," he said. But journalists apparently do not want to release Obama casually. Event photos together and have a signature was also held before the president left the room was friendly.

Here is an interview with President Obama Tempo and six journalists from Palestine, Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.

When you come to Indonesia?

O. .. I need to visit Indonesia soon. I expect the next year. I will be surprised if in a trip to Asia later I drop to my old home, Jakarta. Go to Menteng Dalam, eating meatball and fried rice ... (laughing).

I live only an 300-meters from your house in Menteng In ....

Is that right? But I hear the road is paved now, ya? Previously, when I lived there, the road is still the land, so that rain and mud, so cars were trapped.

Are you coming November akan later, when the meeting Cooperation Asia-Pacific Economic (APEC)?

Do not ask me a matter of detail ... (laughing).

In the book The Audacity of Hope, you write your experiences concerning the activities involved in the black church. Do you feel a lot of similarity of views among the activist black church is about relationships with the religious and political view of the activist political Islam?

As a Christian who is also the strong support of democracy and human rights, the Constitution and science faculty, I have views on how people live together pluralistik. This is a problem that has many I think. What I try to Communicate in my speech is what I believe is very, that the world is now interdependen such as this, where a variety of different confidence must live together, we need confidence that adults, which is to say, I strongly believe my confidence, but I respect the fact that other people can also be very confident keyakinannya different. So, the only way we can live together is if we agree on a political system that produces the rules about how the relationship is done with, that is I can not impose my religious regulations in effect on other people, that I can not mobilize the majority to discriminate against the minority . I can not take the rules in my religion and apply them to the other religions.

That does not mean I can not bring up arguments based on my confidence. For example, as the Christians, I believe the command of God can not kill, and as a politician I seek laws that prohibit the killing. This is not to impose my religion my confidence, but fight for moral values that may be received also by other parties because it is universal. I think is very important for Muslims to ponder this question. For example, about sharia. I realize not all religions have the same views about the role in politics, part of which is feasible in ajarannya applied to the secular law. But, if that force ajarannya must be run by the religious or other groups, this is clearly contrary to the spirit of democracy and the old-old will cause instability, even destruktif behavior in the community. This is the important issues that need to be internally among adherent of Islam.

One thing I believe, when there who feel justified by his religion to kill other people, surely it was mistaken to understand the teachings of religion. I think this is a problem that perdebatannya is complete for most people, but are still very small group of potential destruktif.

Why choose Cairo to launch this speech?

I think it is important to do in Cairo, the main problem because of the relationship of Islam and the United States later this area is in the Middle East. This has impressed nearly mencederai Indonesia, not only because I personally know a close culture. My step-sister born in Indonesia. But, plainly, the relationship the United States and Indonesia are generally good. Indeed, had weakened some time after the Iraq war, but in general can be said our good communication. The trend is a problem in the source, not to avoid. And in this situation now, I think, the source of the problem is with the United States with the countries in the Middle East.

Your speech is actually directed to whom? Groups do not seem extreme menggubris.

Particularly among young Islamic world. If there are young people of Islam, may be aged 20 years, which left me a call, and start a conversation with a friend, or of the parents, that means my speech is not futile. Hopefully the talks do not make them easily recruited extreme groups. Extreme groups are the target audience is not my speech.

Not to your expectations too high?

I've tried explaining that only one speech will not solve the problem. That I want to do is start a conversation, not just between me and the people of Islam, but between the Islamic community itself, between the United States, is also among the Western community, namely how to discuss this issue with honesty. What is the diagnosis of the problem is? May take long to make a diagnosis, but may not do it without the right diagnosis. I do not think some of these problems can be solved in a short time.

What is the difference between your approach to government than previous efforts to solve the problem in Palestine?

I think it is too premature right now. I've delivered a speech about the things the principle only, not into its implementation. Prime Minister Netanyahu appointed a new two months, and President Mahmud Abbas, who I met two weekends ago, is consulting with Arab leaders. Are still to be discussed far readiness of each party looking for a settlement. This is a difficult problem, and not be considered frivolous. Moreover, each party has a political problem that is also remarkable. This conflict has been running 60 years, may not be completed in a short time.

Is there a time frame in solving this case?

I do not want to force the schedule. I think negotiations can be perceived at an impasse, and when moving. While this impasse has occurred for long enough time, then need to be moved back.

How does your attitude towards Hamas?

I have already mentioned in my earlier speech can not be denied that Hamas has the support of some Palestinian residents. I also say, Hamas must shoulder the responsibility started if you want to run the government. Hamas must be aware, may not run a government without recognizing the existence of neighboring countries, Israel. Eliminate Israel is an illusion. Hamas must now decide whether to speak or just interested in the real paper. If this is the serious, Hamas must be out of the way violence and recognize Israel right to life. If this is done, many things that can be negotiated. So the options are actually in the hands of Hamas.

Can you press the government of the Prime Minister Netanyahu, considering the strong Israel lobby in the United States Congress?

First, I have explained that the relationship the United States and Israel is very strong, may not drop out of, any party in power in Congress. Relationship is very deep, because of cultural and historical factors. So please do not drop out of this relationship will be. About Prime Minister Netanyahu, he just sort of coalition that is not easy, and the new two weeks. Currently, many citizens of Israel lost the trust of the negotiation process. I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu will bring back this belief. Remember Nixon's famous visit to China? Because Nixon's Republic Party, known antikomunis, he can do. This is difficult to be a president from the Democratic Party. I believe Netanyahu can play a role as Nixon first. At least, give the opportunity a few months before the settlement of the case of Palestine declares certain to fail.

How do you actually know about Iran's attitude?

I have already explained this problem in the past, and remain consistent. Iran is also of interest to prevent the occurrence of the nuclear race has in this area. My approach is, let's discuss this and find solutions together. But I also aware about the limitations of time, about the importance of this problem solved soon. I tend to approach diplomacy in solving the problem, but I certainly do not want to talk just for talking only. If I do not see any progress, the other options considered in order to keep our interest.

100 Testing Day Obama

2009-01-17T14:19:00.000+07:00

Once elected U.S. president, Barack Obama, was on January 20, all eyes will be is to the government's first 100 days. Obama debut in the White House will determine the future of government.

Obama issues fundamental changes in U.S. public life, such as expanding health care, withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, and the application of new energy strategy that requires more than three months to complete.

Obama Speech inaugurating the opportunity to become important to determine the color of the first 100 days. "I think he must be realistic in that we are currently experiencing a crisis, but also balance between hope and optimism," said Buddy Howell, the president's rhetoric expert Denison University, Thursday (15 / 1).

Obama's first priority after becoming president is persist in the economic stimulus package that Congress is now estimated to reach 850 billion U.S. dollars. The adjuvant Obama, said the draft law concerning stimulus Obama ready to be signed as soon as he is in the Oval Room.

"I think he can not leave (Washington) at all. He stops at Capitol Hill from time to time to make a personal approach, "said Bruce Buchanan, Political Science lecturer at the University of Texas.

Obama seems to doubt can fulfill a campaign promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison in the first 100-day government. The more likely is Obama's executive order to begin the process of closing the facilities and decide what to do with the remaining detainees.

Towards the inauguration Obama, the Senate has been carry law that will punish anyone who pander ticket inauguration, on Monday. Senator Dianne Feinstein carry law is to respond to requests for 240,000 tickets sheet. Past reports show that the ticket is offered on the internet with a price selangit.

In order to secure the inauguration, more than 12,500 active and reserve soldiers, thousands of metropolitan police, as well as personnel from 57 ministries were to Washington. "We must be vigilant against potential attacks of chemical, biological, and Radiology," said Major General Richard Rowe of the appointment

Obama still silent about Gaza

2009-01-05T17:12:00.000+07:00

A spokesperson for the U.S. president elect Barack Obama said Obama refused to comment on the land of Israel to attack Gaza Strip, Saturday (3 / 1).

The spokesman said only to the AFP, the U.S. president will come to follow it closely with the incident.

"President elect oversee the near global events, including the situation in Gaza," said national security spokesman, Brooke Anderson.

However, he did not provide comment on the violence in Gaza and the use of the phrase often repeated by Obama and the pembantunya, said: "There is only one president at a time and we want to menghormatinya". Obama will begin to power on January 20.

Israeli soldiers have been entering Gaza under the cover darkness Saturday, expand the war against Hamas after the artillery demolish the Palestinian territories and airplanes wage war tens of air attacks.

English Artist Wedged Obama To Talk About Gaza

2009-01-03T13:17:00.001+07:00

A group of artists and writers including British singer Annie Lennox dihentikannya bombardment support Israel in Gaza. They also requested the elected U.S. President Barack Obama to speak.

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone and human rights activist Bianca Jagger joined the pengunjuk think that has to do aksinya in sepekan last. Action will be having peak in their demonstration on Saturday outside Downing Street.

"I want to ask the president to talk Obama elected," said Jagger. "People around the world hope when he was selected and we have to ask to have dihentikannya immediately pembombardiran civilians in the Gaza Strip."

Obama is mum about the Gaza conflict, with the stresses that there is only one president at a time before pelantikannya on January 20.

Think the performance, Saturday, will march past Downing Street, where the taste will leave pengunjuk old shoes for PM Gordon Brown. They were apparently inspired action Iraqi journalist who threw sepatunya on U.S. President George W. Bush.

Livingston, the mayor of London as the ax in May, said that in the last few days is the ratio of 100 deaths compared to a Palestinian citizen of Israel who died in the Gaza conflict, ketujuhnya in the day, Friday.

"There is no feeling that it may be comparable," he said, and Israel says is a "country that was built based on ethnic extermination", with reference to the establishment in May 1948, after about 700,000 Palestinian residents fled or expelled.

The former star Eurythmiks, Lennox adds: "A few days after Christmas I came down to the room, turn on the television, and see the cloud of smoke coming from a number of buildings and surprised me." Because I think as a mother and as a man, how this will be the solution for peace? "he said.

Obama Change the Middle East Policy

2009-01-01T14:21:00.001+07:00

The Council of American-Islamic Relations (Liquid), which is headquartered in Washington, condemn Israeli attacks against Gaza Strip that have been cut at least 374 people.

Organization is elected U.S. president urged Barak Obama, to show its commitment to a policy change regarding the Middle East. They ask Obama to speak loud in order to support peace and justice for all parties to the conflict in Palestine, which has lasted several decades it.

"We also urge world leaders to act immediately to end the attacks, which is not very balanced and counterproductive by Israel and end the humanitarian blockade against Gaza Strip, which resulted in destruction truce recently," the sound of their statements.

Liquid stated UN Secretary-General, European Union (EU), Islamic Conference Organization (OKI), the Arab League, and other international institutions must be urged Israel to stop serangannya.

Liquid, the group's largest Islamic civil freedoms in the United States, has 35 offices and branches throughout the United States and in Canada.

Its mission is to improve understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil freedoms, strengthen American Muslims, and build coalitions that encourage justice and mutual understanding.

Holiday Barack Obama

2008-12-31T16:13:00.000+07:00

Oahu Island, Honolulu, where the U.S. president elect Barack Obama on holiday, darkness without electricity lighting Friday (26/12) due to a transformer in the area be struck by lightning.

Some witnesses said it seems the power in the complex where Obama off on holiday and workers in a hurry the emergency generator.

A spokesperson for the power company, Peter Rosegg, said the entire island area of 1553 square kilometers which is inhabited 900,000 people affected by the influence. "We lost the last generator ... now the whole area of the island without electricity," said Rosegg. Traffic on the streets of Honolulu was the main subject.

Mayor of Honolulu Mufi Hannemann told radio station KSSK, take at least 12 hours or more may be able to restore the situation. A transportation official told local radio that the plane-plane landed at the international air port of Honolulu, but the foundation to stay suspended.

The residents said this is the largest extinction since the earthquake that caused the area was darkness in October 2006. A civil defense officials said, the possibility of lightning strike a transformer so that electricity is lost. Thunderbolt sounded strong on the island before the power off.

Barack Obama and 2008

2008-12-30T14:15:00.000+07:00

We stand at the exact pengujung 2008. While still move forward, we have a good idea to habituate back and learn from it.

Let's Rename first year in 2008. Each naming a dates, either year, century, millennium or, of course, can not elude from simplification. What can be made, I want to name the year 2008, for reasons that I will dust later, as the "Year of Obama."

Husein Barack Obama victory in the United States Presidential Elections on 4 November 2008 is the victory pemimpi. "Being the U.S. president" is the dream that kept Obama since he is still early.

Not only that. That is also the victory of hard work. See Obama speak in front of around 150,000 in the supporting Grand Park Chicago that night, I believe that the dream is half goal, goal is half a plan, the plan is half of hard work, hard work and is half the success.

Obama to victory on the way through that is not easy. Part of the victory is the most stir when he will overcome other Democratic Party candidates, Hillary Clinton, the owner of "best political vehicle of 20th century." Obama mengalahkannya use the "best political vehicle 21st century," wrote The Atlantic (December 2007).

Basis Obama's political vehicle, outside the Democratic Party, is the millions of ordinary people. Around 750 million U.S. dollars can be collected Obama campaign team and more than half are "recehan money" collected from ordinary people who feel are shouting, "Yes, we can!", On the back of Obama.

Obama campaign, under the leadership of David Axelrod have hands cold, organized by millions of volunteers in the entire country. Most of them are young people who feel in life to seize the future better.

In the edition of Time magazine "Person of the Year" (29 December 2008-5 January 2009) mentions three key behind victory Obama: fixed focus, stay calm and organized. With this is the key, not simply to become President of United States of color first, Obama opened a new page history of the United States.

The first page of the history of the new United States itself has actually opened soon after the September 11 tragedy in 2001. However, George W Bush not to write the prologue too fun to remember. Obama potentially play an important role because of the tone and word choice in the new tuturan history.

Apart that in issues such as the classic Israeli-Palestinian conflict it is not much different with the other American politicians in general, Obama offers the United States with different tastes. Jobs program substitution of environmentally friendly energy, for example, feels relieve. As a relatively young age of politicians, he offers hope as well as new possibilities.

Do not be a meeting. I do not want to praise America or Obama. I just want to underscore how the values in the Obama phenomenon is a cross-country or geographical boundaries. Values is a valuable lesson for everyone, including us.

We

It's good we pinch in 2009 with the full awareness that as a "democracy elektoral"-who devote themselves to organize elections in the various level-Indonesia is a democracy so that developed and busy. However, the rush of democracy elektoral this proves just how broadest freedom, competition, and participation.

Do not rush it and prove that we have been successful representation of practice, accountability, and mandate. Democracy we are still far tertatih-tatih pursue the goal of democracy: justice and public welfare.

In the framework that we can habituate Obama phenomenon. What is offered Obama phenomenon is something that is missing in Indonesia and we are long: a new generation of politicians, the youth harmonize border with maturity, based pemenangan political involvement of the people, political, locality-based, with the political substance, hope that is not empty, the update that is not jargon simply stop, and political opportunities that opened for the pemimpi who want to work hard.

Of course, once again, mentions 2008 as the "Year of Obama" is a simplification. There are many colors and other phenomena that we sua throughout the year. However, sometimes, for the purposes of the positive, as well as a simplification of learning (from a far country even) we need.

Readers, happy New Year! Let us rebut tomorrow a better day than this!

Obama Watch developments in Gaza

2008-12-29T18:47:00.000+07:00

Elected President of the United States, Barack Obama spoke with Foreign Minister Condoleezza Rice, Saturday or Sunday (28/12) on the Indonesian attack Gaza Strip to Israel, which killed 228 people.

"President elect appreciate information from the phone and Menlu Rice," said one official Transition Team Obama. Sources add that Obama who started eight minutes to talk through phone. "Obama will continue to monitor the events in the Gaza Strip, and other global events," he said.

Previously, Israeli air force attacked the Gaza Strip, the occupied Hamas, Saturday, and continues until the evening. This is a revenge action against the militants of Hamas rocket fire with Israel to the south. This incident occurred eight days after the cease-fire agreement between the two countries ended.

Obama promises peace in the Middle East is a priority after a U.S. president. However, Israel still hopes Obama is in the side of Israel, as promised during the campaign first.

Public policy observers Aaron David Miller of the Woodrow Wilson International Center said, "I think the direction will change American politics: You will get a serious reaction from the government that will come." Aaron is also an adviser six foreign ministers in the U.S. about the Arab-Israeli relations.

Time bomb waiting Barack Obama

2008-12-15T17:33:00.001+07:00

When Bill Clinton began serving as U.S. president in 1993, the issue of global warming is a problem not inviting environment that serious attention so easily ignored. However, the current global warming problem has become serious attention.

When Clinton appointed as president, ocean ice in the Arctic has been melting until the whole region Alaska, California and Texas. Global warming has increased dramatically in the 10 years since the second inauguration Bill Clinton.

The process of global warming is symbolized as a "time bomb" move more quickly. The time has been spent to avert this problem and to know Obama.

"Time to delay (the issue of global warming) has ended; time to menyangkalnya had ended," Obama said Tuesday (9 / 12) after receiving former vice president Al Gore, like the Nobel Peace for his work in global warming. "We believe that to scientists for several years that global warming is a problem the problem of emergency and national security and must be dealt with seriously."

However, Obama can not avoid the reality of economic and political issues that determine and must be addressed urgently. Although Obama discloses the global warming problem as an emergency, are still not known whether elected U.S. president and this Congress will agree on an approach during the ongoing world financial crisis, which coincides with the deadline for completion of a number of seabrek other important issues.

Obama urged changes in the way of U.S. energy use and produce greenhouse gases as part of the economic stimulus bulk. Obama mentions this as an opportunity "to empower the United States again."

After several years without any significant steps against global warming, 2009 will likely be changes in years. Obama will replace George W. Bush is against the provisions of cutting greenhouse gas pollution.

Obama steps to arrest the impact of the rate of global warming appears to be supported by Congress. In addition, next year, the U.S. diplomat will try to conclude a new international Treaty that large-scale and intended to rein in greenhouse gas pollution.

Chairman of the Senate for Environmental Affairs and Public Works, Barbara Boxer is determined to emphasize 2 curb the impact of regulations global warming from January next year. One of the regulations is to improve energy efficiency as an economic stimulus and other regulations is to create the limits and trading system that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from various furniture. "Time is now," Boxer in sepucuk write a letter to Obama on December 8.

Greenhouse gas emissions have increased 20 percent in the U.S. since 1992. At the same time, pollution, carbon dioxide (CO2) in China have increased 2-fold.

CO2 emissions have increased faster than the diskenariokan by scientists. Methan, other greenhouse gases are very dangerous, without previously suspected have been increased again, and scientists worry methan in large numbers can accelerate the process mencairnya North Pole.

Impeachment For Blagojevich

2008-12-13T15:29:00.003+07:00

Corruption scandal involving the Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, took the president made the United States (U.S.) selected Barack Obama center of public attention. For, chair of the senate, which sold the former governor owns. Nevertheless, he believes there are no staff or people involved in the proximity of the shameful scandal.

"I am surprised and kecewanya together with all people. I never discuss the senate seat that I leave with Blagojevich. Therefore, I believe, none of my staff or officials involved in these scenarios," said Barack Obama, as quoted Associated Press yesterday ( 12/12). He was also optimistic, internal audit, which is currently still running the lines show the same results with the information.

In the chance that Barack Obama called back to back Blagojevich from office. "I think he has tarnish the public trust," said the president-44 to land so that the police feel the world. Barack Obama added in such a situation, Blagojevich will not work optimally. That he provided services to the public servant as Illinois community will not be effective.

Barack Obama is not only the stifling days of violence with Blagojevich. Most high rank Democratic Party who felt compromised the reputation of his party also criticize the governor is 52 years old. Including representative, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. To save the image of Barack Obama that the government officially began running Jan. 20 to come, he called for the legislative state to impeach Blagojevich.

"There should be impeachment process begins when the regional parliament assembled," This usulnya such as Agence France-Presse. Chairman of the Illinois House of Representatives Michael Madigan also trigger the plan. Through Jubirnya, Steve Brown, he stated that the action Blagojevich is unreasonable. For, he is no longer listen to input from anyone and will behave themselves.

Thursday (11/12), four Democratic representatives in the Illinois House of Representatives to send a letter to the parliament support impeachment. Through the letter, they invite members of the council to consider other options carefully with the impeachment. However, if the parliament does not take any steps, Quinn and the Democratic politicians will support the action Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

The women's lawyers will wadul to the Supreme Court (MA) Illinois. "I have a right to complain to the Supreme Court and ask them that Illinois governor is not feasible to rule again," said Madigan. Furthermore, the Illinois Supreme Court should lift its agents, Quinn, as the occupant of the governor and the government to fill the void. But, he supplement, which is far better than pemakzulan and pencopotan by MA Blagojevich is the reverse of the male.

Madigan statement is supported Quinn. He believes the community Illinois also want the same thing. "When this governor is appointed. But, he must immediately leave the position for the good of all parties," he said in an interview with CNN. If later Blagojevich is willing or forced to resign dilengserkan, Quinn, which then become governor elector officials senator.

Blagojevich arrested FBI on Tuesday (9 / 12) night. He is charged mengomersialkan senate seat flown Barack Obama. He offer to a number of politicians with cash benefits. But, after a police checkpoint in, male descendants of Serbia is free with a guarantee. With still holds the status of the suspect, he was desperate to undergo daily activities as governor.

Senate seat is owned by citizen of Illinois

2008-12-12T15:59:00.002+07:00

Vacancy on the United States senate seat that had seaten by, U.S. President-elect Barack Obama said "there is no chair of the persons" who have sold Illinois Governor Rod. Blagojevich.

Tuesday fed, FBI agents arrest Blagojevich on corruption practices, namely, to sell a senate seat was occupied by Barack Obama.

Barack Obama stated that senate seat vacancy "is not to be traded," he never spoke to the governor about this.

Barack Obama believes "there are no chairs, representatives of the people belong." The position of senate, he said, "owned by whoever Illinois citizens and their representatives get the best fit them."

Barack Obama said he has requested staff to gather the facts contacts that have been carried out with governor's office. As a result of this action, according to Barack Obama, the trust people have been disgraced.

"One of the reasons I entered the political world, incoming chairs the state senate and U.S. senate and the president is because you want to serve the community where they live, hope and dream. This is not a matter of what my rights," he said.

Barack Obama also reinforce the demand that Blagojevich resign. "So, clearly I'm back once again: I think the pack of governors will not effectively serve the American people of Illinois."

Resign invocation of Obama Ignored By Blagojevich

2008-12-11T16:34:00.002+07:00

Governor of Illinois involved problems with the legal claim of corruption ignore invocation to resign from elected U.S. president, Barack Obama. Rod Blagojevich still holding the office a day after he cought by FBI agents with the alleged attempt to sell Illinois senate seat that has been cleared by Barack Obama.

Rod Blojevich still run their duties as the Governor of Illinois released a day after the warranty. According to the spokesperson, Blagojevich still perform tasks as retrograde ejaculation usually although frequently referred to himself.

Barack Obama has not been affected so far involved in the alleged scandal bidding senate seat that was abandoned. However, this case can be considered to be a problem for Obama complicated when it started its duties as President of the U.S. on 20 January 2009.

Barack Obama with some of the other leading Democrats have called Blagojevich to resign. "Barack Obama and other Democratic leaders agree that Blagojevich will find it difficult to perform their duties effectively and serve the people with the condition of Illinois at this time," said Barack Obama spokesman, Robert Gibbs.

Barack Obama left the department after the senator wins the U.S. elections 4 November. In excerpts of a phone conversation successfully disadap by FBI, Blagojevich sought to put enrich themselves by selling seats for the senate campaign funds or profitable position in and outside of government.

Obama be bothered by the case of Blagojevich

2008-12-10T14:48:00.001+07:00

Although Barack Obama has not alleged any terlilit, cases Rod Blagojevich has added a list of problems faced by the U.S. president is elected. Barack Obama the middle of busy with efforts to the establishment of new governance and economic crisis must also tersita national attention with the case offers a senate seat abandoned by the Governor of Illinois.

"I have not contact Rod Blagojevich or contact the office so I did not know what is happening," said Obama. This is the first major problem that simply rotate the head of Barack Obama since the U.S. elections, November this year.

