Barack Obama's Speech in Kansas City Oct. 19 2008

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
Kansas City, Missouri
Saturday, October 18, 2008
As Prepared for Delivery
We meet at a moment of great uncertainty for America. The economic crisis we face is the worst since the Great Depression. As the stock market has plummeted, millions of Americans have opened up their 401(k) statements to see that so much of their hard-earned savings have disappeared.The credit crisis has left businesses large and small unable to get loans, which means they can't buy new equipment, or hire new workers, or even make payroll for the workers they have. In households across the country, it's getting harder and harder to get a loan for that new car or that startup-business or that college you've dreamed of attending. Wages are lower than they've been in nearly a decade. You're paying more for everything from gas to groceries, but your paychecks have flat-lined.

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I know these are difficult times. I know folks are worried. But I believe that we can steer ourselves out of this crisis because I believe in this country. Because this is the United States of America. This is a nation that has faced down war and depression; great challenges and great threats. The American story has never been about things coming easy – it's been about rising to the moment when the moment is hard.America can meet this moment. We have the most talented, most productive workers of any country on Earth. We're home to innovation and technology, colleges and universities that are the envy of the world. Some of the biggest ideas in history have come from our small businesses and research facilities. It won't be easy, but there's no reason we can't make this century another American century.But Missouri, I also know this. It will take a new direction. It will take new leadership in Washington. It will take a real change in the policies and politics of the last eight years. And that's why I'm running for President of the United States of America.Even as we face the most serious economic crisis of our time; even as you are worried about keeping your jobs or paying your bills or staying in your homes, my opponent's campaign announced earlier this month that they want to "turn the page" on the discussion about our economy so they can spend the final weeks of this election attacking me instead. Senator McCain's campaign actually said, and I quote, "if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose."Well, Missouri, here's what my opponent doesn't seem to understand. With the economy in turmoil and the American Dream at risk, the American people don't want to hear politicians attack each other – you want to hear about how we're going to attack the challenges facing middle class families each and every day. You want to hear about the issues that matter in your lives. You want to hear about how we're going to bring about the change that we desperately need for our country. That's what the American people want to hear.So let's talk about the issues that matter. In the debate this week, my opponent felt the need to inform me that he's not President Bush. And in fairness, I don't blame Senator McCain for all of President Bush's mistakes. After all, he's only voted with George Bush 90 percent of the time.But it is fair to say that over the course of three debates and twenty months, Senator McCain still hasn't offered a single thing that he would do differently from George W. Bush when it comes to the most important economic issues we face today. Not one.Just look at taxes. My opponent's been talking a lot about taxes in his campaign. But here's the truth Missouri – we are both offering tax cuts. The difference is who we're cutting taxes for.It comes down to values – in America, do we simply value wealth, or do we value the work that creates it? For eight years, we've seen what happens when we put the extremely wealthy and well-connected ahead of working people. Now, John McCain thinks that the way to rebuild this economy is to double down on George Bush's policy of giving more and more tax breaks to those at the very top in the false hope that it will all trickle down. I think it's time to rebuild the middle class in this country, and that is the choice in this election.Senator McCain wants to give the average Fortune 500 CEO a $700,000 tax cut but absolutely nothing at all to over 100 million Americans. I want to cut taxes – cut taxes – for 95 percent of all workers. And under my plan, if you make less than $250,000 a year – which includes 98 percent of small business owners – you won't see your taxes increase one single dime. Not your payroll taxes, not your income taxes, not your capital gains taxes – nothing. It's time to give the middle class a break, and that's what I'll do as President of the United States.Lately, Senator McCain has been attacking my middle class tax cut. He actually said it goes to, "those who don't pay taxes," even though it only goes to working people who are already getting taxed on their paycheck. That's right, Missouri – John McCain is so out of touch with the struggles you are facing that he must be the first politician in history to call a tax cut for working people "welfare."The only "welfare" in this campaign is John McCain's plan to give another $200 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest corporations in America – including $4 billion in tax breaks to big oil companies that ran up record profits under George Bush. That's who John McCain is fighting for. But we can't afford four more years like the last eight. George Bush and John McCain are out of ideas, they are out of touch, and if you stand with me in 17 days they will be out of time.We need new priorities in Washington. I think it's time to give a tax cut to the teachers and janitors who work in our schools; to the cops and firefighters who keep us safe; to the waitresses working double shifts, the nurses in the ER, and the plumbers fighting for their American Dream. These workers are the backbone of our country. They are the ones that Washington has forgotten. They're the ones I'll fight for. And while Senator McCain ignores the payroll taxes you pay to score a few political points, I'll put a tax cut into the pockets of working people so you can pay the bills, put away some savings, and pass on a brighter future to your children.So Senator McCain can keep trying to attack me and distract you – but it's not going to work. Not this time – not now. Because while my opponent thinks this campaign is all about me – the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children's future. That's what this election is about. That's what I'm fighting for. Because I can take 2 more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can't take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That's why I'm running for President of the United States.It is time to turn the page on eight years of economic policies that put Wall Street before Main Street but ended up hurting both. We need policies that grow our economy from the bottom-up, so that every American, everywhere, has the chance to get ahead. Not just the person who owns the factory, but the men and women who work on its floor. Because if we've learned anything from this economic crisis, it's that we're all connected; we're all in this together; and we will rise or fall as one nation – as one people.The rescue plan that passed the Congress was a necessary first step to easing this credit crisis, but now we need a rescue plan for the middle class. If we're going to rebuild this economy from the bottom up, it has to start on Main Street – not just the big banks on Wall Street. That's why I've outlined several steps that we have to take right now to help folks who are struggling.First, we've got to act now to create good paying jobs. We've already lost three-quarters of a million jobs this year. That's why I've proposed a new American jobs tax credit for each new employee that companies hire here in the United States over the next two years. And that's why I'll stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas and invest in companies that create good jobs right here in Missouri.Second, we need to help small businesses get back on their feet. To fuel the real engine of job creation in this country, I'll eliminate all capital gains taxes on investments in small businesses and start-up companies, and provide an additional tax incentive through next year to encourage new small business investment. And we'll also make sure that small businesses can access the immediate loans they need to pay their workers and finance their inventory.Third, we need to provide relief for homeowners. The Treasury must use the authority it's been granted and move aggressively to help people avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. We