Alternative (Reality) School

I am stunned that Bibb County Public Schools will bow to the complaints of a few parents and offer an "alternative educational activity" for children whose parents do not want them to watch Obama's historic swearing in and inaugural address on Tuesday. Apparently, these parents argue that this is not "an educational activity." Given the singularly historic nature of the occasion, that ridiculous assertion hardly deserves a response, especially given the history at one of the schools where the complaints emerged, Carter Elementary. Earlier, Carter had a "Polar Express Day" that involved children dressing in pj's and watching the film. That activity generated no newspaper articles or complaints from parents about misuse of "valuable educational time" and no demands for an "alternative educational activity."

There is something wrong with allowing a few parents to require that the school system facilitate children missing what arguably marks the greatest cultural shift of our lifetime. To those who would argue that this is a "political event," I would remind them that Obama is our President now- all of us.

I am left with two questions:

1) Were any of the parents who complained black?

2) If the answer to that question is "no", as I suspect it is, then, the reality of what will happen here on Tuesday is that a few white children, whose parents chose for them, will opt out of history by exiting classrooms before the swearing in is broadcast to the rest. Are we really fine with that?

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Inclusion Can Be Uncomfortable

I'm home nursing a cold and have concluded that daytime television is the chief contributor to both our educational woes and our obesity.

It's inane, and you have to eat to stay awake.

There's been a lot of talk today about Obama's choice of Rev. Rick Warren to do the invocation at the inaugural. Rev. Warren is not my favorite, to put it mildly. He and I disagree on many social issues, and when it comes to abortion and homosexuality, I consider his views downright dangerous because his opinions can be easily skewed to bolster those who would perpetrate hate crimes. While Obama has made it clear that he does not share those views, some on the left have loudly expressed their displeasure with his choice of Warren. And, some on the right are none to happy with Warren for accepting the invitation. I find it interesting that of all of Obama's cabinet picks, including the hawks who populate his national security team, it is this choice that seems to be generating the most heat, from the left. Warren will not be be setting policy in the Obama White House. He will be offering a prayer. Sure, symbolically this is significant, but more significant than the Gates appointment? I don't think so.

Obama has made it clear that he does not agree with Warren on gay rights, abortion, and a host of other issues, but he has also made it abundantly clear that those who disagree with him will have a place in the administration, and, apparently at the inaugural. I think that the inclusion of Warren sends a powerful message that the ideals of the movement that propelled Obama into office are strong enough to stand in the face of disagreement, however vigorous. Next to asking John McCain-or Sarah Palin-to do the invocation, having Warren on the stage at the inception of this administration is as powerful a symbol of coming together as Obama could have provided. It was at the forum at Warren's church that McCain, frankly, cleaned Obama's clock and subsequently took the lead in the polls. It was also in that lion's den that Obama stuck to his guns on gay rights and abortion, despite the displeasure of the crowd, and he proved that a politician an can do that and still win. Handily.

From his choice of Clinton at State to his inclusion of republicans in the cabinet, to this choice to invite Warren's participation at the inaugural, Obama is unafraid and, at his core a brilliant politician. Talk about not blinking. Obama brilliantly neutralizes his political opponents by adding them, in manageable ways, to his team. So, while I sympathize with those who are outraged, I believe that ultimately this kind of political courage will serve Obama well during his presidency.

Besides, it could be worse. It could be James Dobson. And, can you imagine Bush inviting say, Jim Wallis to pray? That's the difference in Bush and Obama.

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That's the Right Answer

Obama calls on Illinois Governor to resign.

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You Do Remember Iowa, Don't You?

For those who think that Martin can't win on Tuesday, I have one question: you do remember Iowa, don't you? Because if you do, then you know that an effective field plan can make a contender a winner on election day. In Iowa, the Obama volunteers focused on an area and used a three door knock then get 'em to the caucus approach. And it worked. Right now, there is literally an ARMY in the field here in Georgia, and the plan is intense, penetrating, organized, high-tech-grassroots. It's the Obama machine. And it's working.