In a telephone conversation that disadap by some prosecutor, Blagojevich suggested that Barack Obama will not provide support for himself. "They will not give anything to myself, other than the award," said a statement Blagojevich. The statement Blagojevich is likely to respond to himself when the government selected in the team Barack Obama.

U.S. Attorney General Patrick Fitzgerald explains, the prosecutor has not put allegations to know whether Barack Obama has plans sales senate seat that was abandoned. Case Blagojevich has invited a number of responses from members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Republic Party.

"The problem of a serious criminal offense is the emergence of questions about the interaction between Blagojevich, Barack Obama, and a number of high-level officials who will be served in the cabinet is elected U.S. president, said members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Republic Party, Eric Cantor. Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Committee of the Republic of Robert M "Mike" Duncan said, "People need a U.S. leader who, but the comments elected U.S. president Barack Obama on the case is not enough."

Continuing the U.S. economy worsened

2008-12-09T20:14:00.003+07:00

Barack Obama explains the U.S. economy will continue to worsen before it reaches a point of recovery. Less than 6 weeks previously appointed as the U.S. president, Barack Obama reject mention how big the budget funds for the design of economic stimulus.

Barack Obama explain Blueprint for the U.S. economic recovery that his make which will include assistance to owners of houses threatened home be unable to pay due credit home ownership. Assistance will be spend out when President George W. Bush not to take action to escape towards the upcoming Jan. 20.

"We must ensure the injection of funds at this time to ensure the problem is not to worsen. And this means we need not worry there will be a deficit in the short term. We must ensure the design of economic stimulus is large enough to propel the wheels of the economy," said Barack Obama.

In the interview with NBC television, Barack Obama describes the economic situation in the U.S. "will continue to worsen before it reaches a point of recovery." Barack Obama is a statement not considered as a direct application of supporters to be patient awaiting the new government that the U.S. will be appointed Jan. 20 to come to work to overcome the economic crisis.

Some members of Congress calling the U.S. economic stimulus package from the government range Barack Obama reached 500 billion U.S. dollars or more. Meanwhile, some Democratic leaders hope the law liquefaction economic package was completed shortly after 20 January 2009.

A number of indicators have been showing U.S. economic gloom since Barack Obama elected as U.S. president. The number of unemployment in the U.S. in November 2008 has reached 533,000 people worst in a century or more than 30 years. The traders have reported weakening retail sales during the holiday in the U.S. this year and the amount of the credit market has not showed recovery since bail out Congress to approve funds worth 700 billion U.S. dollars before the election of the U.S.

Hillary Clinton on Foreign Mnister

2008-12-06T14:46:00.002+07:00

Hillary Rodham Clinton began to build a team solidnya five days after officially announced as the foreign minister . Former first lady United States (U.S.) that promote the officials of the government husband, Bill Clinton, and Democratic politicians are loyal to him into petinggi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Associated Press reported, 61 years old are women, many inspired composition in foreign minister version of Madeleine Albright. Therefore, Hillary pointed again foreign minister officials in the Clinton administration to occupy an important position his team. In addition, the experience Hillary loyalisnya support staff to replace Condoleezza "Condi" Rice later by January.

"We have been informed that the adviser (Hillary) Clinton and Barack Obama government transition team will visit the Department this week ahead quickly," said one official foreign minister keep the identity yesterday (5 / 12).

With the present people in the neighborhood that department soon led him, Hillary candidate more comfortable working with. At least, the support will continue to flow from the staff and high rank on foreign minister. Morally, it seems, third of women of the U.S. need more support. Moreover, before accepting the bid Barack Obama, he called many parties are not eligible to become foreign minister.

Since Hillary selected as a replacement for Condi, the U.S. media merumorkan James Steinberg as deputy foreign minister. Later, politician who served as deputy national security adviser under Clinton leadership will be a lot of work with Andrew Shapiro and Lee Feinstein. Both candidates called as a strong foreign policy adviser and national security adviser.

To accompany the three loyalis Hillary, a veteran official in the Clinton also ready to become a foreign minister staff. Among them, Hillary presidency campaign manager, Maggie Williams and lawyer Cheryl Mills. Also, personal assistant, HuMA Abedin; jubirnya once a senior adviser, Philippe Reines, and the former head of staff time is still the mother country, Melanne Verveer. As foreign minister spokesman, Doug Hattaway Hillary vote.

Obama is believed Cuba to Improve Bilateral Relations

2008-12-06T14:43:00.001+07:00

Elected U.S. president, Barack Obama, a leader of the right to open assessed communication with Cuba. The communist Cuban leader also indicated the desire to meet with Barack Obama at any location desired by the first black president in the U.S..

However, former Cuban leader, Fidel Castro (82), the disappointment of the selection of members of the cabinet Barack Obama, including Hillary Rodham Clinton as foreign minister and Robert Gates as defense minister. Castro and several Cuban officials generally do not offend a lot of things concerning Barack Obama when elected as president.

Castro describes Barack Obama as a smart figure in a esainya. Meanwhile, the hillside younger brother, Raul, in the intimate interview with actor Sean Penn published the magazine The Nation had discussed the matter with Barack Obama U.S. military base in Guantanamo.

Fidel Castro stressed that Hillary husband, former president Bill Clinton, reduced the laws that significantly narrow the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. According to the hillside, Hillary has a voice in support to these diperketatnya embargo.

"I can not complain," said Castro in esainya. "I only want to underline what has happened."

Hillside Robert Gates also asked to remain by Barack Obama served as minister of defense, more disposed to support to the Democratic Republic instead. Although disappointed with the selection of members of the cabinet Barack Obama, hillside stated, "I do not mention that Barack Obama is less intelligent. Conversely, Barack Obama shows that kepintarannya open my view of the fact that he is more superior from the former rivalnya John McCain."

Obama existence Governance

2008-12-06T14:38:00.002+07:00

Two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The financial crisis that shatter the economy. Competition with China and Russia. The image of the poor. That is the challenge that awaits at least Barack Obama after serving as the official president-44 to the U.S. on 20 January 2009.

The severity of the challenge for Barack Obama is depicted in the caricature Mike Luckovich paper titled Day One or Day of the First. Barack Obama is a caricature depicting the attempts to return the U.S. Constitution slabs tercabik-piece.

"I want to become president of the truly great," Barack Obama said in an interview with the magazine New York, not long after forward as a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party.

Barack Obama victory in the presidential election, 4 November 2008, is the nation's history for the United States. He was the first black president, to break the domination of white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, such as the late President John F. Kennedy the Catholic religion. He is a manifestation of "American Dream".

Barack Obama also a "thrill" of U.S. voters in the election this year so that the participation jumped dramatically, reaching 135 million people. Young age (47 years), ideas that fresh, and the mantras "We Can Change in the" outlined in his speech that voters make a hit, old and young, black and white, mengular in the polling.

Barack Obama obtain 66,882,230 (52 percent) popular votes and 365 Electoral votes. He constantly rivalnya from the Republic Party, John McCain, who received 58,343,671 (46 percent) popular votes and 173 Electoral votes.

All the voters who support the Party of the Republic of switch support Barack Obama. Similarly, a number of countries that are part of the Republic of the traditional base can be "seized" Democrats.

Why? Barack Obama is able to see what is wrong with the country, namely the failure of the previous government to provide protection for residents. He promises can not solve all the problems the nation United States, but he will be with all American nations to overcome the problem. He only says will provide something different with the previous government.

Transformative

Writer Robert Kuttner in the book Barack Obama's Challenge: A Transformative Opportunity (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008) states, Barack Obama has the potential to become president of the progressive and transformative the first since Lyndon Johnson. "If he is able to seize momentum, he could join the handful of previous presidents who seriously transformative, successfully change the fundamental economics, society, and democracy, and we become better," tulisnya.

If he hopes mengejawantahkan failed, further Kuttner, he not only the risk of the condition of the country worse, that presidentship, but also failed.

From there the test begins. A number of policies Barack Obama, although not terucapkan, already visible during the campaign. In the economic field, for example, Barack Obama will cut taxes for families of workers up to 500 U.S. dollars per person or 1,000 U.S. dollars per family. In foreign policy, Barack Obama will be more open themselves to "enemies" to update the way the U.S. and U.S. diplomacy.

As digaungkannya since the campaign, Barack Obama will be interesting to U.S. troops in Iraq gradually in 19 months. He will also divert resources to fight in Afghanistan, which call for front-line war against terrorism.

Protection

Barack Obama began to form the government visible. Some personnel that will oversee policy Barack Obama seen. The first is the economic team, intimate importance to the issue of governance Barack Obama.

Barack Obama praised vote because the people who are "quality assurance", especially for dealing with the economic crisis. As Lawrence Summers noose (the National Economic Council Director), Timothy Geithner (Finance Minister), and Paul Volcker (the Advisory Board of Economic Recovery) is believed by many parties will be able to bring secercah hope in the midst terpaan economic storm.

However, Barack Obama also criticized, particularly by groups of right, because he brings nuance "left" in the government team. Barack Obama economic policy will also estimated that more than proteksionis President George W Bush. This is so given the domestic economy terpuruknya-General large companies and the loss of employment, which requires "extra protection," the government.

Sectors of the automotive industry, for example, will be protected following the fall of the leading car manufacturer in the U.S., such as General Motors. Manufacturing sector seems also protected

Jewellery For Michelle Obama

2008-12-02T15:50:00.001+07:00

There are many ways to express a sense of gratitude to someone who let. As elected U.S. president, Barack Obama, who chose to give valuable jewelry for the wife, Michelle Obama, as an expression of the gratitude for this support. Unsparing, Obama choose ring worth 20,000 Pounds Sterling, or approximately Rp 360 million.

The ring running Harmony is made from materials rodium, termahal metal in the world. The increase in value because the ring is also bertabur diamond. When this is done the middle ring of the original Italian designer, Giovanni Bosco. The plan will be given at Harmony inauguration Obama, January 20, later.

"Our distributor in the United States has been contact. They ask us to provide details about the ring Harmony. Jewelry is the most valuable because the goods made from rodium and bertabur diamond, "said the spokesman Giovanni Bosco.

Words spokesperson, the agents in the United States prompted Obama designing the ring because he'd like to thank his wife, Michelle, who have support during the last two years.

Bosco alone has admitted clients selected from the United States, Europe, Russia and the Middle East. Price shows the level of prosperity buyers. "I can not disclose how much the price the ring because of personal reasons. However, can count about how much it costs when it rings from rodium black or gold and diamond bertabur. Can be reached thousands of sterling, United "he added.

Rodium the expensive metal in the world. There are only 25 tons rodium the ditambang each year in South Africa. The price reached 5,000 Pound sterling per ounce. Rodium never be used as material of making chips for CD as a gift members of The Beatles, Paul McCartney, who didapuk a song writer and artist with sales throughout most of history. Rodium also be used as pelapis crown of the Queen's English is charged.

Hillary Rodham Clinton as Foreign Minister

2008-11-30T21:08:00.001+07:00

Elected President of the U.S. Barack Obama plan to deliver cross-references Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as the country's foreign minister on Monday (1 / 12). Step into the transformation of political competition in the Democratic primary into a partnership diplomatic and strategic level high.

In addition to announcing the cross-references the New York senator as a minister outside his country, Barack Obama also will announce the national security team in a press conference in Chicago. For best step toward his new position as foreign minister, former president Bill Clinton agreed to announce the name of every contributor yayasannya since the foundation was established in 1997.

Bill Clinton also will reject donations from foreign governments for the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) conference in the annual charity other than stop the CGI meeting abroad. Collection of funds and global business initially feared that Bill Clinton can prevent his wife step into foreign ministers.

However, in some negotiations with the transition team Barack Obama, Bill Clinton agreed that some steps are designed to create transparency of the tasks that diemban pascajabatannya as U.S. president. Previously, Bill Clinton refused to mention the identity of contributors to the fund yayasannya reason that the contributors are willing to provide money for their identity is not mentioned.

Cross-references Hillary Clinton by Barack Obama is a step in good faith that extraordinary year after both had become a rival to compete from the Democratic nomination. The competition is gall sirna last June after the Hillary campaign and direct support to Barack Obama.

Republic Goes To Barack Obama Cabinet

2008-11-29T20:55:00.003+07:00

U.S. President Barack Obama will be elected Rockface preparation of the names on the entry his cabinet towards Christmas.

Chairman of the Transition Team Barack Obama, John Podesta, told Bloomberg News, Friday (28/11), said the actual all cabinet members will be determined at the end of this year.

Beginning this week, Barack Obama has announced the i, head of the Bank of New York Timothy Geithner to become minister of finance. He also reportedly has set Senator Hillary Clinton as foreign minister, Governor of New Mexico as minister of trade, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano for the post of minister of state security, former Senator Tom Daschle as the minister of health, and Eric Holder to post the Attorney General. Obama also reportedly will maintain the current Minister of Defense, Robert Gates.

So far, Gates is the only Party cadres from the Republic under the government maintained Obama. However, according to Podesta, there are still a number of people of the Republic of the American government is in Barack Obama, who will start work on 20 January 2009.

Barack Obama and Threat of Murder

2008-11-28T19:28:00.003+07:00

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama promised not tremble face security threats against himself, although the level of threat is greater than that faced by previous U.S. presidents elected. Since Barack Obama elected as U.S. president, the law enforcement officers have seen a number of potential threats writing, rasis various posts on the internet, and the various activities of other threats.

However, in an interview with Barbara Walters of ABC television, Barack Obama explained, never have security problems themselves. "Among them is because I have a special guard of Secret Service, which is always where I go. I put the trust of the people who control me," said Barack Obama. "My Duty is to ensure that I can fulfill my duties and if I can fulfill that task, I need to weigh the issue of security."

During the period of transition that is not separated from the stress, Barack Obama admitted to overdo it with consume nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and dissociate themselves from the habit of smoking. However, Barack Obama not explain that he has fully stop smoking.

Barack Obama has had the habit of smoking in the past admitted to sometimes still trapped in the duration of the habit. Barack Obama explained, several times to try smoking during the campaign.

Barack Obama is not directly answer a question about whether Walters is still hide the sound of a smoke-time duty heap pressure in the formation of the cabinet and to count backwards inauguration on 20 January 2009.

"Termination smoking habit because I do the role as president. Although I am not perfect, at least I'm trying to have a good start to the second putriku. Obama of exercise almost every day. Barack Obama also admitted that considering food consumtion.

"I'm trying to maintain fitness," he said. Doctors describe Barack Obama, elected U.S. president in the prime of health conditions based on health years ago. The statement was delivered by a doctor even though Barack Obama came from families that attack detached from the history of cancer

Barack Obama and The Cabinet

2008-11-26T18:16:00.000+07:00

Although no official announcement, the cabinet of President-elect Obama has started to appear. He will choose leaders that smart, as experienced politicians or officials, and-and this is the most important are pragmatic, not ideological.

That is my strong impression after reading a number of names that have been confirmed in the informal president elected by the staff. For example, Senator Hillary Clinton as foreign minister, Timothy Geithner (now president of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York) as minister of finance, Eric Holder (deputy solicitor general under President Bill Clinton) as solicitor general, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (first Clinton permanent representative government in the UN) as trade minister.

Not surprising

Name is not at all surprising because, during the first campaign, presidential candidate Barack Obama emphasized many times that he wants to govern from the center, not from the left. However, Obama soundly be censured by the right of the press, especially the leading newspaper columnist Wall Street Journal, a quality that Obama wants to establish a government "socialist".

In fact, there are gaps in the political one between left and right wings are not easily dijembatani by anyone, including a young president and karismatis.

For example, George Newman, a retired businessman, predict that the future of the Ministry of Manpower, led by "militant boss" that will eliminate the element of confidentiality in the union collective decision. Pharmaceutical industry will be paralyzed after the Minister of Health Hillary Clinton (unimaginable by Newman that the selected candidate Clinton as Laos) decide the price of drugs should not be more than 10 percent above the production fee. Obama will create a Department of Equal Opportunity for Women (Department of Equality Rights of Women).

Buntutnya, all employers will be forced to prove every year that they do not discriminate. More weight again, our economy will be burdened five million green job, program-friendly environment, which will be subsidized by the "Energy Tsar", Al Gore.

Another columnist, Kimberley Strassel, a member of staff Wall Street Journal editorial, accused the Democratic Party, from Obama, dominated the labor movement "is being revived again." In the midst of a financial crisis situation pester United States economy, the government pushed the Democratic agenda to create a new "pure antipasar." Arthur Laffer, creator of the main economic policy President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, sneaking predicts that the age of Prosperity is over (the period of prosperity tamatlah already).

Editorial staff members other Wall Street Journal, Daniel Henninger, no less pessimistic. For him, this year's presidential election is historic in the sense of the actual. According to Henninger, Obama will build a system of economic proteksionis that may not be demolished again by the president, the next president.

Surprising

Some columnists even associate them with the analysis of economic problems in the other political America is surprising. Newman, for example, predict Obama will take a radical African-American as solicitor general, who then will defend the reparation program worth one trillion dollars for the American descendants of slaves.

Analysis Henninger other again. According to Henninger, the United States as a country with the most advanced economy in the world relate to the position as the country Adidaya. He worries, Obama will reduce the national military budget in order to create a welfare state, country, prosperity, European style.

The most surprising is Fouad Ajami, an intellectual who neokonservatif participate mengarsiteki Bush in the Iraq war. Ajami admitted concerned with "mass group" that hope too much from a "magical orator helpless."

Ajami who grew up in Lebanon remind the President of Egypt Gamal Abdul Nasser, which was "to break the hearts of several generations of Arabs." In conclusion: not a tradition of the Arab street, the Arab masses throng the scariest, start developing in the United States government under Obama.

When the column-reading this column, I do not know whether to be laughing or crying. Obama's policies are actually almost never established. Since the beginning of the campaign two years ago, Obama many times emphasized that he is a pragmatic and sentris.

With the adoption of members kabinetnya, President-elect Obama has started to prove this with concrete deeds. However, I feel pessimistic that the factory that was converted by the nation's unification will be achieved. The gap between left and right wings, at least that tecermin fields in the Wall Street Journal, was still in once in the United States.

Barack Obama Announce The Economic Team

2008-11-25T16:35:00.004+07:00

U.S. President elected Barack Obama announced the economic team, on Monday (24/11), which will run economic policy and oversees the possibility of recession.

Barack Obama and members of Congress from the Democratic Party also is preparing economic stimulus plan program large-scale reached 700 billion U.S. dollars for the period of two years.

The names of members of the economic team Barack Obama has shown is that Central Bank President Timothy Geithner New York (47), which will become finance minister and former Finance Minister Lawrence Summers (53), which will be the Director of the National Economic Council.

"Tim Geithner is the people who experienced the economic crisis as the assistant minister of finance to foreign affairs 1990s. He is the right person to lead the finance, "said David Axelrod, campaign strategists team that Barack Obama will become a senior White House adviser, told Fox television station, Sunday.

"They (Geithner and Summers) are those known as a leader in the field of economy," said Axelrod.

Axelrod is not confirm Rumor is circulating that the New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson prepared as a center of trade ministers in the cabinet of Barack Obama.

A new package

Related new economic stimulus package, there are no official figures mentioned Barack Obama. The newspaper The Washington Post, Monday, report, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and Lawrence Summers raise the possibility of a new economic stimulus package worth up to 700 billion U.S. dollars.

Former Minister of Labor Robert Reich and Democratic Senator Charles Schumer also called the new budget of 500 billion U.S. dollars to 700 billion U.S. dollars to stimulate the economy.

The economic crisis has spread in the 20 days since Barack Obama won the election. "Peril high. This is dangerous moment for the economy. There are virtually no control. Now all the people Obama can expect to find what will occur in at least several months, or even several weeks, to the future, "said Julian Zelizer, a history lecturer and public affairs at Princeton University.

In the weekly radio speech, last week, Barack Obama said the advisers have been ordered to make its economic plan to create 2.5 million job opportunities during the next two years. Barack Obama intend to make people back to work through rebuilding roads and bridges, modernize schools, making solar panels, and cost-efficient car fuel.

"We hope that Congress begin work on (the plan) this soon after they served in early January because we do not have much time," said Axelrod.

Barack Obama also wants members of Congress from the Democratic majority voted to use the meeting on 6 January to prepare for cutting taxes for low income citizens and the middle part of the government intervention to pull the U.S. out of economic crisis.

A coadjutor Barack Obama said, the plan is not necessarily cause a tax increase for the wealthy. "No there will be an increase in the tax package plan Januari," said the coadjutor.

Barack Obama Inauguration, Fully Book

2008-11-24T16:42:00.000+07:00

Two months before the inauguration elected U.S. President Barack Obama on 20 January 2009, the hotel rooms in Washington have been ordered out. Comfortable accommodation can only be obtained with the price Monday. Washington about the population rent their homes to visitors.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel manager Erich Hosbach said, 400 rooms hotelnya have been ordered out before the election. " 'Inauguration this time is different, particularly in the number of people who will be present, it is estimated that 3 million-5 million people," he said, as cited by news agency AFP, Sunday (23/11).

Search hotel rooms in Washington through the Internet always appear with the message "there is no room empty."

See the high interest of the people inauguration Obama, Washington residents and the surrounding cities want to participate "enjoy" the benefits. They put ads on the Internet and offers a room in their house at 500 U.S. dollars per night.

Some people also offer to evacuate their homes and menyewakannya. Bob Baer, Washington resident, said that he will live with his brother during inauguration weekend and rent their houses for 15,000 U.S. dollars.

There is also a home to rent some space camp. Plus the bathrooms, people can rent space to sepetak tent at 100 U.S. dollars per night.

Economic team

From the establishment of governance transitional Obama, a team in transition states, Obama will be the position of minister of finance announced this Monday. If approved by the Senate, Central Bank President Timothy Geithner New York (47) will be minister of finance positions.

Obama also will announce the name of Lawrence Summers, finance minister during the government President Bill Clinton, as Director of the National Economic Council. He will help Obama a recovery plan intended to create millions of new job opportunities with the development of roads, modernize schools, and creation of alternative sources of energy in January 2011.

Separately, a trust Senator Hillary Clinton, last week, said, a former rival Obama will be the senate seat of government to join with Obama as foreign minister. "He was ready," he said, as cited by the newspaper, The New York Times, Saturday.

Reported from Kabul, Afghanistan Presidential Palace, Sunday, issued a statement saying that Obama will prioritize the security of Afghanistan. In the talk by phone with President Hamid Karzai, Obama promises a new focus in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan when he ruled.

"Obama said the U.S. will increase the commitment to maintain security and stability for Afghanistan," a statement that

Select Hawkish, Obama Difficult to fulfill promise

2008-11-24T16:38:00.001+07:00

Defense policy President George W. Bush so egregious because many people Hawkish behind. That is the ultrakonservatif, people "bloodthirsty", which put the interests of the United States at the top of reverence for democracy and human rights.

Barack Obama is expected to be able to change it in accordance with the changes diusung slogans during the campaign. But consider those who dilirik U.S. president elected to fill the defense team, a number of parties started doubting.

For, the selection of candidates, Obama also Hawkish nation. Find out only the former NATO commander General James Jones during the campaign, which supports the rival Obama, John McCain, prepared to become national security adviser. Meanwhile, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano that a full support to the Iraq invasion as a candidate dielus security minister in the country.

Obama is also very possible to maintain the Ministry of Defense Robert Gates. Nonetheless, Gates unreservedly states do not want to attract U.S. troops from Iraq in the near future. He even has quality will send additional troops to Afghanistan jelang election of the country next year.

With such a configuration, the possibility of small Obama's promise to Uncle Sam's soldiers from Iraq in phases within the next 16 months to be realized. "They were all the foreign policy team follow a course right-center. I immediately frustration. So far, there is no progress in any of the basic promise of Obama (about change, Red)," write Chris Bowers, owner of influential blog, OpenLeft.com, such as This English daily The Telegraph.

Likewise the sound was delivered by the founder of the site The Daily Kos Markos Moulitsas. He said, the Democratic Party seems deaf to the views of the general American public who want to change the fundamental policies of the unpopular Bush

Barack Obama Phone Being Tap

2008-11-22T23:16:00.002+07:00

Employees of the company's cellular, Verizone Wirelesss break the record recording cellular phone to U.S. President elected Barrack Hussein Obama was earlier this year by his company.

