Obamapalooza

I should have been more on top of this, but I just now got around to finding my camera and the attachment for the computer to upload pictures from the Obama Rally on Election night. If you blow these pictures up and squint you MAY see Obama speaking.

This is when they announced that Obama was the projected winner,

The City of Chicago glowing

Do you see him?!?!?!?!

Strategy

I've been thinking about the President-elect- Obama's thoughts on placing Senator Hillary Clinton in his cabinet. It's not that I don't think it is a good idea; having the Senator as part of the cabinet and especially as Secretary of State is a very good choice. But for once I am thinking strategy for Senator Clinton.

If just IF Obama is a 2 term president (I know I am getting ahead of myself), I don't see Senator Biden running for president in 8 years, he will be 74 years old. Which leads to another election where there won't be an incumbent from either party. If Senator Clinton's "dream" is to be the President of the United States someday, taking a job in Obama's cabinet probably won't get her a step closer to being president, but rather father away. Yes, she still will be in the public eye and if selected as Secretary of State will continue to strengthen her foreign policy experience, but history is not on her side. The last Secretary of State to become president was Martin Van Buren in 1837. 1837! That was a long, long, long time ago when cabinet positions, and the office of the Vice President and President basically rotated around the good old boys of New York, Massachusetts and Virgina.

While there is news whirling around that there might be some issues if she does become Secretary of State; but I think what might be best for her and her ambition to become President of the United States . If she just stays in the Senate until her term is up, and then runs for her Senate seat again in 2012. She will be in a prime spot to have more foreign and domestic policy experience under her belt which would put her in a prime slot to win the Democratic nomination and go on to be President. Realistically, this seems like a much better plan of attack. Doesn't that seem like a better idea? Strategy, it's all strategy.

Role Models

I began this post several weeks before the election but didn't know how to address the issue of role models for girls when it comes to public service, but now I think I have my answer. I could go back into history and name off many women, but I'll keep it to those women who have been in the headlines over the past couple of years.


Governor Sarah Palin: Not a role model for young girls looking to get into public service. A pretty face and coming off folksy can only get you so far after that, you've got to know your stuff. Being prepared and knowing the issues are key to being in the pubic spotlight, which will then bring confidence to those who are your followers and soon to be supporters. "You bettcha" isn't good English either.


Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice: Role Model. Here is a woman that young women can look up to. She is highly educated, knows her stuff and is just a well rounded individual. Hey, if you are going to be a Republican, this is the female Republican to look up to.


Senator Hillary Clinton: Not a Role / Role Model This is the woman where you want to pick and choose her characteristics that you want your young daughter to emulate. A very smart woman who definitely knows her stuff, but sometimes steps over the line. Senator Clinton while as a professional woman has been very successful, it's the power hungry-ness and sense of entitlement that bothers me.


Michelle Obama: Role Model There is still a lot to see of what Michelle Obama makes of her First Lady status. But as a working successful woman and mother there isn't much about Michelle Obama not to like. She is highly educated, is very well spoken, knows what she is talking about and an all around strong woman.


Christine Todd Whitman: Role Model Ok, I dig this woman. I've blogged about her before as a potential VP candidate for McCain -he obviously doesn't read my blog. Governor Whitman isn't shy about giving her point of view and as we all know got her fired from the Bush II Administration cabinet. As the other women above, she is strong willed and educated and definitely someone who (if I ever have a daughter) I would use as a role model for young women seeking to go into public service.

I could go on and on and on, and I know I've missed many other women that you might find worthy of Role Model status. Please, let me know who you would add and we will continue this discussion.

He is OUT!

Dear Mr. Lieberman:

It's official, our relationship is now over. At first I thought you were just being an independent and trying to work both sides of the aisle to make our country a better place. As a democrat, I saw your switch to an independent as a good and strategic move; but lately I have been thinking that maybe your motives were personal. Were you feeling slighted by the party that had you as their nominee for Vice President 4 years ago?

Now Mr. Lieberman, we are taking it personally. As an independent you are able to support whomever you would like during the campaign and you did. You stayed out of the public eye for most of the campaign until the very end when you were seen standing behind Senator McCain at many of his campaign rallies while also taking part and hanging out with the Democratic Caucus.

You can't have it both ways and I along with Senator Reid are slighted by your actions.

Maybe Senator McCain should have listened to his gut and picked you rather than Caribou Barbie, but I think again you would be in the same situation are you now. Please Mr. Lieberman, you've been given your hat, be gracious and respectful to others that you've let down.

Sincerely,

Realpolitik Mama

UPDATE: The Democrats voted. Senator Lieberman is still in. Read this letter to Senator Lieberman

Obamacoma

Yesterday was historic in many ways and thanks to a very good friend I was able to be a part of the celebration by attending the rally at Grant Park or Obamapalooza. What a night! While I stood in Grant Park with over 70,000 of my bestest friends (and Oprah) I got to experience an election party for the 44th President of the United States. photos to be posted soon

Initially, I didn't know how I would react either good or bad, but when CNN announced Senator Obama as the projected winner, when everyone just let out a big cheer, I was astounded, excited and just happy it was all over. My thoughts first went to the daunting challenge ahead for him and the country as we begin to rebuild as well as heal the very distinct division in this country over ideology. There are so many things that need to be "fixed" right now that while I have some uneasiness, but things are bound to get better. This was before Obama actual speech. After Senator Obama came out and spoke to us and the world, my uneasiness faded. It is still there a bit, but my hope for a brighter future on both national and foreign policy issues is stronger than ever.

Now the work begins. In my eyes the right candidate won and will lead us all in the right direction, but I don't wear rose colored glasses. The 4 years and 76 days until the next inauguration day will be a tough and I hope that the issues raised in the campaigns will continue to be scrutinized to keep us challenged and on the path for a better tomorrow.

Let the Voting Begin!

After 2 years and hours and hours of news coverage, today is the day! I'll keep it short, since I am on the way to the polls myself and then between playdates and ironing a pile of clothes will be glued to the TV. Please exercise your right as a U.S. citizen and go vote! Tomorrow is a new day and maybe even a play by play of the Obama rally in Grant park.