Jim Ryun Source of KS Voter Caging

I just had to tell ya'll about this because its something that makes me crazy.

Last year around Christmas time - the Kansas GOP sent out what I'm sure they thought was a normal everyday fundraising email. What they mistakenly did was talk about all the great work they are doing and talked about their Vote Caging program.

This erupted into a huge thing here, here, here, and here.

BoydaBloc - a pro-Nancy Boyda blog just broke this story while going through Jim Ryun's campaign finance report disbursements.

"Not only is it unethical to attempt to deny someone their vote, it's also illegal.

Now, the Kansas Republican Party tried, and I'm sure Ryun will as well, to convince people "caging" is just a mailing term and that nothing untoward is occurring.

That just doesn't jive, though. To quote the web site of one of the firms Ryun has used:

We don't engage in creative design, printing or lettershop services. We don't sell mailing lists or involve ourselves in fundraising management. No, we do just one thing- caging."

To refresh, the tactic of voter caging is defined by the wiki

"Caging is a term of art in the direct mail industry, as well as a term applied to a technique of voter suppression. A caging list is a list or database of addresses, updated after a mailing program is completed, with notations on responses received from recipients, with corrections for addresses that mail has been returned undelivered from, or forwarded onward from."

National Campaign for Fair Elections is on the front lines on this with their Caging Prohibition Act that they are encouraging the US Senate to pass.

Reform Elections links to the Raging Caging piece that Slate did that talks about why this is something we should all be fearful of and see as a threat to our democracy.

"Vote caging is an illegal trick to suppress minority voters (who tend to vote Democrat) by getting them knocked off the voter rolls if they fail to answer registered mail sent to homes they aren't living at (because they are, say, at college or at war). The Republican National Committee reportedly stopped the practice following a consent decree in a 1986 case. Google the term and you'll quickly arrive at the Wizard of Oz of caging, Greg Palast, investigative reporter and author of the wickedly funny Armed Madhouse: From Baghdad to New Orleans—Sordid Secrets and Strange Tales of a White House Gone Wild. Palast started reporting allegations of Republican vote caging for the BBC's Newsnight in 2004. He's been almost alone on the story since then."

So, lets look closer at the evidence that BoydaBloc provided us with.

Jim Ryun's Finance Reports can be found here
Here are screen caps of the disbursement (you can click the images to make them bigger):




And here are screen caps of the websites for these companies
Washington Intelligence Bureau



Southwest Caging site screencaps:



Take a look at that "what we do" page a little closer. This is what it says they do as BB correctly recounts above.

Things like this don't just disenfranchise minority voters. They disenfranchise young voters. They disenfranchise our service men and women who often times move around to different bases or living on base or off base. It disenfranchises people who have every right to vote and whose vote we should embrace and encourage.

But the problem is that often times young people, minorities, the poor, these are progressive votes because they want to elect someone who will help them. Take their vote away - you get more Republicans.

This is despicable and disgusting. Say whatever you want about issues, do whatever you want about raising money, but stacking the deck by taking away the rights of voters to cast a ballot is wrong and someone needs to stand up and fix this. Right, by golly NOW.

Florida Vote Triples Edwards and Giuliani are Casulties

Cross Posted to Wiretap

After South Carolina's Primary I drove down to Florida to see if I could talk to some young voters about their interest in the primary.

No surprises, the enthusiasm that I encountered was reflected the next day with a tripling in turnout among young voters.

According to CIRCLE 286,000 Florida citizens under the age of thirty participated in the primary yesterday. That is nearly half of all voters! And an increase in over 200,000 voters since 2000.

"Comparisons to other caucuses and primaries must be made with caution, because turnout is affected by the date of the primaries and by the nature of the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, which are different in every state. In the case of Florida, not all the Democratic candidates contested the primary, so turnout was likely suppressed."

I saw this excitement first hand in a local bar in Jacksonville. Jackson of Jacksonville tells me he has never met Rudy - even though he lives in Florida. And when asked if he is voting for Rudy Jackson says "Hell no!! My mom likes Mitt Romney and I think my dad likes Rudy because of the way he handled 9-11."

"I voted for Clinton, even though I don't like her. Because I would rather have a woman president. I have a hard time supporting someone who is against gay marriage and I know she is more like. But I'd rather have a woman president, than Obama who ... kinda sold out and is, ya know Oprah's lapdog. I could be happy and whole heartedly support a woman president than Obama. It's the progressive in me."

Major issues to Jack factors into his decision proving once again that young people are focused on issues more this year than ever. "I don't know... I know that she originally voted for Iraq and I don't like people who turn around say - oh well... just kidding. Now that we know what happened... bad choice... That's a decision you make every day and you can't use that as an excuse. Going into a war ... ya know, maybe we shouldn't... And its one of the things I don't like about her."

Jackson's girlfriend could potentially go Clinton. She didn't vote but she likes that Clinton is a woman too.

With all the talk of Rudy's recruitment of young voters you'd think I would meet some of these people or maybe see pictures of them on his website for students. Maybe that's indicative of the final count.

But CBSNews this morning says that Rudy called on young voters in Florida

"Last night, on the eve of the primary, Giuliani told a roaring crowd of hundreds of Florida International University students that he needs their vote.

“We’ve been campaigning in Florida, it seems like months, and I feel like I’m one of you.”

Stressing the importance of keeping the United States safe from terrorism, Giuliani said energy independence would silence the current administration’s enemies..."

But the folks I talked to were voting for anyone save Rudy.

Eric was my bar tender and was a solid Ron Paul guy. "He wants to legalize pot and that's not the only reason, I mean, he wants to do a sales tax not an income tax. So basically people can't skirt the law any more - they have to pay their fair share. Strippers, hookers, corporations, whoever."

Jackson thought this was insane. "I see college kids handing out Ron Paul shit all over campus. I see the revolution signs spray painted everywhere - its borderline graffiti. I don't think a candidate should be handing out graffiti. I don't want someone like that running my country - it makes me feel like he's smoking too much pot."

Like many of the voters in CBS Miami looks this evening at the student vote here in Florida:

"...students like Brody Shulman at the University of Miami said they hit the polls because they were concerned about issues like the economy.

"It's gonna be our jobs, going out there leaving college" said Shulman. "You can get the education but if there's no jobs out there, what are we gonna do. We want to have something for the future..."

"I hope that this year will be different because you see a lot of momentum in college students now that wasn't there especially in the last election," said Lindsey Cartee. "So I hope that we have a voice that makes a difference because you know we really are the future of the country."

The Florida Primary has left serious casualties. John Edwards, who has not broken out above the second place finish he had in Iowa will bow out this afternoon at 1pm ET in New Orleans - the site of his announcement. Edwards has brought issues to this campaign that no one was talking about until a year ago including poverty. CNN reports that Edwards called both Obama and Clinton and he has a commitment from them to include poverty in their overall message and in their administrations.