This as CNN, Obama spokesman, Robert Gubs said, the team record of the transitional government has Verizone violation last Thursday. Obama also is not longer use a phone that has been disabled for some months.

One source at Verizon said, should employees as he must serve its customer not access the recording customer records without permission.

"At least I ask to customers," he said.

Sources also say that employees do not have permission to read text messages to the mobile phone and Obama can not access the voice message even though he has access to it.

"Employees just want to know this," said the source.

Ari Schwartz of the Center for Democracy and Technology says that employees may have access date and time of call, duration of call and the phone number associated with Obama.

Leaders company Verizon Lowell McAdam said on Thursday the company has and dismiss those who are suspected to have access, both have permission or not, during the inspection progress.

McAdam add a cellular phone that Obama is accessed by employees is a simple folding phone, BlackBerry or PDA is not designed for email or other data services, thus Emai-mail Obama can not be accessed.

Meanwhile, the Verizon also has formed a team with the purpose of the internal investigation if the information Obama only spread among fellow employees only.

"Companies have been warned to comply with applicable law," McAdam said.

Malia and Sasha Go To Private School

2008-11-22T23:06:00.004+07:00

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, Friday (21/11), has selected private schools in the western part of the sea-Washington, DC for their daughter. School is where the daughter of former President Bill Clinton, Chelsea, had to learn.

"Some of the schools considered. Finally, the Obama family chose the school, the most suitable what is needed now for their daughter," said Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Spokesperson Michelle Obama.

Barack Obama daughter, Malia (10) and Sasha (7), will move to the capital of the United States from Chicago, Illionis, taken after his father's affirmation as president on 20 January.

Sidwell Friends School selected to Malia in five grade and Sasha in two grade. Lelyveld also said Obama family has been considering schools, but they still feel that the private school the main focus for their children.

"Mrs Obama is the product of public schools in the South Side of Chicago and he is very confident on the importance of good schools to all children," said Lelyveld.

Lelyveld said Sidwell schools can ensure security and privacy for the two children of Barack Obama. Sasha and Malia also happy at school because it can be friends with children Vice President Joe Biden that is also in the Sidwell school.

That is not for the first time for the Sidwell Friends School to receive the children of the White House. President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, also chose Sidwell for their daughter, Chelsea, in 1993

Ban Ki Moon and Barack Obama Talking Reform

2008-11-21T15:22:00.002+07:00

CALLING the United Nations (UN) last month that the United States (U.S.), more positive cooperative greeted Barack Obama. Last Wednesday (19/11) elected U.S. president is calling the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and both involved a fairly serious discussion.

In addition, Barack Obama urged Bush to do more serious reform. One way is to expand the target of reforms to the UN agencies which are spread throughout the world. Thus, the world's largest organization can be more skittish resolve global problems that developed recently become more complicated. For example, the economic crisis, food shortages, and global warming.

But, the first black president of the U.S. is also made to establish a more intensive with the United Nations. ''Through a phone conversation that, Barack Obama said to Ban Ki-moon that the U.S. should return to serve on the organization and also carries the entire mission, mission, "said the spokesman head of the U.S. National Security Brook Anderson, such as This The Associated Press.

Ban, who was recently returned from travel to Switzerland dinasnya, welcomes the intention of Barack Obama. He also received with open suggestions leader is 47 years old. Both''discusses ways to overcome the problems facing the world today. Not only regional issues, but also global. In addition, they also discuss efforts to strengthen the relationship the U.S. and the UN,''the UN report spokesman Michele Montas in the report tertulisnya.

In addition to Bush, Barack Obama call four leaders of other countries on Wednesday (19/11). That form of expression as a thank former Illinois senator that the attention of the world's leaders menyelamatinya early last month. Both of them give congratulatory directly or via the phone. But, Obama did not mention the four leaders who referred to the country.

On the same day, most political leaders abroad Obama called for the U.S. to continue to interweave contact with the United Nations. Among them, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher, and former Minister of Defense Harold Brown and William Perry.

Believed, with a permanent building a good relationship with the international organization headquartered in New York, the government Barack Obama will be able to improve the image of the U.S. policy of George W. tercoreng Bush and range his cabinet

Obama Face Covering In Sauce and Mustard

2008-11-21T14:23:00.003+07:00

Prudence Staite name. Women's British origin, invites us to enjoy this face Barack Obama in the course that generally favors from the sauce and mustard. Apparently drawing from the food is a masterwork that week.

Barack Obama faces not only full of sauce and mustard, he also makes pizza in the face of Pope. There is also an atmosphere of the City of London. Everything is displayed in the gallery, which attracts hundreds of visitors to came

"I am very pleased that the people, large and small, young parents involved in the work of art that I make with eating and destroying my paper this." Prudence said.

Although of course, not simple to create works of art such as this. "It takes probably thinking weeks to finish," explained Prucende.

Barack Obama Raising the First Black Attorney General

2008-11-20T22:50:00.002+07:00

Barack Obama is making history. Once selected as the first black president of the United States, the Democratic Party politicians yesterday (19/11) appointed solicitor general's first State of Uncle Sam's Afro-American ancestry.

He is Eric Holder, which was the deputy solicitor general under President Bill Clinton administration. He intended immediately replace Michael Mukasey. These U.S. media, Agence-France Presse reported that the man is 57 years old receive the proposal Barack Obama. However, instead of George W. Bush still has not announced the appointment of Holder officially.

"Barack Obama is to submit a bid Holder and accept him," writing in Newsweek's online edition yesterday.

Barack Obama transition team will publicize the new position of solicitor general after they get the right candidate to become finance minister and foreign minister. Two positions that highlighted the community because the U.S. economy and foreign policy these superpower countries are on the threshold of the crisis.

Before occupying the seat solicitor general, Holder must go through a confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate. If you have passed, and he will be officially appointed. "Since the beginning, the name is already included in the list of candidates, which is not much," said Newsweek reporter Michael Isikoff in an interview with CNN.

Its alumni Columbia University in New York as the highest legal officer in the U.S. suggests that the more the resurrection of black leather, which is still often become victims of racialism. But, Holder certainly not merely because he appointed black leather.

Holder is a qualified candidate. He has lots of experience in the field of law and governance. Also many different meetings with the officials of law in the Bush era.

"Holder alive and breathing in the culture of the Department of Judiciary. For many years, he set themselves on the integrity of the public ministry," Isikoff information.

On the same day, Associated Press report also found that Barack Obama is the right candidate for serving as budget director. Perhaps, the choice fell on the head of Congress Field Budget Peter Orszag. Many young politicians who dive in the field of economy, particularly the budget, is believed to give an intended positive Obama for the economic team. However, men 39 years old is not willing to give opportunity to become the director of budget.

Obama certainty required in the European Shield Rudal

2008-11-20T22:47:00.002+07:00

Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski attempted to gather information about the attitudes U.S. President elected Barack Obama of rudal U.S. defense plans in Europe. Radek Sikorski held a meeting with the Democrats, including the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the U.S. Madeleine Albright.

Barack Obama pointed to Albright encountered a number of foreign leaders as the representative team transition in the G-20 meeting in Washington last week. Sikorski also planned to meet Minister of Foreign Affairs, U.S. Condoleezza Rice, on Thursday (20/11)

"I think we need to know the direction that the new U.S. administration. We maintain this important time of transition for us because we are involved contracts with the government in power now rudal agreement on that and of course we want to know what continuation of the contract," said Sikorski .

Poland and the Czech Republic has been a hallmark agreement with the U.S. to allow some part rudal U.S. defense system installed in the area of the two countries. However, the country's parliament not to approve the second plan.

Sikorski will explain more optimistic that an agreement on when the new government of the U.S. hint that the project will continue. "I think the Czech people will be pushed motivation when they know what the U.S. wants the new government," he said.

U.S. plan has created tensions with the U.S. Russian relationship. Moscow threaten to propel rudal short distance near the border to Poland and pointed to Warsaw and Prague, when the U.S. still plan to continue it. Meanwhile, Barack Obama has not beckon plan to continue the defense shield project in Europe by placing a radar in the Czech Republic and weapons prophylactic rudal in Poland. During the campaign, Barack Obama explains that in addition to the system requires billions of U.S. dollars, the funds also require that the pilot complex enough to ensure its function

Barack Obama The Orator

2008-11-20T22:35:00.003+07:00

What is the main secret of success Barack Obama wins the U.S. elections, how to deliver it to the voters or the changes that he buzz? In fact, some experts mention how to speak and deliver his message to voters to be the answer.

The ability of a speech U.S. President elect Barack Obama is able to conjure supporters. With the strength orasinya, some experts mention Obama as the most skillful orator at the time.

"I believe the ability Barack Obama more than other politicians, the ideal orator United States," said Ekaterina Haskins, a speech professor of the University of Iowa origin. According to her, speechify sound of Barack Obama as soft speeches in the past. He always creates feel the history, purpose, and continuity.

"He certainly learn the predecessor. He clearly show himself as a figure deceased Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King," said Haskins.

Once declared as the winner, Barack Obama speeches reflect two of eminent orator in the history of the United States. Namely former President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 and the buzzword spoken human rights fighter Martin Luther King, a day before he died and killed, 4 April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.

The BBC, on Thursday (20/11), mencukil speech Luther King and Barack Obama the same hit. You can compare the strength of the two speeches together with black tetrsebut.

Martin Luther King: I may not be with you in there but I want you to know the bottom of this we as people will get the country promises.

Barack Obama: Road in the future will be long. Climbing for the sake of our last. We may not achieve or one year period. However, the United States, I have never been so expect from this night. I promise, we as a people will get it.

Philip Collins, a speech writer and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair emphasized, because of Obama's success kepiawaiannya orate. "He showed strength for a brilliant," said Collins, author on the Times newspaper of Britain.

Real Illustration

Initially, Barack Obama speech contains a "change", "promise" and "confidence" bear criticism because it is considered far from content and policy. Obama began to plan the policy in detail during the campaign. Yeah, in his speech the Democratic Convention is considered even less attractive by observers, because the plan contained too many policies.

Haskins explained, Barack Obama have techniques to avoid another self from the Rhetoric. Because, he add weight and depth in his speech with a clear illustration. "Rhetoric always berkonotasi about the appearance of reality. However, he does not sound one. He was playing with a patriotic abstraction and provide examples of the more obvious," he said.

Obama Select Black Attorney General

2008-11-19T17:07:00.001+07:00

The U.S. President selected Barack Obama directly ask the opinion of some senator on the consideration of cross-references and former government officials Bill Clinton as solicitor general. Obama put great interest to Washington attorney, Eric Holder, who once served as the number two person in the U.S. Department of the Judiciary is under the president Bill Clinton.

In Photoshop, staff Obama has been asking the Senate of the Republic of whether they support the Holder. In particular, the ajudan ask whether the consideration Holder to be solicitor general should be delayed because of recent involvement in giving amnesty to fugitive Rich March by Clinton.

Newsweek magazine that while the official source close to the transition team report, Obama has offered positions to the solicitor general Holder and the bid was accepted. According to Newsweek, Holder still must undergo a formal evaluation conducted by a team in transition Obama before the selection process is considered final. If elected, Eric Holder will be the solicitor general's first black in U.S. history.

At the end of the period of office, Bill Clinton asking Holder whether consideration should provide amnesty to Rich, a successful commodities broker who had fled to avoid the obligation to pay taxes. Holder admitted to be neutral in the decision to approve the pardon.

Holder has to be open apology on the consideration of amnesty dinilainya too fast given. Holder argues that he should take more time to consider the decision.

Strugle US Citizen To Be Witnesses Barack Obama Oath

2008-11-19T17:02:00.003+07:00

No Hotel, Tent and Car Tour is also can do it

Barack Obama is not the only forward on Jan. 20 2009. The majority of United States citizens are not patient to wait days to the presidential inauguration-44 them. In fact, a witness for the new U.S. history, they are willing to see start in Washington last week.

The enthusiasm of the people who want to witness the oath-taking direct Obama presidency to make the hotel and lodging in Washington behavior hard. In short, the hotel-room hotel in the capital of the U.S. full-booking. However, it does not make the people stop coming to it. Do not stay in a hotel or lodging is not a problem for them. For, sleeping in the camp cabins, tent or RV (recreational vehicle) it during a camping area and parking lot is still there.

Temperature Out of the cold season is also not menyurutkan citizens still survive in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Namely, the area that includes Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, to West Virginia. "They ask, 'inclusion will sedingin what?'," Said Everett Lovell, owner of Aquia Pines Camp Resort in Stafford County, such as This Washington Post.

To be able see the inauguration Obama, they are willing cabin in the camp that do not have a heater. Actually, Lovell has five cabin camp. But, in the winter, only two pieces that can be used. Because, it is only equipped with heating.

Lovell revealed this new view that the interest of citizens of the U.S. presidential inauguration. The only moment that could rival a record mass union tour but this time the rock band Grateful Dead. Then, the original San Francisco group toured the U.S. with thousands of fans followed the weight. "There are very many interests that encourage them to be here. Euforia As it," said the woman was 51 years old.

Residents continue to run to Washington to make the local government is planning to open one bivouac area again. The Fairfax County Park Authority, which according to the government permission only allowed to be broadcast during the year the camp has not been able to accommodate the request of residents. Therefore, the government began to consider Burke Lake Park area into the camp during one month, the special January.

Likewise Lovell, General Manager of Harper's Ferry KOA Campground Resort Dale Brechlin admitted types of sustenance before the inauguration Obama. "Since last week, our phone never stops ringing. There are people who ask for room nights inauguration. Actually, usually, we do not have a phone behavior on the weekends," said Dale. So far, six pieces and wickiup lodging at the resort has 43 cabins that have been ordered.

By the inauguration first black president of the U.S., all types of rooms in hotels and lodging places behavior. Start with the most inexpensive rooms to the most expensive out of order. The price starts around EUR 120 (about Rp 1.4 million) per night to reach the EUR 259 (about Rp 3 million). In addition to Aquia Pines Camp Resort and Harper's Ferry KOA, there Capitol KOA in Anne Arundel County, Hampton Inn in Stafford County, and Bull Run Regional Park in Fairfax County

Rebuilding Relations Post Infidelity

2008-11-19T16:32:00.001+07:00

Infidelity can occur even in the strong relationship, when you catch cheating spouse directly that is leaving with the feeling betrayal, feel guilty and angry, 25% of married couples difficult to overcome this problem this moment you need infidelity support.

But with the support of family, friends, experts therapis and understanding among the couples themselves do not close the possibility couples can end infidelity and then to rebuild the relationship stronger.

There are many different reasons why someone do though. According to experts therapis marriage and family, the situation is sometimes caused by decisions that are not exactly where a person may feel satisfied with their marriages, but until late in the office with colleagues can encourage the affair. Looking for an emotional relationship into the factors that often occur. Initially may only attention, heckle each other to each other interested.

Whatever the reason though that may have influence destroy a relationship. Although it is not easy, if there comitment from the second pair to each other to evaluate what role has been played up to, that relationship can be defeated.
When signs of infidelity and have been clearly visible and felt, then do not be afraid to start the steps to fix them, sometimes signs of a cheater demonstratifly very visible, such as whispering on the phone and when asked from whom? we do not get honest answer, always go home late at night for reasons that are not reasonable, has a new and unique goods but try hidden it, etc

8 following the steps that can be done when the infidelity occur and this can be your infidelity support ways in relationship:

1) The most important yag you must do is stop bad habbit because you can not live in a relationship if you are the foot outside the door.

2) Remember it is not easy its relationship occurred after infidelity, it fair if the road to improvement will be tidal.

3) It should open discussion about what happened so that the root of the problem is known to the improvement in the future.

4) Ready to accept responsibility for , that has been done although probably not very fair.

5) There is a desire to make a promise and commitment that this will never happen again.

6) Employees who do affair should examine the reasons which encourage the private diversions this and think what needs to be changed to avoid the temptation in the future.

7) As a step to the future, both need to have the responsibility to build a new foundation relations.

8) There is a therapis consult with experts to help restore the relationship to return to the right track.

Barack Obama Hair Cut

2008-11-18T20:43:00.000+07:00

SOME weeks ago, Barack Obama went to the Hyde Park Hair Salon for the spruce. He greet all the staff and customers in the place.

He also sat in the same chair in front of the hairdresser who has the same hair cut during the last 14 years. However, this week when Obama want to fix himself again, Secret Service first to see the glass windows in the parlor. When they know a lot of tourists in the place, the plan also changed.

If Obama can no longer be attending the carpenters hair salon, barbershop rambutnyalah rate that will come and cut hair in the apartment of a teman.Kehidupan president for the newly elected and their families have changed forever. He has chosen to spend the time before inaugurasinya on 20 January at his home in the future Hyde Park, Chicago, Illinois, which has been converted into a security fortress for perlindungannya.

This is a transition and personal life beyond what could be others. Small things like go to the gym, go to the cinema, went to dinner with his wife will not be the same again as first, "said charlesann Giannoulias, the financial affairs of the state Illinois and a close friend, told the New York Times. Obama seeks delay changes with how to remain in Chicago during the transition.

"I will not spend too much time in Washington in the next few weeks," he said to someone in a telephonic conversation that the reporter heard the plane to Chicago after he visited the White House on Monday (10/11) ago.

Although not get access to Air Force One (aircraft presidency), Obama is now rising that the government armed Limousine, complete with war vehicles and other vehicles that go across a red light with traffic closed. Although the Secret Service has long put obstructions in the streets around his home in Chicago, they now expand perimeternya several blocks after the election and bring the dog tracking.

Streets around the house while Obama has been closed to traffic around luar.Warga must show identification cards at checkpoints so that security officers can invite their entry. KAM Isaiah Israel synagogue, which is located across the street must provide a list of 2,000 jemaatnya to the Secret Service and they must undergo inspection at the metal detector before participating worship.

Previously he often brings his wife, Michelle, to Spiaggia, four-star Italian restaurant in the heart of the city of Chicago where Obama eat shellfish like fuel. "Always they are only two. Now they are only two and 30 Secret Service agents," said Tony Mantuano, chefdan co-ownerrestoran it.

Ajudan-ajudan Obama said, the day-to-day Obama began with breakfast with daughter-daughter and her escort them to school some kali.Untuk sports daily, she is using the gym in Regents Park apartment building where his friend, Mike Signator, live.

Perhaps no one who knows things like that in more than hairdresser Obama, Zariff, 44. Men are just going to the apartment Signator on Tuesday (11/11) to cut hair with Obama normal fee, USD21. He said, the customer is still long sama.Saat Zariff call with Mr. President, Obama laugh.

"He looks like the president now. Detract slightly different way," explained Zariff which has become a local celebrity and is considering to open a hair salon in Washington DC. "I think he will miss many hal.Tapi Such a price of fame," said Zariff.

Long Journey To Become Like Obama

2008-11-18T20:41:00.000+07:00

U.S. President its first black, Barack Obama is able to provide strong signal for black youth to achieve similar success.

"If Barack Obama is able to do so, you can." Once the approximately expression that many appear pascakemenangan Obama. However, some descendants of Afro-American who lives in the central city of Atlanta states, although Obama to become a model fad, but it's difficult to make an example of success as a model of success other black citizens.

Some of the younger generation of Afro-American states, Obama victory in the U.S. Presidential election and prove the struggle is not easy to achieve. Needed confidence that the young Since we had to continue to move forward.

"If Obama successfully become president, there is no reason that the United States rasis because he is able to prove that you can do something," Cook said Lebron, 22, the first election register and support Obama.

Inspired Obama, Cook living in Atlanta, U.S., admitted Rap singers want to become famous. The family-porak no poranda able to provide a guarantee for the bright future. After graduating from college, Cook does not have a home and must menggelandang for several months.

Cook must work to connect any life. Father and family members out into the prison. He also forced his brother to live in a house in Bankhead, Atlanta, in which young people can sell narcotics to live. He also must fight their own and do not want to fall in the world of narcotics.

"Narcotics are everywhere. I have to use the money to live USD20 over the period," said Cook. Cook story is a dark picture of the life of a young generation of Afro-American Affairs at Uncle Sam.

A study from the American Sociological Association in 2006 reported that 20% of black males born in 1965-1969 had lived in the prison before the age of 30 years.

Meanwhile, less than 3% of white skin in the same age who had spent time behind the iron grating. The question is, will Obama as its new president to change the fact that there? Jerrone Strickland, known by the name Lil Bankhead said, he supports Obama and saw himself as a symbol of success.

He said, so successful, a person must not be dependent upon other people. Bankhead, the disk jockey on radio station V-103 in Atlanta, says the success of the work week is the fruit severity. He pleaded for the expense of all the desire to be

Barack Obama Pull Troops Immediately

2008-11-18T16:49:00.003+07:00

The first exit after the presidential election winner United States (U.S.), Barack Obama appear in a TV interview. Leaders of 47 years old again emphasize that promise to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq as soon as possible. He also will be exempt from Afghanistan and Al Qaidah close Guantanamo Bay prison (Gitmo) in Cuba.

"I will call the head of the combined staff, the components of national security, and we will discuss plans to reverse all U.S. troops from Iraq," Barack Obama said in an interview that 60 Minutes show cbs Sunday night (16/11) or yesterday WIB (17 / 11). That, he added, is the first agenda after the appointed successor George W. Bush later on 20 January.

In a series of the campaign, Barack Obama said that under his leadership, White House will attract one or two U.S. army brigade from Iraq each month. That routine will be performed until 16 months. Next, the remaining troops will be sent to Afghanistan. For, the more, the security problems faced by the U.S. in Afghanistan requires more weight and more military support.

"Al Qaidah chase for ever be a top priority. Included kill or capture terror mastermind group, the Usama bin Laden, who is always of the U.S.," dust the first black president of the U.S.. He also promised again align security and defense policy that derogating the U.S. in the Bush

Obama Team Proceed Clinton Financial

2008-11-18T16:45:00.001+07:00

The adviser to U.S. President elected Barack Obama began to learn the financial records and activities of former President Bill Clinton. This is done related to the prospect his wife, Hillary Clinton, to occupy the position of foreign minister in the cabinet Obama.

A team of lawyers to learn Clinton's philanthropic organization, interaction with foreign governments, and the relationship with the pharmaceutical companies, said sources close to the Democratic Party with Hillary and Barack Obama.

Clinton is known for using yayasannya efforts in the fight against AIDS, poverty, and climate change in the world. However, the former president was also to receive remuneration when a speaker or donations from officials or business people abroad who have interests with the U.S. Government policy.

Barack Obama advisers are now discussing the middle Clinton needs to be done to avoid a conflict of interest with the duties of Hillary Laos as the U.S.. Hillary dikabarkan very interested to occupy that position.

"This is the first and most important obstacles. (Bill Clinton) to do useful activities and do not want to stop there. However, there must be limits to avoid conflicts of interest, "a several senior Barack Obama adviser.

In a conference in Kuwait, Bill Clinton openly acknowledge the possibility of Hillary chose Laos as the U.S.. "If he (Obama) decided to select them (Hillary), I think Hillary will be a great Laos. He worked hard for Barack Obama during the campaign and we are happy Obama win, "said Clinton.

Barack Obama and Hillary met on Thursday last week. However, both close the mouth of meetings concerning the content of speech. It shows the increasing seriousness and magnitude of the opportunity Barack Obama choose Hillary

Barack Obama Follow Lincoln Way

2008-11-17T14:38:00.002+07:00

Barack Obama trail predecessor, Abraham Lincoln, by cooperating with rival ex-rivalnya become members in government. Obama states will receive the difference of opinions.

Barack Obama consider Hillary Clinton, rival competitors in the preliminary selection of the Democratic Party, minister for overseas departments or other departments. Barack Obama also planned a meeting with John McCain. "It reflects the strong will of Obama serious consideration to create a rival team like the Lincoln," said historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, Sunday (16/11).

With people who have different perspectives, Goodwin said, Barack Obama will absorb different views and strengthen the ability to speak full empathy.

"The challenge is to ensure it will not cripple the team. When the decision is made, all people can accept that the debate is finished, "said Goodwin.

