More Obama video

Here's another video I took on Thursday in Boca Raton. It's a good bit shorter (2:35), but it comes from his prepared remarks, which you may have seen on television. In this excerpt, Sen. Obama describes his commitment to Israel and his appreciation for and understanding of the Jewish community. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), who introduced Sen. Obama at the event, can be seen seated behind the Senator.

Hopefully this will shut up idiots like Michael Gerson, who don't know what the hell they're talking about.



UPDATE (9:56 am 5/25/08): In light of his appearance this morning on ABC's "This Week," I should post this picture from Thursday that I forgot to add, of Obama senior adviser David Axelrod. As noted during the liveblogging, I met him before the event and chatted with him for a minute ... even told him that I was a member of the Florida Progressive Coalition. Hey, anything for a plug, right?

Obamarama: postscript #2 VIDEO

Here is a video I made (it's strictly amateur, so sorry for the shakiness) from Sen. Obama's "town hall" meeting yesterday in Boca Raton. In it, the senator responds to an audience member's question about getting American troops out of Iraq and reducing Iranian influence in the Middle East. He then concludes his remarks by addressing some of the attacks on his character (e.g., e-mails going around about him being a Muslim) and on his support for Israel.

It's 9:12 in length, but I believe it's worth seeing, or at least hearing, in its entirety. It gives you an idea of the man's vision but also his sense of humor and his humanity. Enjoy.



UPDATE (7:59 am 5/23/08): As the full coverage already is scrolling off the front page, readers might miss the earlier parts of the liveblogging. So, if you're interested and for future reference, here's a link to the full Blast Off! coverage from yesterday's event.

UPDATE (9:12 am 5/24/08): I've added another video, a shorter one that comes from Sen. Obama's prepared remarks preceding the Q&A session shown in the video on this post.

Obamarama: postscript #1

I have quite a few pictures to go through, and even a video or two to post. So please bear with me.

But for now, please enjoy this Happy Obama:


I shook his hand. It was cool. (The experience, not his hand.)

More to come ...

UPDATE (8:04 am 5/23/08): Yes, that's a flag pin Sen. Obama is wearing -- with flags of the U.S. and Israel.

UPDATE (10:19 am 5/23/08): If you like the picture, you'll love the video.

Obamarama: additional questions

Question:
We have to bring back the gleam to America. A vote for Barack Obama is a vote for America and Israel.

I'll let another question go ... since that wasn't really a question.

Question (from an "ultra-Republican," my friend says):
Iranians can't wait for another president as good as Jimmy Carter ... because they want to be able to do whatever they want. So what would you tell Ahmedinejad about that, and what about the meeting at Teheran University to discuss the elimination of Israel?

First, I would never do anything to jeopardize the security of Israel. But I would introduce direct diplomacy with Iran, because the policy of not talking with our enemies has not worked. Over the last eight years, Iran has gotten stronger. If you think about it, when Bush took office, Iran was weakened, Iraq was a buffer, Hamas and Hezbollah were threats but not like they are now. Over the last eight years, Iran has become more powerful and has pursued nuclear weapons even more ... Hamas and Hezbollah are stronger, too. "How is it that the Bush-Cheney-McCain policy been good for Israel? I don't see it."

What I would say to any Iranian leader is to have them stop funding nuclear weapons and threatening Israel, and in turn we can help you economically -- there are things we can do ... Iran has to import gasoline ... they are not members of the WTO or in the international economy that would allow them to prosper like, say, India and China have. But if we've initiated direct diplomacy, we have the moral high ground and can enforce sanctions among our allies.

Appeasers?! Israel is talking with Turkey, Egypt, etc ... are they appeasing? No, they are making practical decisions on how to be most secure. The notion that we would operate differently is part of the fear-mongering that has been taking place for the last eight years. If we keep going, we will be isolated and unable to help Israel.

"I've been in a contest with Bill -- with Hillary Clinton ..." [laughter] But the good thing is how Bill Clinton used diplomacy to protect Israel and our other allies. I intend to do the same thing as president of the United States.

---

At this point I must stop -- I regret having to do so, but I am nearly out of battery power and am nowhere near a convenient outlet. I will continue to take pictures and notes and complete the posting later today. Thanks for being here ...

Obamarama: even more questions

Question:
Regarding energy policy, how can you get the oil companies to fall in line -- what will make them do essentially what their competitors want?

"We've got to change our energy policy for economic reasons and national security reasons.

"Let's face global warming and collect money from polluters which we can use to increase fuel efficiency in cars ... the fact that we have not increased fuel efficiency is ridiculous. Yes, oil companies' business is oil. But they are benefitting with record profits, not because of investments but because of speculation. They are making money because production is not keeping pace with demand. So we ought to consider a modest windfall profits tax, which they are in a position to pay. But if we don't get our energy policy fixed, we will continue to be in the thrall of autocrats. Look at Bush going to Saudi Arabia -- he couldn't get them to increase production ... we ought to be looking at alternative energy sources right here."