Rudy Giuliani plans to endorse John McCain today after putting all of his eggs in Florida and finishing only 3rd.

The SC Prospective

Crossposted to Wiretap Magazine

Pastor Ron Flowers of the Providence Baptist Church on Daniel's Island in South Carolina's low country is an unapologetic progressive. But he had a hard time picking his candidate this time around.

"Republicans don't know who to pick, democrats want to vote for all three. Its a great place to be," he said over lunch after Sunday Services.

Don's wife Anita and daughter Alison are Hillary Clinton supporters, but nearly 18 year old daughter Savannah is all Obama.

"I like what he says about health care," she said. "I like that he voted against the war. And that he'd be the first African American president - I like that he talks about change."

While Don was going back and forth between Clinton and Obama he said the deciding factor was the last debate and the weeks former president Bill Clinton spent in the few weeks leading up to E-day talkin' smack. Don said that it was disappointing given all of the awful things that were said about him in the 1990's you'd think he'd rise above the fray. But instead Don said he realized the Clintons would do anything it took to win. He just couldn't support that and joined Savannah in supporting Obama.

"I didn't expect him to win," Flowers said. "You gotta know, Obama won big in a state that just took their Confederate flag down from the state house 8 years ago. This is incredible and encouraging on so many levels"

I've talked to over 50 people this week about South Carolina and now Florida and Georgia. All have mentioned that debate and Bill Clinton's mean spirited comments with disappointment. One even went so far as to mention that she thought Bill Clinton was the major reason South Carolina wasn't a closer primary on Saturday.

Savannah was having lunch at the same place we were but only by coincidence. Her three friends had a range of opinions and ideology and they all supported a different candidate.

Thomas is the token Huckabee supporter - he likes Huck's personality but he loves his economic policy.

"I'm moderate on social issues," he says. "I like how he took the deficits in Arkansas and turned them around into a huge surplus."

I asked him if he was sure he's not a democrat. "No," he said laughing. I asked him if he was sure. "I think abortion is an abomination..." he said. I told him about my pro-life democratic friends and told him he needed to come out of the closet as a democrat. He shook his head and laughed.

Ben is a solid Edwards fan. His whole family is for Edwards, and not just kinda for Edwards they are about as hardcore as you get. Anita was telling me earlier about Ben's mom Vickie who was talking about an Edwards/Obama ticket.

"That'd be like... intense..." Ben said. "I like his health care ideas. He's done really well in the debates."

Thomas made a joke about Edwards' hair and Ben made sure to mention he did think Edwards had nice hair.

Emily is too young to vote but at 15 Don says she's one of the smartest in the crew.

"Well, I was a Thompson person but now he's out, so I'm thinking about Huckabee..." Thomas chimed in quickly, "Really!?" Health care is a major issue for her, as is the economy and education.

Each of these students is the embodiment of what Cate Edwards said to me Saturday night at the rally. All are not just engaged but they are well connected and informed on all of the issues and as a result were opinionated.

Don has preached a series of sermons called Faith at the Ballot Box that concluded this Sunday with a conversation about the war. Quoting my personal favorite scripture Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers." Each- health care, the environment, immigration and the war - looked at issues from a faith based perspective. Despite his involvement in getting his parishioners to focus on the issues Don says most people are already engaged. Their family always discusses the issues - but even the friends of the girls are plugged in.

I knew this was going to be a different election when I was at an Obama rally and a woman comes up on stage and says 'We're going to give away free t-shirts.' Well kids love free t-shirts. So she says, 'text your name to this number and the first three get a shirt.' So for the price of a few shirts the campaign gets three thousand cell phone numbers and names right there."

"But look at what they've got!" Don laughed. "People here don't like McCain, Romney is a Mormon and too many people here were taught in their churches growing up that it was a cult. Its not right, but its the way things are. No one knows who Huckabee is, really. Giuliani is a pro-choice, pro-gay, anti-gun guy from New York? He doesn't have a chance. And Ron Paul? He's like everybody's crazy uncle! You can have him in the back telling stories but you don't wan him in the driver's seat."

That night the 11 o'clock news out of Charleston interviewed Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) who says this kind of enthusiasm is going to present an amazing general election for his party.

Live Blog the SOTU

GOV. Sebelius responds

9:26:30 Lets get to work

9:26 Mentions the common good again

9:25 Choices made and challenges unmet - a new majority has come together - and we're tired of our leaders who don't ask anything of us at all.

9:24 Mentions working for the common good - greatest generations are still to come (is that a youth reference?)

9:23 Our resources were committed elsewhere

9:22: In the Heartland we honor and respect military service. As the gov of KS she is the chief of the Kansas Guard - shes seen the impact at home of the war being waged. Join forces with peace loving nations to fight terrorists - but our soliders can't solve the political disputes where they are - and solve the other problems elsewhere. We are ready to do something new and different. We can fight a more effective war on terror.

9:21 Mentions Greensburg - the Mayor was in the VIP box at the SOTU. But more than just recover the Kansans are building green to build a better community for the next generation. Thank god! Go Kathleen go!

9:20 We are strongest as a nation when our people have the highest quality health care and can care for our children - indeed 10million children - Join us Mr. President.

9:20 Commits to results to get the job done.

9:19 Our economy needs our attention. They are acting quickly and its encouraging - but a temporary fix isn't going to help us long term. We need real results, Mr. President.

9:18: Giving the American Response as a wakeup call to Washington from the American people.

9:16 Kathleen brings us together. And talks about how we are all probably not as divided as we think. She slams the pundits.





On the eve of the Florida Primary I decided I would try and liveblog the State of the Union.

I'm currently in Florida in a hunt for Rudy. Since Rudy is only focusing on Florida... I decided I would go and find him - or at the very least try and locate some folks who met Rudy.

Tonight however... we are watching the President in his last State of the Union, in his last year, of his last term, forever. And ever. Join with me in talking about how he plans to save our country from the scary fluctuating financial markets that are hopping all over the place and a war that has turned into a civil and political war. If you are interested in participating in the Drinking Game I recommend looking at this website.

9:02 Setting forth to do stuff. Showing Ted Kennedy and Claire McCaskill.

9:00 Finally taking care of veterans (show Kansas Son Bob Dole. Personal note: my brother is 14 and only knows Bob Dole as the Viagra guy... seriously... I blame NCLB)

8:57 Stop AIDS in Africa (ten bucks says it is an abstinence only program)

8:56:30 We support Cuba? I couldn't have heard that correctly...

8:56 Someone finally notices the genocide in Sudan. FINALLY!!!

8:54: Thanks the troops. We like the troops. We want them to come home. (Click here for stats on troops that are losing their homes in KS from Foreclosure)

8:53 Announces war with Iran

8:51: Another president who thinks he can create unification between Palestine and Israel - one of these days it may just happen. But I think we'll all be dead....

8:47 Our Troops are coming home. Not all of them - just from the surge. Don't get excited yet.