Indeed, everyone is calling for Martin today. Metro women are getting a robo call from Michelle Obama, and I had calls from both Max Cleland and Bill Clinton on my home answering machine. Bill rang me on my cell as well, as I reported earlier. But the most important call?

Sebastian. Sebastian is a graduate of film school who worked a congressional race in Ohio and is now in Georgia for the post election Martin Miracle Party. Sebastian is one of at least four people who have called me in the last week who (1) do not live in Georgia; (2) are volunteers and (3) have through their Obama experience come to believe in that with enough field work, the unlikely really can happen. One of the guys who called me last week worked Wisconsin for Obama. I imagine that he believes that if Obama won Wisconsin, Jim Martin can win Georgia. He just might be right.

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Runoffs, Recounts and Oxendine Running Off at the Mouth

In middle Georgia, Bubber Epps has defeated Allen Freeman in House district 140. The contest was close, just as it was when Freeman initially won the seat by 91 votes in 2004. In Cobb County, Pat Dooley is hanging on to a lead and has defeated Steve Tumlin. In both races, expect the incumbents to ask for recounts and alleged all manner of "voter fraud." Jim Powell, who I am officially pronouncing "the luckiest man in politics" is leading his three-way race but seems destined for a runoff as well. And, Jim Martin, who was given up for dead last night by all but a few, is headed to a runoff in the U.S. Senate race.

And, speaking of running, I got an email from John Oxendine this morning that contains these absolutely uncalled for, out of touch statement about Barack Obama's win:


I congratulate President-elect Obama and hope that he will govern with a humble heart and inclusive manner and respect the Judeo-Christian values which have built America.

You "hope," John? You "hope"? Let me be blunt. John Oxendine has been watching too much Fox News. President-elect Barack Obama, John, does not just respect Judeo-Christian values. He IS a Christian. Nothing to be "concerned" about. Here's the whole enchilada:


From: John Oxendine
Sent: Wed Nov 05 01:05:41 2008
Subject: Statement of John Oxendine on President-elect Obama John Oxendine - Working for Georgia

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kathryn Ballou
4 November, 2008
404-558-4905

Statement by John Oxendine - Candidate for Governor of Georgia 2010 on the election of President-elect Obama:

Tonight, America spoke. While millions of Americans are disappointed, even concerned, we remain a united America. Our country is blessed to be guided by a Constitution which has ensured a peaceful transition of power longer than any other nation in the history of man. Tonight, our nation is at peace and our nation remains the single best hope for mankind. America is in transition. However, America remains strong, free, and united. I congratulate President-elect Obama and hope that he will govern with a humble heart and inclusive manner and respect the Judeo-Christian values which have built America. Like so many conservatives, I am determined to stand as the loyal opposition, to fight for those conservative values that I consider vital to Georgia families. But, that is for another day. Tonight, I wish my friends Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin Godspeed and say thank you for your campaign and I keep President-elect Obama and Vice-President-elect Biden in my prayers.

### John Oxendine
Oxendine Working for Georgia

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Teaming With Lawyers

When I went to Chicago in February, I met some of Obama's top staff and learned more about the campaign, I realized that their are serious brass knuckles in the velvet glove of Obama's calm demeanor and eloquent oratory. The campaign was 21st century Chicago politics, on steroids, gone national. It was a tough, serious, smart campaign that effectively blended technology and grassroots organizing, fueling the amazing fundraising machine the campaign became. They left no knife in the drawer. If Obama wins tonight, and I believe he will, it will be in large part due to his superior campaign organization.