Question:
What should we do about Putin?

"More than Russia, we need to pay attention to China. They are going to be even more of a powerhouse in years to come. Having said that, with Putin, here's what I won't do: I won't look into his eyes and see his soul. [laughter, applause] Russia is not our enemy, but there is an adversarial relationship ... still, we can find common ground. They have an interest in preventing terrorism, as do we ... and they have an interest in making sure Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons (although they like Iran giving us a hard time).

"We have to focus on human rights and political freedom, and a practical relationship that has no illusions on how Putin operates. He has cracked down on democracy and enriched himself and his cronies with unimaginable wealth -- there are more billionaires in Moscow than in any other city in the world. So it's going to be a difficult relationship, but what we have to do is choose the few non-negotiable things -- probably preventing terrorism and keeping Iran -- and other countries -- from getting nuclear weapons."

Obamarama: more questions

Question:
Since a person is known by the company they keep ... what about a private meeting with a Islamic leader in Dearborn, Mich., and with other such leaders that you have met with. Aside from elected officials, who can you cite as close personal friends who are Jewish who have influenced your viewpoint on Arab-Israeli conflict? [boos, catcalls]

"I think the general question was that there are past associations of mine that are troublesome to the Jewish community, so are there people who will vouch for me? You have to be careful not to come up with 'some of my best friends are Jewish,' but I do have some friends ... [he named several individuals] The irony is that when I was in Chicago, one of the raps on me was that I was too close to the Jewish community!

"Yes, I know Rashid Khalidi. But to pluck out one person whose views may not be in line with the Jewish is a problematic situation. [standing ovation]

I believe in listening to people even when I disagree with them. That does not mean that I won't object to things they may say, but the Jewish community in Chicago knows that I've spoken out against anti-Semitism there ... but part of my job as president is to listen to different points of view. Even if people state anti-black sentiments, I still will listen to them and try to deal with them."

Obamarama: taking questions in town hall meeting

We need to restore a sense of justice in our economic lives and our social lives ... why must senior citizens have to take only half their prescriptions? It's a violation of the spirit of justice. Underpaid teachers, children who can't afford college ... that's a violation of the spirit of justice. Families who can't afford health care ... that's a violation of the spirit of justice.

I just want to make sure that everyone understands that while I am discussing Israel, I want to talk about this country and how we can make America fair for everyone.

Now questions: these questions have not been pre-screened. I want the toughest questions available. "We're gonna go boy-girl-boy-girl, though ..."

Question:
"The first 15 years ... I was all over eastern Europe. I can't stand the hate. Someone told me, 'if Barack Obama would change his name to Barry, I would vote for him!' "

"Let's face it: part of what raises concerns is that you've got a black guy named Barack Obama. My father was from Kenya. 'Barack' means the same as 'Baruch' - one who's blessed. It's the same Semitic root -- the same source. My father was basically agnostic as far as I can tell, and I was raised by my mother, who was from Kansas. I was called 'Barry,' but then I felt it was important to acknowledge my other side and I started going by 'Barack.' Israel has had a prime minister named 'Barak' ... you should be familiar with that name."

Question:
"Please clean up health care ... I'm losing my house, I have a mother with Alzheimer's .... I would like to see common sense come back to government."

"Let me talk about health care ... this is a crisis we've been talking about for decades. We've been talking about universal health care since Harry Truman. We are the only advanced, industrialized nation that doesn't offer universal health care. It's scandalous.

People have a deductible so high that it becomes catastrophic insurance -- insurance for your house, but you never go to the doctor. This is costly, and not only is it bad for the quality of life, but it's costing taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money.

So: if you've got health care already through your employer, you can keep it, and we will work to lower premiums by a catastrophic health care plan. If you don't have it, you can buy into a plan like that we have in Congress, and you can be subsidized if need be. No exclusions for preexisting conditions, and we'll emphasize prevention, which will save money in the system -- up to $150 billion that we then use to provide care for people who don't have it.

Sen. Clinton's plan is a good plan ... the key is how do we get it done? How do we get it past the special interests, the drug companies, the insurance companies? That's why I said I wouldn't take money from federal lobbyists and PACs. But we need to build a coalition that will finally get this done. We can have a legitimate debate about how it will get done, but it's not effective to say that we'll let the market forces determine it.

Medicare: let's negotiate with drug companies for the cheapest possible care."

Obamarama: commitment to Israel

I have a fundamental difference with President Carter, who sat down with Hamas. We cannot negotiate with terrorists ... I want to repeat this, because there's been a lot of rumor-mongering going on. I have said throughout this campaign that we should not negotiate with Hamas and Hezbollah. My opponents are counting on fear because they are not telling the truth.