8:46 Fully funding troops - show Ike Skelton. He's such a great guy - I love him. We need to start a facebook group thats like an Ike Skelton fan club or something...

8:45 Big applause at defeating Al Quada ... what year is this again?

8:42 A delayed standing ovation from republican members

8:41: As you can tell I'm totally just going to make fun of this the whole night to make everyone laugh.

8:40: Pelosi looks down to finish WaPo crossword Puzzle

8:39: Dick Chaney stares down the camera - frightens children at home

8:37:45 "Freedom" (take another drink...)

8:37:10 "Terrorists" (take another drink..)

8:37 War on Terror (take a drink...)

8:36 The domestic agenda is over... time of death 8:35pm

8:35 Advanced technologies to stop illegal immigration
Note Dems standing and clapping loudly - and R's not so much standing ... hurm...

8:32 Bush goes back to New Orleans for the first time since Brownie...

8:31 I think Chaney rolled his eyes at "Charitable Choice"

8:31 The pursuit of happiness

8:30: Attack activist judges.

8:28 Here it is ... preserve life - moral stuff... we created embryonic stem cells without having to kill unborn children. We are also now outlawing cloning. Some dems stand at this.

8:27: Global warming - not climate change.... Did he just say we're trusting scientists now? I thought he didn't like science... this is freaking me out!

8:25: Talk about alternative energy - show the energy secretary who arguably cold generate solar energy from the shine off his own head.

Oh the camera just showed someone who looks like they are asleep - I think he's just looking down but it looks like he's asleep. I love that they are showing the crowd more often.

Dems stand at reducing green house gases. Republicans are puzzled.

8:23 Trade deals!? Ohhh Nancy Boyda is going to have something to say about that.

Speaking of Nancy - I think Pelosi is about to fall asleep...

8:20: I'm sorry did he just say NCLB is working?? He's GOT to be drinking....

8:19: Ok I think the camera dude just fell asleep... something is very strange - now I'm not seeing the President's forehead. Ok.. ok we're back

8:18: Oh - there's HRC. Super cute suit. Applauding. Obama pursing his lips and looking frustrated. He probably wishes he could play the drinking game.....

8:17 He keeps laughing. Are ya'll noticing that? I think he's playing his own SOTU drinking game.

8:14: Oh... Pres says funny line... Smacks x-Pres Clinton..dems don't clap - HRC looks mad. "Some have said that they should be paying more taxes... I want to remind them we take checks and money orders." Thus far the only reference to the Presidential races. HRC def looks mad.

"Tax cuts permanent" And half the room does not stand. Pelosi whispers to Chaney "Hahaha - that's such a sweet little dream he has there."

8:13: That's actually not Dick Chaney behind him. Its a hologram. Cheney is still in a secure location on an island.

8:11 "Expanding opportunity" - its kinda like a fortune cookie. After each fortune we should say "for the rich"

"Trust people with their own money"... what money? anyone... anyone...

8:10: We recognize our responsibilities ... the question is... do you, sir?

8:05pm: He enters - with a blue tie. Should we read anything into this? Minority Rep. John Boehner looks like he has a fresh tan - despite the fact that he is from Ohio...

8:00: Woolf Blitzer mentions the awkward moment where Obama didn't shake Clinton's hand while they were in the same area.

Heartland Candidate Schedule

For those who want to catch the candidates up close and personal in the Heartland here are local locations for where the candidates will be in our neck of the woods

John Edwards

Jan 28, 2008

5:30 p.m.
Special Event with John Edwards
Teamsters Local #245 Hall
1850 East Division
Springfield, MO RSVP HERE

Jan 29, 2008

8:45 a.m.
TWU #514 Hall
11945 E. Pine St.
Tulsa, Oklahoma RSVP HERE

Jan 29, 2008

12:00 p.m.
The Fraternal Order of the Eagles Banquet Hall
1411 Missouri Blvd.
Jefferson City, Mo.

RSVP HERE

BARACK OBAMA

Jan 29th
Butler County Community College Gymnasium.
Doors will open at 11:45 a.m, but his campaign said space will be limited. For reservations, call 316-789-5194. No signs or banners will be allowed.
RSVP HERE

Jan 29th
Obama is to be in Kansas City on Tuesday for a town hall meeting at 301 West 13th Street. Doors open at 3:45 p.m.

Feb 2nd
Sen. Barack Obama will be in St. Louis for a rally Saturday night. Details are still being worked out, a local campaign spokesman said. I'll fill in info as it becomes available.

HILLARY CLINTON

Chelsea Clinton: This morning, she is scheduled to make a stop at 9:45 a.m. in Columbia at the University of Missouri's Memorial Union. Sunday night, she visited Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Chelsea Clinton will be at the Millennium Center at the University of Missouri-St. Louis at 1 p.m. today. At 3 p.m., she's scheduled to stop by Kayak's Coffee, 276 North Skinker Boulevard.

HUCKABEE
no events scheduled in Kansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma

MCCAIN
no events scheduled in Kansas, Missouri, or Oklahoma

GIULIANI
is in florida

ROMNEY
no events

RON PAUL
no events

SC Young Voters Triple Edwards Daughter Excited

Cross posted from Wiretap

Obama may have won South Carolina - but once again the real winners of last night's success were young voters.

"This increase in youth turnout in the early primary season continues a trend observed in other elections since 2000. In the 2006 congressional elections, the voter turnout rate among 18-to 29-year-olds increased by three percentage points compared to the previous congressional election of 2002. And in the 2004 presidential election, the national youth voter turnout rate rose 9 percentage points compared to 2000, reaching 49 percent. In 2004, under-30-year-olds were registered to vote at the highest rate in 30 years. " says our friends over at CIRCLE

For a breakdown of who young people voted for - check out this nify chart:

Election Day was insane. Polling places in Columbia's high youth city were packed to the brim with students of the like 60 Universities in that town. There were people on street corners with huge signs for their favorite candidate people were honking like crazy. It was unbelievable.




This served as a day for voters. Most candidates mingled around throughout the day. I think Obama had lunch down in 5 Points in Columbia. I say this because there were dark cars and a sheriffs car - not to mention a bunch of guys in suits standing around looking casual (secret service), not to mention the media out front taking pictures of the restaurants sign. Edwards visited a few polling locations and thanked supporters. Clinton spent the day traveling in other states, eager to move on to February 5th.

The media was wonderful. We saw more reporters and camera people in bars and restaurants drinking and eating. Seemingly grateful for a touch of a day off. The international media are the best. They tend to wonder around in large groups thanking people and smiling a lot.

That evening we attended the Edwards Rally. We were front row hugging the ropeline all of us speculating on where Edwards was going to enter from. We made friends with all of the people around us each who had been impacted by the closing of major businesses in their towns that took their jobs. We met Amanda and Trevor, a younger couple probably in their 30's who had gone to USC and now live in a small town outside of Columbia. Amanda talked about the small town hardware stores and grocery stores that all fell to the giant corporate takeover of The WalMart. All liked Edwards because of his populist message.