don't need a new law or a new $300 billion giveaway to banks like Senator McCain has proposed. We just need to act quickly and decisively. For those responsible homeowners in danger of losing their homes, I've proposed a three-month moratorium on foreclosures so that we give people the breathing room they need to get back on their feet.Finally, we've got to help states and local governments that have been squeezed. Today, twenty-one states are facing budget short-falls, and they might be forced to cut services or raise taxes. That's why I'm going to create a $25 billion fund to help states and local governments pay for health care and education, police and firefighters, without having to raise your taxes. And we'll save one million jobs by creating a Jobs and Growth Fund that will help states move forward with projects to rebuild and repair our roads, our bridges, and our schools.These are the steps that we must take – right now – to start getting our economy back on track. But we also need a new set of priorities to grow our economy and create jobs over the long-term.If I am President, I will invest $15 billion a year in renewable sources of energy to create five million new, green jobs over the next decade – jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced; jobs building solar panels and wind turbines and fuel-efficient cars; jobs that will help us end our dependence on oil from Middle East dictators.I'll also put two million more Americans to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, schools, and bridges – because it is time to build an American infrastructure for the 21st century. And if people ask how we're going to pay for this, you tell them that if we can spend $10 billion a month in Iraq, we can spend some money to rebuild America.If I am President, I will finally fix our broken health care system. This issue is personal for me. My mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 53, and I'll never forget how she spent the final months of her life lying in a hospital bed, fighting with her insurance company because they claimed that her cancer was a pre-existing condition and didn't want to pay for treatment. If I am President, I will make sure those insurance companies can never do that again.My health care plan will make sure insurance companies can't discriminate against those who are sick and need care most. If you have health insurance, the only thing that will change under my plan is that we will lower premiums. If you don't have health insurance, you'll be able to get the same kind of health insurance that Members of Congress get for themselves. And we'll invest in preventative care and new technology to finally lower the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the entire economy. That's the change we need.And if I'm President, we'll give every child, everywhere the skills and the knowledge they need to compete with any worker, anywhere in the world. I will not allow countries to out-teach us today so they can out-compete us tomorrow. It is time to provide every American with a world-class education. That means investing in early childhood education. That means recruiting an army of new teachers, and paying them better, and giving them more support in exchange for higher standards and more accountability.And it means making a deal with every American who has the drive and the will but not the money to go to college. My opponent's top economic advisor actually said that they have no plan to invest in college affordability because we can't have a giveaway to every special interest. Well I don't think the young people of America are a special interest – they are the future of this country. That's why I'll make this deal with you: if you commit to serving your community or your country, we will make sure you can afford your tuition. No ifs, ands or buts. You invest in America, America will invest in you, and together, we will move this country forward.Finally, I will take on the corruption in Washington and on Wall Street to make sure a crisis like this can never, ever happen again. I'll put in place the common-sense regulations and rules of the road I've been calling for since March – rules that will keep our market free, fair, and honest; rules that will restore accountability and responsibility in our corporate boardrooms.And just as we demand accountability on Wall Street, I will also demand it in Washington. That's why I'm not going to stand here and simply tell you what I'm going to spend, I'm going to tell you how we're going to save when I am President.I'll do what you do in your own family budgets and make sure we're spending money wisely. I will go through the entire federal budget, page by page, line by line, and eliminate programs that don't work and aren't needed. We'll start by ending a war in Iraq that's cost us nearly a trillion dollars. And we'll save billions more by cutting waste, improving management, and strengthening oversight.These are the changes and reforms we need. A new era of responsibility and accountability on Wall Street and in Washington. Common-sense regulations to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again. Investments in the technology and innovation that will restore prosperity and lead to new jobs and a new economy for the 21st century. Bottom-up growth that gives every American a fair shot at the American dream. And above all confidence – confidence in America, confidence in our economy, and confidence in ourselves.I won't pretend this will be easy or come without cost. We will all need to sacrifice and we will all need to pull our weight because now more than ever, we are all in this together. This country and the dream it represents are being tested in a way that we haven't seen in nearly a century. And future generations will judge ours by how we respond to this test. Will they say that this was a time when America lost its way and its purpose? When we allowed our own petty differences and broken politics to plunge this country into a dark and painful recession?Or will they say that this was another one of those moments when America overcame? When we battled back from adversity by recognizing that common stake that we have in each other's success?This is one of those moments. I realize you're cynical and fed up with politics. I understand that you're disappointed and even angry with your leaders. You have every right to be. But despite all of this, I ask of you what's been asked of the American people in times of trial and turmoil throughout our history. I ask you to believe – to believe in yourselves, in each other, and in the future we can build together.Together, we cannot fail. Not now. Not when we have a crisis to solve and an economy to save. Not when there are so many Americans without jobs and without homes. Not when there are families who can't afford to see a doctor, or send their child to college, or pay their bills at the end of the month. Not when there is a generation that is counting on us to give them the same opportunities and the same chances that we had for ourselves.We are 17 days away from changing this country. 17 days. But for those who are getting a little cocky, I've got two words for you: New Hampshire. That's where I learned – with the help of my great friend and supporter Hillary Clinton – that you can't let up or pay too much attention to the polls. We've got to keep making our case for change; we've got to keep fighting for every vote; we've got to keep running through that finish line. This election is too important to take anything for granted. The future that you and I seek for our children is too important to let up now. The time for change has come.We can do this. Americans have done this before. Some of us had grandparents or parents who said maybe I can't go to college but my child can; maybe I can't have my own business but my child can. I may have to rent, but maybe my children will have a home they can call their own. I may not have a lot of money but maybe my child will run for Senate. I might live in a small village but maybe someday my son can be president of the United States of America.Now it falls to us. Together, we cannot fail. And I need you to make it happen. If you want the next four years looking like the last eight, then I am not your candidate. But if you want real change – if you want an economy that rewards work, and that works for Main Street and Wall Street; if you want tax relief for the middle class and millions of new jobs; if you want health care you can afford and education that helps your kids compete; then I ask you to knock on some doors, make some calls, talk to your neighbors, and give me your vote on November 4th. And if you do, I promise you – we will win Missouri, we will win this election, and then you and I – together – will change this country and change this world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

