Good on ya. Only sorry you had to post while the software was going berserk..... But well done.

Yalin,

I absolutely loved the way you set up this post - and am very happy to hear that you've reconciled yourself to the fact that we may not agree with everything Obama does and says (I too was absolutely ballistic when he flopped on FISA but I truly believe there just has to be a good reason why he did it...and even though I think supporting Georgia in any sense is a foolish and naive move that begs for trouble) I still believe that the only chance for the future of our country is Obama/Biden. I too have taken it upon myself to ensure that I make sure he hears me when I think he’s wrong, and I think that he one of the few politicians willing to listen to the arguments before acting.

I respect the service of McCain and I do believe that he honestly believes that he would be best for this country - but it is clear that isn't the case. The RNC motto choice of "country first" is probably the most inappropriate choice they could have made.

McCain made not only a foolish choice in Palin, who is completely unqualified to be POTUS but by doing so he has proven that his ambition outweighs the best interests of this country and everyone in it. Only someone completely inconsiderate and foolish would jeopardize this country by putting an unqualified person in 2nd command - where at any time circumstances might result in her ending up POTUS and lacking even the basic qualifications to be such.

We can NOT allow ourselves to put another power-hungry, elitist, foolish, naive, war-mongering, fear preying, liar into the White House - period.

For the last few days I've listened to the pundits hyping Palin up and saying what a "breath of fresh air" she is and how she's going to revitalize the party and I was starting to lose hope. Something about her just doesn't sit well -and it isn't that she's a woman - I'm a woman & mother and I find that she is completely unqualified to be in the WH and is the antithesis to what this country needs.

We must elect a new administration that will not only restore the constitution, reputation, economy, direction and perhaps the very spirit/faith/hope of this country but who will guide it responsibly – and MCCAIN/PALIN IS NOT IT!

stillidealistic - I can completely sympathize with your desire to stick with your party and final decision to break with them and just wanted to say that you don't necessarily have to reconcile yourself to going from repub to dem - I for one have decided that I am an independent now - I used to believe I was a dem but I tend to believe that they have gone a tad "big government" happy and I find a certain satisfaction in refusing to give anyone the assumption of a loyalty vote - no way! I am now 32 years old and until May this year I had never voted. I had completely resolved to steer clear of politics because the underhanded dealings and behind-closed-doors agendas literally made me furious.

I accidentally had the news on one evening and caught one of Obama’s speeches and something in it made me sit there and listen instead of turning it off and his words echoed the values, ideals and aspirations that I had buried away long ago in hopelessness and he expressed an understanding of the position that I see our country in – which is one that requires immediate, significant, responsible and focused change – in order for it to survive and recover. Once I checked out his site and read through his platform, complete with his plans, ideas and goals, I was sold – completely sold. I became an avid blogger to spread his positions and for the first time ever – made campaign calls for a politician – which I still can’t believe that I did. My family, husband and likely a whole lot of politicians - particularly my governor, state reps and senators are probably wishing I'd stayed the way I was.

I'm not the "lets hold hands and sing kumbiya" type like some pundits allege Obama supporters to be - I'm a realist – and I have long realized that this country is in peril – in every sense of the word. The current administration has brought us to the brink of demise and without serious changes we will not recover – much less prosper or even get back to what we once were. We have to find a new way – and McCain is not offering anything more than a continuation of failed policies and agendas that have placed us further and further into peril.

The world is waiting and watching to see if Americans can make the first step towards redeeming themselves – and even though this election is only the first step – it will show the values of Americans and put us on the path to restoring our once envied reputation. It truly isn't just a "line" when they say Mccain will be more Bush policy - and from the posts the international community is making - our decision will have a swift and unmistakable impact on the international climate we face. It isn’t about parties anymore – it’s about Americans and whether we have the intelligence and strength to take back our country and redeem ourselves.

I for one will do anything that I have to or can do - for the sake of my family, my children and all generations to come - to assist them in effecting that change.

Back when people were saying they wouldn't vote for Obama, or that they might even vote for McCain, many of my friends started worrying. They were saying things like, "I think Obama might have blown it." "What about all those Hillary supporters? Will they ever come back to the Party?" The usual. My response was always, "Stop worrying. Wait until McCain and the Republicans start going on the attack. They'll try to do the usual hit job on Obama, and in the process they'll attack everything we Democrats stand for. That'll remind people why they don't vote for Republicans, and why the Republicans can't be allowed to keep the White House." But none of us could have foreseen horribleness that is Sarah Palin. I'm glad McCain picked her, because she's going to piss people off. And not just Democrats. She'll piss off independents and decent, fair conservatives too. I hope she goes on the attack and stays on the attack. And I hope Obama continues to refuse to respond and continues to walk past her and continues to make his case in a calm, positive and respectful way. McCain is simply outmatched. And now that he's stuck with $84 million in public financing and people like you and me are fired up, McCain will be outmatched financially as well. We're going to win this thing. And Sarah Palin is going to help us do it.