The Kansas City Star has a great piece today that talks about young voters in SC's primary

"Young voters have been a potent force for Obama, and Saturday's primary was no different.

Obama got solid majorities among voters who were 18 to 24 years old, 25 to 29 years old and those 30 to 39 years old.

"I like all of his ideas," said Brooke Perkins, a 20-year-old political science student at the University of South Carolina. "I know they are a little far-fetched, but I think it's good to think big."

Perkins and her sister, 24-year-old Hillary Perkins, share a last name, a university and a major - but not a presidential preference.

"I voted for Hillary Clinton," Hillary Perkins said. "And, no, her name had nothing to do with it."

Hillary Perkins said Clinton's experience and health care plan won her over.

Her sister, however, said she doesn't like Hillary Clinton's style.

"Hillary's been a little too catty lately," Brooke Perkins said. "That's turned me off."

Cate Edwards spoke with us after the rally as a few people puttered around taking advantage of the cheese platter and cheap drinks.

"This is a great election for us," she said about young voters. "I remember in 2004 they were more concerned with the war and those were the questions I got the most. This year young people want specific details. I went to a forum where I spent the entire hour talking about the differences in all of the candidates' health care plans. Young voters are educated on the issues and they care about the issues. Its encouraging!"

Our focus now turns to Florida where some speculate that we are going to make up a big part of the elections as well. Despite the fact that democratic candidates are not allowed to campaign there, enthusiasm for all of the candidates runs high. Florida news says the demographics are quickly changing:

"The face of Florida's pivotal voter is changing from that of a golf-playing retiree to one of an involved youth as a nationwide election trend gains momentum in the Sunshine State.

"We've been seeing that in Florida for several voting cycles," said Susan McManus, a distinguished professor of state and local politics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. "I've seen more interest on our college campuses than in many recent years."

What soccer moms were to the 1992 presidential race, young voters are to the 2008 elections."

On the Road with SAVE in South Carolina

Cross Posted from WiretapMag.Org

Friday - aka primary eve in South Carolina, a group of students with SAVE hosted their second candidate forum asking questions that concern young voters and voting rights. Sen. John Edwards faced a crowd of young people eager to ask questions. Given the focus this election on the uprising of young voters, young volunteers, and enthusiastic young folks SAVE is playing an important role in mandating the candidates talk about their issues.

"Edwards, born in South Carolina, focused on the economy -- South Carolina lost 6,000 jobs last month alone -- and made a straight favorite-son pitch, showing off his parents and pointing out that Clinton and Obama's feud reflect New York and Chicago politics (almost as if the state of "Pitchfork" Ben Tillman, Strom Thurmond and Lee Atwater was a stranger to the culture of bare-knuckled campaigning).

“You have been forgotten too long, and I will not forget you,” Edwards told the kids, urging them to be part of a "tidal wave of change." Says the NY Daily News

Once I met up with the leaders of SAVE - Matthew Segal (Illinois) and Kate Barney (Atlanta), and Hannah Ahern (New York) and asked a few questions, we quickly saw that we were kindred spirits in the youth movement.

"The turnout at our Edwards event shows that young voters are energized to learn substance and issues rather than slogans and catch phrases.

"Edwards talked about Washington being too polarizing and the polarization between the parties creates a negative atmosphere for young voters who are subsequently turned off by politics. He said that negative attacks fail to bring issues such as health care, the environment, the war, and the economy to the forefront. It deludes the dialogue in this country.

"He further discussed the importance of removing voting barriers. He said the last thing we need to do is disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly young ones who have an idealistic view of the process."

We then embarked on a day of Candidate Hopping - trying to find every event for every candidate we could.

Sen. Hillary Clinton was next. On street corners in Columbia, SC, volunteers held giant signs and implored us to Honk for Hillary. Two miles down the road a group of Obama supporters asked us to do the same. We did both times, eager to make noise and cause a ruckus.

In a nearby town probably 5 miles from Columbia the South Carolina Democratic Party was hosting a hot dog fundraiser where representatives of each of the campaigns were speaking. Former Congressman John Bonior for Sen. Edwards and Sen. Clinton herself who brought along her good friends Rep. Charlie Rangle chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, and David Dinkins - the former mayor of New York City.

While the event was hosted by the State Party those working for the event were all young. I later found out that the party got the Young Democrats of South Carolina to serve their hot dogs to the crowds of people who turned out for a $25 hot dog with Hillary.

Filled to the brim with middle aged (and older) women, it seemed the only young people in the audience were kids being dragged along for the drive. When I'd see the perfect looking young person to ask about the event they would generally turn revealing press credentials or that they were HillStaff.

Finally a huge group of young people - I'd say lower twenties - walked by me - hotdogs in hand. I quickly stopped them to ask questions.

"Oh.... we're not from here. We're volunteers from Eastern Kentucky University," I decied this was a conspiracy.

Heather Ellis, 22, Political Science Major from EKU was here with her American Chief Executive class as a field trip to see politics in an up close and detailed way.

Are you a Hillary Clinton fan?
"No.... I'm a republican. There are about 25 of us here volunteering for democratic candidates, or the party, or just observing as neutral people..."
Who are you supporting for President?
"I actually really like John McCain. His opinion on Iraq is something I can agree with. He not only talks about a topic he actually gives a plan of action, how he plans to do it."
Are you volunteering for his campaign?
"I haven't yet. I've actually spent more time volunteering for democrats because of this trip. Kentucky's primary isn't until March so its not as big a deal."
Do you know if McCain has a big youth following?
"Well, he's a much older candidate... much much older. Older than dirt, so I don't know what he's doing with youth, but I like his plans of action."
What do you think about all of this - the primary, this election... everything?
"Its an interesting process. Its exciting to be involved in, and something to take very seriously. When young people step up and meet the requirements its nice when we can finally be appreciated."

Senator Clinton spoke with excitement and enthusiasm and the crowd was engaged and happy to applaud. Women for Hillary and Health Care Voter signs dotted the crowd.

She talked about the need to "Scrap No Child Left Behind," "Bring our Constitution out of cold storage," and "Act like Americans again." No mention of young voters, but a brief acknowledgment for the need of more affordable college tuition "for your children."

I'd say the final tally was probably 50 people under 30 in the audience, but that might have more to do with the fact that a hot dog was $25.

We weren't about to pay that, not to mention the long line that meandered through the parking lot. We clearly circumvented the volunteers at the front and came in a back door where all the media trucks were. I had my laptop and press pass around my neck, Matt and Kate, oozing confidence, were wearing suits and looked like they were meant to be there. No one asked questions and we got a front row seat to Senator Clinton. That said, we didn't eat their food... that would have been dishonest. Its entirely possible, however, that the SCDP is going to send me a bill for $75.