--
http://www.bransonedge.com
http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Obama Vs. McCain - Missouri Polling Data

Poll	Date	Sample	MoE	Obama (D)	McCain (R)	Spread
RCP Average	10/11 - 10/19	--	--	48.0	45.3	Obama +2.7
FOX News/Rasmussen	10/19 - 10/19	1000 LV	3.0	49	44	Obama +5
Suffolk	10/17 - 10/19	600 LV	4.0	44	45	McCain +1
Rasmussen	10/15 - 10/15	700 LV	4.5	52	46	Obama +6
CNN/Time	10/11 - 10/14	763 LV	3.5	48	49	McCain +1
FOX News/Rasmussen	10/12 - 10/12	1000 LV	3.0	50	47	Obama +3
SurveyUSA	10/11 - 10/12	546 LV	4.3	51	43	Obama +8
PPP (D)	10/11 - 10/12	1009 LV	3.1	48	46	Obama +2
ARG	10/04 - 10/06	600 LV	4.0	46	49	McCain +3
FOX News/Rasmussen	10/05 - 10/05	1000 LV	3.0	50	47	Obama +3
CNN/Time	09/28 - 09/30	744 LV	3.5	49	48	Obama +1
SurveyUSA	09/23 - 09/24	705 LV	3.8	46	48	McCain +2
Post-Dispatch/R2000	09/22 - 09/24	800 LV	3.5	46	47	McCain +1
Post-Dispatch/R2000	09/15 - 09/18	800 LV	3.5	45	49	McCain +4
Rasmussen	09/11 - 09/11	700 LV	4.0	46	51	McCain +5
CNN/Time	09/07 - 09/09	940 RV	3.0	45	50	McCain +5
PPP (D)	08/13 - 08/17	750 LV	3.6	40	50	McCain +10
Rasmussen	08/07 - 08/07	500 LV	4.5	44	50	McCain +6
SurveyUSA	07/29 - 07/31	1459 LV	3.0	44	49	McCain +5
Research 2000	07/07 - 07/10	800 LV	3.5	48	43	Obama +5
Rasmussen	07/07 - 07/07	500 LV	--	45	50	McCain +5
PPP (D)	07/02 - 07/05	723 LV	--	44	47	McCain +3
SurveyUSA	06/20 - 06/22	543 LV	--	43	50	McCain +7
Rasmussen	06/03 - 06/03	500 LV	--	43	42	Obama +1
SurveyUSA	05/16 - 05/18	1523 LV	--	45	48	McCain +3
Rasmussen	05/06 - 05/06	500 LV	--	41	47	McCain +6
SurveyUSA	04/11 - 04/13	542 RV	--	42	50	McCain +8
Rasmussen	03/24 - 03/24	500 LV	--	38	53	McCain +15
SurveyUSA	03/14 - 03/16	536 RV	--	39	53	McCain +14
SurveyUSA	02/26 - 02/28	632 RV	--	42	48	McCain +6
Rasmussen	02/11 - 02/11	500 LV	--	40	42	McCain +2
SurveyUSA	01/11 - 01/13	562 RV	--	40	51	McCain +11
SurveyUSA	12/13 - 12/15	547 RV	--	47	44	Obama +3

Colin Powell Endorses Obama - Buzz Around the Internets

<a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95882018">Powell Endorses Obama, Criticizes GOP's Tone : NPR</a>

Powell Endorsement Stories From Around the Internet:

