The Democrats are in Texas!!!!

[Marilyn]

I don't believe it!!!! Bill Clinton was in our city yesterday standing in the bed of a pickup truck talking to a huge crowd in the rain. Today Ted Kennedy was in San Antonio. Hillary and Obama debated in Austin tonight. Our television is filled with their commercials. The press is saying that the results of next week's elections in Ohio and Texas will decide the democratic nomination. Bill Clinton said that if Hillary doesn't carry Texas she won't have a chance.

Who'da thunk that our Republican dominated state, the state George W. calls home would be where the Democratic nomination would be decided!!!:eek:

This world never ceases to amaze!!!!

I can't wait to go to Toastmasters next Tuesday evening. The head of the Democratic party in our area is in my Toastmasters group. He's got to be excited. Wow!!

[gja1000]

I work at UT. It was very exciting to see the parade of trucks, security, and just the general electricity in the air! It was also great to see the students excited about something. There were students everywhere at booths for Obama or Clinton. They were standing on the corners with signs.

Those of us old geezers remember the civil rights demonstrations of the 60's when the students were PASSIONATE about change. The UT campus sorta had that "feel" today. Not a feeling of unrest, but a feeling of movement, excitement, electricity.

Sometimes I think our young people are quite apathetic, so it was good to see them out and about and excited about the political process.

Perhaps though, they were not really excited, they were just "there" :o Anyway, whatever their motivation, it was fun to watch!

[Marilyn]

Wow, how exciting that you got to be there!!! One of our daughters was living in Austin, working at the Midtown branch of Bank of America, but she transferred to UTSA in January and moved to San Antonio. Wish she could have been there for all the excitement. We will all be in Austin on Saturday afternoon, perhaps there will still be some electricity in the air.

[AngieDoogles]

What a great debate it was Marilyn! Obama was steady and consistent, but Hilary really had a good closing statement. I think overall they came out about even--other than the xerox comment which I felt was out of line and unsubstantiated. Ohio and Texas really are the deciding states. We should know a lot after March 4th. Marilyn, if you are voting in the Dem primary, your vote will really matter a lot with only one percentage point between them at this point... How exciting!

[Janet]

I don't think any of them have been to Indiana yet..but McCain is scheduled for Indianapolis today....thrill....LOLOL

[Marilyn]

I was undecided what to do until last night. If I look at all the candidates and their views on the issues that are most important to me, Ron Paul is my candidate. I had thought of voting for him just to make a point, like I did when I voted for Ross Perot, which was to let both major parties know NONE OF THE ABOVE.

However, this time, I think I will vote in the Democratic Primary because my vote will have more impact, and in case Hillary or Obama do become president, I have voiced my opinion on which one should be there. A vote for Ron Paul won't mean much at this point.

I actually feel that a lot of republicans may cross the isle this time for the same reason. They know McCain is a shoe in, so they will make their vote count. It will be an interesting primary.

In Texas, the polling place is the same for both parties. The democats voting machines are on one side of the room, the republicans on the other. You just decide which table to take your registration card to when you walk in the door and they stamp it for whichever party you choose that time. You are not registered either democrat or republican. Registration is neutral. I've heard it may be different in other states.

[Janet]

Yes, it is different here in Indiana. We just go in, don't show any card except driver's license and go to any voting machine. Nothing is separated.

[judy]

This is impressive Marilyn! Democrats in Texas is not a common occurrence.

I love the energy that the young people are showing up here in this primary. I think they're generally for Obama. This is not Generation X! They really care. It reminds me of the 60's, when we (the youth) took over and changed things forever.

I think that's how it should be. The younger generation will be the ones whose children will be growing up in America. It should be very important to them what happens here.

I'm glad your daughter got to be part of it!

[Marilyn]

They are saying Obama may actually carry the state. The latinos in the valley and El Paso are more traditional and will vote for the "old guard", i.e. Hillary. The younger latinos, 26 and under, in the cities like Houston, San Antonio, Austin & Dallas are favoring Obama.

