THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 - 1:34:00 PM
Filed Under: Race for President

What a lapel pin says about Obama...

Take a look at Obama's left lapel in this photo from a recent swing-state campaign stop:



Yes, that's an American flag lapel pin.

No, there are not 57 stars on the flag.

Earlier in this race, Obama very forcefully came out against wearing flag lapel pins, saying they've become a proxy, a stand-in for true patriotism, as comprised by having the courage to dissent when necessary. And good for Obama. He's certainly right that affixing a small flag to one's lapel is a barometer of nothing, save for ones predilections towards what we could call "pieces of flare".

What's disappointing is Obama's caving on a principled stand. Is Obama's choice to wear this pin significant? No, not really. But it does stand as a proxy for a discussion of Obama as a political animal. Remember his indignation over Rev. Wright's accusation that Obama was making certain decisions regarding Wright because he was a politician? The implication there is that Obama doesn't act on principle, that he doesn't transcend politics, as his supporters are wont to claim.

What does it say about Barack Obama that he caves to the political pressure to wear that lapel pin after once coming out so forcefully against it?

Share your opinion! Vote in our Reader Poll to your right and let us know if you think Obama's lapel pin says anything about him.

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 - 11:14:00 AM
Filed Under: Race for President

Sweetie not sexist, but it is disrespectful

Check this out:



Is Obama's "sweetie" nickname sexist? WXYZ reporter Peggy Agar - better known to you as "sweetie" - stopped by WLS' Don Wade & Roma Morning Show today:
Whether Obama's comment was sexist is secondary here. It was disrespectful inasmuch as it was directed at an inquisitive reporter looking for the answer to a substantive question. Obama has spent much time opining on the numerous "distractions" - read: Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, essentially anything about with Obama doesn't wish to discuss - from the issues facing voters. Doesn't exactly how he plans to help those Michigan autoworkers constitute a serious issue facing the voters of Michigan.

After all, the last time Michigan went for a Republican in the General Election was 1988. Current polls show the state to be a tossup between Obama and McCain. Surely Obama's plans to help out-of-work autoworkers in Michigan is substantive, is it not?

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
Filed Under: The Hot Sheet

The Hot Sheet - May 15, 2008

Race for President:
Ex-Rival Edwards Throws His Support to Obama - New York Times

John Edwards finally makes his choice: Barack Obama - Los Angeles Times

Edwards Throws Support to Obama - Washington Post

In Michigan, Edwards endorses Obama - Politico

Edwards endorsement a bridge to blue-collar voters - Chicago Tribune

Does Edwards Matter? - Newsweek

Edwards's Endorsement of Obama Starts Clock on `Al Gore Watch' - Bloomberg


Obama's learning rules of the game - Politico

Obama Apologizes for Calling Michigan TV Reporter 'Sweetie' - Fox News

Obama tours not-so-friendly turf - Politico

Obama ads in Kentucky stress that he's a Christian - Lexington Herald-Leader

Obama's Flag Pin Flip-Flop? - TIME Magazine

Obama May Be Targeted by Republican Charges He's Soft on Crime - Bloomberg

Obama Takes Issue With Bush Foreign Policy Speech - ABC

Sean Penn warns Barack Obama at Cannes Film Festival opening - UK Telegraph

"Curious George" Obama Shirt Causes Uproar - CBS

Clinton's 11th-hour push - The Hill

Clinton Considers Taking Race Into 'Overtime' - Fox News

Clinton Dismisses Race Factor in West Virginia Primary - ABC

Party's Rules Committee Has a Crucial Role in Clinton's Hopes - New York Times

Clinton Superdelegate Reveals He Voted for Obama - CQ Politics


Democratic Hold on Jewish Vote Could Slip - Wall Street Journal


McCain outlines vision of Iraq victory, reduced partisanship - Associated Press

McCain sees Iraq combat over, U.S. troops home before 2013 - Los Angeles Times

McCain urges UK-style sessions for U.S. president - Reuters

McCain Urges Sudan Divestment -- After Wife Dumps Her Holdings - ABC

McCain Consultant Is Tied To Work for Ukraine Party - Wall Street Journal

McCain Aide Trains His Sights on Obama - Wall Street Journal

Shaken Republicans look to McCain as savior - American Free Press

GOP to rally around McCain - Washington Times

How Healthy Is John McCain? - TIME Magazine


Republicans in Crisis?
Six ways the GOP can save itself - Politico

GOP cancer: Party could lose 20 more seats - Politico

Republican Election Losses Stir Fall Fears - New York Times

House GOP points fingers after loss - Politico

House GOP unveils 'change' agenda for fall - CNN

GOP can't rely on money advantage now - Politico

After String of Losses, Republicans Face Crisis - Washington Post

Republicans fear public has lost confidence - USA Today


Illinois Politics:
1st openly gay member of Illinois legislature - Chicago Tribune

Birkett says son's arrest unwarranted - Naperville Sun


Rezko Watch:
Prosecutors want Rezko jury to weigh who he talked to -- and how often - Chicago Sun-Times


Cook County Politics:
Three juvenile detention staffers fired for child abuse - Chicago Tribune


Chicago Politics:
Daley offers pre-game pitch for Children's Museum - Chicago Tribune

Both sides predict Plan Commission will endorse Children's Museum move - Chicago Tribune

Daley special: foie gras back on menu - Chicago Tribune

Park board to pay $2 million for Lincoln Park soccer field - Chicago Tribune

Chicago aldermen hold off on resolution opposing Iran invasion - Chicago Tribune

Media consultant claims Ald. Howard Brookins owes him $71,000 for campaign work - Chicago Tribune


Elsewhere:
All Mail-In Vote Begins in Oregon Democratic Primary - Fox News

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2008 - 5:30:00 PM
Filed Under: Race for President

John Edwards finally makes it to the party

Former North Carolina Senator and former Vice Presidential candidate John Edwards has opted to endorse Barack Obama:

Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama tonight at a campaign event in Grand Rapids.

The endorsement comes more than three months after Edwards dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination, asking the two remaining candidates to make poverty a central issue of the general election.

As the race between Obama and rival Hillary Clinton has dragged on, Edwards in recent days had said publicly that he wasn't sure if he'd endorse or that it would matter if he did.

The more imperative question is what exactly does Edwards bring to Obama?

It will deliver Obama another 18 pledged delegates that Edwards was able to earn in Iowa.

Drudge is currently wondering if today's endorsement is a foreshadowing of the November ticket, Obama Edwards '08. There's little evidence to suggest that Edwards brought very much to the Kerry campaign in 2008. Edwards was unable to twang his way to delivering his home state of North Carolina for Kerry in 2004. And according to former DNC head Terry McAullife, Kerry wasn't so keen on Edwards.

Fact of the matter, this endorsement is neither surprising nor does it perform any real function, e.g. helping to push Clinton out. It still doesn't look like she's going anywhere.