Take for example, Obama's nationwide legal team - teams of mostly volunteer lawyers who are in place in every single state, even reliably red Georgia. Presidential candidates have always had lawyers in the state, but they have often simply been based in Atlanta. Today, these teams are spread out regionally and are not only well trained, they are armed with technology, reflecting the model of the entire campaign. I'm spending election day in Houston County with one of those teams of lawyers, and the talent here is impressive as it is throughout the state. If any lawsuits get filed or voting issues arise, I will let you know as soon as the information becomes public. Right now, it seems that with a few exceptions, things are running fairly smoothly. This may well be a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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A Suessian Tale

H/T to Tina. This is really worth watching:

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DPG Chair Jane Kidd calls on Karen Handel to extend Advance Voting period

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd sent the below letter to Secretary of State Karen Handel, expressing her concerns about problems with the advance voting process. With the long lines we have seen here in Bibb County and across the State, Karen Handel should do the right thing and work to extend voting hours so that all Georgians have the opportunity to vote.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 28, 2008

The Honorable Karen C. Handel
Secretary of State
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Secretary Handel:

I am writing to share my concerns about the early voting process with you. I am sure that you've seen the widespread reports about long lines, six to eight hour wait times, and other major problems at the polls yesterday. As you can imagine, these shortcomings raise serious concerns for the Democratic Party, as I am sure they will for Republicans, Libertarians, and independent voters as well.

We have known for months, since before Georgia's record-setting Presidential primary in February, that turnout would be extremely high. We have known that both the Democratic and Republican parties, their candidates, and even your office itself are encouraging voters to avail themselves of advance and early voting. And, we have known since advance voting began that large numbers of voters are doing just that. I am just mystified that your elections division is seemingly so unprepared for the wave of voters we all knew was coming.

Since the voting process began, our office has received numerous reports indicating that a major source of the problem is that, in many precincts, only two computers are allotted for checking in voters and verifying their identification and eligibility. Beyond the widely-reported problems yesterday with your statewide database, we believe that the number of check-in computers is inadequate. There is simply no reason for voters to wait in line, often outside a polling place with no place for seniors or disabled persons to sit and rest, because the Elections Division failed to provide the necessary resources for a turnout that has been predicted by both the Republican and Democratic Parties, the media, outside groups, and your office itself, to be extremely heavy.

I would also like to commend those county Boards of Elections which showed leadership and initiative by moving to keep early and advance voting locations open later, and opening additional voting locations. But their leadership and initiative is not enough.

No one wants to see Georgia's failed processes become a national news story. But today, it is clear that we are in a crisis, and it is unclear even if there is enough time for the remaining four million-plus Georgia voters to cast their votes in an efficient and timely manner. With that in mind, and on behalf of the Democratic Party of Georgia, I urge you to contact the Department of Justice immediately and request clearance to keep the polls open longer during the week and over the weekend, as well as on Monday, November 3.

In closing, I am certain that you understand that the right to vote is not a partisan issue. Long lines at polling locations affect all voters, regardless of their party. I hope you will act immediately and on behalf of all of Georgia's voters to ease the strain at the polls.

With kindest regards,

Jane V. Kidd
Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia

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Coming Full Circle

In the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, John Kennedy was elected President in 1960. When Kennedy took office, the Governor of Georgia was Ernest Vandier, father of current Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, Jane Kidd. The Lt. Governor was Garland Byrd, the father of Democratic Party of Georgia Parliamentarian, Chuck Byrd. Now both Jane Kidd and Chuck Byrd are outspoken supporters of Barack Obama whose candidacy would not have been possible except for that fight for equality and suffrage for all Americans. And, on election day - and all days between now and then - both Jane and Chuck will be fighting to protect that hard-won right for every Georgian to cast a ballot and to have their vote counted.

Last night, Chuck Byrd addressed the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce as a surrogate for Barack Obama- not exactly friendly Democratic territory. His remarks below are well worth the read:


Remarks of Chuck Byrd
Obama Surrogate
Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce
October 23, 2008


Yesterday in Richmond, Virginia Barack Obama held two events -- one a campaign rally – the other a meeting with his advisors on national security and foreign policy. After that meeting these advisors stood with Barack Obama before the American public and the world.Standing with Barack Obama was a great American - a great Georgian – a son of middle Georgia – a son of Houston county. Standing by Barack Obama was Sam Nunn.