Some people are saying that Hillary's comments at the end of the debate last night were the beginnings of her concession statements. She's making peace. I'd heard that she was in it for all or nothing. That if Obama is nominated she would never settle for being his VP. I'm not so sure that is the case. She is expressing respect for him and I believe she may want to be the VP. If she waits and tries to run again, she will be 4 years older, and it won't be as easy for her then. It's almost like now or never!!

I think Obama/Hillary would have a better chance than Obama/Edwards.

Poor old Ron Paul. :(

Oh, by the way.......they grabbed a 1995 Dodge farm pickup for a spur of the moment platform for Bill Clinton when he did his speech on Wednesday. He was supposed to speak indoors, but there were so many people they moved outside & his aids got permission to use the first available American made pickup. They are calling it PICKUP TRUCK ONE this morning in the paper. The farmer who owns the truck has quite a story to tell his grandkids.:)

[Marilyn]

Here's a pic of Clinton on the truck. 2511


They're calling him Hillary's Pickup Man!!

[judy]

Aren't these interesting times?

We have a woman, an African American, a not so conservative Republican all running for President, and now, Bill Clinton, in Texas, on a pick=up truck!

I know a lot of you do not like him, but I have to admit that Bill is one sexy man! A friend of mine saw him speak and said that he has such charisma it's weird. I'm not saying that I approve of what he did with the Monica!

[Marilyn]

... and now, Bill Clinton, in Texas, on a pick=up truck!

And none of the rednecks shot him!!! Guess there were too many Latinos around. Could have been another Alamo for the rednecks. ;)

[Marilyn]

Just had to post on here again. We're over run with Democrats. There are celebrities passing through either campaigning for Hillary or Obama. There was a message on the answering machine from Obama wanting everyone to vote early. Both of them have been all around the area speaking here and there. Obama was at Texas State Univ. this week and caused Melissa problems getting around campus to her classes because of all the security and news crews.

The thing I was concerned about is happening. Some of the Republicans who voted early are crossing over and voting for Hillary because they think McCain will have a better chance of beating her. This is one reason that I really think, and I'll say it again, all the primaries need to be on the same day in the entire country. It's just not right the way it is taking place.

I don't know if we've every had this much attention. We went downtown earlier this evening and I noticed that the GOP headquarters is right next door to the law office of the head of the Democratic party here. Isn't that crazy!!!

[AngieDoogles]

Just had to post on here again. We're over run with Democrats. There are celebrities passing through either campaigning for Hillary or Obama. There was a message on the answering machine from Obama wanting everyone to vote early. Both of them have been all around the area speaking here and there. Obama was at Texas State Univ. this week and caused Melissa problems getting around campus to her classes because of all the security and news crews.

The thing I was concerned about is happening. Some of the Republicans who voted early are crossing over and voting for Hillary because they think McCain will have a better chance of beating her. This is one reason that I really think, and I'll say it again, all the primaries need to be on the same day in the entire country. It's just not right the way it is taking place.

I don't know if we've every had this much attention. We went downtown earlier this evening and I noticed that the GOP headquarters is right next door to the law office of the head of the Democratic party here. Isn't that crazy!!!

Wow, that's frustrating! I personally don't think that should be allowed, but what can you do?

[Gwen]

I have to admit that I'm one of those people that hasn't gotten really into politics yet. I voted last time, but I really need to learn more about everything. I still don't fully understand what makes someone a republican or a democrat. And I don't know fully where I fall when it comes to those lines. It really is starting to interest me this year though. I've been taking the candidate tests to find out whose views are close in line with mine. And I have been following all the articles about the election coming up. It's going to be an interesting year, that's for sure! :)

[AngieDoogles]

I have to admit that I'm one of those people that hasn't gotten really into politics yet. I voted last time, but I really need to learn more about everything. I still don't fully understand what makes someone a republican or a democrat. And I don't know fully where I fall when it comes to those lines. It really is starting to interest me this year though. I've been taking the candidate tests to find out whose views are close in line with mine. And I have been following all the articles about the election coming up. It's going to be an interesting year, that's for sure! :)

This is off topic, but I just wanted to say that I love your signature line! Mulan is one of my favorite movies and that was a good scene. :)

[Janet]

Quote from Judy...I know a lot of you do not like him, but I have to admit that Bill is one sexy man! A friend of mine saw him speak and said that he has such charisma it's weird. I'm not saying that I approve of what he did with the Monica!