This might be a good point to mention that I chose South Carolina as another state to report from because I thought it would be warmer than Kansas and I wanted to flee the freeze. Not really working out the way I planned.

Next was Sen. Obama. We ran some quick errands thinking that if we showed up two hours, before the event began, at 10:45pm, that we'd get good seats. We were wrong. Two hours before the event even began there was a line around the block and down the street in the freezing Carolina night.

Again, my friends in suits, warmed only by our own hot air and audacity, walked around the building where the line began and stood in another line that seemed to be for VIPs. We went through security and were admitted into the event before anyone asked us who we were and what we were doing.

"That guy told us to come over here...." I said vaguely.
What guy?
"The tall one, with the dark hair. There he is!" and we made a run for it into the event - seating slightly left of center in the fourth row - behind the VIPs and the reserved seating. People in their 40's could never get away with this.

We waited two more hours while the auditorium that was filled to capacity all the way to the 2nd balcony, all with eager people who were clearly "Fired up!" and "Ready to GO!"

What was remarkably different from all of the other candidates, and from all of the events I attended in Iowa, was the community participation. An hour before the event started - with the place nearly filled, a local high school gospel choir took the stage with their band to perform the most most incredible performance I've ever seen. Hands raised high, clapping, stomping, feeling the power of music, of soul, and of change.

After them was a young man who played a violin piece with a hip-hop style mixed with an MLK speech as a hook. When I've see groups like the American Democracy Institute at one of their summits encouraging young people to impact their world and empower change in their own way - not just through politics but through playing - music, dancing, singing, and more I think about it in more of a traditional way. You know, things like documentaries or P!ink's new album or the Dixie Chicks. These people were the embodiment of those who are enacting change and empowering themselves to be heard in the best and one of the most profound ways I've ever seen.

Obama's rally was revival. It was the movement everyone talks about. I didn't get to see this in Iowa. I saw enthusiasm and excitement from all campaigns but this was something different. Two straight hours of high energy audience run activism. Chanting, several rounds of the wave, loud proclamations about being FIRED UP... it was the most powerful social movement I have ever witnessed in my life.

Alex sat down next to me. He was dressed nicely in a white button-up shirt, black slacks and a bright red bow-tie. He did NOT look like he belonged there. We deemed him the leader of "Bow-ties for Obama." As it turns out Alex is a republican who voted last week for his favorite candidate Mitt Romney. He loves the Governor - but fears that he's both unelectable and will probably not win the nomination. If that happens and he's faced with the likes of candidates Huckabee or McCain, Alex says he's going Obama.

Bright smile and just as amazed as I was, Alex pointed out that concerts he's been to at the auditorium that hadn't been as full as the event. He over heard us talking about Hillary's electability and coattails and agreed that a lot of the newly elected members of Congress are going to have a hard time running with Clinton at the top of the ticket.

"I know. I'm from here," he said.

If you thought the event couldn't get more insane with excitement and energy, throw the Senator into the mix. Obama came out to a crowd that stood jumping up and down and shouting for an entire hour. Through half of it I called my mom to let her hear the speech. She said she could barely hear Obama speaking but said she could tell that it was packed full of people who were screaming.

People not only cheered when they were supposed to - but they cheered when they weren't supposed to - totally unbridled by traditional polite crowd report folks shouted back as if empowered by the moment. Think of a Baptist Church or a tent revival. People were shouting AMEN - and at one point when Obama made a comment about starting out months ago when no one knew his name a woman in the back shouted "THEY DO NOW!" Obama laughed and for a solid minute the crowd erupted into chants of his name.

"I've never seen a crowd so excited. It was inspiring to see something as enthusiastic as a rock concert for a political event. If this is what we are seeing for politics it bodes well for our generation" Segal later told me.

It was well after midnight by the time we left the venue and we were too fired up and ready to go to crash for the night. So we went to the Flying Saucer - a bar with like 500 beers on tap. That was where I met Joe - a non college grad who was not voting because he didn't care.

"What does it matter," he said as he checked my ID. "I don't bitch about politics either. I just don't care."

It was an insane day with a range of thoughts and opinions about the election. One thing is for certain - this is the first time in my life I've seen anything like it. I think my generation will talk about this election for a long time.

South Carolina Update

Well there is a lot going on in the southlands these days.

I wasn't going to post this but honestly every time I see this video I laugh. It's truly hilarious. I call this - Mitt Romney trying to pretend like he is cool - or ... trying to communicate with non-white folks.

He later approaches a baby with a necklace on and refers to it as bling bling. Sometimes, they just make it easy...

Last night I posted an update about the Clinton Youth Initiative and briefly mentioned the new Reuters polling info that came out with Obama in a double digit lead. On a brief stop off I noticed a quick CNN report that mentioned that Edwards has also seen some favorable moves in the polls.

In terms of ad buys - its exactly what you'd think it is. The airwaves are covered with he said she said crowd shots of people clapping and nodding and "I approve this message" all over the place.

While I usually crank my iPod while in the car - I've resisted in hopes of hearing talk radio discuss the election and the candidates and have also been blasted with ads about the two front runners. One Obama ad I heard today claims that Hillary Clinton will say and do anything to change nothing. (ouch!!) I tried to find the audio of it somewhere online but all I could find was this article that quotes everything.

If that isn't bad enough I read about this today and was shocked!! Apparently it was by a Ron Paul (R-TX) supporter "Robert Morrow, on behalf of all of the citizens who have been violated by Hillary Clinton." Here is an audio recording of the call accusing Clinton of killing cats and covering up rape. TPM Mukraker did a further investigation here.

WaPo says the transcript of the call echoes major themes of the anti-Clinton e-mails Morrow has been sending to bloggers and reporters for months.

Today Obama scored endorsements from the Rock Hill Herald and the Greenville News.

And Dennis Kucinich will announce tomorrow he's dropping out of the race - even though he's got more delegates than Giuliani..... .... i think....

Tomorrow's adventures will be traveling to two youth events with Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton's event will be Swinton Campus Center, Benedict College and Edwards is doing an event by the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE).

Press release from SAVE says

"The event will mark the second in a series that SAVE is hosting with Democratic and Republican Presidential Candidates. “The gap between politicians and young people is too wide,” said Matthew Segal, the executive director of SAVE. “The purpose of our forum is to show politicians that young people care and to show young people that politicians are accessible and listening. I am pleased that John Edwards recognizes that youth are a crucial component of the electorate who require the same respect, attention and consideration that older voting blocs receive.”

There has been much back chatter about the "accidental" meeting that occured after the debate Monday night in South Carolina between Clinton and Edwards. CNN reports

"The meeting took place in the Edwards campaign green room. One of the sources said the meeting happened by chance and the conversation consisted of light chatter. The source added that Clinton did jokingly take a jab at Edwards about his beating up on her during the debate. In fact, the real fireworks were between Clinton and Barack Obama. An Edwards source noted that it was not surprising the two senators met backstage. 'That happens back there,' said the source, who said it has happened 'more often' with Obama. 'It’s tight quarters – we’re all on top of each other.' The question is — with only two weeks before Super Tuesday — what else was discussed?"

