The Pink Donkey

After a rough defeat

2010-11-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

Come play with Friends...

Hey CNN, your music is a little too West Wing circa Season 5

2010-11-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Also, how much money do you spend on these holograms?

Election upon us!

2010-10-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 2, 2010!!!

WE NEED ALL THE HELP WE CAN GET!!!

Campaigns!

2010-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

We have a big campaign season coming up, so we need everyone's help! 15 days away from election day!

23rd, 24th October: Campaigning for conneticut and Deval
19 October - 2 November: GoTV for Deval
2 November - visibility in Wellesley

Phonebanking:
19 October: 7 pm
20 October: 4 pm
21 October: 7:30 pm

Keep your eyes open for the upcoming spam!

A New Year Begins!!

2010-09-20T16:30:00.000-07:00

And we're back! Kind of like how Ralph Nader won't stop - neither will me!

We began the year with a HUGE bang. Not only do we have an almost record number of first years attending the meetings, but we also have already done an intense volunteering session.

The Exec Board (and friends) decided to do "Day to Make a Difference" on 11 September at "Crayons to Cradles." This is a group which makes bags filled with not only shoes and cloths for children in need, but also toys - a much needed commodity. Here are a few pictures from our escapade - which happened to be extremely fun!

1/2 the group:

We got tired from all the work!

But overall it was great!

Pictures!!

2009-09-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Wellesley College Dems are indeed a fabulous group of young women. Way to look classy, ladies! (specifically, doesn't Lauren Fink look especially gorgeous?!)

Thanks to Bri for the pictures!!

ADORABLE!!

2009-09-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

We just had an absolutely adorable brunch in Tower Courtyard! Lots of fabulous first-years and new members and some equally excellent vittles provided from Wellesley's Bruegger's Bagels. Be jealous.

Pictures to come if de facto photographers email them to kkelley!

point for you

2009-05-11T17:57:00.001-07:00

Democrats are hypocrites too

Hot Air

2009-05-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

oooo such diversity, having an atheist on the same blog as a religious Republican and herself as a "conservative"

We should be proud. Talk about a lot of hot air...

The Mommy Wars

2009-05-11T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yes. You are correct. Sarah Palin was criticized for not putting her family first when she was running for office. But Ms. Malkin, you should know that women all over the political spectrum got up and defended her, no matter how much they might disagree with Gov. Palin's political ideology.

I think you do know this. You're just choosing to ignore it because it doesn't support your argument.

talk about a hard sell

2009-05-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Apparently there is a "Liberal Feminist Establishment"?

Because I'm pretty sure women are still a minority on most avenues to power, and within that group, there is a decent mix of "liberals" and "conservatives"

addendum

2009-05-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, liberals do like Keith Olberman and Huffington Post. For humor but we do read them nonetheless.

Use serious sources

2009-05-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

I want to believe you Ms. Malkin, I really do.

But please, I beg of you, use sources which the rest of the country takes seriously when you're citing misogyny on the left. Gawker? Perez Hilton?

And defending tea bagging against "mean spirited attempts to deride it" in the context of gay marriage when the issue was taxes, and ignoring that there was some humor in the phrasing is just plain funny

Give me a break

Michelle Malkin's Self Professed Bait and Switch

2009-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

So, rather then discussing the "Girls Gone Wild Culture," Ms. Malkin has decided to talk about misogyny on the left.

This will be good.

Not 5 minutes in, she is defending Sarah Palin and other "strong" women in the Republican party against a left which "just can't stand a minority which has betrayed its group" and has led to a "conservative female abuse"

She choose this topic because we're a women's college. And of course, after confirming that the majority of the audience identified as liberal, she continues on her ideological tirade that women should be exactly what Democrats want them to be. And it's the Democratic party's fault.

More to come from the liveblog of hte WC Democrats.

Misogyny exists in the world. And in the Democratic party. But let's put the blame where it belongs okay?

Epic

2009-04-10T14:41:00.001-07:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Progressive Actvism Week 2009!

2009-04-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

April 13 – April 17, 2009

MONDAY
Dinner with the Dems. Meet with members of the College Democrats for an informal dinner! Talk to us about anything from politics to our love for Joss Whedon.
Bae Pao Lu Chow Dining Center “Treehouse” Area
5:30 p.m.