I agree with you on this one Judy, he is a very handsome man...I don't approve of what he did either, but I still don't think he deserves to be thrown to the wolves, like some think.

[Gwen]

Thanks Angie! I've always liked that line. I've always found that culture to be so poetic too, so I would be curious to know if it was something Disney made up for the movie, or if it could be a real quote from that someone of that area.

I was pretty young when Bill was in office. I always found it funny that what he was remembered for was his indiscretions. I guess it was the fact that he lied, I dunno, lol. Your private life becomes so much more public when you're in the public eye.

[catlover]

I think this is going to be the most exciting election I can remember (at least, it has been so far!) We'll either have the first black, the first woman, or the oldest president!

I agree that the primaries should be held, if not at the same time, then at least maybe all in the same month. In Pa, we don't get to vote until April! Although there has been talk that Pa might be the deciding state for the democrats.

In Pa, you are registered Democrat or Republican. In the primary, you can vote ONLY for your party. So for example, if you're a registered democrat and you like McCain-you can't vote for him. But in the election, obviously, you can vote for anyone.

I never actually saw President Clinton speak, but I'm told he has the same charisma as JFK.

[Janet]

I need some help here.....what in the heck are 'super delegates' and when did they come into being? Never heard of them before this election.

There are so many things that need to be changed in our election process and I'm afraid that in the end, not making these changes will be our downfall.

[Marilyn]

I need some help here.....what in the heck are 'super delegates' and when did they come into being? Never heard of them before this election.

There are so many things that need to be changed in our election process and I'm afraid that in the end, not making these changes will be our downfall.

I totally agree. The Super Delegates seem to function like the Electoral College. And here in Texas, Hillary has kicked up a controversy. After the primary on Tuesday, the Democratic Party in Texas holds precinct caucases. The caucases have input into the election results over and above the votes of the citizens. They call in their caucus results to a central location Tuesday evening. If Hillary is not pleased with the results, she may consider a lawsuit.

So in the primaries, we vote, then a caucus can change our vote. At the convention, the Super Delegates vote, and they can change the popular vote. At the general election, the Electoral College can go against the popular vote. Something is wrong with this system!!!!!

And Catlover, I think your system in PA would be a good idea. The way we do it here in Texas is manipulative. Hubby suggested that if you vote in a party's primary, you should have to vote for their candidate in November. That would stop the crossovers.

[yorkiemalt]

I think this is going to be the most exciting election I can remember (at least, it has been so far!) We'll either have the first black, the first woman, or the oldest president!

I agree that the primaries should be held, if not at the same time, then at least maybe all in the same month. In Pa, we don't get to vote until April! Although there has been talk that Pa might be the deciding state for the democrats.

In Pa, you are registered Democrat or Republican. In the primary, you can vote ONLY for your party. So for example, if you're a registered democrat and you like McCain-you can't vote for him. But in the election, obviously, you can vote for anyone.

I never actually saw President Clinton speak, but I'm told he has the same charisma as JFK.

Same in NJ...you must be registered either Democrat or Republican to vote in a primary but we're not seperated to vote. Wonder if I had pushed a Clinton/Obama button what would have happened? Does the vote not count? Can't imagine how they'd enforce that Catlover unless you actually have different voting booths. :confused:

President Clinton is an excellent speaker. I remember when he was President listening to him and being mesmerized by his speeches.

[catlover]

No, we don't have separate voting booths. Each time we vote, we have to sign a registration (they have an alphabetical list of every person registered to vote in the district) Then, in the primaries-they must have some kind of button or something that can control the individual voting booth. Because when I go in, it won't LET me vote for any other party.

I'm not sure how it works for independents, though. I don't know if they can vote for ANYONE or for NO ONE!!! JessLeo might know-she's from Pa, and she is REALLY into politics!!!

[AngieDoogles]

I need some help here.....what in the heck are 'super delegates' and when did they come into being? Never heard of them before this election.

There are so many things that need to be changed in our election process and I'm afraid that in the end, not making these changes will be our downfall.