The Colin Powell endorsement: Triumph of hope over reality
Michelle Malkin - 8 hours ago
Gravitas. The media's in a tizzy over Colin Powell's Meet the Press endorsement of Barack Obama this morning. It's not a surprise to anyone who's paid attention to his pro-Obama murmurings over the last four months.
michellemalkin.com
Powell's Obama Endorsement Sparks Reaction: "Nail In The Coffin" For McCain
The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com - 4 hours ago
Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama reverberated throughout the world of politics, with lawmakers and pundits across the political spectrum declaring it a huge boost for the Democratic contender.
www.huffingtonpost.com/raw_feed_index.rdf
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
Liberal Values - 11 hours ago
Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama on Meet the Press this morning. While endorsements have limited value, this endorsement might be more significant than usual as it helps Obama on two different fronts–credibility as Commander-in-Chief and in...
liberalvaluesblog.com
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
Scott's DiaTribes - 10 hours ago
I've been a tad busy today, so I didn't hear about former Secretary of State Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama until this afternoon.
scottdiatribe.gluemeat.com
General Powell Endorses Obama
FiveThirtyEight.com: Electoral Projections Done ... - 13 hours ago
My predisposition is to be skeptical of the value of endorsements in presidential general elections. Endorsements generally serve as an informational shortcut for voters, and therefore their importance tends to be inversely proportional to the ...
www.fivethirtyeight.com
Colin Powell Meet the Press Obama Endorsement VIDEO
Bitten and Bound - 9 hours ago
Colin Powell, retired US Army General and Secretary of State from 2001-2005 made an announcement today on Meet the Press that has startled some and pleased others.
bittenandbound.com
Colin Powell is Black Again
Booman Tribune - 8 hours ago
The only reason Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama is because he's a racist, or, at the very least, because they're both soul brothers.
www.boomantribune.com
Powell Endorses Obama Candidacy
A Soldier's Perspective - 4 hours ago
Retired Army General and former Bush Secretary of State Colin Powell announced today that he is endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president.
www.soldiersperspective.us
Axelrod on the Powell Endorsement, Why McCain and Palin Are Good for Obama
The Politicker - 10 hours ago
FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Barack Obama's chief strategist David Axelrod said this afternoon that the endorsement of his candidate by Colin Powell had "slammed the door" on attempts by Republicans to suggest that there is something less than patriotic ...
www.observer.com/thepoliticker/atom.xml
Go-Bama! (Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama)
An Inch At A Time: Reflections on the Journey - 9 hours ago
So here's the news ... in case you missed it like I did because you were on a plane to Chicago ... ... or whatever. It's the seven minute segment from this morning's "Meet the Press" and I think it's worth listening to the whole thing ... not ...
inchatatime.blogspot.com
Colin Powell helps Obama - Why?
John Redwood's Diary - 38 minutes ago
Early on in Obama's campaign for the nomination I drew attention to the excellent speeches and the new model of fund raising he was using.
www.johnredwoodsdiary.com
Colin Powell and Barack Obama
TommyWonk - 6 hours ago
First, and most immediately, it will shape the news for the next several days, and will interrupt the McCain campaign's message for the better part of the week.
www.tommywonk.com
Colin Powell Endorses Obama
Stop The ACLU - 12 hours ago
Its no surprise, but will it influence the mind of independent undecided voters? For folks like my aunt, it very well could. While she did not like McCain, she was also afraid of the ties and inexperience of Obama.
www.stoptheaclu.com
On Colin Powell, Barack Obama, and Endorsements
historymike - 10 hours ago
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president on this morning, calling the Illinois senator a "transformational figure" whose campaign is one of inclusion and representative of "a new generation coming onto the ...
historymike.blogspot.com
Has Move To Discredit Powell Over Obama Endorsement Begun?
The Moderate Voice - 3 hours ago
When former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama today, Powell's explanations of why were a kind of laundry list of why many independent voters have recently been breaking for Obama over ...
themoderatevoice.com
Why Is It News That Colin Powell Backs Barack Hussein Obama, Junior? He's Been Working With Obama For Some ...
Independent Conservative - 11 hours ago
See the post from over a year ago titled Colin Powell, He'sa Liberal After All… And then you'll wonder why this story is even a news headliner: Colin Powell backs Barack Obama.
www.independentconservative.com
Just the Red Pill: Colin Powell Endorses Obama, Rebukes the Hate-based politics of the Republican Party
Lawrence.com blogs - 6 hours ago
Today former Secretary of State and Republican Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States. It was a stunning blow to the McCain campaign, and a repudiation of the failed politics and ideology of a Republican Party ...
www.lawrence.com/blogs
COLIN POWELL ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT FOR BARACK OBAMA (POLITICS)
ICEDOTCOM - 6 hours ago
For all you racist red neck idiots who supposedly fear for your safety in terms of terrorism if Barack Obama becomes President because he has loose associations with Bill Ayers, has a Muslim name, and would sit and talk peace with foreign ...
icedotcom.blogspot.com
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama… So what?
PUMA - 12 hours ago
Congratulations to Barack Obama for getting the coveted Colin Powell endorsement. However, other than feelings of excitement and the consequent back slapping and champagne cork popping going on at Team Obama HQ, what else does Colin Powell add ...
www.puma08.com
Colin Powell endorsement fallout
Brendan Nyhan - 6 hours ago
What's the effect of Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama this morning on Meet the Press? Matthew Yglesias suggests that "It's a signal to every right-of-center person who maybe thinks the GOP has gotten too right-of-center that Obama's okay.
www.brendan-nyhan.com/blog
Meet the Press - Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
POLITICAL INACTION - 11 hours ago
Obama statement......"I am beyond honored". Watch the whole Meet the Press telecast. Powell says Obama is transformational and steady and John McCain is unsure.....Ouch..... Rush Limbaugh says it is based on race...saying that he is going to ...
www.politicalinaction.com
General Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
Kevin Tracy - 8 hours ago
On Meet the Press this morning, Colin Powell made a significant amount of news by endorsing Senator Barack Obama's candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.
ktracy.com
Colin Powell endorses Obama
Theodore's World - 7 hours ago
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign.
www.theodoresworld.net
A Political Must See: Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
The Rabbi Report - 11 hours ago
This morning on NBC's Meet the Press, General Colin Powell (Ret.) thoughtfully and with great detail discussed both John McCain and Barack Obama and the reasoning behind his endorsement of Senator Obama.
www.rabbireport.com
Colin Powell's Endorsement of Obama--Puts Nail in the Coffin of the McCain Campaign. . .
Political Intersection: Where Race & Gender Intersect ... - 8 hours ago
I must admit as a moderate republican who leans slightly right of center, I stood in shock and awe of Gen. Powell's very public endorsement this morning of Senator Obama for President.
www.politicalintersectionblog.com
Powell's endorsement of Obama: A gesture
Rational Review » RRND Commentary - 7 hours ago
"As someone who once encouraged General Colin Powell to run for president (you can look it up on this site), I am disappointed by his endorsement of Barack Obama.
www.rationalreview.com
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States
Political Byline - 11 hours ago
Originally, I was going to word this article much differently. But I scrapped it. This is my take on Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama.
www.politicalbyline.com
A Children's Treasury of Wingnut Responses To Powell Endorsing Obama
Wonkette: The DC Gossip » top - 3 hours ago
Everybody expected Colin Powell to endorse Barack Obama today, on the teevee, and guess what? Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama! Considering Powell's professional and political service, it's maybe not so surprising that he'd prefer the ...
wonkette.com
With Powell endorsement and fundraising report, Obama has already won Sunday
Campaign Diaries - 12 hours ago
Just as the narrative of a McCain comeback was starting to emerge, Democrats woke up to two amazing pieces of news this morning that should quiet down talk of an Obama weakening - at least temporarily.
campaigndiaries.com
Obama Gets Colin Powell's Endorsement and 150 Million Fundraising Haul in September
The Francis L. Holland Blog - 11 hours ago
Senator Barack Obama is on a roll today, winning both the endorsement of Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell and announcing a 150 million dollar fundraising haul for the month of September, which is as much as fifty percent more than ...