Lincoln do similar things when the year began to reign in 1861 when countries in the southern U.S. states Civil War. He was appointed "enemies" displacement, Edwin Stanton, as minister of war. Stanton was contemptuous of Lincoln. Lincoln also appointed P Salmon Chase, Lincoln critic and rival of the Republic Party, as minister of finance. Lincoln reasons that time, "We need a strong person. These people are the strongest people. "

In May, Barack Obama said the approach of Lincoln is bringing former enemies who must take the approach. Barack Obama will consider the McCain as a minister.

Goodwin says difficult to form a rival team is now true that this situation be addressed partisan. However, Goodwin believes Barack Obama can do that. "I'm sure people will respond with enthusiasm," he said.

Opportunities

Facing the first test concerning the U.S. economic crisis, Barack Obama will not lower the big ideas that diusungnya in the presidential election campaign. The approach that Barack Obama made in the form of government hint he considered the crisis as an opportunity, not obstacles.

Barack Obama revealed plans to give employment to two million U.S. citizens to rebuild roads, bridges, and schools, initiatives and investments amounting to 150 billion U.S. dollars in the economic environment-friendly energy to create five million jobs.

The plan is ambitious public works program similar to that dipelopori President Franklin D Roosevelt became president that began in the middle of the economic crisis year 1933.

Leon Panetta, White House Chief of Staff during President Bill Clinton, said, Obama's first task, namely to stabilize the economy, will give him political capital to establish the successful broad agenda.

Hillary For Foreign Minister

2008-11-17T14:23:00.001+07:00

Planned U.S. president elected Barack Obama to nominate Hillary Rodham Clinton as foreign minister received wide support.

In addition to the Democratic party, support also came from some prominent party Republic. Senator of the Republic of the origin of the state Arizona, Jon Kyl rate Hillary figure fit the strategic positions.

"For me, she (Hillary) has the experience. He can control it. I think he will be accepted throughout the world," said Kyl, Sunday (16/11). "So my first reaction is this will be a very good choice,".

Barack Obama and Hillary interviewed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson in Chicago last week to discuss the positions Laos. However, until now Barack Obama has not decided who will be selected. In addition to Hillary and Richardson, a former Democratic Party March: John Kerry and Senator Richard Lugar, Republic Party also nominated served Laos.

Democratic senator origin of North Dakota, Byron Dorgan also emphasize the quality of Hillary. "He worked in all areas, have good relationships with the various parties. In the role as head of U.S. diplomats, Clinton has the credibility in the world," said Dorgan. "There are many relationships
should be improved and many tasks, so he will be a good choice, "he added.

Meanwhile, Richardson also has experience overseas is very broad. He is the ambassador for the United Nations at the time President Bill Clinton and become a freelance for U.S. diplomats in Sudan, North Korea, and a number of other countries.

Barack Obama and McCain Will Talking About Transition

2008-11-15T19:26:00.003+07:00

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama planned to meet with former competed, John McCain, early next week. The meeting is the second former competitors to discuss the transition period.

While the McCain and Barack Obama engaged in a fierce campaign of dirty, and sometimes during the summer, McCain has pledged to work together with governments to help Barack Obama bring the U.S. out of a series of domestic and international crisis. Although less panda, who was an Arizona senator, may still be the main leaders of the Republic of the Congress in next year although he has failed to become president.

"Known widely among them that the same people believe the United States and want to have the right to have a government that is effective and efficient, and will discuss ways to cooperate in realizing it," He said Barack Obama, Stephanie Cutter. Both leaders are scheduled to meet at the Barack Obama headquarters in Chicago on Monday (17/11

Barack Obama The Internet President

2008-11-15T19:23:00.002+07:00

By his moving to the White House, elected president of the United States (U.S.), Barack Obama and the people busy to update e-mail address. For, the first black president of State Uncle Sam is intended to make the Internet as the primary means of communication with government officials and the people.

These ideas appear after the online system was proven effective mass support for 21 month campaign period. Now, the Drawing more than 10 million e-mail addresses from all over the U.S., Barack Obama pitch to a prospective White House as the president's first wired. "He will become the first president to communicate directly with the United States through millions of citizens this way," said Joe Trippi, the team successfully participate formalize the Democratic campaign via the Internet about four years ago.

One senior Democratic politician said that Barack Obama own that trigger these ideas. Because, for the leaders 47 years old, the database of e-mail that accrued during the campaign period is too valuable to dispose of it. Moreover, approximately 3.1 million supporting Barack Obama listed in the database of registered donors as the president. Meanwhile, millions of other Democrats are volunteers.

Through a system of communication sites is substantial, Barack Obama can directly interact with the supporters. "Now, is born president of network communication with ordinary people," said Martha Page, supporting Barack Obama.

According to Peter Daou, Internet communication systems have such long enough to be chosen by Barack Obama stronghold. "Once you connect with other people in a network, you will not be able to stop it. This is not like a broken egg," he said

Renegade Code Name For Barack Obama

2008-11-14T14:39:00.002+07:00

By removing the President-elect Barack Obama to the White House, secret agents of the United States (U.S.) busy formulate the most powerful security system. In addition, they began to memorize and familiarize themselves with four new names secret. Namely, Renegade, Renaissance, Radiance, and Rosebud.

Barack Obama choose as the Renegade name secret. From some of the names mentioned by the team covers, 47 years old leader is choosing a name beginning confidential letter R. In accordance with the tradition of White House, all the president should use the family name confidential letters beginning with the same. These codes formulated by the White House Communications Agency.

"The name secret U.S. first lady is the next Renaissance. Meanwhile, the two daughter, Sasha and Malia, each using the name confidential Rosebud and Radiance," said team spokesman protective Barack Obama yesterday (13/11). The names are intentionally selected because of easy destinations and spoken and easy to be caught the ear when mentioned via radio transmitters.

Actually, the idea of using the names secret is irrelevant now. "Code is not significant and not related to the high level of security now," said spokesman Eric Zahren secret agent. He continued, giving the names secret is now more grounded in tradition. In addition, the team president patron more comfortable discussing their subject in public places by the name secret.

Barack Obama Will Resign From Senate

2008-11-14T14:38:00.000+07:00

President-elect Barack Obama says will resign from the senate seat Sunday because he will concentrate on his moving to the White House.

"Being one of the largest awards and honor in my life is to serve the community in the U.S. Illinois," Barack Obama said in a statement.

Barack Obama, who will be appointed as president on 20 January, said he will "leave the U.S. senate, and start heavy tasks to fulfill the hopes and dreams with a simple all the American people as president of the country's future."

That means Barack Obama, who has served four years of six-year tenure, will not participate in the senate hearing pascapemilihan next week. The Senate, led by the Democratic party expects the council to ratify it possible rescue package for the car industry that is struggling and the economic stimulus package.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, a Democratic, soerang will appoint a replacement to complete the term of Obama in the senate

Obama and Veterans Day

2008-11-13T20:08:00.002+07:00

United States have Veterans Day. Every 11 November Uncle Sam's country, people celebrate those who have fought in the military office, in peace or war. A tribute to heroes, including the fallen heroes that do not work in the field.

On November 11, is selected on 11 November 1918, when the armistice that end of World War I. Therefore, in all corners of the United States, especially in the monuments heroes, held various events.

There is a simple kind of laying garland, there is also a big ceremony complete. President-elect Barack Obama choose commemorate Veterans Day in their hometowns, Chicago.

Tuesday afternoon , Barack Obama came to Chicago's Soldier Field, Chicago. He was accompanied by Tammy Duckworth, Iraq war veteran who foot disability. Duckworth is now director of the Department of Veterans Affair for Illinois.

Warning it is very simple. Barack Obama only put garland on the monument. Witnessed several dozen people, on the morning of the ceremony is held brief windy.

Meanwhile, President George W. Bush celebrates Veterans Day in New York. Ceremonies are held in Interpid Air, Sea, & Space Museum. For George W. Bush, is the last warning that he do as president. Therefore, in the presence of armed forces and U.S. veterans, Bush said that he will miss is the time as chief U.S. Armed Forces.

In Washington DC, warning that one of the most performed in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. The event was attended by vice president Dick Cheney.

Warning held in the Navy Memorial simple. Present only two members peleton navy, plus Navy Band mate. Core event is laying garland the statue in the Lone Sailor.

Ceremony begins with the rebound the U.S. national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. When the song that organization, all the participants of the ceremony while standing menakupkan right hand in the chest. Pedestrian travel in the area was also stopped. They overrun a small garden, around a few blocks from the Capitol Building. After that, their silence for copyrighted veteran who has been killed. The session was silent, only the sound of trumpet organization.

After the silence copyrighted, master of ceremonies put garland on the statue of the sailor. Finish ceremony, all the participants of the ceremony, amounting to around 100 people joint the clap. They fight near the statue Slick sailors who have received the bouquet.

Before those dismissed, three children near the statue to go forward. Drew Rivera, one of them, yelling shake hands while holding a small flag. ''We, the scouts from the District of Columbia, expressed respect for the warrior-hero our country,''exciting. Then, with Drew i, Boston and Frank Justice Godfrey, salute to the statue and the participants to the ceremony. Aplaus again resound.

Frank Godfrey, Scout Master from the National Capital Area Boyscout, said, they always respect the heroes of Veterans Day. ''This is our for three successive years,''said Godfrey,''That the Builder''the junior scouts.

At the end of the event, the scouts who appear sporty it directly to a bicycle each, they flow toward the throng of visitors who return clap. Not until five minutes, the members of scouting is already extinct in the traffic between the busy Washington DC

Obama Attention in Foreign Policy, Defense and Finance

2008-11-13T19:59:00.002+07:00

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama appoint a team of experienced during the Bill Clinton administration to help guide the transition efforts in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Finance. In a statement, Barack Obama announced the team leaders who will be responsible for reviewing the budget, personnel, policy and the three departments so that a new government later can be directly served immediately after it was appointed on 20 January 2009.

Barack Obama appoint two leaders to each department and the six leaders had been served in the Clinton administration. Some former lobyist the fund and its leading Barack Obama entered in the team transisinya. Barack Obama also appointed a group of workers consisting of 14 members who will observe the entire process of review.

Team inspector Ministry of Finance by Josh Gotbaum, the investment fund advisers with experience in the various federal agencies, and Michael Warren, who had mejadi Executive Director of the National Economic Council Bill Clinton. Meanwhile, the transition team for the Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Tom Donilon, a former assistant foreign minister, and Wendy Sherman, a former leading officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Department of Defense inspector team, led by John P White, head of the Kennedy School Middle East Initiative at Harvard and former Deputy Minister of Defense. The team is also led by Michele Flournoy, President of the Center for a New American Security, which had served in the Pentagon during the Clinton administration

Lighting and The Beauty Of Home

2008-11-13T19:23:00.000+07:00

After determining that the lighting system desirable, now is your turn choose the form and type of lighting. This is very important. For, the selection of types and forms of light that is not right, lighting can damage houses that have been planned. So, when one should not select it.
The selection of light must consider function and aesthetics.

Currently, there are four types of light that is normally used to illumine housing. Fourth is, hanging lamps, work lamps, wall lamps, and light sleep.
The lamp is hanging lamp decoration, which was installed in the ceiling dangle in the house usually called forecast lighting

Lights are usually placed in the main rooms, such as family rooms or space room. hanging lamps need to be adjusted with the style of home design. In addition, the size should also be adjusted with a total area of the room.

Currently, the most popular is hanging crystal lights. This type of lamp is very diverse. From start to the classic model of minimal also have been available. The lamp is enough interest because of the beauty of crystal wine vessel that dangle, wax-candle glass that form prepared twigs, or tube-tube prepared for the short length of a modern style.

In addition, there is also light work. This type of light usually are in the room or area that is normally used for work such as the kitchen light, light work in space work, and reading lamp. This model is very light variety. There is a table lamp, downlight, and the lamp stand. The form is now more varied. Characteristics of this light is bright flame.

Lights that normally illuminate the other house is light walls. This type is used as a wall decoration or to give effect light on the wall. Thus, the aesthetic value of more prominent than functional as a torch.

Since estetic more prominent side usually called fine art lamps, the lights of this type of election must be adjusted in form, style, design and interior space. For minimal, for example, the walls of the box the size of a small selection. Likewise, home-style classic, tropical, mediteranian or ethnic, need to be adjusted with the form and style.

The fourth is the type of light sleep. The lamp is of course used in the bedroom. The lamp has a characteristic with the light dimmed. That's why light is most suitable to accompany the night of rest, because it is not too bright and also not strong.

Various types of light is now available in the market. Carefulness in work and accomplishment of the vote will determine the beauty of the room of your home. The lamp-light, which is in the market that prices also vary widely.

Permanent Beauty and Healthy

2008-11-13T18:27:00.003+07:00

Appear healthy, in shape, beautiful and interesting is something longed for everyone, especially women. Sometimes the various efforts undertaken without neglecting the health of the factors supporting. To that someone will have to continue to strive although issued and guaranteed by the cost of achieving excellent health and appearance are interesting, especially the progress of each claim period for people to always active work harder and so are expected to always appear healthy and in shape.

To perform day-to-day activities are supported by the body need a healthy body and resistance strong. Among the efforts appear to remain healthy, in shape, and that is interesting to apply the natural pattern of life (back to nature) in daily life, such as avoiding smoking habits, alcohol, abuse drugs, lack of sleep, avoiding stress, maintain the pattern food, and exercise regularly so that the body is not vulnerable to the disease.

ShopWiki is revolutionary for shopping since it actively seeks out every store on the internet, especially for health and beauty problems, try and you will not regret.

First Puppy ?

2008-11-09T15:47:00.002+07:00

In addition to preparing to enter a new office in the White House, U.S. President elected Barrack Obama also is preparing for something valuable to their families, namely, the candidates first dog. At the first press conference after the election on Friday (7 / 11), said the team success, the selection of the first dog to be the main issues the administration of household White House and a discussion of these issues in the excitement Barack Obama site.

"We have two criteria that must be considered. First, Malia it affected so allergic to dogs that should be hypoallergenic. The other, we also want to adopt a dog from the shelter, but most dogs in there comes from a mixed race like me," said Barack Obama.

The debate about the dog, such as what will be maintained and become a big family White House is exciting. Can not be avoided, President of the pet dog will get attention. In fact, news about President Bush is a dog bite Reuters reporter in the finger right into big news. Even the dog scott terrier named Barney is usually benign. So, how to choose a dog presidency?

No type of dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic. Still, some types of classified does not cause problems too, namely, the type of feather that is not easily fall off and do not need special treatment, said Stephen Zawistowski, Vice President Prevention Organization ACTION cruelty against animals.

Pet dog that feather not include the type of fall pudel, bichon frisé, portuguese water dog, and the maltese, but dogs are usually need special care that is expensive, he said. Stephen said, another type of dog that feather rarely fall between other types of schnauzers, westies (West Highland white terrier), and Scottish terrier. In addition, the descendants of cross goldendoodle dog also has a rare hair fall out, also some contradiction with the results pudel.

Barack Obama family could adopt the dog of dogs from the shelter or dog rescue group. Director of Rescue Dogs Association of Washington Gary Weitzman said, while almost a quarter of the 250 dogs in the shelter they are descendants of the original race. "In September we have 78 types of Dachshund dogs and recently we have an animal rescue dog of the child," he said.

Ideally presidency dog can be friendly with children and guests. Benefits of adopting the adult dog is to have behavior that has been trained and tested temperamen family can help the President choose a dog that is able to adjust to the social environment. However, if the daughter of Obama's father urged the children to take animal dog, to the behavior predicted for the future difficult.

Still, dogs are usually kept, since by small children will behave tame. Psychologist Stanley Coren is writing a book series about the demand for children's pet dog, recommend the type of beagle dogs, DOG, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, and pudel to raise a family.

Whatever the chosen pet dog, dogs prefer children who require intensive environmental socializing. "First by introducing the dog with a family environment around them," said Stephen. "Dogs also like a small child, they are afraid of certain things such as the man with mustache, someone who wear hats. If they are not used, they tend to be afraid, when presidential guards often appear frightening," he said.

Selecting a pet dog can be a difficult choice and excited, but still important. Moreover, if the election is to be the center of attention of all people. Barack Obama has pledged to the daughter, when he won the election, will grant their request and have a pet dog is perhaps not the only entertainment for the daughter-daughter. "I want to know the dog, such as what will be the frist dog President Barack Obama. Because if it is day-to-day mengenakkan not, he can invite the dog walking and said, 'That day is not so bad now,'" said Stephen

Barack Obama and People Hope

2008-11-09T00:07:00.002+07:00

Elected U.S. president, Barack Obama, will face big problems of the economic crisis and also the heritage of bad diplomacy, international left President George Walker Bush. Millions of citizens have put expectations on it, while almost have to be that Obama will not be able to overcome all of that. However, it could be that the policy direction for Barack Obama in the White House will be pro-people.

"There are no shortcuts to a number of problems," said Peter Loge, teaches at George Washington University, told Kompas in Boston, USA, Thursday (6 / 11). Loge is also a political adviser and a number of senatorial candidates, the U.S. House of Representatives.

"President Barack Obama facing acute budget deficit, disruption of health systems, and poor education system," he continued.

"However, I understand, Barack Obama is the person carefully and do the tasks that measured and fit. He will try to give priority to the distribution of income, improvement of health services affordable. He will also give attention to the portion of the ways to overcome poverty, "said Loge.

International policy which is Barack Obama will be aimed at the restoration of international relations. Again, this will be done in a more fit. "He will first choose dialogue instead of directly to conclude the battle. Team will be equipped with intelligent people, kalem, and high quality. Barack Obama will not act alone, he will listen to advice from the best people, "said Loge.

Assistance programs, reduced

For foreign affairs, Professor Paul Niwa, at Emerson College, Boston, remind, for international affairs, aid programs may be reduced. "This has reminded the vice president Joe Biden because of budget constraints the government," said Niwa.

However, the more likely the U.S. will accelerate the drawdown schedule retreat from Iraq the U.S. army, with the goal of reducing the burden of budget expenditure.

"So, I think the next president may be doing more precise instead of pursuing personal ambitions. Barack Obama will run a foreign policy more rational and based on reality. Will have a pleasant direction of government policy can be estimated, "Niwa information.

"Governance Barack Obama will run the government control center instead of left or right wing. This is the style of government, which also carried former President Bill Clinton, "said Times News journalist, Hank Hayes, who live in Kongsport, Tennessee.

Clinton is in the White House in the years 1993-2001 also came from the Democratic Party.

Professor Mike Brown from Emerson College also said, Obama will mimic the style of governance Nelson Mandela. "When Mandela elected as president, rather than revenge, he chose reconciliation. I see Barack Obama will do similar things, "he said.

Barack Obama has stated will invite the Republic to work together. "I am sure, many, if not all, of which he promised he will make it happen. Barack Obama will treat disillusionment citizens, including unify the nation, "said Brown

Barack Obama Unlimited

2008-11-07T16:01:00.003+07:00

U.S. ready to prove themselves have stepped penetrate the limit. Millions of voters, black and white, old, young, male female, Hispanic and African descendants, are willing faithfully their future into the hands of Barack Obama, an Illinois senator descendants of the original black leather.

During the two years served as a senator, Barack Obama can see what can be seen by few people. United States ready to accept the changes.

He came to Capitol Hill two years ago with the "mission" to clean what seen as a political stunt modern America. The fierce partisan attitudes and disunity that has been studied for at least two period presidency.

While the opportunity staggering in the journey toward White House, with the spell "change", Barack Obama has made this fight becomes all the elements of the nation merger.

"He has to find the way back from politics for this. This is a revolution, such as the election of Franklin D Roosevelt years 1932 and John F. Kennedy 1960," said Paul Levinson, political experts from Fordham University, New York, as cited by news agency AFP.

Barack Obama is not big victory as the victory of President George W Bush in 2000 and 2004, according to observers, wicker divisions and make people fighting one another.

"We have successfully overcome all the things that count more people are obstructions that can not be destroyed in our politics. We succeeded in creating a national coalition. That's what we want and that we do, "said David Axelrod, Barack Obama strategists.

Call
The enthusiasm of voters to vote shall invite click amazed apart. Mentioned, the number of voters this time is the most historic election in the U.S., namely around 135 million people.

"My eyes water up specifically to see the queue," said Bob Haskins, a worker at a church in Atlanta, as cited by the International Herald Tribune (IHT).

"For children that young, this is the call. All that said Martin Luther King become a reality today, "he said, when young people enthusiastic sent to vote.

Tobey Benas, a retired teacher in Chicago, also impressed with the moment of the election this year. "I do not believe we can until this far. This is very touching, "he said, as quoted IHT.

Issues of race in the U.S. have not become part of the chestnut. Racial sentiment still haunt, although the U.S. claim as a democratic country that exceeds all the difference.

In his victory speech in Chicago, Barack Obama stressed that the boundaries separating the obvious can not jump. "If there is someone out there who still doubt that the United States is a place where things may happen, that dream still wonder if the founders of our country are still living, still questioned the strength of democracy, the night is the answer," said Barack Obama.

That is evidenced by the sound of the white voters that Barack Obama was obtained, namely 43 percent. While the lost earnings from the McCain (55 percent), Barack Obama surpass earnings from the Democratic presidential candidate in 2004, John Kerry, who is also white.

Some years this U.S. citizens abroad to become familiar targets of invective and mock blessing "war against terrorism" that President Bush emerge . Anti-US sentiment remains rampant in various parts of the world.

Not long after Barack Obama won the election, William J kole, an Associated Press journalist in Austria, get a kiss on the cheek from foreign people in the bus, only because he was American. "He did not say anything, but the message is very clear. Today we all the American people. It feels like a long journey on the road wave that eventually stopped, "he said.

"Barack Obama showed its extraordinary capacity for the United States to update and adapt to a world that is changing," said former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Michelle "My Rock"

2008-11-07T15:56:00.002+07:00

MICHELLE LaVaughn Robinson (47) have questioned the ability of funds Barack Obama when her husband is trying to nominate themselves as U.S. president. He said, how they can help raise funds to finance campaigns because Michelle Obama is not want Barack Obama to do business, which results naught.

According to Michelle, is not easy to get campaign funds. Not only may they also rely on cash machines and former president of the Democratic Party, Bill Clinton. Not only money, the issue of security and into thoughts.

Still, since the beginning of the campaign Michelle strongly attempt to give support to Barack Obama. Michelle rent intelligence unit in the middle of the mass, as the anticipation will likely hurt Barack Obama.

"I'm probably more relieved of any type, the normal life of love. Concerns are signs that our life is not normal start, "said Michelle.

To end the struggle that has been started, Michelle consecutive berorasi in front of their supporters. Michelle is the attraction, according to Newsweek magazine, he was able to bring a mass of at least 1,000 more regularly, including the only campaigning alone. He traveled from one area to another area to give speeches and various activities.

Michelle emerged as a public figure, accepting the role as a potential first lady who mengaspirasi. When campaigning, a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School is scheduled to give the opening speech to introduce Barack Obama to the masses.

Women's birth on January 17 1964 is not only to sit relaxed on the strategic sessions. He utilized the time to help raise funds by phone even though he was indeed not like the job. "I hate fund rising, hate ... hate!, "he said.

Many parties admire the talent themselves. Are low and kalem combination with a strong self-belief and intelligence oriented. How berpakaiannya also very appropriate. Therefore, Vanity Fair put in 10 best female clothing. Michelle's style of dress is the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Carla Bruni; executive Evelyn Lauder cosmetics; and artist Sarah Jessica Parker.

People magazine also invest a similar award to Michelle, along with wholesaler Cup Oscar, Gwyneth Paltrow and Charlize Theron.

Outside of that, Michelle Obama often introduces as "My Rock", someone who still maintain himself and return to focus. Michelle Obama tried to persuade her to keep the case in real terms each.

The phone is no longer about the results of a poll campaign, but about children, Malia Ann (9) and Natasha (7). Michelle Obama reminded always try not to lose its normal life. When home, Barack Obama reminded to attend a meeting of parents of students at the school.

Michelle buy two laptops, one for Barack Obama and one for children, so they can chat via Internet video.

Both met in 1989. When Michelle was obtained mentor Barack Obama, a time that is considered special by many people. Michelle's original story is not interested in the office of Harvard University law student, by which known as "men of color who always speak the right target."

Barack Obama so confident when it coming and said, "I think we should be dating." Rejects Michelle because of her challenge is not worthy. However, the defense ended after Michelle Obama take to go to the group's activities in the church.