Sam Nunn said when endorsing Sen. Obama that he “will have the sound judgment to put together an outstanding governing team, bringing people across old boundaries.” Sen. Obama doesn’t just show sound judgment in taking counsel from Sam Nunn – he shows great and wise judgment. Sen. Obama continues to cross old boundaries. Colin Powell, a Republican Secretary of State, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a war hero, when endorsing Barack Obama said that Sen. Obama was “a transformational figure.” He went on to say that Sen. Obama “is a new generation coming into the world, onto the world stage.”


Sam Nunn and Colin Powell know both candidates for President. They have known Sen. McCain for many, many years. Their respective judgments in this race speak volumes ---- most importantly they speak for and too our children and grandchildren.


I both respect and admire Sen. McCain. While I may disagree with him on many issues I never question his love of country and his patriotism. – my respect for Sen. McCain grew even more when he publicly stated that he has never questioned or doubted Barack Obama’s love of country and his patriotism.

We live in perilous times – two wars – economic bad times we have not seen since the great depression – hardworking people in this state and all over the country losing their jobs – losing their pensions – our international standing is in tatters. The way we respond to these challenges will forever set the direction of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Listen to the words of Barack Obama spoken yesterday at the campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia:

With the challenges and crises we face right now, we cannot afford to divide this country by race or class or region; by who we are or what policies we support. There are no real or fake parts of this country. We are not separated by the pro-America and anti-America parts of this nation - we all love this country, no matter where we live or where we come from.

I ask you ----- how will the United States of America respond to these great challenges?

We need change. We need change.

As Sam Nunn said Barack Obama will cross old boundaries.

As Colin Powell said Barack Obama is a transformational figure.

As Barack Obama crosses these old boundaries he will forever change this country in a positive way for our children and grandchildren.

I thank the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce for bringing us together. Five minutes is not enough time to address all of the issues but it is a good start -- now is the time for us to come together not only to discuss our differences but also too reason together. It is biblical. We only have twelve days until election day -- now more than ever --- we need positive discussions – we – and certainly our children and grandchildren – should not be exposed to scurrilous e-mails and campaign flyers. Certainly we have passed those old boundaries of lies and hate.

Join with us on this Campaign for Change. Vote for Barack Obama.

Let everyone within the sound of my voice understand that on the night of November the fourth when we elect a new President that the enemies of freedom will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are not divided as a country and that we are the United States of America.

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Georgia Sheriff's Race Goes National

Making the case that even Republicans in red states are grabbing for Obama's coattails, this San Francisco Chronicle piece by Chip Johnson references our sheriff's race right here in the heart of Georgia, my sister's dinner party in North Carolina and your's truly. Here's a bit:

While some angry voters have chanted Obama's middle name, "Hussein," as an insult at Republican rallies, local candidates on the Nov. 4 ballot are using his well-known name on their campaign signs, mailers and Web sites to improve their chances of winning.The tactic has been seen in races from the Bay Area, which is serious Obama country, to Georgia, where a law-and-order Republican for sheriff in the liberal enclave of Macon is using the name as a political prop.

Macon, where we have more churches than restaurants, "liberal enclave." Ha! Tongue-in-cheek, I'm sure.

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And We Reap the Whirlwind

This election cannot come fast enough. Last week, I wrote that the McCain campaign, along with supporters, were, to borrow a phrase from the Old Testament, "sowing the wind." With every day that passes, I fear more and more that we will all reap the whirlwind. I am worried about violence as election day approaches, and worried that an Obama victory will leave many people believing that a socialist-terrorist-anti-American who they should fear occupies the White House. All courtesy of John McCain and the RNC.

On Thursday night, on Letterman, McCain awkwardly interjected that regarding the financial crisis, the American people had been victims of "a drive by shooting" by Washington and Wall Street. Just a random statement, of course.

Last night, I listened in absolute shock as Rep. Michelle Bachman, a United States Congresswomen, questioned whether or not Sen. Barack Obama was "anti-American." Really?

I listened to network after network replay the vile robocall to swing state voters, warning them, essentially, that Obama and his terrorist friends plotted to kill Americans. Despicable. All paid for by McCain and the RNC-the same McCain who for a minute last week seemed to be tamping down the incendiary speech that has marked and marred his campaign in recent weeks. No more.