And last but not least here is the uploaded youtube video of Sen. Edwards on David Letterman. Obama is said to be on there tonight and I'll post that as soon as its uploaded. If you'll check yesterday's post about the Clinton Youth thing you'll see a great video of her appearance on the Tyra Banks Show. Edwards will be on Tyra on Friday - find time and channel here but preliminary video has been released which you can find here.

Friendly Neighborhood Process Story

I thought given our recent discussions about Web 2.0 and new technologies I'd cross post this week's tech post over here.

Most people don't like process stories because they don't inform people about anything important or essential. I love them because they can actually teach those of us who are involved in non-profits, campaigns, or technology jobs key dos and don'ts. I like to learn new things from people who are infinitely smarter than me and on a couple of things (very few) I think I've got some game.

So let me talk to you about technology.

The Pew Research Center released a recent report about the growing role the Internet plays in political campaigns. I was reminded about this because I received my first email from the Nancy Boyda for Congress campaign this morning. The last email I received was the one telling me that because of an essential vote that needed to be passed, Speaker Pelosi nor Congresswoman Boyda would be able to attend a fundraiser being held in Kansas City. Date stamp November 8, 2007.

According to the Pew findings, the Internet is now the fifth highest resource people use in finding information about the Presidential Campaigns. It has nearly tripled in importance since Al Gore's run in 2000. And while television is the main source for political and campaign information Pew says its quickly "slipping" to a resource lower than what was used even in the 1990's.

And the internet is still a main secondary new source - the important thing about this though is in just two years - that stat has doubled.

Guess what? The Internet is not going away.

To read the rest of the post you can visit Everyday Citizen to hear about best practices and bad ideas for web outreach.

Today's South Carolina News

South Carolina is asking about the progress of young voters in Saturday's primary.

"The question facing Obama, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina this week is whether these enthusiastic young voters will show up in large enough numbers Saturday to decide the state’s Democratic primary.

The stakes are high for the candidate who can mobilize the 612,000 eligible S.C. voters younger than 29.

Last Saturday’s GOP primary drew 44,000 young voters, according to exit polls. That was only 10 percent of the total turnout of 443,000. In contrast, 35 percent of the Republican voters last Saturday were over age 60. That trend relegated Mike Huckabee, who blitzed college campuses last week, to second place behind John McCain, who won with older voters."

Both Edwards and Obama were in SC today - Clinton was in New Jersey with her husband Pres. Bill Clinton traveling throughout the state. She returns to the state tomorrow for a speech at Furman University where she brings her new youth focused campaign "Our Voices, Our Future Tour" that attempts to capitalize on the enthusiasm from young voters.

With a larger population in general, South Carolina has a big number of young voters, and the February 5th states will give an even larger number of young voters to the table. In 2004 the Kerry Campaign employed a single youth outreach coordinator and not until after the primary. Today each of the top three candidates employ several staffers that work to help increase outreach to high school students, colleges and universities, young professionals and young families. Clinton's outreach and start of her program HillBlazers came about very late in the season, after it became clear the increase in youth participation was going to be unprecedented.

"Through visits to high schools, colleges and young professional events, Chelsea Clinton, Members of Congress, and prominent Hillary backers will reach out to young people and inspire and mobilize support for the campaign. New supporters will be encouraged to engage their social networks in support of Hillary.

“Young people have always been a voice for change. Throughout my campaign, I’ve heard students and young professionals speak about the challenges we face and the solutions they’d like to see, from an education policy that makes college affordable to a health care policy that provides quality care to all Americans,” said Clinton. “Young Americans are thinking about our future and making their voices heard during this election, and I am listening, and I’ll be sure to continue to listen in the White House.”

Edwards, a former senator from neighboring North Carolina, criticized the New York senator for not being in South Carolina so close to the Democratic primary election on Saturday, which he hopes will propel him out of third place in the Democratic nominating race.

"Senator Clinton was here on Monday night for the debate that we had in Myrtle Beach. But then right after the debate she flew out and she's been gone and she won't be back until, I don't kginow -- later in the week or on primary day," he told a crowded meeting hall in Bennettsville, near the North Carolina border.

"The question is -- if she's not going to spend time here the week before the South Carolina primary, what do you think the chances are she's going to come back after the primary?" he asked. (Reuters)

The same piece reports the double dit lead Obama has on Clinton 43/25, leaving a mind to wonder if Clinton has written off SC and decided to move forward with Feb 5th states. Which brings about the race question again. Since the recent battles over race, Clinton has continued to slip in polls among African Americans and young voters.

Clinton attempts to reach out to young voters might prove too little too late, but her outreach is exciting. For someone so firmly embedded in the establishment to recognize the importance and power of young voters is exciting! I wish her luck, but I also worry that because she was so late to the party it might not prove fruitful - thus if it doesn't she'll perpetuate the false stereotype that young people don't participate and they don't vote.

Young Evangelicals

I've been researching the growing world of young evangelicals since I first read Lauren Sandler's book Righteous. (I've been fascinated by it since the 2004 election) If you haven't read it I recommend it as a key insight into the counter culture movement in growing mega churches across the country.

Last Night on the Daily Show Jim Wallis tells us that the right wing is dead - and a new movement is afoot.

"The dominance of the religious right over our politics is finally finished.

But the even better news is that now a new generation has come of age and they’re applying their faith to the biggest issues each of us faces: the moral scandal of poverty, the degradation of the environment which we call God’s creation, climate change, Darfur, human rights…the exclusive use of war to fight evil and the cultural assault on your three year old and my four year old.

The country isn’t hungry for a religious left to replace the religious right. They don’t want to go left or right. They want to go deeper. They want to go to a moral center."

Back in July I did a review of Sandler's book and talked a little about the ways in which churches are targeting young people.

"The Introduction of Sandler’s book follows a young woman who became a believer at a mega rock concert for evangelicals called Acquire the Fire. At this stadium filled rock concert she describes a world where children are made to feel like they are evil doers and need only accept Christ to be forgiven for their transgressions – all of which include things like ignoring their parents, drinking, smoking, having sex, or whatever normal kids do now a days.

Once this young girl is reduced to a pile of guilt and sin she bursts into tears prepared to repent. She rushes the concert stage where a young goth kid – about her age- prays with her. And then recruits her to join in their movement by deferring college for a year to attend the one year HolyRoller Bootcamp run by evangelical activist Ron Luce who essentially teaches kids how to become the next generation of worriers in Christ...