He then ensure that he likes Barack Obama. "He's really different. I love to marry someone who has thought deeply about various things, "he said.

Barack Obama commented on Michelle, "During 14 years together, I train with him very well," said Barack Obama, as written in a book titled, Ebony, "The Hottest Couple in America", written in 2007 Lynn Norment

Barack Obama President For All

2008-11-06T16:10:00.002+07:00

Celebrating World Victory Obama

CHICAGO - The subject of each person be given the opportunity to live up to 4 November 2008. On that day, created history in the United States. Superpower countries that are on the lips ruin the momentum now find his resurrection. Source hopes it will appear after Barack Obama, with young black senator, who was born in Hawaii of the United States the mother and father Kenya, spent four years in the small and large in the United States, selected to become president of the U.S.-44 yesterday.

Becoming the first skin color of the White House will put Barack Obama is now in line with other U.S. president legendary, George Washington (first president and independence proklamator), Thomas Jefferson (third president and declarations of independence), and Abraham Lincoln (the president to remove the 16 slavery).

Its Illinois senator that a new age of 47 years old it has also destroy racism in the U.S. 50 years ago still make the skin color of citizens must share toilets, bus seats, schools and citizens with the neighboring white skin.

Obamanomena Obama phenomenon, or that make the whole world celebrates his victory participate. The background has a diverse make Barack Obama a president for all. From villages in slums in Nairobi, Kenya, the birthplace of his father, that of Barack Obama Sr., to the streets in Jakarta, where the small, central to the celebration in Grant Park, Chicago, all the people rejoice. which is located in the home Barack Obama was witnessed in most of the approximately 200,000 visitors shed tears while delivering a speech Barack Obama victory Tuesday (4 / 11) night

Half hours after the vote shows the calculation of the earnings voice Electoral it has to go through "magic number" 270 (minimum requirements), Barack Obama appear on stage with his wife, Michelle, and two daughter, Sasha and Malia. In the early victory speech, Barack Obama emphasized that everything may happen in the U.S.. And, he has proved. "If there is someone out there who still doubt that the United States is a place that allows all things happen, the question is still asked whether the dream of the founding founders of this nation can still become evident in the current period, which still questioned the strength of democracy, this is your question missed, "said Barack Obama greeted a direct hand formations with a cry of" Yes, We Can "repeatedly.

With casual, Barack Obama also convey gratitude and praise to the "enemy" during the political campaign period of six months, John McCain. "We have become a better leader to visit owing to the intrepid, and this is not selfish. I congratulate him (McCain); also to the Governor (Sarah) Palin. And, I hope I can work with them to jointly renew the promise of this nation," he said.

In the end, Barack Obama mention all the patient, start the wife Michelle call the "coral" families, children and promising new dog for two daughter, Sasha and Malia, now living in the White House later, until the step brother from Indonesia, Maya Soetoro, in Hawaii. Less than 10 minutes historical Barack Obama deliver a speech that sounded like a series of words that pearl.

Before Barack Obama appear on the stage, John McCain first acknowledge his defeated. After the election results in California appear and make Barack Obama will not catch up, Vietnam war hero, giving speeches defeat in their hometowns, Phoenix, Arizona. At the moment, which should dampen this is the soul of heroic panda visible.

Accompanied by his wife, Cindy, and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, McCain to deliver safe and urged its supporters concede defeat and still struggling for progress in the U.S.. ''We felt disappointed this evening. However, we feel only briefly, this failure is mine, not yours. "He said firmly

In a brief speech, he asks the supporters and Barack Obama supporters to unify the differences after the election. United States''never retreat. United States never surrender,''he said.

United States blue

U.S. presidential election this year is full of color. In addition to producing the first black president, the choice of 130 million people the U.S. (the largest in U.S. history Presidential votes) also change the map of voter support. Until last night, (the blue states), which means supporting the Democratic Party candidate Barack Obama to continue to increase. Conversely,(red states), which supports the Republic Party candidate John McCain increasingly slim.

From the calculation of the vote, Barack Obama is seen key to victory over John McCain is the control of some part of a battle field (battlegrouns States), especially the two key states Ohio and Pennsylvania. During this had never been president of the Republic of losers in Ohio.

With funds $ 700 million and the 21 month campaign, Barack Obama successfully grab bag of the Republic of the region, such as Indiana and Virginia. Both state that did not support the Democratic candidate in the last 44 years. Ohio and Florida, a vital voice pendulang President Bush four years ago, also turned to Barack Obama.

From the calculation of the total vote (popular vote) to the entrance last night, with Barack Obama winning 52.3 percent to reach sound and McCain behind 46.4 percent. However, to the calculation of the Electoral votes, Barack Obama more advantages, namely, 349 shares 147. Electoral Council of 538 consists of people from 50 countries of the compositions in accordance with the number of representatives of the state in the U.S. Congress (435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives / House of Representatives and 100 members of senate). To become U.S. president, the candidates must collect at least 270 Electoral votes.

Voters Electoral Barack Obama contribute many countries in the densely populated near the coast, such as California, Washington, New York, and Florida. While the McCain supported countries in the hinterland, such as Texas, the area of the South, Midwest and Rocky Mountain area. Three states that have not been known to contribute to the sound Electoral it is Georgia, Missouri, and North Carolina. All states that Bush won in 2004.

Barack Obama victory, including landslide. As a comparison, George W. Bush won the presidential chair twice, but never reach more than 286 Electoral votes.

Obama Magic World

Not only in the U.S., victory, Barack Obama also "witch" with the promise of world-promise. In across the earth, many people crowd-field meet, Plaza-Plaza, open spaces, pubs and pub-forward to the results of the U.S. election. World bullpen covered similar desire to witness history that will reverberate to exceed the boundaries of the U.S..

In Kenya, Barack Obama ancestral land of origin, people flood the parties night to watch election results. "This evening we will not sleep," said Valentine Wambi, 23, of the University of Nairobi students, who plan to join with hundreds of other students in the capital city of Kenya for a party election. Kenyan citizens even sure Barack Obama victory will not be much change their lives, it does not install the impede their portrait Barack Obama in the minibus, the minibus. Trinkets such as T-shirts image Barack Obama sold in various corners of Kenya.

In Moneygall, a village in Ireland, the party also held Barack Obama victory gala. It draws on the research concluded that the ancestors Barack Obama called Joseph Kearney lived there before berimigrasi to the U.S..

In Germany, dominate the U.S. election results newspaper, Internet site, and television. In Paris, one of a number of celebration "irreverent" is a planned party "Goodbye George" to say goodbye to the separate U.S. President George W. Bush. "As most French people, I'm glad Barack Obama will win because they truly signal the arrival of the changes," said Vanessa Doubine, a shopping center on the Champs-Elysees, on Tuesday. Barack Obama victory can be expected to change the image of the U.S..

Barack Obama fever is not only in infecting across Europe, but also propagates to the corners of the Islamic world. Muslim expectations ummah phrase, Barack Obama may be the compromise than confrontation. "Victory Barack Obama want to make the world see the U.S. political attitudes show a more cosmopolitan and universal," said Rais Yatim, Laos, Malaysia.

The only countries in the Middle East that a victory over Barack Obama is Israel. Jewish State is to see John McCain have a more unequivocal stance against Iran. Most of the people of Israel believed to support the McCain with the consideration he will be able to do more to protect the security of the country from Iran rudal expletive.

The leaders of Israel that is not openly mentioned the candidates whom they support. However, acquiescence to convey their concerns to Barack Obama, who has arouse concern himself said when ready for dialogue with Tehran.

Election fever also runs Vietnam, where the McCain was not necessarily as a prisoner of war for more than five years. Derived aircraft shot down in Hanoi after a bombardment in 1967. "He (McCain) patriotic," said Le Lan Anh, Vietnam, a novelist. "As a soldier, he came here to destroy my country. But, I admire the dignity," said Le.

The Meaning of Obama Victory

2008-11-06T15:47:00.001+07:00

With sound very convincing, Senator Barack Obama elected as president-44 to the United States. He is a United States citizen first black to be elected president.

In 1988, Jesse Jackson-black frock, which first developed as a presidential candidate and support tolerably good. He finally defeated Mike Dukakis, partner in the Democratic Party. So, while Obama said, "America is truly the land of hope and promise for anyone," in a speech welcoming his victory, Jesse Jackson, who stood not far from the dais, and specifically tears and emotional elation.

Myth majority versus minority race and ethnicity in the United States in political, now living memories of the past. Dividing wall between black and white skin have break by victory by Barack Obama. I wonder if Barack Obama emphasized in a speech victory, fundamental change is now true in the United States.

International politics

With the victory, Barack Obama is, how the constellation of international politics? Tensions in Iraq alleged to be calm. The internal conflict in Iraq as a result of tyranny the United States, by itself will feel. Barack Obama will soon attract teams from the United States courts that the conflict drag on in Iraq.

The positive effect of the policy is, the polarization of the global: the United States with its Western allies dominate the political field in Iraq, will tereliminasi itself. In this perspective, Barack Obama will create peace in Iraq. This is bold by political promise in a speech beginning, "We will fully support anyone who tend to create peace."

With attractive troops from Iraq the United States, meaning, Barack Obama will save the country's economy. How not. To support U.S. military operations in Iraq, the government must Uncle Sam five U.S. dollars per second, which means that around 144 billion U.S. dollars each month.

By Barack Obama, the money of the taxpayers is the United States will be used to drive the economy of his country, especially during this economic crisis triggered by a more global budget deficit the United States government because of political maneuvers thirst hegemony and power of the United States in Iraq. As a result, interest rates increased, and the creditors are not able to distraught because pay debt repayments to the bank. The result, the U.S. economy fall, and made the world take languish.

In this context, the United States secession from Iraq is not only playing to save face his country, but also to restore confidence in world economic benefits to the United States. With a budget expanded in Iraq during the past several years, the United States economy fall. When the budget is not used for military purposes, but to drive the economy, the trust can be achieved again. Economics is a problem of trust.

Furthermore, if Obama can again propel the country's economic thats ruin "due RADIO" Bush leadership that the party with a McCain. If successful, this means that Barack Obama made contributions on the improvement of the global economy.

Barack Obama victory is not simply an inspiration, but once the door open for anyone in this country to aspire to become leaders, irrespective background, race and ethnic-owned. Necrosis views of the majority versus minority is liquid in the United States, which can also withdraw the views necrosis, which is dominating our country. So, can also become a land of hope and opportunity for anyone

Barack Obama Victory Speech (Part 1)

2008-11-05T15:19:00.001+07:00

Barack Obama Victory Speech (Part 2)

2008-11-05T15:17:00.000+07:00

Barack Obama Victory Speech (Part 3)

2008-11-05T15:13:00.001+07:00

Obama Can't Defeated

2008-11-04T13:41:00.004+07:00

Tuesday (4 / 11), the 168 million people of the United States choose a new president in 50 states. As many as 20 million others have chosen early in the 30s state. Who is the U.S. president to-44, John McCain (72) or Barack Obama (47)

Voting held since the morning and closing of polling stations done between 19:00 hours on Tuesday until 01.00 local time Wednesday. Everything depends on the rules and the time difference of each state.

Is estimated to listed a record number of new voters who registered to use voice, which is 130-135 million or 15-20 percent more than the number of voters in presidential election 2004.

Barack Obama has been estimated to surpass McCain 2:1 from the 20 million-an electorate that vote early because of the large participation of voters who registered officially as the Democratic members. Until yesterday all the institutions that govern poll shows the consistency of excellence Barack Obama, a phenomenon that has not changed drastically since he won the Democratic Party Convention last August to remove Hillary Clinton.

However, since the end of last week, there are positive signs that show the differences panda zoom points. For example, polls meters Research Center in the prestigious final survey released Sunday (2 / 11) showed Barack Obama winning seven points (49-42 percent) compared to 15 points last week.

"Add the voice of the panda skin is white, independent groups, those middle-income, and members of the Republic of the official would choose," said Andrew Kohut of the meters.

But, Kohut added that the addition of less significant because of the wide distance. "Excellence (Barack Obama) is quite substantive. Adaan yet had the benefits of these candidates since 1996, when Bill Clinton over Bob Dole winning in the campaign last week," said Kohut.

Expect surprises

No wonder stronghold of the Republic of panda and hope to live in "shock" (The Unexpected is the expected) as of 1948. When the Democratic candidate the winner in various polls, Thomas Dewey failed to defeat President Harry Truman with a difference of voice 4.5 percent.

Mccain, which is campaigning in Nevada, rather improve its promise, the promise of blessing to overcome the financial crisis. However, Sarah Palin proved that failed to lift the image of panda yesterday is still entranced with the attacks negative campaign against Barack Obama.

Monday Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle appear together with the most popular rock musicians in the U.S. at this time, Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen in Cleveland, Ohio. He said he was "comfortable" with the possibility pilpres results. "In the last few days I feel comfortable," he said in front of about 80,000 less. In a special interview with Wolf Blitzer (CNN), Barack Obama raised the five priorities if elected.

First, he will endeavor to reach agreement with Congress to bail out spend and stimulus package that both overcome the crisis. Second, to formulate the program immediately release the energy dependence from abroad. Third, membenahi health insurance program so that all the affordable. Fourth, formulate programs for a reduced tax of 95 percent (about 100 million head of the family) middle class, the maximum income a quarter million U.S. dollars annually. And, fifth priority to improve the education system so that children enjoy adequate curriculum and school fees are affordable.

Great passion against Barack Obama at least visible from the stock over the form of merchandizing Obama T-shirts, posters, stickers, key holder, and various other types of goods in the many souvenir shops. "I had no goods that behavior such as a flash this time," said a shop keeper who suggest prospective buyers to shop to the suburbs.

International media have also started coming, including from Palestine, Brazil, China, and a number of European countries to record the historic events in the city had 2.9 million that is now referred to as the "Obama City" this

One Million Residents Ready to party in Chicago

2008-11-03T17:13:00.002+07:00

A Million of citizens will be in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday (4 / 11) tomorrow night, to celebrate the occasion of victory when Barack Obama (47) won the seat the U.S. President. Barack Obama political career in its third largest city in the United States.

Barack Obama since 2005 until now a senator representing Illinois. And, since the age of 23 years to community organizer (social activist) in the Chicago Democratic South.

Reli entitled "Election Night" in order to concentrate Barack Obama victory in Grant Park, the park can only accommodate about 65,000 people at the edge of Lake Michigan in the city center. This party will be attended by an estimated Barack Obama will deliver a speech of victory or defeat around midnight, when the presidential election result is known.

The city government officials are still preparing the stage, tents, security systems, and various equipment needed. They have been preparing scenarios to anticipate the worst possibilities, including suggest citizens do not need to go to Grant Park because of limited capacity.

"I may not prevent citizens do not come join the party," said Chicago Mayor Richard Daley the only print 65,000 tickets and 7,500 for other various circles, such as journalists and those Democrats. He expects citizens not to force entry to the place where the party lists and kept strict security officials.

Reli officially began at 20:30 local time, but residents have suspected mass will begin after the end of working hours evening. Nearly all roads in the city center is closed, except for the special subway operated until 01.00 Wednesday 5 November.

Security officials prohibit alcohol sales in the reli and its surroundings, only to allow a number of kiosks selling hot dog, piza, and drink hot chocolate. Residents who received tickets are also prohibited from carrying sharp weapons, bags, and the camera in place to party.

Strict vigil

Thousands of security personnel were, including the Coast Guard teams (Coastal Security), which oversees the waters of Lake Michigan. Offices in the center of the city, especially in building skyscrapers, instructed employees back at 15.00.

According to a city government employee who did not want to name mentioned, each employee will be recommended to each home and witness the party from the television screen only.

The enthusiasm of Chicago residents or visitors who came to the city of Chicago to direct reli high enough. All the hotels in the city center is fully even raise the price nearly doubled.

During the last week of various activities in the city center focused on the various political events, including exhibitions with the theme pilpres "Vote4Me" which lasts until on 9 November. In this exhibition, you can even put themselves as March and through various

interactive learning platforms can create a platform through popular ways, talking, or rent a consultant to adequate.

enthusiasm felt when beset a number of locations outside the city center during the two-hour trip. Houses at the edge of middle-class city decorated posters, banners, and a media campaign farrago Barack Obama. Barack Obama new entrance to Chicago on 4 November

Barack Obama Winning Campaign

2008-11-01T16:22:00.003+07:00

How much does it cost to rent per hour Boeing 757 aircraft, "O Force One", which hired Barack Obama, presidential candidate of the Democratic Party? Of 20,000 U.S. dollars, or Rp 200 million per hour. Not a big problem.

Rent aircraft Barack Obama is spending part of the campaign super lux in the U.S. election this time. That is not a problem because the campaign funds collected this time also a record. Already over 1 billion U.S. dollars.

In the 2004 presidential election, campaign funds reached 693 million U.S. dollars, or around Rp 6.3 trillion. In 2008, the Federal Election Commission announced, the total campaign funds of two presidential candidates, Barack Obama from the Democratic Party and John McCain from the Republic Party, reached 1.2 billion U.S. dollars, or Rp 12.6 trillion. A new record.

During September, McCain gets new funds to 230 million U.S. dollars and spent 194 million U.S. dollars. However, Barack Obama meraup 454 million U.S. dollars, and spending 377 million U.S. dollars.

Barack Obama campaign funds of 95 percent obtained from individuals via the Internet. Barack Obama campaign manager, David Pouffle, admitted to have an additional 632,000 new donors during September. They meraup 3.1 million U.S. dollars or 86 U.S. dollars per person.

Barack Obama has also become the first candidate who pay almost all campaign donations from individuals.

Support from leaders such as former Laos Colin Powell, helped fund the Barack Obama campaign. Concert by the legendary rockers Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel add 7 million U.S. dollar purse for Barack Obama.

Mccain rely more on donors from the party. Site Usatoday.com writing, more than 500 donors Party of the Republic of the richest supplies 75.6 million U.S. dollars. Businessman Donald Trump, the owner of the business of San Diego Chargers Alex Spanos, and former Univision CEO Jerry Perenchio is supporting McCain.

Rod Pachero, for example, contributed more than 50,000 U.S. dollars. Attorneys this devotee of the Vietnam War veteran is. "I do not demand anything other than see a president," said Rod.

Super Lux Shopping

With the amount of funds, the candidates is not difficult to choose the best facilities with a total value of expenditure super lux. Barack Obama charter Boeing 757-200 ER aircraft owned by North American Airlines for the campaign. Brad Blakeman, which had to handle the flight President George Walker Bush said, the Boeing 757 to rent at least 20,000 U.S. dollars, or Rp 200 million per hour. Barack Obama was renting the aircraft since last year.

Barack Obama polish slogan "Change in the We Can" and barackobama.com on both sides of the flight. In terms of facilities, aircraft "O Force One" this one class. In the background there is a cockpit area of VIP guests for Barack Obama and important. There is also a cabin with four chairs for meetings or meals.

There are special seats in the cabin Obama, the company "Obama'08, and" President "in the dibordir back seat.

"Cabin of the presidential candidates typical business class. More similar rooms, more tidy than the cabin staff and the press. Very adequate, "said the journalist Politico, Mike Allen, who often took flying with Barack Obama, as quoted CBSNews.

Meanwhile, journalists CBSNews, John Bentley, said, panda using smaller aircraft, the Boeing 737. He had four compartments, namely a first-class place to sit McCain usual, to the interview area, the area business class for the staff, and back to the media.

Shopping is another matter super lux dress and beautify the appearance. Republican National Committee (RNC) to spend up to 150,000 U.S. dollars for clothing and accessories vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Palin expenditure in a number of leading places, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's and Neimann Marcus. Only a dream for most people. Palin pay 49,425 U.S. dollars at Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York.

Palin also pay 75,000 U.S. dollars at Neiman Marcus, Minneapolis. Expenditure illegal according to Federal Election Commission rules, which prohibit campaign funds for personal use. "They will be used for the purpose of charity after the campaign ended," said Tracey Schmitt, press secretary McCain and Palin, defend themselves.

McCain recognize lag

2008-10-31T15:57:00.003+07:00

Candidates for president of the Republic, John McCain, admitted the situation is less profitable. He also admitted that behind the position of Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. However, the panda says not to worry.

In the State of Tennessee, a traditional supporter of Republic, also occurs from the concerns of the Republic. "I even wonder if Barack Obama will not win," said Dr Mooney Jackson from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, on Wednesday (29/10).

"Traditionally, Tennessee is a state of the Republic of supporters. However, changes began to occur because the view seems there are other candidates who offer something new and better, "said Mooney.

As part of the country's conservative, not a bit worried that appear with Barack Obama. With black skin color of Barack Obama and the perception that the skin is black descendants of slaves, there is a risi if Barack Obama becomes president.

"And, it is likely they will not vote, but I think it will not change the direction of many who winner," said Mooney.

To achieve support in the last days, panda and Sarah Palin continues to try to find fault and cornered Barack Obama, campaigning with former President Bill Clinton in Kissimmee, Florida, on Wednesday.

Barack Obama campaign continued with the campaign in Virginia and Missouri. On Wednesday, panda campaigning in Ohio and Florida, while Sarah Palin campaigning in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Almost all the countries that determine the very sound acquisition to become president.

Palestinian Issues

Issues proposed new panda and Sarah Palin is the relationship between Barack Obama and Professor Rashid Khalidi of the University of Chicago, Illinois.

Khalidi called as a former spokesperson for the deceased Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. In 2003, at a party, there was discussion among several people who discussed the Israeli occupation in Palestine.

At a party, Khalidi censure Israel because they occupy Palestine. Barack Obama gave argues that Israel does not have the right occupy Palestine. However, Barack Obama also asserts Israel has a right of the area as a country and the security of Israel will not be compromised.

Require Palin panda and a daily Los Angeles Times to reveal the video contains a conversation Barack Obama and Khalidi, who also attended the Bill Ayers, also professor from the University of Chicago. Ayers is a figure associated with terrorism.

However, CNN television announces, Khalidi Barack Obama is not a political stronghold and the only former neighbors. Khalidi also refutes that he spokespersons Arafat.

Palin panda and tried to pry fobia Islam, which seems out of the critic criticized, even by experts of the Republic of the strategy.

"Tank-campaign tactics such as this will not be successful and should be ended," said Ed Rollins, the strategy of the Republic of experts, who work for the deceased former President Ronald Reagan, and so the self-Mike Huckabee campaign in the general election, preliminary U.S. presidential candidate in 2008.

The latest developments, Barack Obama still winning. Based on the Gallup poll, Barack Obama winning 51 percent and 44 percent of the panda. Wednesday night, Barack Obama ads also frequently criticizes the White House, which in the last eight years did not meet the promise to improve the situation in the country.

Shinning Barack Obama continue appreciating, also appear because when Bill Clinton campaigning in Florida. Clinton said, "We can not delude themselves, and we need a president who will bring change."

"He will become president," said Clinton questions Barack Obama. Barack Obama praised Clinton and recall the success of the so-era president, and says it will be repeated as under Barack Obama.

Obama Win Early Success

2008-10-30T20:04:00.003+07:00

From around 12 million voters who have votes earlier, Barack Obama winning over John McCain. Election early, especially for residents who will go far from their origin so that the country can not vote on 4 November. However, other residents who want to mencoblos earlier also allowed.

As many as 32 countries allow the early election for anyone and 15 other states (including Washington DC) election early to allow for citizens who will travel on 4 November. The result will be officially announced on 4 November.

However, from the calculation of the fast (quick count), which conducted the meters Research Center, which calls in Washington DC and has a great reputation, Obama 53 percent to reach sound and mccain 34 percent.

Together with a number of other bodies poll, the meters Research Center Obama also emphasized the benefits of the panda. These advantages, including in Florida, which is almost always choose the presidential candidate of the Republic.

Early election was also conducted to test the system once the election is completely automated. There are concerns the system is not functioning well, so early election while also becomes the pilot.

"The longer the time mencoblos, fewer problem may be that we face on 4 November," said Faulkner Foc, volunteer for Obama stronghold, in Durham, North Carolina.

Early election also becomes the monitoring of the election observers, especially those who want to avoid cheating. Issues of election cheating, such as occurred in 2000, also a major concern in the U.S. today.

CNN television to give special number for citizens to report possible cheating in the election, either by the Democratic stronghold and the Republic of the bunker.