Yesterday, Republican women distributed fake food stamps with Obama's picture. And, today, McCain called Obama a "socialist."

And, tonight, this, a racist flyer, threatening Obama's life , distributed in mailboxes of an Atlanta subdivision. No idea who did this. Whether it is the KKK as the piece claims, or a group or individual seeking to influence the election. The Secret Service is investigating-and no matter who did it, they should go to jail.

I no longer believe that John McCain is a victim of this strategy, simply unable to lead. With his words today, it is clear, John McCain has sold his soul.

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GOP Candidate in Georgia Invokes Obama's Name

When a Republican candidate in the middle of Red Georgia invokes Obama's name in his ads, you know that the Obama Tsunami will likely not leave the South untouched. In a half page, full color ad in Sunday's Telegraph (not cheap beans), Scotty Shepherd (R), who is running for Sheriff of Bibb County against incumbent Jerry Modena (D), had a photo and endorsement from Bill Lucas (Modena's Democratic Primary challenger) that said, in part:

"I am voting for Senator Obama, the Democratic candidate for President in this election. I would like you to vote for my friend, Scotty Shepherd, the Republican candidate for Sheriff of Bibb County."

Could Shepherd (R) now be required to file with the FEC since his paid advertisement included an endorsement for Sen. Obama? Perhaps. It matters not that the endorsement is attributed to Lucas. The issue is who paid for the ad. I understand that Lucas has done robo-calls for Shepherd, and I don't know if he invokes Obama's name in the calls, if so...even more money has been spent.

Back to the point. While this strategy is interesting, I doubt it will work. Voters are choosing between Modena and Shepherd, not Modena and Obama. The last Georgia candidate I recall using Obama's name in an ad without permission was Vernon Jones. That strategy did not go well for Jones, and I suspect Shepherd will get a similar result. Let me make a prediction: Modena will defeat Scotty Shepherd by at least as wide a margin as he did in 2004, back when Scotty claimed to be a Democrat. In that race, Modena got more than 70% of the vote. This one is SO over.

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Dow Soars Nearly 1000 Points

I don't know about you, but I'm going with:

Obama Gives Speech on the Economy; Dow Makes Record Gain

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Pennsylvania Pundit

I sometimes forget that one of our own Georgia Peaches in Macon really has her roots in Philly. Wendy Sullivan Boston sent me the following email which I think sums up the McCain/Palin chances in Pennsylvania.


Two things I know about Philly: #1 we love our Flyers. #2: we are a superstitious lot (makes sense when you figure we are a bunch of Irish and Italian working class union people).......So what does the Flyers owner (a big repub donor) do? Has Palin the Hockey Mom drop the puck on opening night against the Rangers (apparently to resounding boo's).....and then the Flyers go on to get annihilated. Any Pennsylvanians who were undecided and many who were planning to vote for Palin have now changed their minds, mark my words!!
Wendy Sullivan Boston

Wendy, I hope these prove to be sage words. Just in case, I'm throwing a little salt over my shoulder and making sure I don't break any mirrors, walk under any ladders or let any black cats cross my path!

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They Have Sown the Wind

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk; the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. Hosea 8:7 (KJV)

A stuffed monkey doll with an Obama sticker on the forehead-CBS News reports that's what one McCain supporter felt at liberty to show off at a rally this morning in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where Sarah Palin was speaking. Initially, other supporters grinned as he showed off the monkey, but when the man realized a video camera was trained on him, he quickly ripped the sticker from the toy and gave the monkey to a random child in the crowd. This offensive display happened the day after John McCain finally either found his soul or checked his polls and began to try to calm the crowds that have become decidedly more like lynch mobs since Sarah Palin began repeatedly accusing Obama of "palling around with terrorists" and pressing the message: "We don't know who Obama really is, but what we do know is that he's not like us." It's easier to hate someone you believe is not like you. It's easier to fear someone you believe is not like you. The belief that the someone or something is not like us, is dangerous, and should be feared facilitates objectification that frees a mob, fueled by anger and fear, to act. This week, all of three messages-(1) he is not like us; (2) he is dangerous, and (3) he should be feared-have been front and center in the messages of Palin, McCain and their surrogates even as the crowds became more and more agitated. Ultimately, John McCain took a microphone from a women who was convinced Obama was "Arab" and was forced to defend his opponent to the very unhappy crowd.

