Benny's World

Friday, August 31, 2007

Elizabeth Edwards in New Hampshire

I believe this is at a Public Library in NH. I'm certain that this conversation leads to better broadband access, especially in rural areas.



This is what a Future First Lady will be like.

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Elizabeth Edwards: Backyard Campaigning in NH

This is Elizabeth Edwards in action yesterday in NH. She was in someone's backyard, to a crowd of 100. Elizabeth is wearing another red jacket of courage, explaining her spouse's views on just about every topic on the planet.

Here's Sobermom's report from the Daily Kos:

On Science Education and Global Warming

A woman asked the third question, which was on the economy, global warming, consumerism, the trade deficit, and graduate science education. Yes, all in one very lengthy question. I did take a boatload of notes on this and can come back to it in more detail if people want. She talked about reducing emissions by 80% by 2050 and said that was totally doable. She did give props to Bill Richardson by pointing out that John is not the most aggressive candidate on the issue because Governor Richardson is looking for the 80% by 2040. She went into wonky beyond belief detail about permitting for carbon emissions. She talked about how we’re never going to get socks back as an industry and went on to say that the goal is to create an industry dealing with global warming that can be exported elsewhere. This morphed a bit into funding for both this and science education. Then she spoke of when she was young and how NASA excited everyone about science. A few jabs at the current occupant of the oval office later and she was on to how the right leader can create excitement by talking about the magic and wonder of science and engineering.

In addition to answering complex questions, several parents brought their children. Elizabeth was was never frazzled about it. Sobermom noted Elizabeth's patience and experience, which shined through:

Before Elizabeth started she stopped the mothers with toddlers from trying to move back out of the way behind everyone. "You don’t have to move back with babies at any event of mine. I know what it’s like to have young ones. I never would have seen a movie or attended a political event if I was trying to keep babies quiet."




This is the kind of parent I want in the White House. What about you, BW readers?

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

John Edwards Buzz: the Workin' Man's Candidate


Matt from Rhode Island's Future reports that the Carpenters Union intend to endorse John Edwards. This is great news for JRE and the first union endorsement for him.

Nice to be first. The Carpenters are nailing for the best candidate.

This is what JRE had to say:

"I am honored to receive the support of the Carpenters Union," said Edwards. "For more than a century, they have been fighting for working Americans and standing up for the values that have made our country great - hard work, responsibility, and fairness. America was built by men and women who worked with their hands, and it's labor that made our country great. I look forward to joining with the Carpenters to build One America, where every person has the chance to work hard and get ahead."

I read on the Daily Kos (where I first saw this) that JRE is going to be a guest at a Labor Council gathering on Monday. Ah, there is a good reason for that: the Steelworkers are endorsing Edwards too.

(pic courtesy of Daily Kos member Snud)

Other good news today: JRE pulled up to second in the polls in South Carolina today. I understand he is at a rally in Spartanburg as I type this message.

Don't count out John Edwards. He is the most electable of all of the candidates.

More buzz l8tr...

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

In Memory of Katrina

And NOLA, and the Gulf Coast.

My favorite line by our noble President, who flew around for days and didn't sit foot for a long time:

Heck of a job, Brownie.
Glad Edwards is considering more means for better leadership and managers from this press release:

Former Sen. John Edwards earlier outlined a six-point plan to spur the recovery of New Orleans.

A crowd of about 200 people cheered the former North Carolina senator's most provocative proposal, a "Brownie's Law" that would ensure that federal political appointees are qualified for their jobs.

The reference is to former FEMA Director Michael Brown, who resigned amid outcry toward his agency's response to the disaster. President Bush publicly told the director "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job" even as evacuees remained trapped in the Louisiana Superdome and bodies bloated in the streets.

"It was a tragedy to have people that are essentially political hacks" occupying critical governmental positions, Edwards said.

Edwards' plan also calls for federal funding for 500 new police officers, full scholarships for nurses who commit to working in New Orleans and increased funding to the state's stalled Road Home housing program. He said he will also appoint a chief recovery officer to fast-track rebuilding as well as a special Gulf Coast inspector general to ensure funds are spent properly.


http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/bw-elect/2007/aug/28/082800282.html

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Monday, August 27, 2007

John Edwards at the Livestrong Forum

John Edwards spoke at a forum in Cedar Rapids this morning sponsored by Lance Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation, and MSNBC. Each candidate was given about 35 minutes to give an opening statement and answer questions by Lance and Chris Matthews. Edwards, the second candidate, got the loudest applause coming on and leaving the stage. It was clear that Edwards had command of his statistics and introduced the facts by asking a question of the audience: how many had been affected by cancer, either through family or loved ones? Most of the 1000 there raised their hand.

More JRE buzz l8tr...

pic courtesy of the Livestrong Foundation

Update: video of the woman JRE spoke of in the cancer forum. She had to take $50K out of her health care to survive 8 months of chemotherapy and being a single mom of 4 teenagers.

http://www.johnedwards.com/media/video/nh-tour-survivors-question/

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Sunday, August 26, 2007

Bob Geiger Takes A Break

BG is one of the best covering the Senate and any news we don't hear on the MSM. I just read he decided to take a siesta on his blog (not his other jobs) since so much is going in his life.

I met him at Yearly Kos. Great person and critical thinker.

Have a good break, Bob G. Hope to see you around soon.

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