The enthusiasm of the residents do seem high in the initial election. "The atmosphere of the early election shows the spirit is high, similar to the election," said Doug Chapin, election experts meters Research Center, Tuesday (28/10).

So far, voters do not face problems in providing voice, which made room in the shape of similar platforms independent cash (ATM).

Andi Laub, a white field of journalism graduates, have mencoblos in Pennsylvania before departing to Boston and the choice is Obama. "I chose Obama because I like Joe Biden," said Laub.

Some journalists tried to contact the Indonesian representative office in Boston panda, but declined comment when asked. Director of Communication of the Republic of Massachusetts Party Barney Keller could not be contacted.

No matter polls

In Hershey, Pennsylvania, said panda does not care about polls. "I do not worry, I will fight and become U.S. president," said panda, who appear together in the campaign, Sarah Palin in the same city.

This shows the cohesiveness of the team in the Republic after the previous dikabarkan Sarah Palin own way with the program, with the goal of at least could appear again in the 2012 election year as the presidential candidate of the Republic.

Barack Obama President

Condition Can Change

2008-10-29T15:33:00.002+07:00

Economic Issues Becoming Topics Last Campaign

A week before the U.S. presidential election, 4 November, the war between the candidates in the increasingly hot. Action attack each other more frequently. Polls continue mengunggulkan Barack Obama. However, the Democratic stronghold do not want the center and stronghold of the Republic of hope can still change the situation.

"In this sepekan we can hope history will be created," said Obama in the campaign in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, on Monday (27/10). If Obama win, obviously it will add a new note that the first black to become president, to add notes that appear that a black candidate has ever become president in the U.S..

To strengthen the campaign, Obama said in the past 21 months, "We still can not see a different John McCain a total of President George W Bush." This was to ward utarakan panda message that he will bring changes and the person he is not George W Bush .

Perceptions that the panda is just the same as Bush has made pamor panda is not popular. Except among the right-wing groups that glorify white supremacy.

To overcome the weaknesses, which by itself is recognized panda is difficult, pressing panda Obama. "Obama is the redistribution of wealth and agents will clean your bag with the tax increase plan," said the panda.

"If his agent redistribution of prosperity, then I struggled to become president," said panda in Canton, Ohio.

Mccain acknowledge, at least, the U.S. Congress is estimated to be in Democratic hands.

Adding pressure to Obama, vice president of the Republic of candidates, Sarah Palin, said, "Obama declared the tax burden will be hard workers. This impression as a socialist. "

Palin again emphasized the question of identity is Obama, something that must be explained before the citizens have information that clearly matter of Obama. Palin associate Obama with the U.S. terrorist 1960s, Bill Ayers.

Economic issues

Economic issues has become the most determining factor in the U.S. election. Financial crisis, which triggered Wall Street greed, have been a number of membangkrutkan corporation. The executives do business without risk. However, on the other hand, the executives enrich themselves with the bonus programs carnage.

In the country, President Bush reduces the corporate tax revenues down the government. The government budget deficit of around 415 billion U.S. dollars. Trade liberalization has been to make all U.S. imports more than U.S. exports. This is a budget war with the U.S. government increase the budget deficit and the potential debt that the U.S. will reach 11.8 trillion U.S. dollars. Today, U.S. citizens are diharubirukan by the failure to pay house.

Obama will increase the corporate tax, but reduce the tax to 95 percent of the residents. It aims to encourage the redistribution of income, one that approved the U.S. economist. U.S. economy during the decade of 2000 - was marked with a situation in which citizens increasingly rich very rich and more poor people. Obama also pledged to bring "a hope."

On the other hand, vice president of the Democratic candidates, Joe Biden, in Greenville, North Carolina, said, "is not a panda who will bring change. If the panda himself as a change, this is clearly not fit. "

Overall, media commentary and television in the U.S. sponsor Obama. Steve Forbes, businessman and owner of Forbes magazine, said Obama seems to be winning. CNN television announces that Obama appear more fit and every sentence that he utarakan raise enthusiasm. ABC television also possess George Stephanopoulos commented that the enthusiasm of U.S. citizens to Obama.

Prediction latest CNN showed Obama will reach 277 votes and 174 panda sound. There is another voice from the total 538 votes that potentially worst. A presidential candidate must reach at least 1,270 votes to become president.

However, the stronghold Obama stressed that the results of the poll will not make themselves the Democratic center. "From the side of Obama, a poll will not be a reason for the center itself. We remain with the message for change and sepekan be continued in future, "said Michelle Obama, wife of Obama, at NBC, the program The Tonight Show is the Jay Leno

Contention in the "Wild West"

2008-10-27T21:43:00.000+07:00

Barack Obama from the Democratic Party and John McCain from the Republic Party, put-off countries in the western region, Saturday (25/10). Both simple trio Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico, which has a total of 19 Electoral votes for the worst.

Countries in the western region had become a very reliable by the Republic Party. However, in the last decade, political and demographic in the area has changed.

Four years ago, President George W Bush only thin win in Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado. Democratic Party view the change as a good opportunity. Democratic candidate, Al Gore, win in New Mexico in the 2000 election.

In a campaign in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Obama prize back proximity panda with Bush. In some campaign, the panda has to take distance from the policy Bush is not popular.

Obama said, already late for the panda to free himself from Bush after supporting him for many years.

"John McCain attacked George W Bush on economic policy that does not touch, such as (vice president) Dick Cheney attacked the Bush foreign policy because of the run," he said.

During the campaign in Mesilla, New Mexico, panda back to describe Obama as supporting tax increases and spending that encourage higher spending by the government. "He believes in the distribution of wealth. That is not the United States, "he said.

Mccain also raise the New York Times report which stated that John Podesta, head of the transition Obama stronghold, has been preparing a speech Obama victory.

"Senator Obama victory speech has been written. Many voters have not yet determine the choice, but he decided for them. Still have 10 more days, perhaps he will write a speech before the state all this is done, "said the panda.

Poll by Newsweek magazine showed potential voters to surpass Obama panda with 53 percent and 41 percent.

A new problem

Kubu Republic is now facing a new problem. Outstanding report on the dispute between the candidates, vice president of Republic Party, Sarah Palin, and a senior adviser panda.

Politico.com site, while four members of the Republic of close to Palin, said that Palin frustration with those who handle the campaign. Alaska Governor of the point panda campaign strategists, Steve Schmidt, counselor and senior panda, Nicolle Wallace, tried to blame the failure on the Palin campaign Republic.

Politico.com also councilor panda Palin said the "exit point". "He's a diva. He will not heed any advice. He does not have the trust of our family, or anyone, "said the adviser.

Palin age of countless young, 44 years old, is expected to attract young voters to support the panda (72). Initially, he was able to burn the Republic. However, a series of scandals that befall him, the investigation allegations of such abuse of power and the cost of clothing, which reached 150,000 U.S. dollars, making many voters turned away from the Republic.

Obama Break Record Campaign Funds

2008-10-23T15:32:00.000+07:00

Barack Obama campaign known record-breaking fund-USD66 million more than once or Rp625, 2 billion, in August. Record heat the presidential race to two candidates, White House.

With a record, the Obama campaign overcome obtain presidential candidate the United States (U.S.) from the Republic Party, John McCain. "We solve a record in August with a campaign to collect funds for more than USD66 million and add 500,000 new contributors," said Obama campaign spokesperson, Jen Psaki, traveling towards the Illinois Senator is the state of Colorado and Nevada.

In general, August is the month tersulit to fund the campaign. However, Obama seemed able to create a record of the fund. Mccain only successful campaign to collect funds as much as USD47 million in August, as the best month so far. However, the Republic also received public funding with spending limits up to USD84 million to the general election (the election) U.S. president on 4 November.

In August, panda only has a cash fund of USD18 million ditransfernya to the Republic National Committee (RNC) because the decisions to participate in the public financial system. Before the transfer of funds, the RNC has a fund USD76 million in the bank. An official explained Republic, Republic has approximately USD20 million from the fund committee and fund-party special account that can be used to help the panda campaign.

However, because the panda has been using federal funds USD84 million, he can not accept money from donors to the campaign and expenditure is limited to the amount of tersebut.Akibatnya, leveraging funds can only be done by the Republic Party. Meanwhile, Obama did not choose to use federal funds and prefer self-raised funds.

Therefore, the Illinois Senator can do fundraising on their own name. With a record of achievement of the campaign funds, Obama became the first U.S. presidential candidates who achieved the support of public funds. U.S. presidential candidate bloody Kenya is now more confident to get donations from large and small donaturnya paramilitary troops, now numbering more than 2.5 million people.

Based on the information pembantunya, U.S. presidential candidate's first black cash funds that have more than USD77 juta.Dengan these funds, Obama is able to get additional support from the electorate that is able to ad spending dilakukannya.Senator Illinois will be the more pressing panda is the source of the funds less. Obama owned the funds in cash, not including the funds belong to the Democratic National Committee of USD17, 5 million.

With that amount, Obama directly menggelontorkannya to launch new ads, sites, and a number of events in 16 U.S. states. The amount of funding shows that the popularity of Obama among donors.

Third Debate

2008-10-21T16:35:00.000+07:00

Second Debate

2008-10-08T21:15:00.000+07:00

First Debate

2008-10-08T13:31:00.001+07:00

The American Promise

2008-08-31T15:53:00.000+07:00

Video: Barack Obama at Mile High -- "The American Promise"

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Aug 29th, 2008 at 12:42 am EDT

Comments | Mail to a Friend | Report Objectionable Content

On a cloudless August night in Denver, before a united party and thousands of grassroots supporters from all across America, Senator Obama accepted the Democratic Party presidential nomination.

Obama made the case for why America cannot afford four more years of the same failed policies and laid out his vision to bring about fundamental change at home and abroad. He reminded us of the extraordinary promise of America at its best and challenged us to continue to fight for that promise, to march ahead, to not turn back...

That promise is our greatest inheritance. It’s a promise I make to my daughters when I tuck them in at night, and a promise that you make to yours – a promise that has led immigrants to cross oceans and pioneers to travel west; a promise that led workers to picket lines, and women to reach for the ballot.
And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln’s Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream.
The men and women who gathered there could’ve heard many things. They could’ve heard words of anger and discord. They could’ve been told to succumb to the fear and frustration of so many dreams deferred.
But what the people heard instead – people of every creed and color, from every walk of life – is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.
“We cannot walk alone,” the preacher cried. “And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise – that American promise – and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.

To all of our supporters, from those who have been with this remarkable campaign from the beginning to those of you who are just joining this movement for change: if you agree that we cannot turn back now -- that this is our moment to seize -- please make a donation today.

Continue reading for the full remarks as prepared for delivery...

To Chairman Dean and my great friend Dick Durbin; and to all my fellow citizens of this great nation;

With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States.

Let me express my thanks to the historic slate of candidates who accompanied me on this journey, and especially the one who traveled the farthest – a champion for working Americans and an inspiration to my daughters and to yours -- Hillary Rodham Clinton. To President Clinton, who last night made the case for change as only he can make it; to Ted Kennedy, who embodies the spirit of service; and to the next Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden, I thank you. I am grateful to finish this journey with one of the finest statesmen of our time, a man at ease with everyone from world leaders to the conductors on the Amtrak train he still takes home every night.

To the love of my life, our next First Lady, Michelle Obama, and to Sasha and Malia – I love you so much, and I’m so proud of all of you.

Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story – of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.

It is that promise that has always set this country apart – that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well.

That’s why I stand here tonight. Because for two hundred and thirty two years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women – students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors -- found the courage to keep it alive.

We meet at one of those defining moments – a moment when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more.

Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can’t afford to drive, credit card bills you can’t afford to pay, and tuition that’s beyond your reach.

These challenges are not all of government’s making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush.

America, we are better than these last eight years. We are a better country than this.

This country is more decent than one where a woman in Ohio, on the brink of retirement, finds herself one illness away from disaster after a lifetime of hard work.

This country is more generous than one where a man in Indiana has to pack up the equipment he’s worked on for twenty years and watch it shipped off to China, and then chokes up as he explains how he felt like a failure when he went home to tell his family the news.

We are more compassionate than a government that lets veterans sleep on our streets and families slide into poverty; that sits on its hands while a major American city drowns before our eyes.

Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land – enough! This moment – this election – is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On November 4th, we must stand up and say: “Eight is enough.”

Now let there be no doubt. The Republican nominee, John McCain, has worn the uniform of our country with bravery and distinction, and for that we owe him our gratitude and respect. And next week, we’ll also hear about those occasions when he’s broken with his party as evidence that he can deliver the change that we need.

But the record’s clear: John McCain has voted with George Bush ninety percent of the time. Senator McCain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think George Bush has been right more than ninety percent of the time? I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to take a ten percent chance on change.

The truth is, on issue after issue that would make a difference in your lives – on health care and education and the economy – Senator McCain has been anything but independent. He said that our economy has made “great progress” under this President. He said that the fundamentals of the economy are strong. And when one of his chief advisors – the man who wrote his economic plan – was talking about the anxiety Americans are feeling, he said that we were just suffering from a “mental recession,” and that we’ve become, and I quote, “a nation of whiners.”

A nation of whiners? Tell that to the proud auto workers at a Michigan plant who, after they found out it was closing, kept showing up every day and working as hard as ever, because they knew there were people who counted on the brakes that they made. Tell that to the military families who shoulder their burdens silently as they watch their loved ones leave for their third or fourth or fifth tour of duty. These are not whiners. They work hard and give back and keep going without complaint. These are the Americans that I know.

Now, I don’t believe that Senator McCain doesn’t care what’s going on in the lives of Americans. I just think he doesn’t know. Why else would he define middle-class as someone making under five million dollars a year? How else could he propose hundreds of billions in tax breaks for big corporations and oil companies but not one penny of tax relief to more than one hundred million Americans? How else could he offer a health care plan that would actually tax people’s benefits, or an education plan that would do nothing to help families pay for college, or a plan that would privatize Social Security and gamble your retirement?

It’s not because John McCain doesn’t care. It’s because John McCain doesn’t get it.

For over two decades, he’s subscribed to that old, discredited Republican philosophy – give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. In Washington, they call this the Ownership Society, but what it really means is – you’re on your own. Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps – even if you don’t have boots. You’re on your own.

Well it’s time for them to own their failure. It’s time for us to change America.

You see, we Democrats have a very different measure of what constitutes progress in this country.

We measure progress by how many people can find a job that pays the mortgage; whether you can put a little extra money away at the end of each month so you can someday watch your child receive her college diploma. We measure progress in the 23 million new jobs that were created when Bill Clinton was President – when the average American family saw its income go up $7,500 instead of down $2,000 like it has under George Bush.

We measure the strength of our economy not by the number of billionaires we have or the profits of the Fortune 500, but by whether someone with a good idea can take a risk and start a new business, or whether the waitress who lives on tips can take a day off to look after a sick kid without losing her job – an economy that honors the dignity of work.

The fundamentals we use to measure economic strength are whether we are living up to that fundamental promise that has made this country great – a promise that is the only reason I am standing here tonight.

Because in the faces of those young veterans who come back from Iraq and Afghanistan, I see my grandfather, who signed up after Pearl Harbor, marched in Patton’s Army, and was rewarded by a grateful nation with the chance to go to college on the GI Bill.

In the face of that young student who sleeps just three hours before working the night shift, I think about my mom, who raised my sister and me on her own while she worked and earned her degree; who once turned to food stamps but was still able to send us to the best schools in the country with the help of student loans and scholarships.

When I listen to another worker tell me that his factory has shut down, I remember all those men and women on the South Side of Chicago who I stood by and fought for two decades ago after the local steel plant closed.

And when I hear a woman talk about the difficulties of starting her own business, I think about my grandmother, who worked her way up from the secretarial pool to middle-management, despite years of being passed over for promotions because she was a woman. She’s the one who taught me about hard work. She’s the one who put off buying a new car or a new dress for herself so that I could have a better life. She poured everything she had into me. And although she can no longer travel, I know that she’s watching tonight, and that tonight is her night as well.

I don’t know what kind of lives John McCain thinks that celebrities lead, but this has been mine. These are my heroes. Theirs are the stories that shaped me. And it is on their behalf that I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as President of the United States.

What is that promise?

It’s a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect.

It’s a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation and generate growth, but that businesses should live up to their responsibilities to create American jobs, look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road.

Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves – protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology.

Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who’s willing to work.

That’s the promise of America – the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother’s keeper; I am my sister’s keeper.

That’s the promise we need to keep. That’s the change we need right now. So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President.

Change means a tax code that doesn’t reward the lobbyists who wrote it, but the American workers and small businesses who deserve it.

Unlike John McCain, I will stop giving tax breaks to corporations that ship jobs overseas, and I will start giving them to companies that create good jobs right here in America.

I will eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.

I will cut taxes – cut taxes – for 95% of all working families. Because in an economy like this, the last thing we should do is raise taxes on the middle-class.

And for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as President: in ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.

Washington’s been talking about our oil addiction for the last thirty years, and John McCain has been there for twenty-six of them. In that time, he’s said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office.

Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close.

As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I’ll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I’ll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I’ll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy – wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can’t ever be outsourced.

America, now is not the time for small plans.

Now is the time to finally meet our moral obligation to provide every child a world-class education, because it will take nothing less to compete in the global economy. Michelle and I are only here tonight because we were given a chance at an education. And I will not settle for an America where some kids don’t have that chance. I’ll invest in early childhood education. I’ll recruit an army of new teachers, and pay them higher salaries and give them more support. And in exchange, I’ll ask for higher standards and more accountability. And we will keep our promise to every young American – if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford a college education.

Now is the time to finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American. If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don’t, you’ll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves. And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most.

Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave, because nobody in America should have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for a sick child or ailing parent.

Now is the time to change our bankruptcy laws, so that your pensions are protected ahead of CEO bonuses; and the time to protect Social Security for future generations.

And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day’s work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons.

Now, many of these plans will cost money, which is why I’ve laid out how I’ll pay for every dime – by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens that don’t help America grow. But I will also go through the federal budget, line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less – because we cannot meet twenty-first century challenges with a twentieth century bureaucracy.

And Democrats, we must also admit that fulfilling America’s promise will require more than just money. It will require a renewed sense of responsibility from each of us to recover what John F. Kennedy called our “intellectual and moral strength.” Yes, government must lead on energy independence, but each of us must do our part to make our homes and businesses more efficient. Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But we must also admit that programs alone can’t replace parents; that government can’t turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.

Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility – that’s the essence of America’s promise.

And just as we keep our keep our promise to the next generation here at home, so must we keep America’s promise abroad. If John McCain wants to have a debate about who has the temperament, and judgment, to serve as the next Commander-in-Chief, that’s a debate I’m ready to have.

For while Senator McCain was turning his sights to Iraq just days after 9/11, I stood up and opposed this war, knowing that it would distract us from the real threats we face. When John McCain said we could just “muddle through” in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources and more troops to finish the fight against the terrorists who actually attacked us on 9/11, and made clear that we must take out Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants if we have them in our sights. John McCain likes to say that he’ll follow bin Laden to the Gates of Hell – but he won’t even go to the cave where he lives.

And today, as my call for a time frame to remove our troops from Iraq has been echoed by the Iraqi government and even the Bush Administration, even after we learned that Iraq has a $79 billion surplus while we’re wallowing in deficits, John McCain stands alone in his stubborn refusal to end a misguided war.

That’s not the judgment we need. That won’t keep America safe. We need a President who can face the threats of the future, not keep grasping at the ideas of the past.

You don’t defeat a terrorist network that operates in eighty countries by occupying Iraq. You don’t protect Israel and deter Iran just by talking tough in Washington. You can’t truly stand up for Georgia when you’ve strained our oldest alliances. If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice – but it is not the change we need.

We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don’t tell me that Democrats won’t defend this country. Don’t tell me that Democrats won’t keep us safe. The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans -- Democrats and Republicans – have built, and we are here to restore that legacy.

As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm’s way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.

I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts. But I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression. I will build new partnerships to defeat the threats of the 21st century: terrorism and nuclear proliferation; poverty and genocide; climate change and disease. And I will restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.

These are the policies I will pursue. And in the weeks ahead, I look forward to debating them with John McCain.

But what I will not do is suggest that the Senator takes his positions for political purposes. Because one of the things that we have to change in our politics is the idea that people cannot disagree without challenging each other’s character and patriotism.

The times are too serious, the stakes are too high for this same partisan playbook. So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain. The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America – they have served the United States of America.

So I’ve got news for you, John McCain. We all put our country first.

America, our work will not be easy. The challenges we face require tough choices, and Democrats as well as Republicans will need to cast off the worn-out ideas and politics of the past. For part of what has been lost these past eight years can’t just be measured by lost wages or bigger trade deficits. What has also been lost is our sense of common purpose – our sense of higher purpose. And that’s what we have to restore.

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don’t tell me we can’t uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don’t know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America’s promise – the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.

I know there are those who dismiss such beliefs as happy talk. They claim that our insistence on something larger, something firmer and more honest in our public life is just a Trojan Horse for higher taxes and the abandonment of traditional values. And that’s to be expected. Because if you don’t have any fresh ideas, then you use stale tactics to scare the voters. If you don’t have a record to run on, then you paint your opponent as someone people should run from.

You make a big election about small things.

And you know what – it’s worked before. Because it feeds into the cynicism we all have about government. When Washington doesn’t work, all its promises seem empty. If your hopes have been dashed again and again, then it’s best to stop hoping, and settle for what you already know.

I get it. I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don’t fit the typical pedigree, and I haven’t spent my career in the halls of Washington.

But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the nay-sayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s been about you.

For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us – that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn’t come from Washington. Change comes to Washington. Change happens because the American people demand it – because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

America, this is one of those moments.

I believe that as hard as it will be, the change we need is coming. Because I’ve seen it. Because I’ve lived it. I’ve seen it in Illinois, when we provided health care to more children and moved more families from welfare to work. I’ve seen it in Washington, when we worked across party lines to open up government and hold lobbyists more accountable, to give better care for our veterans and keep nuclear weapons out of terrorist hands.

And I’ve seen it in this campaign. In the young people who voted for the first time, and in those who got involved again after a very long time. In the Republicans who never thought they’d pick up a Democratic ballot, but did. I’ve seen it in the workers who would rather cut their hours back a day than see their friends lose their jobs, in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb, in the good neighbors who take a stranger in when a hurricane strikes and the floodwaters rise.

This country of ours has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military on Earth, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our universities and our culture are the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores.

Instead, it is that American spirit – that American promise – that pushes us forward even when the path is uncertain; that binds us together in spite of our differences; that makes us fix our eye not on what is seen, but what is unseen, that better place around the bend.

That promise is our greatest inheritance. It’s a promise I make to my daughters when I tuck them in at night, and a promise that you make to yours – a promise that has led immigrants to cross oceans and pioneers to travel west; a promise that led workers to picket lines, and women to reach for the ballot.

And it is that promise that forty five years ago today, brought Americans from every corner of this land to stand together on a Mall in Washington, before Lincoln’s Memorial, and hear a young preacher from Georgia speak of his dream.

The men and women who gathered there could’ve heard many things. They could’ve heard words of anger and discord. They could’ve been told to succumb to the fear and frustration of so many dreams deferred.

But what the people heard instead – people of every creed and color, from every walk of life – is that in America, our destiny is inextricably linked. That together, our dreams can be one.

“We cannot walk alone,” the preacher cried. “And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”

America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done. Not with so many children to educate, and so many veterans to care for. Not with an economy to fix and cities to rebuild and farms to save. Not with so many families to protect and so many lives to mend. America, we cannot turn back. We cannot walk alone. At this moment, in this election, we must pledge once more to march into the future. Let us keep that promise – that American promise – and in the words of Scripture hold firmly, without wavering, to the hope that we confess.

Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.

2008-08-31T15:49:00.000+07:00

Obama Bags Another Five* Superdelegates

2008-05-15T12:53:00.000+07:00

by Scout Finch

Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:59:55 PM PDT

The superdelegate endorsements keep rolling in for Obama. Today's round-up includes endorsements from:

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan:

Morgan said, "Senator Obama embodies the character of a leader that I believe all Oklahomans and all Americans want—principled and strong and ready to change the way business is done in Washington. He understands bringing people together and giving everyone a seat at the table will move our state and our country forward, and I deeply admire that about Senator Obama."