francislholland.blogspot.com
Colin Powell Decimates McCain's Rationale
The Jed Report - 4 hours ago
I've spent most of the afternoon (and early evening) putting together a new montage of Colin Powell's endorsement, along with video clips from the campaign trail supporting his key points.
www.jedreport.com
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
Werner Patels - A Dose of Common Sense - 8 hours ago
been clear for a while now that the next president of the United States will be Barack Obama, but nothing puts paid to John McCain's chances like Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama for president.
www.wernerpatels.com
Colin Powell Backs Obama
Voices from Russia - 7 hours ago
Colin Powell, a former US Secretary of State, endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president. Mr Powell, a Republican, said Obama is a transformational figure who is qualified to lead the country.
02varvara.wordpress.com
Colin Powell Will Campaign For Obama Like Fred Thompson Wished He Could Have For Himself
Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee - 3 hours ago
Powell discounts the chief arguments McCain has made for his candidacy and against Obama's. He said he won't stump for the Democratic nominee, but he doesn't have to.
politics.nashvillepost.com
Has Powell batted in the winning runs for Obama?
politicalbetting.com - 11 hours ago
In a powerful appearance on Meet The Press which is well worth viewing, Colin Powell today set out the reasons why he will be casting his vote for Barack Obama, praising his steadiness, intellectual curiosity and vigour, and his depth of knowledge.
politicalbetting.com
Powell endorses Obama: 'Meet the Press' video / transcript
read my mind | online monologues of a luckless dreamer - 5 hours ago
After months of speculation, retired general, former National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama for president in 'Meet the Press' (transcript and video below), praising the ...
www.monacome.com
John McCain on Colin Powell:
Grasping Reality with Both Hands: The Semi-Daily ... - 10 hours ago
When the people you say you admire the most--people like John Lewis and Colin Powell--say that your campaign is a sleazy disgrace, it is time to hang it up and drop out.
delong.typepad.com/sdj
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
Blogging Black Miami - 7 hours ago
The political world has been abuzz all day with news of General Colin Powell's endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for POTUS. Also as expected, Senator John McCain and the Republican Party have tried to poo-poo Powell's endorsement.
www.bloggingblackmiami.com
Powell's Obama endorsement
Stephen Laniel's Unspecified Bunker - 8 hours ago
Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama is really moving, and I commend him for it. At the same time, I have concerns about Powell, and a question: More than most anyone, Powell is responsible for convincing the country to go to war in Iraq.
laniels.org/weblog
How Severe Will the Backlash Against Colin Powell Be From the Right?
Dan Cody - "Left on the Lake" - 2 hours ago
It's mostly a rhetorical question, but in light of Colin Powell's overwhelming endorsement of Barack Obama today combined with his slamming the entire McCain campaign strategy, it's going to be interesting to see how quickly and ...
dancody.org
General Colin Powell names his pick to be the next US president
Good Brownie - 3 hours ago
If you've paid attention to politics, Powell's endorsement really shouldn't come as a complete surprise. Yes, he's a Republican and a military man, just like John McCain.
goodbrownie.blogspot.com
Colin Powell Supports Obama - Fears More Conservatives On The Supreme Court
Politics, Policy, Pathology and Hope WITHIN The Black ... - 8 hours ago
For many people in the Black press the story will be "Colin Powell comes back to his senses and supports Obama". If you notice the key justifications for his move - "The Republicans are calling Obama a Muslim" and "McCain will appoint 2 more ...
withintheblackcommunity.blogspot.com
General Colin Powell endorses Obama
The Masson Family Blog - 7 hours ago
There was a time when I believed Colin Powell would be the first African American President of the United States. I'm pretty sure I would even have voted for him.
family.masson.us
Colin Powell: Country First
Daily Kos - 10 hours ago
Colin Powell knows he blew it as Secretary of State and practiced a little redemption today by endorsing Barack Obama. He exposed the wrong direction of the Republican party and expressed a desire for an all inclusive leader to guide us in the ...
www.dailykos.com/section/Diary
Barack Obama gets Colin Powell backing
The Swamp - 17 hours ago
by John McCormick, updated Sen. Barack Obama's Democratic presidential bid has won the backing of former Secretary of State Colin Powell in a much anticipated endorsement from a Republican with impressive foreign policy credentials.
www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog
Powell Endorses Obama for President
Gay News from Gay Agenda - GayAgenda.com - 11 hours ago
Earlier today, former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president. He stated Obama is reaching out to a "more diverse and inclusive way across our society" and offering a "calm, patient, intellectual, ...
www.gayagenda.com
Brzezinski: Powell Endorsement A "Comprehensive Indictment" Of McCain-Palin Ticket
The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com - 15 hours ago
In his Sunday appearance on NBC's Meet the Press, Powell laid out an expansive endorsement of Obama, saying he is convinced that the Illinois Democrat has "met the standard" of perhaps becoming "an exceptional president" and a "transformational figure.
www.huffingtonpost.com/raw_feed_index.rdf
Colin Powell Endorses Obama
Joe. My. God. - 14 hours ago
Finally: Colin Powell, who was secretary of state in the Bush administration, broke with his party Sunday to offer a stunning and powerfully worded endorsement to Senator Barack Obama's presidential candidacy.
joemygod.blogspot.com
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
Blanca DeBree Blog - 15 hours ago
The creator of the self-eponymous Powell Doctrine has endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Life just got even harder for John McCain.
blancadebree.blogspot.com
Endorsement watch: Colin Powell
Off the Kuff - 11 hours ago
It had been rumored for months, but today it happened: Former Secretary of State for President Bush Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama.
www.offthekuff.com/mt
Powell's Finest Moment
Informed Comment - 2 hours ago
What is remarkable to me about Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama on Meet the Press was its sincerity and the form of its reasoning.
www.juancole.com
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
I Dreamed I Saw Grace P. Last Night - 2 hours ago
Today, I watched Meet the Press, and had the opportunity to hear and see Colin Powell endorse Barack Obama. In listening to his conversation with Tom Brokaw, Powell was very thoughtful in his reflections saying that both Obama and McCain were ...
neverdied.blogspot.com
Colin Powell Endorses Obama
Indie Vision Music - 11 hours ago
I know this isn't music related but there wasn't much else to post today. Plus we are in a political season and it's good to keep everyone informed (and in discussion).
www.indievisionmusic.com/wordpress
Transfering Trancendence: How Powell's Endorsement Helps McCain
Post Politics: Political News and Views in Tennessee - 13 hours ago
This action by Powell is being seen, predictably, as one of the final nails in the coffin of the candidacy of John McCain. A man who has in his own career transcended race, a man who spent much of his life in service of Republican Presidents, a ...
politics.nashvillepost.com
Colin Powell Confirms Endorsement Rumors
HicktownPress - 9 hours ago
I was very happy that the rumors of Colin Powell supporting Barack turned out to be true. Most have heard by now that retired General, Colin Powell has endorsed Barack.
www.hicktownpress.com
Colin Powell endorses Barack Obama
Evil Beet Gossip - 11 hours ago
Republican and former US Secretary of State under President George W. Bush has endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.
evilbeetgossip.film.com
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
The Moderate Voice - 17 hours ago
As had been widely anticipated, Colin Powell came on Meet the Press this morning and endorsed Barack Obama for President. His reasons?
themoderatevoice.com
Former Bush Secretary of State Powell Endorses Obama
RushPRnews - Newswire - Read. Write. Publish. It's your ... - 5 hours ago
By Paula Wolfson Washington,DC(RushPRnews)10/19/08–Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell says he is backing Democrat Barack Obama for president.
www.rushprnews.com
Colin Powell Endorses Obama. Plus, Northern Virginia Not the Real Virginia?
The Political Junkie - 10 hours ago
WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president on Sunday morning, calling him a "transformational figure" who has reached out to all Americans with an inclusive campaign and displayed "a...
geniusofinsanityworld.blogspot.com
Colin Powell criticizes fellow Republicans, backs Obama
Tales from the Trail - 12 hours ago
WASHINGTON - Colin Powell, a retired US Army general and former secretary of state in the Bush administration, criticized fellow Republicans on Sunday and endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
blogs.reuters.com/trail08