It makes me wonder if our model of Rock the Vote even Oregon Bus issue centric and election only organizing is a little flawed. Why don’t we indoctrinate our children? Why don’t we have liberal camps for our high school students to teach them how to organize within their high schools and colleges? Why don’t we have rock concerts with JayZ and the Dixie Chicks and preach a message of no war, helping the poor, dedicating your life in public service, etc … and arm our side from a very early age?"

On Sunday Zack Exley did a piece on OpenLeft that talks about the ways in which Hillary Clinton's campaign is working to train the next generation of field leaders. While Exley only focuses on the Clinton campaign I'll tell you the same is true for the other two candidates who are also training the next generation of leaders.

"But the big field story of 2008 is not about the horse race. In the 2008 and 2004 presidential primary cycles, the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire--joined by Nevada and South Carolina this year--have functioned as training grounds for a new generation of field organizers and incubators of new field techniques and technologies. The dramatic surge in early resources available to campaigns has put large staffs on the ground up to one year before voting day. These organizing hothouses--especially on the Democratic side--are producing a new generation of activists who are as disciplined and skilled as they are passionate.

It remains to be seen, however if this new generation of talented and battle-tested organizers and field leaders will be given the reigns during the General Election."

If non-right leaders can capitalize on this new super connected ultra engaged generation of young people, develop leadership, effectively train operatives, and further retain these leaders I think we'll begin to see a stronger movement.

Further, with the development of a movement that embraces the diverse cultures within the generation I think we'll see more involvement.

A great example of this would be the Live8 concerts designed to combat global poverty or Al Gore's take off Live Earth which brings the world together to combat global warming, and even PunkVoter which works within the punk music movement to get out the vote.

Blunt announces that he will not run...

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt announced this afternoon that he will not seek a second term as Governor of Missouri. You can click on the title of the post to see the video of his announcement.

The Race Card

For the past week it seems everyone has been talking about the race issue. Sunday and Monday's talking heads were no exception and given yesterday's holiday commemorating Dr. King and the struggles for civil rights - I have to wonder at what point people are going to shut up about this whole race thing.

I say that with a strong sense of entitlement, for even as the whitest little farm girl you ever did see, I belong to the most diverse generation our nation's history. In 2050, after the death of a majority of the Baby Boomers and with my generation birthing their first round of kids - whites will officially become the minority. Mine is the generation that is most open to globalization, foreign aid, open boarders, and hate crimes legislation.

But all these ol' fashioned people want to talk about is the race thing. (I'm looking at you Lou Dobbs!!!) And its perpetuated by media who seems infatuated with any kind of in-fighting between anyone regardless of the topic.

SEE VIDEO HERE

Brokaw says its more a generational issue, as older African Americans tend to prefer the Clintons - some because of the 90's some because they fear Obama can't win because he's black.

Commentator from NPR Michele Norris says there is a passionate debate about this.

"I went down there thinking it perhaps it was a generational divide. On the ground what I realized was that its much more of an establishment vs. grassroots divide. Hillary Clinton locked up a lot of the establishment support early on, she had the clergy behind her, and you're hearing in churches almost about revolts with the congregation standing up saying, 'you know we are not going to follow lock-step behind the clergy in this case.'

Her story about a 92 year old man who made an alter call and made his way up to the alter slowly and talked about Dr. King and basically almost took the pulpit from the pastor, and came around to this notion of 'don't be shackled by fear.' And that's what's so interesting about what's going on here. Barack Obama has ignited this debate about whether you should support someone who is viable, whether you should let go of your fears, whether you should believe in the hope...."

I've seen this division in the democratic party grow more since 2004 with the emergence of the grassroots and netroots who are always very anti-establishment. Both what Brokaw and Norris say can be true, because most grassroots and netroots folks are younger and establishment members are generally older and more well... established in the party. Similarly, older establishment members of the party don't recruit and embrace young leaders or young voters as much as they should - which could contribute to further splits.

But that's not when this whole race discussion first started. I wish it was about age or the power of the netroots, but something tells me it isn't.

"Dr. King's dream began to be realized when President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It took a president to get it done" Sen. Clinton said last week.

While I can respect that Sen. Clinton is trying to convey her message of "it takes more than a speech" she totally bungled this in a way that left even me feeling like she was diminishing the power King had on our history and the progress of the movement. While he gave powerful speeches that give me chills to this day - King didn't just give speeches. Clinton began to hear complains from the African American community many of whom support Obama. They began speaking out not on his behalf, but from their own frustration.

And who could blame them? I'm not even an Obama supporter and I wanted to speak out against this statement! But a bungled explanation of a message that doesn't stick to every situation made me feel bad for her rather than wanting to get my claws out. This is a hard race for her. I think its starting to show.

The Clinton campaign said that the Obama campaign distorted her remarks - but the above quote is the correct one (via CNN and verified by the youtube video) - and there is no getting away from a statement like that - regardless of what was intended.

But it didn't stop there.

Last week:

"The founder and former CEO of Black Entertainment Television apologized Thursday to Sen. Barack Obama for what appeared to be veiled comments this week regarding the Democratic presidential hopeful's acknowledged drug use as a teenager. . .

Johnson drew criticism following remarks he made Sunday at a Clinton campaign stop in Columbia, South Carolina.

In defending the civil rights record of the former first lady and President Clinton, Johnson said, "As an African-American, I'm frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Bill and Hillary Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that -- and I won't say what he was doing, but he said it in his book -- when they have been involved."

Ouch! Regardless of the personal growth by Obama, these characteristics are not ones embraced by any leaders in the African American community - because it can perpetuate an unfair and inaccurate stereotype.

Then the media went wild. Hannity here, Good Morning America, Hotline TV, over the pond, WaPo, HuffPo, and there are more... I didn't even mention anything about bringing THE OPRAH into the mix!

Eventually Obama and Clinton made up, and the Las Vegas debate was a big democratic love-fest where we proved we no longer needed Bill Richardson there to say "why can't we all just get along."

Both campaigns through surrogates kept going back and forth about it saying Clinton started it - well Obama fueled it, yeah but Obama is playing the race card, but it was because of Clinton's statements were racist... I turned it over to HGTV and watched Color Splash.... no pun intended.

And just when I thought it was over.....

Michigan's Primary where Obama and Edwards were not on the ballot - only Clinton among the top three, you saw 48% young people vote uncommitted, and 68% of African Americans also voted uncommitted rather than voting for Clinton.

In Nevada you saw the same thing. As you saw in my post Monday, young voters went for Obama - but also African Americans voted overwhelmingly for Obama with 83% voting for Obama and only 14% for Clinton.

The candidates might have kissed and made up for Vegas - but the voters seem to still be a little miffed - and the Lovefest didn't last long.

See AC 360's Raw Politics about Race in South Carolina to learn more about how race is playing out here.

Now... to be fair, I'm just a young, non-establishment, white, blogger and I'll be the first one to admit that I'm kinda pulling this outa my backend, but I'm wondering if any of this was capitalized upon to push the African American community into defending Obama which in turn could force him into becoming "The Black Candidate," and turn off his more square supporters.