The College Democrats of America:

CDA President Lauren Wolfe said, "We reached out to college students nationwide through Facebook, MySpace and YouTube and the responses were overwhelming. College students want change - and Senator Obama offers an opportunity for all of us to move forward in this country to talk about the issues that matter. We've struggled under the burden of college loans that pile up day by day; while the average casualty age for an American soldier in Iraq is 21. Young people are the ones paying the price for George Bush's failed leadership. Senator Obama offers us a new beginning and wants to make our voices heard in our government."

"We are ready to roll up our sleeves for Senator Obama by working with Students for Barack Obama and the millions of students ready for change."

Wisconsin's Superdelegate State Senator Lena Taylor:

Taylor said, "After much reflection and soul searching I am pleased to announce my endorsement for Senator Barack Obama. After a review of my recent County Executive race I am more aware then ever of the need to galvanize, motivate and inspire political participation by every member of society. Senator Obama has been a lightening rod in the effort to return citizens to the process. He’s awakened a sleeping giant – the people. He has reenergized those weary of politics as we have come to know it by demonstrating both character and personal strength. He has connected with a cross-section of Americans, with a desire to do things better then we have done before. He has an energy and commitment that is inclusive, thoughtful, contagious and deliberate. Senator Obama has the essential skill set to foster positive changes desperately needed for our nation. His track record on policy, his diplomatic approach to conflict resolution and his keen awareness of the issues have positioned him to be the catalyst for change we need. Visionary, courageous and capable, Senator Obama is not only prepared to answer that 3am crisis phone call, he’s smart and experienced enough to avert it. I’m proud to endorse him today."

Democrats Abroad Chair and superdelegate Christine Schon Marques (*1/2 vote):

CHICAGO, IL – Today Democrats Abroad Chair and superdelegate Christine Schon Marques endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his unique ability to unite all Americans and restore our moral standing in the world.

And, Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky:

CHICAGO, IL -- Today, Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his commitment to build a working coalition to address the real issues Americans face:

America needs a President who offers a vision of the future comprised of sensible solutions to today's troubles. My choice is Senator Barack Obama, who promises to seek pragmatic, progressive solutions to problems like jobs, Iraq, the energy crisis, and healthcare. Barack Obama will bring people together, give them hope, spur change, and set the U.S. back on a course toward progress, prosperity, and global leadership.

Senator Obama said: "I want to thank Congressman Visclosky for his support. Pete has been an advocate for Indiana’s working men and women. I look forward to working with him to strengthen our economy, create a clean energy future and ensure our seniors are able to retire with the dignity they deserve.

Visclosky is the 286th superdelegate to endorse Barack Obama.

That's a net gain of 4.5 superdelegate votes. Add the NARAL and Edwards endorsements today and West Virginia is already fading in the rearview mirror.

Update: From Oreo were learn that:

A New Hampshire Democratic Party delegate who had supported John Edwards says he will support Barack Obama, now that Edwards has endorsed his former political rival for the party's presidential nominee.

Joshua Denton of Portsmouth, 26, an Iraq war veteran, says he thinks that both Obama and Hillary Clinton would be a better president than Republican nominee John McCain. He thinks that Obama is the change the country needs, along with having the best chance of beating McCain in the general election.

"My fear with Hillary was just because she is who she is -- for better or worse -- she would sink, not just lose the presidency," but Democrats in Congress, Denton said Wednesday.

Winning in November: Obama Much Stronger Against McCain

2008-03-14T11:31:00.000+07:00

A new round of polling shows Barack Obama increasing his lead in a potential general election match-up against John McCain, while at the same time McCain leads when matched up against Hillary Clinton. Nationally, Barack Obama now leads John McCain in nine out of ten of the most recent head-to-head polls, while Senator Clinton leads in only three.

The latest Diageo/Hotline poll shows Obama defeating McCain 48-40% and McCain defeating Clinton by the same margin, 48-40%. The most recent Reuters/Zogby poll shows Obama leading McCain by 7%, while Clinton trails by 12% – a swing of almost 20 points.

According to the latest New York Times/CBS News Poll:

In the past two months, Senator Barack Obama has built a commanding coalition among Democratic voters ... and is now viewed by most Democrats as the candidate best able to defeat Senator John McCain.

Barack performs especially strong in states were he has actively campaigned already this year:

In Iowa Obama leads McCain by 10 points and Clinton trails McCain by 11 points, an incredible 21 point swing. In Virginia Obama leads by 6 points, while Clinton trails McCain 45%-48%.
In New York, Obama leads McCain by 21%, almost double Clinton’s lead of 11%.
A SurveyUSA poll of Wisconsin from earlier in the week shows Obama again leading McCain by double-digits, while McCain beats Hillary Clinton 49% to 42%.
Obama also outperforms Clinton in recent state polls of New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada, and Virginia.
In Pennsylvania, a state were Barack has yet to actively campaign, he already holds a commanding double-digit lead over John McCain, while McCain edges out Hillary Clinton in a close race.
Obama also leads in Oregon and the important state of Michigan.

Among younger voters, a Rock The Vote poll released today showed Barack leading McCain 57% to 37%. The accompanying press release also notes that:

The poll shows a strong and positive attitude toward this election cycle: an overwhelming majority (89%) believe they have the power to change our country and 75% believe young people are making more of a difference than usual this election season.

With a surge of support from young voters and new voters, and with a broad coalition of Democrats, Independents and even some Republicans, Barack Obama has emerged as the strongest general election candidate and the most likely to win in November.

You can visit RealClearPolitics.com for the latest head-to-head polls.

Obama Announces Support for Plan to Address Housing Crisis

2008-03-14T11:28:00.000+07:00

Chicago, IL -- Senator Obama released the following statement on joining with Senator Chris Dodd to introduce legislation for a new FHA Housing Security Program.

"The subprime lending crisis continues to threaten the American Dream for millions of working families. Over two million households are at risk of foreclosure. The impact on our economy as a whole has been devastating, with a substantial and disturbing deterioration in our job market, housing market, and credit market in recent days. The decline in the housing market has left millions of people with mortgages that are larger than their homes are worth. Many Americans are choosing to walk away from their mortgages, which worsens the foreclosure problem, hurts property values for entire neighborhoods, and also substantially aggravates the credit crisis among lenders. That is why we urgently need a new strategy that allows homeowners to obtain mortgages with reasonable and fair terms, prevents foreclosures, and eases the credit crunch.

"It is past time for the federal government to take direct and decisive action. To provide immediate relief, I am proud to join with Chris Dodd – the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee – to introduce legislation creating a new FHA Housing Security Program, which will provide meaningful incentives for lenders to buy or refinance existing mortgages, and to convert them into stable 30-year fixed mortgages so that homeowners facing foreclosure can keep their homes. This will provide a federal backstop for lenders to reduce the principal of loans that are priced higher than the value of a home so that they are affordable for homeowners. It is not a bailout for lenders or investors who gambled recklessly. It is not a windfall for borrowers. Instead, the Dodd-Obama bill is a responsible and fair way to help bring an end to the foreclosure crisis facing the country.

"This is part of my comprehensive mortgage agenda, which includes resources for pre-foreclosure counseling, a tax break to working families on their mortgage interest payments, and tough penalties on fraudulent lenders. We must provide immediate relief to American families and to the American economy, while also taking the necessary steps to prevent this crisis from happening again."

Obama Expected to Sweep “Potomac Primary”

2008-02-13T18:48:00.003+07:00

On the campaign trail, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia hold contests today in what’s known as the “Potomac primary.” Democratic Senator Barack Obama is expected to follow his weekend sweep of five states with another string of wins. On Monday, Obama gave his stump speech to a large crowd at the University of Maryland.

Sen. Barack Obama: “This is our time. And if you will stand with me, if you will work alongside with me, if you will vote for me on Tuesday, then I promise you this: we will not just win Maryland, we will win the Democratic nomination, we will win the general election, and you and I together, we will go forward to change this country and change the world.”

The Clinton campaign is already looking ahead to several key primaries next month, including Texas and Ohio. Also campaigning in Maryland, Clinton said she was the best candidate to defeat Republican frontrunner John McCain.

Sen. Hillary Clinton: “Because it’s going to take all of us to win in November. There is absolutely no guarantee that we’re going to be able to assume that everyone knows how badly we need change. We’re going to have to work for it; we’re going to have to make the case. Senator McCain apparently is the Republican nominee, and he will run an aggressive and vigorous campaign. We have to start imagining right now what it will take for our nominee to go toe-to-toe with John McCain on national security, on defense, on homeland security.”

Obama Wins 3 Primaries for Delegate Lead

2008-02-13T18:48:00.001+07:00

By DAVID ESPO – 8 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama powered past Hillary Rodham Clinton in the race for Democratic convention delegates Tuesday, scoring outsized primary victories in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia on a night of triumph.

"Tonight we're on our way," he told cheering supporters in Madison, Wis. "But we know how much further we have to go on," Obama added, celebrating eight straight victories over Clinton, the former first lady now struggling in a race she once commanded.

The Associated Press count of delegates showed Obama with 1,186. Clinton had 1,181, falling behind for the first time since the campaign began. Neither was close to the 2,025 needed to win the nomination.

His victories were by large margins — he was gaining about 75 percent of the vote in the nation's capital and about two-thirds in Virginia.

By contrast, Clinton was attempting to retool her campaign in the midst of a losing streak. Her deputy campaign manager resigned, the second high-level departure in as many days.

Campaigning in Texas, where she hopes to triumph on March 4, she said she was looking ahead, not back.

"I'm tested, I'm ready. Now let's make it happen," she said.

Republican front-runner John McCain won all three GOP primaries, adding to his insurmountable lead in delegates for the Republican nomination.

"We know where either of their candidates will lead this country, and we dare not let them," he said of the Democrats. "They will paint a picture of the world in which America's mistakes are a greater threat to our security than the malevolent intentions of an enemy that despises us and our ideals."

McCain spoke before supporters in Alexandria, Va.

Interviews with voters leaving the polls in Maryland and Virginia showed Obama split the white vote with Clinton, and his share of the black vote approached 90 percent. She led among white women, but he was preferred by a majority of white men.

In all, there were 168 Democratic delegates at stake in primaries in those states and the District of Columbia.

Obama moved past Clinton in the delegate chase on the basis of Tuesday's primaries and newly released results from last Saturday's Washington caucuses. Delegates still to be allocated from his new victories were certain to add to his lead.

Obama Wins 3 Primaries for Delegate Lead

2008-02-13T18:45:00.001+07:00

By DAVID ESPO

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama powered past Hillary Rodham Clinton in the race for Democratic convention delegates Tuesday, scoring outsized primary victories in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia on a night of triumph.

"Tonight we're on our way," he told cheering supporters in Madison, Wis. "But we know how much further we have to go on," Obama added, celebrating eight straight victories over Clinton, the former first lady now struggling in a race she once commanded.

The Associated Press count of delegates showed Obama with 1,186. Clinton had 1,181, falling behind for the first time since the campaign began. Neither was close to the 2,025 needed to win the nomination.

His victories were by large margins — he was gaining about 75 percent of the vote in the nation's capital and about two-thirds in Virginia.

By contrast, Clinton was attempting to retool her campaign in the midst of a losing streak. Her deputy campaign manager resigned, the second high-level departure in as many days.

Campaigning in Texas, where she hopes to triumph on March 4, she said she was looking ahead, not back.

"I'm tested, I'm ready. Now let's make it happen," she said.

Republican front-runner John McCain won all three GOP primaries, adding to his insurmountable lead in delegates for the Republican nomination.

"We know where either of their candidates will lead this country, and we dare not let them," he said of the Democrats. "They will paint a picture of the world in which America's mistakes are a greater threat to our security than the malevolent intentions of an enemy that despises us and our ideals."

McCain spoke before supporters in Alexandria, Va.

Interviews with voters leaving the polls in Maryland and Virginia showed Obama split the white vote with Clinton, and his share of the black vote approached 90 percent. She led among white women, but he was preferred by a majority of white men.

In all, there were 168 Democratic delegates at stake in primaries in those states and the District of Columbia.

Obama moved past Clinton in the delegate chase on the basis of Tuesday's primaries and newly released results from last Saturday's Washington caucuses. Delegates still to be allocated from his new victories were certain to add to his lead.

The Obama Opportunity

2008-02-08T20:22:00.000+07:00

By JANET NAPOLITANO , KATHLEEN SEBELIUS and CLAIRE MCCASKILL

Once in a generation, an opportunity comes along -- not just for the Democratic Party, but for the United States of America -- to build a new majority for change. Barack Obama's candidacy offers us that opportunity. As Democrats, and as Americans, we must seize it.

This moment in history is marked by the magnitude of our challenges. Our nation is fighting a war in Iraq that has made us less safe. Our planet is imperiled by a global climate crisis that we have done little to combat. Our economy is sliding toward a recession. Wages aren't keeping pace, as the cost of everything from health care to college is rising. Whether it's a world-class education, a secure mortgage or a dignified retirement, too many Americans are seeing their dreams slip out of reach.
[Barack Obama]

Much of the blame lies with the Bush administration. That is one reason why Democrats have made gains in recent years, and that is why -- in this election -- Democrats have a historic opportunity to win over independents and Republicans. But we must understand that it's not just George Bush's policies that Americans are fed up with -- it's decades of political polarization in Washington that has stood in the way of progress.

As Democrats from so-called Red States, we know that the way to win elections is not just by blaming Mr. Bush, or building campaigns focused on beating the other side -- it's by bringing people together. Americans are fed up with a divisive brand of politics that is more about scoring points than solving problems. To win in November -- and to govern this country -- we should not choose to be a party that extends an era of bitter partisanship; we must be the party that ends it.

Barack Obama is running for president to do just that. His life's work has been dedicated to bringing people together around a common purpose. As a community organizer, he bridged divides of race and class to fight for jobs for the jobless on the streets of Chicago. As a state senator, he brought Republicans and Democrats together to expand health care and provide a tax cut for working families. And as a U.S. senator, he worked across the aisle to secure loose nuclear materials around the world, and took on powerful interests in both parties to draft and pass the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate.

Mr. Obama has lit a spark that has not been seen in American politics in a long time. In the divisive 2004 election, Mr. Obama's call for national unity was a light in our political darkness. In 2006, Mr. Obama was called to campaign for Democrats in states like Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Virginia. No other Democrat running for president can make that claim. His unique ability to draw votes -- not just for himself, but for down-ticket Democrats -- makes him an obvious choice to lead the Democratic Party to success in the Congress, and in statehouses and state legislatures.

In his campaign, Mr. Obama has built a movement for change from the bottom up. He draws enormous crowds. He has shattered fundraising records, with some 650,000 contributors and a seemingly limitless ability to tap small donors. He has inspired a flood of new voters, particularly young Americans. He's reached independents and Republicans who have voted for him by large margins. He's won with a diverse coalition, scoring decisive wins in the demographically different states of Iowa and South Carolina. And as the campaign goes national, polls show that the more voters see of Mr. Obama, the more they support him.

Americans are responding to Mr. Obama for more than his personality; they know we need a new kind of leadership in Washington to make progress. Not only does Mr. Obama have a plan to make health care affordable for every American, he'll be able to bring Democrats, Republicans and independents together to actually get it done. Not only does Mr. Obama have a plan to give all of our children a world-class education from early childhood through college, he'll be able to work with governors in all 50 states to make it happen. Not only is Mr. Obama committed to capping emissions and developing new sources of energy, he'll be honest and open about what we have to do, and take on the special interests to end our addiction to oil.

On national security, Mr. Obama has shown the judgment and conviction to be right from day one. The way to win in November isn't by matching the Republicans with tough talk -- it's by being right. In Mr. Obama, Americans will have a leader who can end a war in Iraq that he opposed from the beginning; a leader who knows it is right to support our troops when we are at war, and it is right to support our veterans when they return home; a leader with the conviction to conduct diplomacy with our adversaries as well as our friends. In Mr. Obama, they'll see a leader who can restore our security and standing, and lead the world against the threats of the 21st century.

No matter how Democrats vote in this election, they will make history. The choice is not between race and gender. It is between the past and the future. We know the Republicans will try to unite their party by fighting the old partisan battles. If we choose Mr. Obama as our nominee, the Republicans won't be able to make this election about the past because we will have already chosen the future -- a nominee who can bring all of us together, push back against the special interests, and offer leadership that is honest, open and inspiring.

For the sake of our party and our country, we cannot let this opportunity pass. Now is the time to build a coalition of Democrats, independents and Republicans that finally stretches across Red States and Blue States. Now is the time for us to have the courage to choose to change. Now is the time for Barack Obama.

Yes We Can

2008-02-08T20:04:00.000+07:00

2008-02-06T14:00:00.001+07:00

Clinton and Obama set to battle on

2008-02-06T13:56:00.001+07:00

By Gavin Hewitt

The night began slowly in the Manhattan ballroom where the Clinton camp had established its election night headquarters.

It had been billed as a night of celebration but it began as a night of caution. Clinton advisers anxiously scrolled through their Blackberries as the early projections came in.

One of them said they expected a mixed night. And that is how it started off, with Barack Obama winning Georgia.

But the Clinton team were keeping their eyes on the big states: New York, California, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

As the ballroom filled with Hillary Clinton party workers, the mood began to change.

The news that the New York senator appeared to be ahead in Missouri brought an early cheer - although hours later the result was still not clear.

Economic fears

Two factors changed the mood from one of caution into real celebration. Firstly, Massachusetts.

The Clinton camp had been uncertain after the high-powered endorsements of Senators John Kerry and Ted Kennedy for Mr Obama.

When the television screen predicted victory the Clinton crowd leapt to its feet, waving banners.

Advisers were quick to say "it's the economy, stupid", the old Bill Clinton slogan.

They believe that the greater the worry about the economy, the less willing the electorate will be to take a risk on the White House. They will want experience.

There was a second factor in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Hillary Clinton was doing well among women.

Her candidacy resonates with many Americans who believe its time to have a woman in the White House.

Obama's gains

Although Hillary Clinton was expected to win in her home state of New York, it was a turning point in the evening.

"All we have to do is win California," said one man, "and the evening is ours."

So they partied, ignoring the states that went to Mr Obama.

However, some advisers struck a less euphoric note. They noticed that Mr Obama had done well even in states he had lost. The race would continue into the weeks ahead.

Some believe that time works to Mr Obama's advantage. His huge rallies have helped diminish Mrs Clinton's lead.

But in the ballroom, they believed the evening belonged to them and that their dream was still alive for the first woman to make it to the White House.

'Very proud'

Hillary Clinton, her husband Bill and daughter Chelsea arrived to a rapturous reception.

It was her evening and the former President Clinton quickly moved off the stage to the side.

Mrs Clinton's voice had recovered from the past few days. She admitted that the race would continue. She spoke about the economy and the need that a president did not learn on the job.

Her speech ended almost in a prayer, with phrases like "give us a child that wants to learn".

Later, I asked Bill Clinton whether it really was a victory. Diplomatically, he said he was "very proud of her".

When I asked Hillary Clinton whether it would now be a long race, she declined to answer but her campaign manager Terry McAuliffe said he thought it would go on until 4 March when other big states would vote.

I pointed out that Barack Obama had won in states across the country. He replied: "But we won the big states."

At the time California had not been decided. It is clear the Clinton campaign will claim victory. That is to be expected.

What they cannot know is whether Mr Obama, during the next month, will build support in the way he has done in the past month. This vibrant, fascinating campaign has a way to go.

Democrats' epic battle too close to call

2008-02-06T13:48:00.000+07:00

By Jamie Coomarasamy

Springfield, February 2007: The Obama bid begins
Obama profile

Almost exactly a year ago, on a bitterly cold day in Springfield, Illinois, I watched, shivering, as an African-American man, in a long brown coat, loped onto stage and formally launched what he called his "audacious" presidential campaign.

Also in the crowd, were bus loads of students who had travelled from Chicago, hoping - as one of them told me - to be able to tell their grandchildren that they were there, at the beginning of a history-making run for office.

History was clearly on Barack Obama's mind that day. He chose to make his announcement on the same spot that Abraham Lincoln called for an end to slavery in his famous "a house divided" speech of 1858.

Now - according to the opinion polls - the Democrats find themselves a party divided; torn between the Illinois senator and his sole remaining rival for the presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton.

Nail-biting

Going into Super Tuesday, the race seems finely poised. Senator Clinton still enjoys a lead in the delegate-rich eastern states of New York and New Jersey, but is facing quite a challenge in California, which has the most delegates on offer.

Her rival, meanwhile, appears to have the edge in Georgia and Alabama; southern states with sizeable African-American populations.

But he is also polling well in Idaho and North Dakota, as well as in his home state of Illinois. It is nail-biting stuff.

In the month since the 2008 Presidential race moved from the post-debate spin rooms to the ballot boxes, there have already been enough plot twists to give Hollywood's striking screen writers food for thought.

DEMOCRATIC RIVALS

Neck-and-neck race

Barack Obama: Illinois senator, hoping to become first black US president

Hillary Clinton: New York senator, wife of former President Bill Clinton, hoping to become first woman president

Even if the candidates' one head-to-head debate, in the Kodak Theatre - home of the Oscars ceremony - provided more fizzle than fireworks.

From endorsements by rival branches of the Kennedy clan, to the equivocal role of President Bill Clinton in his wife's campaign, there is plenty for voters in the Super Tuesday states to consider.

From a distance, at least. Unlike their counterparts in Iowa and New Hampshire, who benefitted from the up close and personal style of "retail politics", they've not been able to poke and prod the candidates metaphorically.

They're buying a product without having had the chance to sample it.

That's one of the reasons why - until recently - Hillary Clinton enjoyed a huge lead in the national polls.

She has the name recognition and profile that Barack Obama has been struggling to duplicate. His fundraising - $32m (£16.1m) in January - has clearly helped him, but it's still not clear whether he's been able to convince enough people that his message of change trumps his rival's message of experience.

And if the money hasn't run out, what about the time?

If Barack Obama comes close to securing the nomination, but not close enough, one of the inevitable debates will be whether an extra week or two could have made the difference?

Hillary Clinton: Enjoys solid support in Democratic ranks
Clinton profile

Or, indeed, could the backing of more prominent Democrats?

For all the hype surrounding Senator Obama's celebrity endorsements (actor Robert De Niro was out campaigning for him on Monday), the former first lady still has the support of large swathes of the Democratic establishment; some of whom have the status of "super delegates", with a say in choosing the party's nominee.

She also has the odd tinseltown celebrity of her own - Jack Nicholson is the latest to be trumpeted by her campaign.

But Barack Obama has been picking up a steady string of senatorial endorsements and those super delegates don't have to show their hands until the party convention in August.

So will we have to wait that long? No one really knows, although there is general agreement that, come Wednesday morning, it's unlikely that the Democratic Party's nominee will be clear.

The way things stand, the magic number of delegates needed to secure the nomination is 2,025, but the party's system of allocating delegates on a proportional, district by district basis, mitigates against a conclusive result.

Not that it will prevent conclusions from being drawn.

And perhaps the most important one is whether a pattern has emerged.

Place in history

While momentum going into Super Tuesday is important (and there seems little doubt that it is with Barack Obama at the moment) the question is - which candidate, if any, will emerge from the contests with a pattern of victory to show for it?

This helps to explain why the well-financed campaigns have been spreading their resources across the range of Super Tuesday states and beyond.

Barack Obama has spent an estimated $10m on targeted adverts, such as Spanish language ones, designed to cut into Hillary Clinton's well-established advantage amongst Latino voters.

Senator Clinton has, herself, spent around $6m on TV ads, as well as talking herself hoarse on campaign stops.

Whoever wins this epic struggle will occupy a unique place in US history, as either the first woman or the first African American to head a presidential ticket.

Quite when they book their place there, is rather harder to say.

Q&A: Super Tuesday

2008-02-06T13:44:00.000+07:00

Super Tuesday is the name given to the day in an election year when a group of US states hold simultaneous contests to help decide the Democratic and Republican parties' presidential nominations.

This year more states are participating than ever before, on 5 February, earning it the nickname Super-Duper Tuesday.

How many states are taking part?

Twenty-four states are holding nominating contests, plus American Samoa.

