If the Obama campaign had been run on the issues, on differences of position instead of this fantasy of "a new kind of politics", "change you can believe in" "I'm not the OLD (ageism) politics", we would likely not be having this horrible rift between democrats.

Well, we have a difference of opinion on this. And I think there is a lot of attacking the messenger rather than the message.

It's obvious to me that one of the biggest problems (aka issue) with our politics today is the process. And all of those who keep viewing politics soley through the lens of racism and sexism they developed in the 50, 60, & 70 need to re-evalulate. Instead, a lot of seem to be adding ageism to the list of slights that they endure.

And the current type of hyper-partisian trench warfare in the house and senate arose out of the '90s. I think looking for a modicum of civility before demonizing your opponent is actually a return to an older form of politics, at least in the Senate.

Just as many Obama supporters think Hillary is devisive. So to blame one side is probably futile. No consensus on the facts and how they matter is likely to emerge anytime soon.

You are really being dishonest. Obama is only ahead in the popular vote if you exclude Florida nd Michigan

Since FL & MI were not free and fair elections and everybody at the time thought were only a beauty contest, I don't see how you can honestly include them now. Let FL & MI vote for real and then we can talk.

Here's a breakdown of the popular vote for anybody who's interested, including NV, ME, WA, MI and FL:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html

I'm afraid much of it is sound and fury. But I am rather curious what we will think of all this 4 weeks from now.

Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world. And I agree that it can be really laid back, especially for tourists. But if you are basing your analysis of Obama based upon the reports from one of your friends, I might suggest the google. Did you friend get called a Haole while he was over there?

Assault case highlights racial tension: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Feb/28/op/FP702280362.html

Create a sovereign government based on race: http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?27ecda0b-c00d-44b1-a700-def10cae78f8

When I read about Obama's struggle with his racial identity in Hawaii, of all places, I knew something wasn't quite right. We have a friend whose son (Irish) lives in Hawaii and Inasked him about racial tension. He had visited the island to see his son and told me that it is one of the most relaxed places in the world.

You're assuming 1) they're really not REpublicans 2) that it's not the same person signing on with multiple sigs (at least "three" of them are, I'm sure) [...]

I find this pretty over the top. I'd like to know your fave five (or fave three) as the case may be.

And some of my best friends know Republicans, so I'm puzzled as to this point. I don't think any of the recent posters are in drag, not even Cynthera45 (WES is always in drag, though)

How'd Donna Brazile wash up on the beach of all sudden? I thought she was doing a pretty good job of trying to stay out of it (more or less). Did she go out and say the wrong thing?

[...] and Rezko's significantly larger than previously reported role in Obama's campaign finance history.

Having read through the entire Tribune article (link below) where Obama details his relationship with Rezko, I think that there is even less to Rezko than I thought before. Judge for yourself:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-obamafullwebmar16,1,6766557.story

And the man himself:

www.callclareity.com/nar2004/simmons.jpg

Freedom of religion is freedom of religion. If they start going after Obama's religion they will only open up their own vulnerabilities

I think the subtext here is we aren't talking about religion, we're talking about the angry black man. And we seem curiously oblivious to the shit done in our name.

I wish the IRS would investigate evangelicals to deny tax exempt status for talking politics from the pulpit.

Well, I always thought the fact that that IRS as arbiter for Jesus to be ironic. I'm pretty sure one of Huckabee's preacher endorsers is getting investigated. There's definitely a line where we don't want the government in church business. And we need to keep the church out of govenment business. Speaking of weird connections, David Kuo (did 'faith based' initiative stuff for Bush 41 Admin) is coming out and defending Rev Wright. From the realpolitik perspective, I have no idea if this is a plus or minus for the Obama campaign, but it does show that maybe there is more nuance to the story.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/jwalking/

And yes, who can forget Richard? Things are getting a little too serious in here!