Late Breaking Lecture!!
Settie Warren, Candidate for Mayor of Newton and Former Deputy State Director for Sen. John Kerry
Come hear Setti Warren speak about his experiences as both a staffer and a candidate and where the crossover is between the two.
Pendleton Atrium
8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY
Young Alumnae Panel. Learn about options for a potential career in politics as we are joined by past Wellesley Democrats.
Pendleton Atrium
4 p.m.
refreshments served

Movie Night. Take a study break with a movie, popcorn, and candy!
Pendleton Viewing Room
8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY
The First 100 Days: Open Forum. Share your thoughts on the actions and progress of the Obama administration. All opinions welcome and encouraged!
Pendleton Well
12:30 p.m.
lunch provided

THURSDAY
Bipartisan Men’s Panel. Hear what college-aged men have to say about politics and the political process.
Campus Center Cow Chair Room
8 p.m.

Pub Night. Relax a little before the weekend!
Punch’s Alley
9 p.m.

FRIDAY
Wellesley Women on Beacon Hill Panel. See alumnae Senator Harriet Chandler (’59) and Representative Carolyn Dykema (’89) speak about their experiences as elected officials and members of the Democratic party.
Pendleton Atrium
12:30 p.m.
lunch provided

If you can't join us at our meeting tonight

2009-02-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Watch President Obama's address live here:

Listen In!

2009-02-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

Listen in to the Wellesley College Democrats FIRST radio show.

Sundays from 10am - noon.

http://wzly.net/

leave a comment and tell us what you think

On the Radio

2008-12-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Emerson Democrats have a weekly radio show ---- and yours truly is a guest today.
I'm sure you can listen online:

Listen on a PC here

Listen on a Mac here

.

Bipartisanship

2008-10-19T12:12:00.001-07:00

In a renewed effort to reach across the aisle and embrace our fellow college-aged political activists, an anonymous member of the Wellesley College Democrats took one for the team and made out with a Republican from MIT last night. Not just any Republican, either -- an ROTC soldier boy.

We hereby welcome a new era of political cooperation.

- Lauren

2008-10-15T23:20:00.001-07:00

Education as the "civil rights" movement of the 21st century?

What "equal access"?

Watching what I missed while in transit

2008-10-15T22:53:00.001-07:00

MSNBC's video of the debate makes McCain's and Obama's ties look like they're flashing colors.

There isn't really substance to my entries.

Oh Snap!

2008-10-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

McCain: Senator Obama, I am not President Bush. If you want to run against President Bush you should have run 4 years ago.

How will your bffl feel?

Joe: The Plumber

2008-10-15T18:08:00.002-07:00

Joe "The Plumber" Six-Pack?

Debate #3

2008-10-15T18:08:00.001-07:00

blogged off campus!

837 doors!

2008-10-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

So far the Wellesley College Democrats have knocked on over 800 doors in the greater Manchester area!
Great job everyone - but this number could be higher.

Help us out by joining us on Saturday October 18th or Sunday October 19th for a MassachusettsStudent Invasion. Together with area schools we are aiming to bring over 500 college students into New Hampshire to contact voters.

Contact Deb Moldover or Jennifer Willis for more information

here are some pictures from this weekend's canvass

By some numbers

2008-10-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Registration tabling duties had me forego most of my word/term tallying.

What I did tally:

Number of times McCain made a joke where nobody laughed-->awk: 3
Number of times the moderator made a joke followed by laughs: 1
Number of times Obama made a joke followed by laughs: 1

Preconditions!

2008-10-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

AGH! Not this debate again. Can't McCain talk about anything else?
--EF

What McCain Sees

2008-10-07T19:25:00.001-07:00

BIG STICK

2008-10-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hero(es)

2008-10-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

I thought John McCain's hero was Reagan? What, know it's Teddy Roosevelt? Why can't he just make up his mind!

--Emily Firgens (as Kathy)

Obama Campaign Activites - Join Us for an Activist Fall Break!

2008-10-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

Greetings!
Just wanted to let you know about the upcoming campaign opportunities. Please let me know if you are able to join us - or sign up on our conference.

Tuesday 10/7 - General Meeting 8pm
Debate Watching Party and Bake Off v. Republicans!