Iran is clearly the biggest threat to Israel today ... the threat is real and grave. I will work to eliminate that threat, and ending the war in Iraq will give us increased flexibility ... the invasion of Iraq has strengthened Iran's position. The time has come for tough, principled diplomacy to bring an end to threats against Israel and other countries.

To achieve this, we have to offer sticks like economic sanctions, but not take military options off the table. That's why I was a chief sponsor of a bill to encourage divestment from Iran. But we also need carrots ... we must show that we are willing to come to the table. We must exercise diplomacy first, before military action.

(note: these are paraphrases, not exact quotes)

Obamarama: the next president of the United States

Obama's speech is one as a statesman ... I'm reminded of other famous speeches in American history by presidential candidates, and I believe this one has the potential to carry a great deal of weight and be remembered for many years to come. I am struggling with the desire to report his words to you while still wanting to hear and comprehend what he is saying ... so forgive the quietude for the moment.

Obama has just promised an unshakeable commitment to Israel and maintenance of the Israeli-U.S. bond. He traveled to Israel two years ago, and there's no substitute for meeting the people and seeing the terrain for an understanding of how Israelis crave peace. "I pledge to make every effort to help Israel achieve that peace. I intend to strengthen Palestinian partners who ... support Israel's right to exist. I will work to achieve two states that can exist side-by-side."

Obamarama: He's here!

Robert Wexler is speaking ... Obama supports Israel as a Jewish state, and he's stood shoulder to shoulder with Israel to point out that America must stand up with Israel's right to self-defense.

After meeting with Binyamin Netanyahu, Sen. Obama introduced a bill that would make certain that Iran would not become a nuclear power ...

"This event for me is very personal. My wife and I were married here almost 21 years ago ... we have with us today a man whose intellect is totally in sync with the American Jewish experience. This is a man who has stood in front of church audiences and said there's too much anti-Semitism in America. ....I would not feel so strongly about him becoming President if I were not 100% certain that he would be the finest president for America, and the finest president for support of Israel"

Obamarama: taking a short break

Not sure why, but after Rep. Gelber's remarks, we've taken a break. People are milling around again and chatting ... I haven't heard any official word about Sen. Obama's whereabouts at the moment, but I know we'll still hear from Rep. Wexler before Sen. Obama speaks.

Obamarama: state Rep. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach)

Gelber, the Democratic leader of Florida's state House, begins by reminding the Congregation that Sen. Aronberg is single, he's Jewish, and he's a lawyer. Much laughter was had.

Next, Gelber introduced his young daughter, a straight-A student who was "an Obama girl" early on ... "as I listened to [Obama] speak, I began to find him more and more attractive as a candidate. He doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but rather what you need to hear, at a time when that is more important than at any other time in our history."

"As a Jew, I was impressed by [Obama] ... he has a real sense of refined justice."

Next, the topic of Israel. "Obama is not been in Florida for years. He's new to many of you, and I understand that. But I went online and I read his speeches before AIPAC, and I read his books, and I [realized that] he has a real understanding of the challenges that face Israel.... AIPAC gives him a 100% rating."

(Sinfonian here ... sure, AIPAC isn't the most popular organization around for progressives, but I assure you they are sending exactly the right message in the speeches so far, given their audience.)

Gelber: "Sen. Obama does not have an Israel problem. The Republicans have an election problem, and they are going to try to exploit this any way they can."

"They [Republicans] will only win if you do not believe your own eyes and your own ears." Don't believe the innuendo and rhetoric ... "any friend of Wexler's is a friend of Israel."

Gov. Crist invited some officials on a trade mission to Israel last year, but the "spirit guy" was Congressman Wexler. "I went through dozens of meetings there, and every single meeting, the people didn't just know who he was, but they had been at meetings with him before. I was amazed at the depth of his understanding of the challenges facing Israel. ... If Israel had a U.S. congressman, there is no question in my mind that her choice would be Robert Wexler of Florida."

Obamarama: Preliminary speeches

Dave Aronberg: Our country is at a crossroads, looking for true leadership now. "I endorsed him early on because I felt he was a different breed of politician. ... he is the antidote to the hyper-partisanship we've already seen."

"On every major issue, Sen. McCain is indistinguishable from George W. Bush."

Clearly, Aronberg and the other speakers are setting up exactly what I suggested this morning: Obama is a friend of Israel ... we cannot afford a third Bush term ... we cannot afford a Huggy Bear victory.

"John McCain is just George W. Bush with a better personality and a better command of the English language."

Have you been getting the e-mails? Aronberg asked. And are you going to believe the anonymous e-mails, or are you going to believe Congressman Robert Wexler? "Any friend of Robert Wexler is a friend of mine."

Leading Jewish scholar: "Barack Obama has passed every test about Israel that he needs to pass." Obama, says Aronberg, will not concede Florida. In fact, it's significant that he came here directly from the win in Oregon that gave him a majority of pledged delegates.