Palin and McCain did not have to create this anger, these misconceptions about Obama. Palin simply planted her Naughty Monkey Double Dare pumps on the fire ant bed that has been growing on the Internet for over a year. And, despite what has happened, and McCain's desire to now reign in the hatred, today, Palin went after Obama on abortion, yet another emotional issue that has a history of inspiring violence. And, she went further than just saying he favored choice (he does), further even than saying he is pro-abortion (he is not). Palin cobbled together words and votes taken out of context and made the case that Barack Obama sees babies as a "punishment" and favors withholding medical care from babies, even special needs babies, born alive. The message? Obama hates babies. And that's not like us.

I do not believe that either John McCain or Sarah Palin want harm to come to Barack Obama. Palin, for her part, is reading what McCain's folks put in front of her. But if he is shocked, either by the reaction of the crowds or the response of civil right heroes like Congressman John Lewis, then it is, again, McCain's judgement that is in question.

There is a profound disconnect between the person I believe John McCain to be-a good and honest man who is a true American hero-and the campaign he fails to control. Every day ads run that advance the theme that Obama is not like us, every day campaign surrogates invoke Obama's middle name as if it is a slur, and every day the talking heads are unleashed to say what the candidate dare not, that dangerous disconnect continues and McCain's own legacy is threatened. This is no doubt a perilous moment in history. We are at war, and just as those buildings collapsed on 9/11, we are watching as our economy struggles to stand. One of these two men will be President in January, and the first task, for whoever is elected, will be to become a President for all of us, especially those who did not vote for them. For either McCain or Obama to spend the next three weeks trying to convince the electorate that the other is dangerous, cannot be trusted and is not like us does not serve that mission or this nation well.

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"That One"

Did John McCain REALLY just refer to Barack Obama as "that one" during the debate? Really?

Holy cow.

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McCain's "Emergency"

I get email. Today the one from the McCain campaign dropped into my Blackberry with only one word of the subject line visible; "Emergency." While that pretty much summarizes the desperate posture of his campaign right now, I thought, incorrectly, that the email might be about the financial precipice where our nation struggles to find a foothold, but I should've know better. The sinking economy is last thing John McCain wants to discuss. The email, about the RNC's "emergency" voter registration drive, is just the latest example of the too little, too late politics of yesterday that have become the hallmark of the McCain team. In key swing states like North Carolina (who'd have thought it?!), Deus Lo Vult says:

Democrats have added 184,113 new voters, while the Republicans have only brought in a new 24,614 voters. Right now, after checking the N.C. State Board of Elections website, the current registration levels sit at 2,698,293 for the Democrats, 1,945,086 for the Republicans, for a difference of 753,207.

Here in Georgia alone, since 2004 nearly 577K new voters have registered and as many as 300K registrations are currently in the pipeline. And, polling indicates that those new voters overwhelmingly favor Barack Obama and Jim Martin. Some polls show Martin leading Chambliss by as much as 25 points among those newly registered voters.

The bottom line? Our senate race in Georgia is up for grabs. Expect Chambliss to now begin to employee the same desperate politics of personal destruction that McCain has telegraphed will be his October strategy (or is that a tactic?). Jim Martin needs money, he needs volunteers and he needs your support. And, Obama? The race is his to lose, but lose it he can. Time for all hands on deck!

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Obama Uses Palin Footage In New Ad

Good ad:

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We Need the Smart Dude

H/T RH: This pretty well sums up our choice:

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Uhm, Did McCain Just Say That?

We don't normally tolerate this kind of language around here, but did McCain say what I think he said? Horses**t? Really?

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