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Powell Endorses Obama, Criticizes GOP's Tone : NPR

Powell Endorses Obama, Criticizes GOP's Tone : NPR

John McCain at the Al Smith Dinner - Transcript

SEN. JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Your Excellency and Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Patterson, Senator Schumer and Clinton. Senator Obama, Allen and Ann Smith, thank you all for the warm welcome.

It's a privilege to be with all of you for the 63rd anniversary dinner of the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation. And this is a very distinguished and influential audience and as good a place as any to make a major announcement.

Events are moving fast in my campaign and, yes, it's true that this morning I have dismissed my entire team of senior advisors, all of their positions will now be held by a man named Joe the Plumber.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: Already -- but already, my friends, my opponents have been subjecting Joe to their vicious attack machine.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: His veracity has been questioned by Barack Obama's running mate, Joe the Six-term senator. He claims that this honest, hard-working small businessman could not possibly have enough income to face a tax increase under the Obama plan.

What they don't know, what they don't know, is that Joe the Plumber recently signed a very lucrative contract with a wealthy couple to handle all the work on all seven of their houses.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: This campaign needed the common touch of a working man. After all, it began so long ago with the heralded arrival with a man known to Oprah Winfrey as the one. Being a friend and colleague of Barack, I just called him that one.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: He.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: Friends, he doesn't mind at all. In fact, he even has a pet name for me -- George Bush.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: It's been that kind of contest and I come here tonight to the Al Smith dinner knowing that I'm the underdog in these final weeks but if you know where to look there are signs of hope. There are signs of hope. Even in the most unexpected places, even in this room full of proud Manhattan Democrats.

I can't -- I can't shake that feeling that some people here are pulling for me.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: I'm delighted to see you here tonight, Hillary.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Where is Bill, by the way?

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Can't he take one night off from his tireless quest to make the man who defeated his wife, the next president? The man is a relentless advocate for the Obama campaign and he has a subtle approach to making the case.

When reporter asked him if Senator Obama was qualified to be president, Bill Clinton pointed out, sure, he's over 35 years of age and a U.S. citizen.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: He was pandering to the strict constructionist crowd.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: He's also been hammering away at me with epitaphs like "American Hero" and "Great Man," and with all the cameras running, he warmly embraced me at that global initiative of his.

My friends, this is nothing but a brazen attempt to suppress turnout among anti-Clinton conservatives.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Finally when Larry King asked President Clinton a couple of weeks ago, what was the delay and why he wasn't out there on the trail for Barack, Bill said his hands were tied until the end of the Jewish High holidays.

Now you've got to admire that ecumenical spirit.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: I just know Bill would like to be out there now stumping for Barack until the last hour of the last day, unfortunately, he is constrained by his respect for any voters who might be observing the Zoroastian New Year.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: You know? Some.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: Some advocates for Senator Obama are less restrained in their enthusiasm even in the media. All right, he usually is at table 228, for example. My old friend and green room pal, Chris Matthews. He used to like me but he found somebody new. Somebody who opened his eyes, somebody who gave him a thrill up his leg.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: And we've talked about it. I told him maverick I can do, but messiah is above my pay grade.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: You know.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: . it's going to be a long, long night at MSNBC if I manage to pull this thing off.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: For starters.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: I understand that Keith Olbermann has ordered up his very own "Mission Accomplished" banner. And they can hang that in whatever padded room has been reserved for him.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Seriously, Chris, if they need any decorating advice on that banner, ask Keith to call me so I can tell him right where to put it.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: You know I have fun with the media and we all -- we all know the press is really an independent, civic-minded, and nonpartisan group.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Like ACORN.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: In case -- in case you haven't been following my opponent's "Get Out the Vote" campaign, ACORN is helping to register groups previously excluded, overlooked, and underserved -- second graders, the deceased, Disney characters.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: In Florida they even turned up an ACORN voter registration form that bore the name of one Mickey Mouse. We're checking the paw prints, although I might let that one go, I'm pretty sure the big rat's a Republican.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Anyway, we all know that Senator Obama is ready for any contingency, even the possibility of a sudden and dramatic market rebound. I'm told that at the first sign of recovery, he will suspend his campaign and fly immediately to Washington and address this crisis.

(LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: All this will be for the voters to decide very soon. And though I do trust we can keep the turnout amongst deceased and fictional voters to a minimum, I have come out on both sides of elections and I have never lost my confidence in the judgment of the American people.

In the military they work pretty hard to impress the chain of command on your way of thinking. And one way or another, on the 4th of November, word will come down from the top of the chain and Senator Obama and I will both receive our orders.

I don't want it getting out of this room but my opponent is an impressive fellow in many ways. Political opponents can have a little trouble seeing the best in each other. But I have had a few glimpses of this man at his best. And I admire his great skill, energy, and determination.

It's not for nothing that he has inspired so many folks in his own party and beyond. Senator Obama talks about making history and he has made quite a bit of it already. There was a time when the mere invitation of an African-American citizen to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage and an insult in many corridors.

Today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time and good riddance.