Obamarama: Program begins

First speaker is the Rabbi of B'Nai Torah Congregation, David Steinhardt. It's 3:45 pm.

He's saying how the speech today is not about an endorsement ... comparing this event to one when Gov. George Pataki (R-N.Y.) was scheduled to speak here during the 2004 campaign. Instead, White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten came. So this was an invitation to Sen. Obama; Clinton and McCain also were invited.

Rabbi Steinhardt says that we will have an opportunity to ask questions ... we all kind of looked at each other in surprise.

Now Rabbi Steinhardt is thanking all the people who made this possible, including the Obama advance team. Rabbi Steinhardt introduces state Sen. Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres).

Obamarama: awaiting arrival

Word is that Sen. Obama is still in the air, returning from D.C. Presumably he could land at Boca Executive Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive from here. But I don't know how far away he is at the moment.

Meanwhile,the room is filling up completely. They did have a few people without tickets waiting outside to enter when I arrived, but they wouldn't have been admitted until all those with tickets got in.

The buzz in the room continues. There's a palpable excitement, but I still think Sen. Obama needs to treat this less like a campaign rally and more like an opportunity to speak to a group of voters who carry a lot of clout here in Florida and who, as we've already seen today, are skeptical of him and his candidacy.

Obamarama: what needs to happen here

One thing that is immediately noticeable about the crowd here (especially as I'm sitting with a friend who knows everyone) is that nearly every wealthy, influential, well-connected Jew in Boca Raton is here. And so Sen. Obama needs to speak directly to them, reassuring them that he will not forget about their interests (meaning Israel).

Even if this isn't an enormous crowd (I figure 800-ish), it's a crowd that will talk to their friends and neighbors ... and that's where the real impact of Obama's appearance will take place.

Obamarama: I'm in

Well, the good news is that I'm in. I'm sitting about 20 feet from the podium, and I just met David Axelrod, Sen. Obama's campaign chair. Thing is, I have my work laptop with me, and it doesn't have the card reader for pictures. So I'll have to put up pictures after the fact rather than during, since I don't have the right cable with me, either. Sorry about that ...

I did get a good picture of Axelrod just now as well as one of Rep. Robert Wexler (D-Fla.), who was one of the chief organizers of this event.

There is quite a buzz in the air as we await the arrival of Sen. Obama. However, I'm told that there are Republicans in the house -- they got their tickets as members of the congregation here at B'nai Torah.

More to come ...

Obamarama update: event time changed

(this post is sticky until this afternoon -- scroll down for new material)

A short time ago, I received word that Sen. Obama has been delayed. As a result, the "town hall" meeting in Boca Raton has been pushed back from noon to 4:00 pm local time. I still plan to attend and, if possible, to liveblog it.

Keep it here for further updates as events warrant ...

UPDATE (12:11 pm 5/22/08): Here's the scoop on Sen. Obama's delay:

Barack Obama's visit to Palm Beach County was delayed until 4 p.m. today after the U.S. senator flew back to Washington D.C. this morning for a vote to expand veterans' benefits, his campaign officials said this morning.

Obama was scheduled to visit the B'nai Torah Congregation in Boca Raton at 10:30 a.m.. Interested voters had already lined up when he flew in to the nation's capital at 9 a.m. from Orlando.

About 30 people were outside the temple this morning, hours before the doors were scheduled to open around 2:30.

Among them was Boca Raton resident Jeffery Jones, who showed up about 11 a.m. He said he would like Obama to clarify his position on Israel, but added: "I think he has a message to the people of America and the world. I think he's going to unite the country and end all the divisions this country has been dealing with."

Single mother Jean Louis Waldahe said she wants to hear Obama explain how he's going to make life better for working class people like herself.

"Every single day, I have to fill up my gas tank. And I don't even have the money. How come they raise the cost of food and gas but they don't raise people's paychecks?"

Wow. A presidential candidate who's a senator actually does his job. How refreshing. Kinda makes me feel better about the delay.

UPDATE (1:37 pm 5/22/08): Sens. Obama and Clinton both spoke on the Senate floor in support of the aforementioned bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) to provide expanded rights to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and then voted "yea." The bill passed the Senate 75-22.

Huggy Bear did not vote -- apparently he is campaigning in California.

Now, remind me: which candidate, and which party, supports the troops? (I could have told you that before ... in fact, I did.)

Obamarama update: trying to liveblog

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm going to the Obama "town hall" event in Boca Raton today. I have my ticket and am good to go ... and I'm going to try to get the laptop and camera in so I can liveblog. The event starts officially at noon, but I should be on site by 10:00, so check in thereafter and you'll know whether it's going to be liveblogged. If not, I'll have a post up as soon as possible after the event.

Can you feel the Obamentum?