Because, it HAS empowered the African American community - it further pushed me, as a young person, into being increasingly annoyed with people who are fighting about this, and I have to wonder if there is really anyway out for either of them. Obama becomes "The Black Candidate" and Clinton becomes "The non-black candidate" will both kinda shoot themselves in the foot? Is Clinton resigning SC to Obama, and trying to force him into a corner for the rest of the Super Duper Tuesday states?

Or I'm becoming another stupid media hound enabling the progression of this argument that is still just as silly as it was when I began the post.

I'm split - what do you ya'll think. Talk to me.

Born Again Politics

Thanks to Zack Exley for this tip off from over at the Revolution in Jesusland:

Party Lines and Faith Allegiance

Faith affiliation does not neatly follow party lines: about two out of every five registered Democrats are born again voters, while roughly three out of every five Republicans is classified by the Barna team as a born again. Analyzing the interplay between faith and party reveals some unique relationships.

According to the Barna Group (a nonpartisan firm that aims to "partner with Christian ministries and individuals to be a catalyst in moral and spiritual transformation in the United States") one fifth of those who identifies as Christian labels themselves an Evangelical Christian - but the firm clarifies "Barna surveys do not classify a person based upon a respondent’s use of the terms "born again" or "evangelical," instead basing the classification on what a person believes about spiritual matters."

Further

"The nation's 68 million registered voters who are born again Christians were most concerned about personal indebtedness (79%), poverty (78%), and HIV/AIDS (77%) - levels similar to that of other voters. "

I find it interesting that genocide didn't seem to make the cut.

In looking over this I'm reminded of a panel I did this past week with a group of women considering running for office. I am always the only panelist (in whatever trainings or discussions I do) to talk about faith based outreach. Progressives and progressive women especially are the first to become uncomfortable and talk about "stepping over the line" when it comes to church outreach.

Need I remind us of Rev. Kline and the Slimfast Memo?

Yet, regardless of who I talk to, which candidates I consult for, which organizations I help develop strategic plans, I find that women like this are the best at articulating the ways in which their faith has influenced their inspiration for public service and working for the common good.

Capitalizing off the faith based division in the 2004 election was an organization that sought to consult for political candidates, partisan parties and party leaders, and elected officials all over the country in developing their message with a moral focus.

A good friend of mine, a self described field guy, worked with the organization for a brief time in the 2006 election season and said that their heart was in the right place, but too often he felt stuck in the pages of the famous George Lakoff book Don't Think of an Elephant.

"They'd go in and reframe the issues and I'd be the only one standing there saying... ok.... what now?" he said.

National and state parties took the lead putting people in place to help connect church leaders with their newly crafted message. Still, few candidates feel comfortable, maybe not going as far as Kline did, but talking about ways to meet people through their own church or allied churches in their area.

If these numbers tell us anything its that the economy is a serious concern and not surprisingly Christians care deeply about humanitarian efforts.

Politicians better start asking themselves "What now" soon.

Also, if you haven't seen this video its worth the watch. Here is another for fun.

Peace be with you!

Debate LiveBlog and Open Thred

Videos: I put video links within the given commentaries and quotes below.

Poll I promised: Here is a poll that looks at McCain vs. HRC - only one (CNN) has HRC up against McCain.

Indy Dial Groups: CNN surveyed dial groups throughout the debate - HRC's defining moment was "going to the mat" for health care, BO's was "fighting for everyone, black, white, asian, latino.." and JRE's was "this" referring to the infighting "is not going to get children health care..."

Final MLK Namedrop Count = 11 (maybe 12) said most by Edwards (who also named dropped MLK III)

Spinners: Are saying that JRE won because he was the only one who came out clean and got to be the child of light saying - come on ya'll... lets be civil and connected with voters who are sick of in fighting. they say JRE will do better - and HRC will prob not win SC but that she wasn't running in SC she was actually running in the rest of the country now - CA, NY, PA, and FL. That makes a lot of sense.... JRE Post Debate Video

Wow! Goodness.... I'm tired. WHEW! Anderson Cooper spins it as rough and tumble. You know I've been a pretty strong fan of Obama but I feel like he lost this one. I am not sure who won if it was JRE or HRC...

The spin room is going wild - everyone is shaking hands while reporters are asking questions. Anderson Cooper is replaying large chunks of the debates.

Why should MLK Endorse you
JRE: Because I want to end poverty and create equality and I've been pushing this as loudly as I can and I'll do it as long as I can. He pushed the voting rights issue - and what we need is a pres that believes to their core who is ready to fight for equality and it might not get votes but its the right thing to do.

BO: wouldn't endorse any of us - he would ask America to hold us accountable. He was about bottom up organizing. Them arguing, mobilizing, and forcing elected officials to be accountable, thats how we'll bring about change... Video HERE

HRC: no doubt change comes from the efforts of the american people - and I'm sitting here as a result of this. MLK knew this and did all he could so he could get them over the line so we could have these. And then there was a meeting of morality and politics - american people shouldn't have to work so hard to force leaders to lead with moral values.

8:59: JRE: Beyond a short term foreign policy of convenience - combat global poverty compat HIV, takes young people who are sitting on the fence and Al Queda and jihad and US on the other and if we are a bad country we will drive them in the other direction - but with America as a light we can bring them back to us - we need to be that light again.

8:57 BO - "No ones hands are clean - there is a difference between accepting money and running your campaign by having it be a big part of it... but I don't want to go down that road" huh? I'm confused... what just happened here... Then something about John McCain and security and HRC isn't good on security and meeting with leaders and fear mongering and playing on "their battlefield" and repair our relationships around the world

8:55 JRE - day one: won't have corporate lobbyists working in my white house on day one - will HRC make the same promise. HRC "you take money who are children of lobbyists and spouses of lobbyists" JRE "is that a no - when someone gives you millions of dollars I think they expect something." HRC "and trial lawyers give you millions" JRE "And they expect me to stand up for a jury trial, for democracy, and for the little guy and that's what I do" HRC "Barack has a lot lobbyists leading his campaign and JRE has had people on his campaign who are lobbyists" I don't know if this is true at all actually. VIDEO HERE

8:53: HRC beating them all (beating JRE and BO in national polls... very true.. doesn't win against McCain... looking for poll to link for you.) HRC - they have been after me year after year and I'm still here.

8:52 BO comes back and talks about how he does win against McCain and how he was competitive in areas of NV where dems haven't been in some time (very true). BO talks about his faith and the least of us and how we shouldn't concede the faith based folks.

8:45: JRE: important to know voters aren't just voting in a primary - and we have to think about November - who will tough enough to compete against John McCain in November. JRE will be in SC - and we can't concede these states where we know that we always do well in Chicago and NY, Seattle, are we competitive in the rural areas, the tougher areas. Nothing to do with race and