Thank you brother/sister Yalin! I feel ya hard on FISA, and a couple other issues as well, but the rethugs are nothing less than an affront to our very way of life. Good on you for rejoining the battle, let's kick some neoCon ass, then hold our elected officials accountable for promises made. Yes We Can!

Way to go Yalin. Your story warmed the cockles of my heart. I have sent your story to all my e-friends. We are all contributing as we understand the consequences of this election.

START THE CLOCK!!!

CAN TPM PLEASE START A CLOCK COUNTING THE DAYS THAT ARE GOING BY WITH SARAH PALIN NOT SITTING DOWN FOR A NATIONAL INTERVIEW WITH A SERIOUS REPORTER FROM A LEGITIMATE NEWS ORGANIZATION? It's a shame that she could potentially be a heartbeat away from the presidency and we've yet to hear her without a script. So far we're on Day 7.

At work today I was talking politics to a 50 something white male who usually votes Republican. He will vote for Obama because of Palin.

I don't love everything about Obama/Biden (FISA, the farm bill, and hardest of all, the bankruptcy bill) but the Democrats are making a serious attempt to tackle our nation's biggest problems. I don't agree with everything he proposes, but at least they have a clear plan. The offering from Republicans is ridiculous.

I'm all for the whoopass -- break it out, but I guess I am suffering from PTSD from the last two elections and I hadn't had an outbreak of it until the Sarah Palin, Mittens, Huckabee, Rudy speeches, when I saw finally how low the Republicans will go to smear their opponents and just tell out right lies, they like they did during the Swiftboating of Kerry to WIN. And they train proxies to behave shamefully, while rising above the river of #@$ that they have released.

I guess I haven't been listening to right-wing radio because apparently this stuff about the Dems and Obama has been broadcast there incessantly, but I still find it shocking how hate-filled and ignorant the mouthpieces of the Right really are. And I thought it wouldn't work in 2000 and I thought it couldn't work again in 2004, but as most everyone has said, there are NEW reasons to be hopeful. And cynicism about the political process serves the cause of the reactionaries more than it does that of the progressives.

Call it "The Palin Bump."

I've talked with many people who donated for the first time or gave more because of Palin's speech (me, too). Not only was she horribly dismissive of Obama and his accomplishments, the way she did it made her sound like the bully I'd already been reading she is.

I know that many people say that the Dems have to get tougher and go after McCain and Palin the way they've gone after Obama and Biden, but one of the things I've liked best about the Obama campaign is the decency with which it's been run (for the most part).

Can we have a secret word that Obama and Biden would use in avery speech or statement if they put on the boxing gloves (unlike the bare knuckles and brass knuckles of the Repubs) and get nasty? That way, I could know that this is part of the theater of the campaign, rather than attacks that came from the heart.

But since Obama and Co. have not gone down that ugly path before, and McCain and Palin do it so readily, I already believe that Obama's a much better person than they.

"NEWS FLASH"
Obama Raised a single day record 10MILLION on the night that lady soke!!! So thank you republicans and we look forward to the debates! HA !HA ! HA !

"NEWS FLASH"
Obama Raised a single day record 10MILLION on the night that lady soke!!! So thank you republicans and we look forward to the debates! HA !HA ! HA !

Thank you for the hopefulness in these postings and for your support of Obama.

I am working my a$$ off for the Obama campaign and I have many hopeful conversations with folks as I canvass my urban neighborhood. I tell anyone that I can buttonhole that this is the most critical election in my lifetime--so far--and I will soon be 59.

I am grateful if a vote is contributed to this campaign. If anyone can give more, then give money then your time. Reaching voters by phone or by knocking on doors is also a possibility. The campaign offices also have need of data entry folks (from all of the phone calls and knocking on doors), front office people, and even folks who can drop off some doughnuts and coffee every once in a while. Almost all of these activities can be done very close to where you live.

If you're concerned about things like canvassing in the neighborhood, ask to be paired with an experienced canvasser. I've done that a lot and take on the role anytime I'm asked. There are people who are shocked to discover that they actually like canvassing--I'm one of them.

What I've found is that just that phone call or that knock on the door energizes people to register for the first time or to drop their cynicism and vote after several years of not voting or just to do a happy dance with you when you discover they plan on voting for Obama. Our American voters just need a bit of attention and an acknowledgement from a neighbor that their vote is so important.

Go to barackobama.com to find out how you can volunteer right in your neighborhood. You will not regret it.

Sales pitch is now official over. :)

here's a thought for the rightwing nutters, maybe Sarah Palin is the anti-christ.