I can't wish my opponent luck but I do wish him well.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: Whatever the outcome next month, Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country and I congratulate him. In his own day, Governor al Smith achieved great things as well and traveled a harder path than most any presidential candidate before or since.

America will always remember the boy born in an old tenement on South Street in Brooklyn who was four times elected governor of this state and the newsboy and fishmonger who went to Saint James Parochial School, and at his death received Apostolic Benediction from the Pope himself.

At the Al Smith Foundation and at the New York Archdiocese you're carrying on the spirit and work of this good man with your service to the poor. Your comfort for the sick and needy, your belief in the dignity of life, especially your gallant defense of the rights of the unborn.

I'm proud to count myself as your friend and ally.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: With that -- with that, my friend, let me make way for my opponent who, tonight, is making a comedy debut that, I guess, we could call the final test of this campaign.

Now a copy of the Senator's comedy routine was left on the table this evening. And I have to confess, Your Eminence, I looked at it.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Now, of course it would be unfair and even a little unkind to put my opponent on the spot before he gets up here, or to throw him off his game with unreasonably high expectations.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: But I do need to warn you, ladies and gentlemen, you are are all out about to witness the funniest performance in this.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: . in the 63-year history of this event.

(APPLAUSE)

MCCAIN: Let's not add to the mounting pressure he must be feeling.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Just prepare yourself for nonstop hilarity. The funniest 15 minutes of your life or any other. I think he knows that anything short of that would mar the evening, insult our host.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: . and perhaps even cost him several swing states.

(LAUGHTER)

MCCAIN: Senator Obama, the microphone is all yours.

John McCain, a U.S. Senator from Arizona, is the Republican presidential nominee.

Barack Obama at Al Smith Dinner - Transcript

SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you to Al and to Your Eminence, to Governor Patterson and Mayor Bloomberg, to Senator and Mrs. McCain, to my wonderful colleague, Senator Clinton and Schumer, to all the distinguished guests.

There is no other crowd in the America that I'd rather be palling around with right now.

(LAUGHTER)

I'm sorry he couldn't be here. I do send regards to my running mate, Joe Biden, or as Senator McCain noted, he now actually likes to be called Joe the Senator.

I was thrilled to get this invitation, and I feel right at home here, because it's often been said that I share the politics of Alfred E. Smith and the ears of Alfred E. Newman.

But I have to say tonight's venue isn't really what I'm used to. I was originally told we'd be able to move this outdoors to Yankee stadium. And can somebody tell me what happened to the Greek columns that I requested?

I do love the Waldorf Astoria, though. You know, I hear that from the doorstep you can see all the way to the Russian Tea Room. It is an honor to be here with Al Smith. I obviously never knew your great-grandfather, but from everything that Senator McCain has told me, the two of them had a great time together before prohibition. So wonderful stories.

The mayor of this great city, Michael Bloomberg, is here. The mayor recently announced some news -- made some news by announcing he's going to be rewriting the rules and running for a third term, which caused Bill Clinton to say, "You can do that?"

The president's better half, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, is also here. I'm glad to see you made it, Hillary. I'm glad to see that you made it, because I heard Chuck Schumer actually try to tell you that we really did move this event to Yankee Stadium.

But I'll tell you all from personal experience Hillary Clinton is one of the toughest and most formidable presidential candidates in history. She has broken barriers. She's inspired millions. She is the -- she is the primary reason I have all this gray in my hair now.

I am also glad to see that Senator Schumer is here, and I see that he's brought some of his loved ones. Those would be the people with the cameras and the notebooks in the back of the room.

Of course, I am especially honored to be here tonight with my distinguished opponent, Senator John McCain. I think it is a tribute to American democracy that, with two weeks left in a hard-fought election, the two of us could come together and sit down at the same dinner table without preconditions.

Recently, one of John wants top advisors told the "Daily News" that if we keep talking about the economy, McCain's going to lose, so tonight I'd like to talk about the economy.

Given all that's happened these past few weeks on Wall Street, it feels like an odd time to be dressed up in white tie, but I must say I got a great deal. I rented the whole outfit from the Treasury Department at a very good price. Looking around tonight at all the gourmet food and champagne, it's clear that no expenses were spared. It's like an executive sales meeting at AIG.

But I don't need to tell any of you that it's been a scary time on the stock market with people losing their investments, their entire fortunes. It's gotten so bad Bloomberg now has to take the subway.

And while the collapse of the housing market has been tough on every single homeowner, I think we all need to recognize that this crisis has been eight times harder on John McCain.

We have been debating a lot of these economic issues over the course of the campaign, but lately things have been getting a bit tougher. In the last few weeks John has been out on the campaign trail and asked the question, "Who is Barack Obama?" I have to admit I was a little surprised by this question. The answer is right there on my Facebook page.

But look, I don't want to be coy about this. We're a couple weeks from an important election. Americans have a big choice to make and, if anybody feels like they don't know me by now, let me try to give you some answers. Who is Barack Obama? Contrary to the rumors that you've heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father Jor-el to save the planet earth.

Many of you -- many of you know that I got my name Barack from my father. What you may not know is Barack is actually Swahili for "that one." And I got my middle name from somebody who obviously didn't think I'd ever run for president.

If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility. Greatest weakness, it's possible that I'm a little too awesome.

One other thing: I have never, not once, put lipstick on a pig. Or a pit bull, or myself. Rudy Giuliani, that's one for you. I mean, who would have thought that a cross-dressing mayor from New York City would have a tough time winning the Republican nomination? It's shocking.

That was a tough primary you had there, John. Anyway -- anyway, that's who I really am. But in the spirit of full disclosure, there are a few October surprises you'll be finding out about in the coming weeks. First of all, my middle name, it's not what you think. It's actually Steve. That's right. Barack Steve Obama.

Here's another revelation. John McCain is onto something. There was a point in my life when I started palling around with a pretty ugly crowd. I've got to be honest. These guys were serious dead beats. They were low lives. They were unrepentant. No good punks. That's right, I've been a member of the United States Senate.

Come to think of it, John, I swear I saw you at one of our meetings. But I know Senator McCain agrees that some of the rumors out there are getting a bit crazy. I mean, Rupert the other day, FOX News actually accused me of fathering two African-American children in wedlock.

By the way, John, I'm just curious, is FOX News included in the media, because I'm always hearing about this love. Just curious.