Voters don’t choose the 842 unpledged “super-delegates” who comprise nearly 40 percent of the number of delegates needed to clinch the Democratic nomination.

The category includes Democratic governors and members of Congress, former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, former vice president Al Gore, retired congressional leaders such as Dick Gephardt, and all Democratic National Committee members, some of whom are appointed by party chairman Howard Dean.


These super-delegates don’t have superhuman powers, but unlike rank-and-file Democrats, they do automatically get to cast a vote at the convention to decide who the party’s nominee will be.

Although dubbed “unpledged” in Democratic Party lingo, the super-delegates are free to come out before their state’s primary and pledge to support one of the presidential contenders.


On Tuesday Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski announced she was supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton and three weeks ago, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine declared that he's also backing her. These aren't mere endorsements; these are actual votes putting Clinton two steps closer to the number of delegates needed to secure the nomination.


Snippets from THIS (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18277678/)article.

[Janet]

Voters don’t choose the 842 unpledged “super-delegates” who comprise nearly 40 percent of the number of delegates needed to clinch the Democratic nomination.

The category includes Democratic governors and members of Congress, former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, former vice president Al Gore, retired congressional leaders such as Dick Gephardt, and all Democratic National Committee members, some of whom are appointed by party chairman Howard Dean.


These super-delegates don’t have superhuman powers, but unlike rank-and-file Democrats, they do automatically get to cast a vote at the convention to decide who the party’s nominee will be.

Although dubbed “unpledged” in Democratic Party lingo, the super-delegates are free to come out before their state’s primary and pledge to support one of the presidential contenders.


On Tuesday Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski announced she was supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton and three weeks ago, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine declared that he's also backing her. These aren't mere endorsements; these are actual votes putting Clinton two steps closer to the number of delegates needed to secure the nomination.


Snippets from THIS (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18277678/)article.

Thanks Angie...I still don't remember ever hearing this term 'super-delegates' before. I just feel like the wool is being pulled over my eyes and I don't care for it at all. Did the super-delegates exist in the last election? I've just never heard this term and so often...

[Marilyn]

I was talking to someone today after church who is pretty knowledgable on current events and he said that we have caucases, super delegates and electorial college because we are not a true democracy. We are actually a representative form of government. In a democracy, popular vote rules.

In our state, at least in the past, may be different now that we have touch screen voting machines, when we had the mechanical kind, we walked in the door with our undeclaired registration card. Republicans were on one side of the room and democrats on the other. You went to the table of your choice to check in. They checked the roll to find your name and you signed on the line, then they stamped your voter's registration card with the appropriate rubber stamp, showing that you voted in either the republican or democratic primary. Then you stepped to one of the machines marked democrat or republican depending on which side of the room you are on. That's how republicans can cross over. They just step to the democratic table and go from there.

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks Angie...I still don't remember ever hearing this term 'super-delegates' before. I just feel like the wool is being pulled over my eyes and I don't care for it at all. Did the super-delegates exist in the last election? I've just never heard this term and so often...

This is the first year that super delegates have existed...

[Jess36]

No, we don't have separate voting booths. Each time we vote, we have to sign a registration (they have an alphabetical list of every person registered to vote in the district) Then, in the primaries-they must have some kind of button or something that can control the individual voting booth. Because when I go in, it won't LET me vote for any other party.

I'm not sure how it works for independents, though. I don't know if they can vote for ANYONE or for NO ONE!!! JessLeo might know-she's from Pa, and she is REALLY into politics!!!

Sorry, missed this one somehow. I'm not 100% sure how it works, since I've only voted in one primary so far. I wasn't old enough before. But, my mom is a registered independent, and she can't vote at all in the primaries. I think it's called a "Closed primary," so you have to be one or the other to vote. Otherwise don't bother showing up.

[CoyoteQueen]

This is the first year that super delegates have existed...


Is that in fact correct?

may I point you guys all to the new thread I started in the book section! LOL! That book is suppose to show how we are losing our civil liberties!

[Jess36]

I *think* they've been around since '68, but this is the first year that they will really need to play a part in the election process. Howard Dean had more superdelegates in '04, but John Kerry ended up winning b/c he had a lot more primary wins.