Come Again? Obama Likens Himself to Whom?

I've been a supporter of Barack Obama's presidential aspirations since he was in kindergarten. Or, more like since he announced. You've read my posts generally praising him. Before this blog, I defended against chargers of anti-gay rights. (No one has explained to my satisfaction how having Donnie McClurkin perform one night of a three-night concert series amounts to pandering to African American homophobia. Though, you can take a crack at if you wish. I guess I agree with the Reverend Lane Hudson that Obama should make his stance for equality for everyone regardless of race, sex, religion, creed, or sexual orientation, but I don't believe a vote of Obama is a vote against gay-rights.)

I've never been a Ronald Reagan fan. And you should at least be aware of my post on the issue of Republican candidates touting him as an icon.

So, for Obama to compare himself to Ronald Reagan . . .

Okay, so, he's only comparing the aspects of change. He credits Ronald Reagan for changing the trajectory of the country. And, well, that's true. The country was head fairly left. We were about to ensure equality for all citizens, except for maybe LGBT, though, I'm sure we would've gotten there sooner had he not been president; and, Reagan took us to the right. Many citizens still have whiplash, I'm sure. So, Obama's telling the truth. But, I'm with John Edwards on this one. Saturday, when he's restating his commitment to equality for all, he should also clarify the whole Reagan comparison. And then, hopefully, he'll stop making it.

Again Why We Need to Elect a Progressive President

You have got to read this indictment of the partisan Supreme Court.

Tonight's Debate

First off, kudos to all three. I'm not "live blogging" as much as I wanna get my thought down now, and I don't think I'm going to stay up for the whole debate.

Clinton and Obama, as earlier posted, and Edwards, who did get involved, all set aside the arguments over LBJ and MLK's and racial insensitivity.

Hillary Clinton pointed out the America's economic crises, like the profound troubles with the mortgage industry, is falling disproportionately on people of color. She pointed out that generally, people of color are the most vulnerable in America's current economy. I'll add that that statistic holds regardless of one's income bracket. Her pointing that out renewed my faith in her commitment to equality. Now, the whole caucus lawsuit issue is giving me pause. But, that's about her winning the nomination, and not about race per se. Though, it does seem like people of color will be hurt the most by the lawsuit Clinton's supporting. But, I want ponder that one now.

Back to the debate. Every candidate could ask one of the other two one question, and one only. Obama kinda wasted his clearing up a difference without a distinction Edwards brought up concerning the Occupation of Iraq (sorry for any soldier, including members of my own family, caught up in it, but that's what it is).

While I'm disappointed in Clinton's "distinctions" between herself and Obama and Edwards, I think this is a great debate for the country and the Democratic party. I do wonder if Kucinich's presence would've made it better; or, if the moderators would've paid him back for the lawsuit. But, overall, I feel good about the debate.

Breaking News: Dennis Kucinich Not Allowed to Debate!

According to NBC (I'm currently watching Keith Olbermann), the Nevada Supreme Court found in favor of NBC. The debate will only have Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton. Dennis Kucinich will not be a participant. Read more here.

MLK's Birthday

I think this is important to share, especially for the next week. There's a lawsuit arising from the Nevada caucuses that look none too just or "equal." Alternet.org has an article about it. I first heard about it on Hardball with Chris Matthews and the video is below. Sad on MLK's birthday.

In other news, the Clinton and Obama campaigns have called a truce, which is good. And I disagree with Rep. Charles Rangel on the recent issue of race in the campaign. Though, I love his tax reform package! (Update: Rep. Rangel has apologized for his comments about Barack Obama. As soon as I can find more information, I'll post it.)