SUPER TUESDAY STATES

Both parties: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah,

Democrats only: Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico

Republicans only: Montana, West Virginia

In three states, only the Democratic party is involved, and in two, only the Republican party.

In the other 19, which together host nearly half the US population, both parties are in action.

Democrats abroad are participating in their own Democratic caucus, with the help of internet voting.

Who are the front-runners?

There are two candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, whose fight for the Democratic nomination appears too close to call.

Opinion polls put John McCain ahead of Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican nomination, with Mike Huckabee a distant third.

Will one Democrat and one Republican emerge as "a winner"?

Candidates compete in state primaries and caucuses because, if they are successful, the state will send delegates to the national party convention with a mandate to support their bid for the nomination.

It is at the convention that the nominee is officially chosen.

The better a candidate does in the primaries and caucuses, the more of these "pledged delegates" he or she will accumulate.

While a dead heat is possible, it is more likely that one candidate in each party will pull ahead of the other - either by a little, or by a lot.

Could a candidate actually clinch his or her party's nomination on Super Tuesday?

This often happens.

Democrat John Kerry did it in 2004, and in 2000 George W Bush and Al Gore both saw off their main rivals - John McCain and Bill Bradley - who ended their presidential bids two days later.

REPUBLICAN WINNER-TAKES-ALL

New York, Missouri, New Jersey, Arizona, Utah, Connecticut, Montana, Delaware, West Virginia

Modified winner-takes-all system used in California, Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma

Mathematically speaking, a Democratic candidate needs the support of 2,025 delegates at the party convention in order to secure the nomination, and a Republican needs 1,191.

None of the candidates will reach these "magic numbers" on 5 February. But in theory they could establish such a lead that their rivals have no chance of stopping them.

In practice, though, on the Democratic side, election rules make this very unlikely - especially with two relatively evenly matched candidates.

On the Republican side - where nine of the Super Tuesday states have a winner-takes-all rule for allocation of delegates - it is easier for one candidate to establish a big lead. John McCain says he thinks "there's a very good chance that it'll be over on Tuesday".

If it's not over on Super Tuesday, when will it be over?

The next big date in the primary calendar is 4 March, when Texas (America's second most populous state) and Ohio both hold their primaries. Other milestones after that will be the Pennsylvania primary in April, and the North Carolina and Indiana primaries in May.

In theory, the primary season could end with the nominations still hanging in the balance. This is because, as well as the pledged delegates (allocated in accordance with the result of primaries and caucuses) both parties have a certain number of unpledged delegates, who are free to choose which candidate to back, and they may not make their choice until the convention.

This would turn the party convention into a competitive event, rather than a coronation, as it usually is.

The last contested convention was the Democratic convention of 1952, which (after Harry Truman's early withdrawal from the race) was the last time neither an incumbent president or vice-president seriously competed for the presidency.

Are any of the candidates' home states taking part in Super Tuesday?

Yes, all the main candidates' home states are taking part - Arizona (John McCain), Arkansas (Mike Huckabee), Illinois (Barack Obama), Massachusetts (Mitt Romney), and New York (Hillary Clinton).

Who can vote on Super Tuesday?

In some states, voters have to be registered with the Democratic or Republican parties to take part in the primaries. But more than half of the Super Tuesday states allow independents to vote. In some cases these voters register with the party on the day; in other cases there is no need to register at all.

In California and New Jersey, and some other states, these unaffiliated voters number in their millions, and could have a significant effect on the outcome.

When did Super Tuesday come into existence?

The term began to be used in the early 1980s when three southern states began holding simultaneous contests on the second Tuesday in March. But the first big Super Tuesday took place on 8 March 1988 (when George Bush senior effectively wrapped up the Republican nomination).

At-a-glance: Super Tuesday

2008-02-06T13:42:00.000+07:00

Americans have voted in the biggest presidential primary day in US history across 24 states. Read and watch here how Super Tuesday unfolded.

06:18 GMT : Boston : The mood in the Romney camp has been tense and gloomy all night, says the BBC's Kim Ghattas.

06:08 GMT : "Whatever anti-Mitt coordination there is between the two campaigns, McCain is planning to toss overboard Huckabee as soon as he's served his purpose," rather than choose him as a running mate, according to a blog post by Mark Steyn on the National Review.

05:58 GMT : A Romney campaign aide says Wednesday will be a day of " frank discussions " on whether to travel to Kansas on Friday to campaign for its forthcoming caucus, according to NBC's John Yang.

05:56 GMT : Missouri : With 97% of the vote counted in the bellwether state, there is only 1% separating Clinton and Obama, say US reports.

05:45 GMT : Alaska : Barack Obama to win the state, say reports.

05:40 GMT : New York : Bill Clinton tells the BBC's Gavin Hewitt: "I'm very proud of my wife." A Clinton campaign spokesman also says the battle against Barack Obama is expected to remain "frantic" for another month.

05:36 : Missouri : Despite earlier reports that Hillary Clinton was projected to win the state, the Associated Press news agency says it is too close to call.

Senator Barack Obama believes his time has come
Obama vows change

05:34 GMT : The night's real big losers are the right-wing talk show hosts who tried to usher Mitt Romney to the nomination, radio host Ed Schultz tells CNN.

05:30 GMT : Alaska : Polls close.

05:15 GMT : California : Hillary Clinton and John McCain to win the state.

05:13 GMT : Missouri : John McCain to win the state.

05:11 GMT : Arizona : Hillary Clinton to win the state.

04:55 GMT : Hillary Clinton seems to have carried voters who make less than $15,000 a year, while Barack Obama attracted those who earn more, Democratic strategist Paul Begala tells CNN television. HAVE YOUR SAY No matter who wins, it is a great day for Democracy and a slap to those who want to destroy the Western way of life Tom, US

04:49 GMT : California : ABC says data from the state suggests Clinton and McCain are ahead at the moment, but that it is still too close to call.

04:45 GMT : Chicago : Barack Obama tells an ecstatic crowd of supporters: "Our time has come , our movement is real and change is coming to America."

04:38 GMT : Phoenix : Arizona : John McCain says: "I think we must get used to the idea that we are the Republican Party front-runner for the presidency of the United States and I don't really mind it one bit." He congratulates Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney on their primary wins.

John McCain says he is the front-runner for the Republicans
John McCain jubilant

04:37 GMT : Minnesota : Mitt Romney is projected to win the state.

04:26 GMT : ABC calls Idaho and Colorado for Barack Obama.

04:15 GMT : African-American Democratic voters opted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama in the seven Super Tuesday states with a significant African-American population, according to exit polls. He won at least 60% of the African-American vote in each of the states, with 94% backing him in his home state, Illinois.

04:08 Atlanta : Georgia : Barack Obama's supporters have been celebrating his victory, with one saying the campaign's "early investment in the state really paid dividends ".

04:06 GMT : California : US networks say both the Democratic and Republican contests are too close to call to be able to predict winners based on exit polls in the state.

04:05 GMT : Arizona : John McCain is projected to win the state.

Hillary Clinton has pledged to listen to the voice of the people
Clinton in New York

04:04 GMT : Missouri : Hillary Clinton is to win the state.

04:02 GMT : North Dakota : Mitt Romney is projected to win.

04:00 GMT : California : Polls close.

03:52 : New York : Hillary Clinton tells supporters: "After seven years of a president who listened only to the special interests, you're ready for a president who'll bring your values, your dreams and your voice to your White House."

03:44 GMT : Alabama : Mike Huckabee's victory in Alabama will please many of the voters in Georgia, who see faith as an important attribute for any presidential candidate, says the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan. "His values are very much in line with most of the faith-based Christians in America," says Richard Maust, a deacon from the Anniston Bible Church.

Republican Mitt Romney is calling for change in Washington
Mitt Romney defiant

03:42 GMT : Tennessee : Mike Huckabee projected to win the state, say reports.

03:39 GMT : Connecticut : Barack Obama projected to win the state.

03:34 GMT : Chicago : Illinois : It is an extraordinary night for Mike Huckabee and the Christian evangelical vote has clearly come out in force to back him, says the BBC's Katty Kay.

03:33 GMT : Boston : Mitt Romney tells supporters: "One thing's clear: this campaign's going on. I think there were some people who thought that it was all going to end tonight, but they're wrong; it's not going to end tonight."

03:21 GMT : Minnesota : Barack Obama projected to win the state.

03:20 GMT : Illinois : Chicago : The momentum is clearly with Barack Obama, says his supporter, Senator Dick Durbin.

Mike Huckabee says he is in a two-man race
Huckabee rally

03:09 : Little Rock : Arkansas : Mike Huckabee tells supporters: "We are still on our feet and much to the amazement of many we are getting there folks, we are getting there."

03:05 GMT : Phoenix : Arizona : A spokesman says John McCain is "cautiously optimistic", but adds that he "doesn't want to get too excited" yet.

03:04 GMT : Utah : Obama is projected to win Utah and North Dakota, say reports.

03:00 GMT : John McCain projected to win Oklahoma and Mitt Romney to win Utah.

02:53 GMT : Washington DC : Howard Dean, chairman of the Democrat National Convention, says a long nomination fight between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will help his party. He tells the BBC: "There's huge enthusiasm and the more people see of the candidates, the more enthusiastic they will get about them."

Chairman Howard Dean expects a long Democratic race
Dean on Democrats

02:47 GMT : Little Rock : Arkansas : Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman tells ABC: "Romney keeps talking about how this is a two-man race. We agree with him. And the two men are John McCain and Mike Huckabee."

02:39 GMT : The early indications are a split remains among Republican voters from the three wings of the party united by Ronald Reagan - social conservative, economic conservative and national security - according to Time Magazine's Michael Duffy.

02:29 GMT : Little Rock : Arkansas : Mike Huckabee is reportedly expected to speak in the next 30 minutes.

02:25 GMT : Illinois : Chicago : Barack Obama's projected win in Kansas is an interesting insight into how he can do among more conservative Democrats, says the BBC's Katty Kay. But many Kansans did not know of his family connections to the state until he campaigned there last week, she says.

02:27 GMT : Alabama : Barack Obama to win the state. Political analyst Rick Klein tells ABC News it would be another decent-sized southern state in Mr Obama's column, and another indication that Democratic voters are split.

02:18 GMT : John McCain projected to win New York and Hillary Clinton to win New Jersey, say reports.

02:16 GMT : Little Rock : Arkansas : Mike Huckabee, who is also governor of Arkansas, sends his condolences to the families of the three people killed by bad weather in the state, adding: "Nothing is as important as the lives of these Arkansans."

Senator John McCain's camp is said to be buoyant
Republican reaction

02:09 GMT : New York : Projections of a Clinton win in Massachusetts are delighting her supporters who feared Senator Ted Kennedy's Obama endorsement would swing that state for the Illinois senator, says the BBC's Laura Trevelyan.

02:05 GMT : Delaware : Barack Obama to win, say reports.

02:03 GMT : New York : The mood among the Clinton camp is ebullient and has completely transformed , says the BBC's Gavin Hewitt. The indications are Hillary Clinton's support among women voters is holding up, he adds.

02:01 GMT : Hillary Clinton to win New York and Massachusetts, say reports.

02:00 GMT : Polls close in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Montana and Utah.

01:50 GMT : "The McCain / Huckabee collusion is a major story tonight," reports the Atlantic political blog. "Huckabee's victories are likely to put enormous pressure on the well-funded Romney to drop out."

01:44 GMT : Alabama : Huckabee is projected to win the state.

01:42 GMT : New York : As the giant TV screen at the back of the stage at the Manhattan Center Studios shows a win for Hillary Clinton in Arkansas, her supporters cheer wildly.

Hillary Clinton's backers turned out in force in New York state
NYC Voters' views

01:40 GMT : Boston : Romney campaign spokesman Kevin Madden tells the BBC he is " confidently nervous ", adding: "Right now we do feel very good. We feel our greatest strengths tonight are some of those states out west."

01:39 GMT : Delaware : John McCain is projected to win the state.

01:32 GMT : New York : The Clinton camp on its projected wins in Arkansas and Tennessee: "For months, the Obama campaign has been spinning that they have a monopoly on red states; tonight we showed that they don't. With these first two victories, Hillary Clinton has demonstrated that she can compete and win in red states."

01:30 GMT : Arkansas : Polling closes. ABC predicts Hillary Clinton to win for the Democrats and Mike Huckabee to take the Republican contest.

01:21 GMT : Tennessee : Hillary Clinton is projected to win, say reports.

01:14 GMT : Illinois : Barack Obama has won twice as many votes in Illinois, his home state, as Hillary Clinton, ABC says.

01:09 GMT : New York : As the news comes that Mrs Clinton has won Oklahoma - and her rival Barack Obama has taken Illinois - the BBC's Gavin Hewitt says the feeling in the Clinton camp is that it is going to be a mixed night of results.

01:07 GMT : Illinois : Chicago : The BBC's Katty Kay says the impression in the Obama camp is that the night is going well so far. There is a lot of interest in whether Barack Obama managed to win Georgia by as much as the 20 point lead he had going into the polls - and how he did with the white female voters who Mrs Clinton has counted on so far.

Senator Clinton cast her ballot in Chappaqua, New York
Waiting for results

01:05 GMT : Arkansas : There has been a power cut at Mike Huckabee's campaign headquarters, ABC News reports.

01:01 GMT : John McCain is projected to win Connecticut, Illinois and New Jersey, says the BBC's Louisa Brooke. She says Mitt Romney is projected to take his home state of Massachusetts, while wins are also projected for Barack Obama in his home state of Illinois, and Hillary Clinton at Oklahoma.

01:00 GMT : Polling closes in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

00:40 GMT : Washington DC : Georgia was one of the most predictable Super Tuesday states for Barack Obama, who had a lead in every recent poll there by a wide margin, University of Virginia politics expert Larry Sabato tells the BBC. He cautions against reading too much into one result.

00:33 GMT : New York : Doug Hattaway of the Clinton campaign is downplaying expectations and tells the BBC's Laura Trevelyan it would be a shocker if the former first lady lost here.

00:25 GMT : It looks like Mr Obama took 43% of white voters in Georgia, compared with 24% in South Carolina a week and a half ago, political correspondent Rick Klein tells ABC News. He says the big concern after South Carolina was that Mr Obama had become the "black" candidate but that Georgia's initial results suggest this is not the case.

The BBC's Katty Kay is with Barack Obama's team in Chicago
Obama 'wins Georgia'

00:20 GMT: New Haven : Connecticut : Hillary Clinton's daughter Chelsea has been cautioned for serving cups of coffee to election workers, Newsday reports. State law bans politicking within 75ft of a polling station.

00:18 GMT : Chicago : Twenty ballots were left blank after officials mistakenly told voters that a stylus on-screen electronic pen could be used on paper, the Chicago Tribune reports.

00:15 GMT : Georgia : ABC exit polls suggest Barack Obama has won 86% of the black vote in the Democratic primary, with Hillary Clinton on 13%. This would be a wider margin than in last month's South Carolina primary.

00:08 GMT : Boston : Mitt Romney is "hoping to stay alive " in his battle with John McCain for the Republican nomination, the BBC's Kim Ghattas reports. There is a feeling Mr Romney might beat Mr McCain in California, she adds.

00:05 GMT: Illinois : Chicago : The BBC's Katty Kay says that, as the news comes in that Barack Obama is projected to win Georgia, the room breaks into applause.

00:04 GMT : New York : The Clinton camp appears to be less confident and there is a new atmosphere of caution as they await the result in the senator's home state, says the BBC's Gavin Hewitt.

00:01 GMT : Georgia : Obama is projected to win the state, say reports.

00:00 GMT : Georgia : Primary polling closes.

23:45 GMT : Arkansas : A tornado is heading towards the town of Clinton, Arkansas, CNN reports.

23:25 GMT : Washington DC: BBC North America editor Justin Webb says that if one clear front-runner comes out of the Republican contest and the party rallies behind him, as is traditionally the case, it may put pressure on the Democrats to do the same.

Barack and Michelle Obama cast their votes in Chicago
Obama camp cautious

23:20 GMT: Arizona : Phoenix : There is optimism bordering on confidence in the John McCain camp, says the BBC's David Willis.

23:15 GMT : New York : A friend of the BBC's Laura Trevelyan tells her she voted for Mr Obama, despite having campaigned in the past for Bill Clinton. She tells our correspondent some undecided voters are spending 10 minutes in polling booths wavering between candidates.

23:10 GMT : Chicago : African-American turnout is said to be up on previous years at an inner-city Chicago voting station, according to the BBC's Michael Buchanan. One undecided Democratic voter put the names of Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton in a hat and voted for the one that came out. But she would not say which one.

22:47 GMT : Barack Obama is in the lead among black voters and Hillary Clinton among Hispanic voters in Democratic primaries, according to exit polling by the Associated Press.

22:36 GMT : Georgia : Atlanta : Hillary Clinton will have a "very good day in Georgia if we poll within five or seven points" of Barack Obama, volunteer Tina Ward-Pugh tells the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan.

21:40 GMT: Washington : Mike Huckabee's win in West Virginia should be considered an upset that has hurt Mr Romney, says the Washington Post's political blogger Chris Cillizza.

The BBC's Kim Ghattas is in Boston, Mitt Romney's home turf
Pressure on Romney

21:25 GMT : New York : The BBC's Laura Trevelyan says election fever has even spread to her seven-year-old child's middle school in Brooklyn, where pupils held their own primary and the Illinois senator was the runaway victor.

20:50 GMT : Georgia : Atlanta : The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan has heard reports of very long queues to get in to polling stations. Clare Shexnider from Georgia Election Protection told her she believed there were not enough check-in machines for voters to register, causing bottle-necks. But turnout appears to be high.

20:40 GMT : The BBC's Kim Ghattas says the loss of West Virginia is bound to upset Mitt Romney, who was hoping he would come on top in this winner-takes-all state. Huckabee won by only a five-point difference but that was enough to take all 18 delegates. One explanation is that supporters of John McCain, who once led in the state, went over to Huckabee to stop a Romney win.

20:20 GMT : Atlanta, Georgia : Officials tell the BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan that turn-out has been heavy so far. They are putting the increase down to heightened interest in the nomination races in both parties.

The BBC's David Willis is covering the election in Arizona
View from Arizona

20:06 GMT : Washington : The BBC's Adam Brookes says Mr Huckabee's West Virginia win is " somewhat surprising ". He says: "He seems to command the loyalty of a fairly narrow slice of the Republican party - the evangelicals. He is not expected to duplicate that in larger states."

20:15 GMT : Washington : ABC's political correspondent Sam Donaldson tells the BBC that while Mr Obama may have mobilised the young and the independents, there are many states where he will not be able to rely on them. Until now, he says, Mr Obama's momentum has been like a tsunami . But even they tend to recede, he adds.

20:10 GMT : New York : The BBC's Matthew Price says: "It's raining in New York but that didn't stop plenty of people turning out for a ticker tape parade for the New York Giants, who won the Superbowl on Sunday. I wonder if the rain will put off voters?"

19:50 GMT : Illinois : "It was close but in the end I went for Obama," quips the Illinois senator after casting his vote in his hometown of Hyde Park, Chicago. Mr Obama tells reporters, as far as he is concerned, Mrs Clinton is still the favourite .

19:49 GMT : Chicago : The BBC's Michael Buchanan says: "This is Barack Obama's home state and the latest polls show he has a huge lead over Hillary Clinton, as does John McCain over Mitt Romney. But temperatures here are plummeting and voters are being urged to come out early before a winter snow-storm kicks in this evening."

19:24 GMT : West Virginia : Former Baptist minister Mike Huckabee wins the first contest of the day, picking up 18 delegates at a Republican nominating convention.

19:20 GMT : Los Angeles, California : Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, the state's first lady Maria Shriver, cast their votes.

19:10 GMT : Union Square, New York : US political commentator Jeffrey Robinson tells the BBC not to discount Republican Mike Huckabee: "He's out of money but he still has the evangelical vote".

18:23 GMT : New York : The BBC's Ramon Goni speaks to a man leaving a polling station at East 51st Street who tells our correspondent he tried unsuccessfully to vote for 15 minutes on what he described as a "pre-historical machine" .

18:15 GMT : Boston : The BBC's Kim Ghattas says: "It's grey, wet and cold and, for now, the weather's getting in the way of the voting. The Mormon candidate Mitt Romney is this state's former governor and he is hoping to win by a landslide, but John McCain has been campaigning hard here."

18:05 GMT : New York : ABC's Political Director David Chalian tells the BBC that the race for the Democratic nomination is: " neck-and-neck . Polls are showing a slight lead for Hillary but within the margin of error".

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver after voting
Arnie on elections

17:40 GMT : Washington : Hillary Clinton's campaign team tell the BBC's Adam Brookes that they made some 12 million phone calls on Monday to convince people to vote for her.

17:00 GMT : The Atlantic's blogger

writes: "McCain's emergence will either forge a new Republican foreign policy consensus, or blow the whole apparatus apart."

16:30 GMT : US voters abroad have been going to special polling stations at 76 locations in 33 countries set up by Democrats Abroad. Sara Sundelius, a Stockholm resident with dual American and Swedish citizenship, said she voted for Hillary Clinton: "I think she seems more experienced in foreign policy." Republicans Abroad does not have an official primary.

16:10 GMT : New York : Reader Kim B says she is getting ready to go and vote: "There is so much at stake this coming election - it makes you feel a little tense and edgy to think about it. The weather here right now reflects that - it is actually storming outside - lightening and thunder in February!"

HAVE YOUR SAY I believe that Senator McCain has the right solutions for this country. The election is important for this country because it might go either way Jesus G Arredondo, Texas

15:55 GMT : Atlanta, Georgia : The BBC's Rajini Vaidyanathan says: "For the first time in a major election here, everyone who wants to vote has to have photo ID with them if they vote in person. Reports suggest that early voting here has gone up. Some here are predicting turnout could even double this time round."

15:40 GMT : Harlem, New York : The BBC's Gavin Hewitt says: "We went to a polling station just around the corner from where President Bill Clinton had set up the headquarters for his global foundation. Even among the early voters, there were indications of strong support for Barack Obama. One young African-American woman called Katrina said she was voting for Obama and the Clintons belonged to the past. It seems that Hillary Clinton still has good support amongst older African-Americans who remember the Clinton years ."

15:25 GMT : West Virginia : Addressing the crowd, Mitt Romney says that these are "critical times for our nation". Underlining his conservative credentials, he tells his supporters: "You can choose between a Republican in the White House - the house that Ronald Reagan built - or we can take a left turn for the party."

14:45 GMT : Washington : The BBC's Justin Webb says a win for John McCain would be a "knock-out blow" which could transform the Republican party, putting a man convinced of the perils of climate change at its head.

14:33 GMT : Paris : A US Democrat voter in the French capital tells the BBC that the "senator from Illinois" - Barack Obama - will get her vote. "Today, I think that we are going to have a big change in America and I feel it, I've inspired by the man and I express it today in the alchemy of the democratic process."

14:03 GMT : New York : Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton casts her vote in Westchester County. Accompanied by her husband and former President Bill and her daughter Chelsea she describes the experience as "humbling and overwhelming". She tells reporters: "Obviously there is a lot at stake, the stakes are huge for our country, lots of big challenges, but America is up to it."

Pundits are predicting a close race in the Democratic vote
Voters in New York

13:40 GMT : New York : Republican front-runner John McCain is on the stump in New York city, telling a small crowd at the Rockefeller Plaza that he is feeling confident. "We're going to win today, we're going to win the nomination and we're going to win the presidency."

12:07 GMT : London : Reader Nanci Hogan tells the BBC by e-mail: "I just voted for Obama in the Global Democratic Primary by e-mail. Expatriate Americans can vote today and we get 22 delegates! Get out and vote y'all! "

11:22 GMT : New York : One of the first voters to emerge from a New York City polling station says he voted for Mr Obama: "For so many reasons. I think Hillary has so much baggage, I want a black president whose middle name is Hussein and he seems like a great guy," Stuart Bernstein, a 47-year-old literary agent tells AP.

11:00 GMT : Voting begins in the US states of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. New York, one of the most populous states, will be closely watched as it offers the second highest number of delegates for both parties in today's contest. Democrats abroad have already begun to cast their vote, in polling stations and online from Thailand to Spain.