Then at one of these campaign rallies someone in the crowd started yelling "Nobama," announcing to everyone in the room that I shouldn't be the Democratic nominee because there were far more qualified candidates. I really wish Joe Biden hadn't done that.

But at least, we've moved past the days when the main criticism coming from the McCain campaign was that I'm some kind of celebrity. I have to admit that that really hurt. I got so angry about it, I punched a paparazzi in the face on my way out of Spagos. I'm serious. I even spilled my soy chai latte all over my Tshi-tzu. It was really embarrassing.

But, in all seriousness, I'm so glad that I could make it tonight, and I'm honored to be among such wonderful public servants. I want to especially say a word of thanks to Senator McCain. We are in the midst of a tough battle right now, and American politics at the presidential level is always tough.

But I've said before, and I think it bears repeating that there are very few of us who have served this country with the same dedication and honor and distinction as Senator McCain. And I'm glad to be sharing the stage with him tonight as I am during the course of this nomination.

And before I close, I'd like to recognize one such servant who's not with us here tonight but who was mentioned earlier, and that's our good friend, Tim Russert. And I know that Luke and Maureen are here. And I know that Tim enjoyed these dinners very much, and I also know how much he would have enjoyed covering this election. And I know that John and I would have been quaking in our boots preparing for our appearances on "Meet the Press." And his absence is not just a personal loss for so many who knew him and loved him but a profound loss for the country. And we continue to miss him very much.

You know, the fact that each -- each October in the closing weeks of a hard-fought campaign, people of all political persuasions can come to this dinner and share a meal in honor of the work of this foundation underscores the reality that, no matter what differences or divisions or arguments we are having right now, we ultimately belong to something bigger and more lasting than a political party. We belong to a community. We share a country. We are all children of God.

And in this country there are millions of fellow citizens, our brothers and sisters, who need us very much, especially now. We are being battered by a very serious economic storm, and for many Americans it's only deepened the quiet storms they've been struggling through for years.

Beyond the walls of this hotel on the streets of one of the greatest cities in the wealthiest nation on earth, there are men and women and children who have fallen on hard times and hard luck, who can't find work on even a job that pays enough to keep a roof over their heads, and some are hanging on just by a thread.

The scripture says God creates us for works of service. We are blessed to have so many organizations like this one in the Catholic diocese that perform these acts of God every day. But each of us also have that responsibility. Each of us has that obligation, especially now.

So no matter who we are or what we do, what I believe is each of us in this room asks for and hopes for and prays for, enough strength and wisdom to do good and to seek justice and play our small part in building a more hopeful and compassionate world for the generations that will follow.

Before Al Smith was a candidate who made history, he was a man who made a difference, a man who fought for many years to give Americans nothing more than a fair shake and a chance to succeed. And he touched the lives of hundreds of thousands, of millions as a result. Simply put, he helped people. And that's a distinction we can all aspire to and we can all achieve. Young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican or independent.

And I have no doubt that if we come together at this moment of crisis with this goal in mind, America will meet this challenge and weather this storm. And in the words of Al Smith, walk once more in eternal sunshine.

Thank you so much, everybody. God bless you.

Barack Obama, a Democratic Senator from Illinois, is the Democratic presidential nominee.

Warren Buffett Says "Buy American - I AM"

Warrent Buffett wrote a piece for the New York Times arguing it's time to Buy American.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/opinion/17buffett.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

New York Times Oct. 16 2008

THE financial world is a mess, both in the United States and abroad. Its problems, moreover, have been leaking into the general economy, and the leaks are now turning into a gusher. In the near term, unemployment will rise, business activity will falter and headlines will continue to be scary.

So ... I’ve been buying American stocks. This is my personal account I’m talking about, in which I previously owned nothing but United States government bonds. (This description leaves aside my Berkshire Hathaway holdings, which are all committed to philanthropy.) If prices keep looking attractive, my non-Berkshire net worth will soon be 100 percent in United States equities.

Why?

A simple rule dictates my buying: Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. And most certainly, fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors. To be sure, investors are right to be wary of highly leveraged entities or businesses in weak competitive positions. But fears regarding the long-term prosperity of the nation’s many sound companies make no sense. These businesses will indeed suffer earnings hiccups, as they always have. But most major companies will be setting new profit records 5, 10 and 20 years from now.

Let me be clear on one point: I can’t predict the short-term movements of the stock market. I haven’t the faintest idea as to whether stocks will be higher or lower a month — or a year — from now. What is likely, however, is that the market will move higher, perhaps substantially so, well before either sentiment or the economy turns up. So if you wait for the robins, spring will be over.

A little history here: During the Depression, the Dow hit its low, 41, on July 8, 1932. Economic conditions, though, kept deteriorating until Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933. By that time, the market had already advanced 30 percent. Or think back to the early days of World War II, when things were going badly for the United States in Europe and the Pacific. The market hit bottom in April 1942, well before Allied fortunes turned. Again, in the early 1980s, the time to buy stocks was when inflation raged and the economy was in the tank. In short, bad news is an investor’s best friend. It lets you buy a slice of America’s future at a marked-down price.

Over the long term, the stock market news will be good. In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.

You might think it would have been impossible for an investor to lose money during a century marked by such an extraordinary gain. But some investors did. The hapless ones bought stocks only when they felt comfort in doing so and then proceeded to sell when the headlines made them queasy.

Today people who hold cash equivalents feel comfortable. They shouldn’t. They have opted for a terrible long-term asset, one that pays virtually nothing and is certain to depreciate in value. Indeed, the policies that government will follow in its efforts to alleviate the current crisis will probably prove inflationary and therefore accelerate declines in the real value of cash accounts.

Equities will almost certainly outperform cash over the next decade, probably by a substantial degree. Those investors who cling now to cash are betting they can efficiently time their move away from it later. In waiting for the comfort of good news, they are ignoring Wayne Gretzky’s advice: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been.”

I don’t like to opine on the stock market, and again I emphasize that I have no idea what the market will do in the short term. Nevertheless, I’ll follow the lead of a restaurant that opened in an empty bank building and then advertised: “Put your mouth where your money was.” Today my money and my mouth both say equities.

Warren E. Buffett is the chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, a diversified holding company.