90 Ground Hog Days

Today, May 19, 2008 is a good day to look back at how little has changed in the last 90 days.   90 days ago today February 19, 2008 the race for the democratic nomination ended.  The race was finalized with a 60 to 40 delegate win by Barack Obama in Wisconsin.  Everything that has transpired since that day when Sen. Obama expanded his pledged delegate lead to 171 (1216 vs. 1045) has been an exercise in feeding the media monster while placating Sen. Clinton and her supporters.   *90 days later, the lead has changed by 4 pledged delegates*.  Sen. Obama leads (1610 to 1443) a difference of 167 delegates.    No matter how many nights of manufactured drama we enjoyed, the only question after March 19th was how big a margin and how would it end.      I'm not sure how much the two campaigns have spend in the last 90 days but feel it's safe to say those 4  delegates are the most expensive in history,  I'm guessing about
$ 45,000,000 each.    

What a complete waste of resources unless you consider what else has happened in the last 90 days.  

90 days exposed some who had been given the benefit of the doubt (George Stephanopoulos), unworthy of that benefit.

90 days as a GOTV and preparation for a "50 State Strategy" will likely pay dividends in the fall.  

90 days have allowed Sen. Obama a chance to introduce himself to voters in Texas, Ohio, Wyoming, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia(almost), Kentucky (almost) and Oregon in a way he would not have otherwise.  

90 days to expose the absolute terror a changing America brings for those would divide us. (Patrick J. Buchanan)

90 days have had Sen. Clinton adopt John Edwards's populist position.  Forcing the conversation and moving Sen. Obama from all war (I didn't vote for the war) all the time message to a more balanced approach to the campaign.  

90 days to expose those who would do or say anything to remain within the close orbit of power.  (Robert L. Johnson, BET)  

90 days have shown the danger of gender used as a weapon, swung in a wild arc to injure all those who would oppose.

90 days reintroduced the country to smart, charismatic and passionate woman who we all remembered as a sometimes quiet, awkward little girl.  (Chelsea Clinton)

90 days have opened dialog with my 65 year old mother about the direction of our country and what this means to her.  

90 days have given an old man for West Virginia a chance to bring an era to an end with honor and erase the sins of his past (Sen. Robert Byrd).  

90 days of my 4 black boys seeing nothing is impossible.

90 days well spent if you ask me.  

also posted as kos (engaged voter)

Link to delegate time line http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/interactives/campaign08/delegates/

Display:


Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 3)

Rec'd.  I still think the extended campaign has reaped net benefits for the party, as much as things seem to be bad right now.


John McCain: Extending SCHIP would be an "unfunded liability."
by Fuzzy Dunlop on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:18:59 PM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 3)

Beautiful.

Well done, and rec'd.


by Reaper0Bot0 on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:22:16 PM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 3)

Great diary.You made great points. I especially liked the "akward little girl" reference. I have become a big Chelsea Clinton fan during this primary. I had the opportunity to meet her in Puerto Rico and she is so humble and down to earth. I think she will serve this country well when the time is right. I hope I can get to vote for her someday!


Mooseburgers? Careful Sarah. Moose bite back!
by spacemanspiff on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:23:31 PM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 2)

Yea, even though I supported Obama, I could not watch Chelsea and admire her.  Though I have no right of parenting, she actually made me proud.  


"The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not by arguing about it or spending time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it" -DL Moody
by nextgen on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:38:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 3)

Awesome diary. Phantom rec and mojo.


Serious question- Is This Snark?
by ragekage on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:24:44 PM EST

Applied both for real nt. (2.00 / 2)


Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!
by Student Guy on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:31:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 2)

Rec'd
let's all sing along..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yuc4BI5N WU
"harlequin speech of suicide, demanding instantaneous lobotomy"
by nogo postal on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:33:51 PM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 2)

Thanks to you all.  I have been tracking the change in delegates for awhile amazed at how nothing had really changed since WI.   Again, much appreciated!


"The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not by arguing about it or spending time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it" -DL Moody
by nextgen on Mon May 19, 2008 at 11:34:44 PM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (2.00 / 1)

Great diary Nextgen.  Rec'd.


I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt
by fogiv on Tue May 20, 2008 at 12:55:14 AM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (none / 0)

Interesting presentation of a current Obama campaign talking point. Ironic how when some Democrats were screaming to push Clinton out of the race, you list a few, albeit highly biased, list of benefits of the race continuing. The phrase "placating Sen. Clinton and her supporters" is an incredibly dismissive way to talk about other Democrats and their supporters, as well as characterize the time during which all these things that redeemed an otherwise complete waste of money.

Calling a primary process over based on pledged delegate counts when no candidate has reached the required number is objectionable, especially to those who have not yet voted. It just reinforces the belief of state parties that if you don't push to have your primary or caucus in January, your state's voters are just being exercised. Important down ballot choices exist in most primary states.

The money per delegate calculation? Think of it as the Democratic Party spending money on registering voters, creating an exciting race, and letting people watch an orderly process take place. Whichever Democratic candidate is ultimately decided upon by the combined votes of pledged delegates (of which neither candidate has the required number) and superdelegates will not only be prepared for the general election, but a better candidate with a stronger network already set up.

Sounds like Robert Johnson, one of the wealthy African-Americans that contributes heavily to Democratic causes and candidates, won't be welcome in your Democratic Party. Exactly who will be? We haven't had enough debate about this. Thanks for your patronizing post.


John McCain is a liar. Erratic, poor judgment.
by Jeter on Tue May 20, 2008 at 04:02:53 AM EST

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (none / 0)

No, we all make mistakes.

The point was the lengths Mr. Johnson was willing to go to retain his influence.  I decided to choose him  intentionally above other Clinton supporters because he benefited so much personally and financially from the first Clinton administration.

Example, Geraldine Ferraro, her support was different not about power.  She would have been an easy target but if you disagree with her or not, it was not about power, influence and access for her.  


"The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not by arguing about it or spending time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it" -DL Moody
by nextgen on Tue May 20, 2008 at 07:29:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: 90 Ground Hog Days (none / 0)


John McCain is a liar. Erratic, poor judgment.
by Jeter on Tue May 20, 2008 at 04:04:27 AM EST


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