Wednesday 10/8 - Phone bank - 12:30-1:30 - in the campus center "Fish Bowl" room

Saturday 10/11 - Canvass Trip to Manchester, NH (Leave 9:30 am return 4pm)
West Wing/Democrats Movie Night

Sunday 10/12 - Canvass Trip to Manchester, NH (Leave 9:30 am return 4pm)

Monday 10/13 - volunteer in the MA Obama HQ in Boston

Tuesday 10/14 - volunteer in the MA Obama HQ in Boston
Vote No Question 1 phonebank at 7pm

See you on the campaign trail!

(And as an added bonus - a photo of our Sarah Plain at the last debate)

John McCain and the Economy

2008-10-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

The following was published in the Wellesley News on October 1, 2008

There is a major discussion about whether or not this financial bailout is a good idea in the news right now. Free market Libertarians believe that any intervention in the market is a poor move; social welfare Democrats are wondering where all the regulations that would have prevented the need for such an intervention in the first place went; and the American public is left trying to figure out what in the world is happening.

Last week, Senator John McCain, the Republican candidate for the presidency, announced that he would suspend his campaign in order to turn his full attention to the economy. He, in fact, stated that he would not participate in the debate scheduled between himself and Senator Obama if a deal had not been reached. Ironically, if the debate had been canceled, it would have drastically impacted the local economy of Oxford, Mississippi, a region that McCain is surely hoping to win.

McCain’s announcement and subsequent move to “suspend” his campaign was nothing more than a political ploy. He, and his party in general, have long been perceived as the weaker side on economic issues than the Democratic Party--Senator Obama in particular. McCain called for bi-partisanship on the issue when there was already a bi-partisan and collegial atmosphere surrounding the bailout negotiations. In fact, Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Majority Leader, stated that ”While I appreciate that both candidates have signaled their willingness to help, Congress and the administration have a process in place to reach a solution to this unprecedented financial crisis. I understand that the candidates are putting together a joint statement at Sen. Obama’s suggestion. But it would not be helpful at this time to have them come back during these negotiations and risk injecting presidential politics into this process or distract important talks about the future of our nation’s economy. If that changes, we will call upon them. We need leadership; not a campaign photo op. If there were ever a time for both candidates to hold a debate before the American people about this serious challenge, it is now.” (ABC News, 9/24/08).

Despite this admonition from those who were actively trying to govern, Senator McCain still decided that the best thing for the American people (or rather for his presidential campaign) would be to return to Washington, get a picture of him holding up the negotiations and then fly onward to Mississippi for the promised debate. Here, the wheels really fell off the train. While no one can deny that there was no apparent winner in the debate overall, Senator McCain was not the clear favorite during the first thirty minutes when the discussion was on the economy.

John McCain believes that tax cuts and spending cuts are the answer to our problems. Despite a massive collapse of the financial markets, McCain does not believe that regulation should be part of long-term oversight, but just a short-term fix. He does not think that defense spending should be cut one nickel, though all the social programs, such as Medicare and Social Security, do not need to be fully funded. He talks about how there is no healthcare crisis, but who does he get his health insurance from--the Blue Cross Blue Shield Congressional plan? Medicare? I recognize that there can be different ideas in the marketplace regarding how this country should be run. And I know that not all my ideas are shared by the majority of people, but we can all agree that cutting funding that saves lives in order to increase funding for programs that kill people is not the spending priority wanted by the American people.

I grant that Sen. McCain has a firm grasp of foreign policy. This is part of the reason why few pundits have declared either candidate winner of the first presidential debate. But in a time when the economy is numbers one, two and three on the presidential-priorities-list for voters this fall, shouldn’t we pick someone who understands it?

Deborah Moldover is the co-president of the Wellesley College Democrats

By the numbers

2008-10-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

Number of times Palin mentions parents of children who play sports: 3
Number of times Palin mentions her ticket being mavericky: at least 12
Number of times Palin blurs the line between herself and Tina Fey's impression of her: at least 17
Number of times Palin says "darn right": 2
Number of times Palin says "doggonit": 1
Number of times Palin chastises "the government", "the feds", "big cities", "the east coast", or the "mainstream/liberal media": 9
Number of times Palin channels Bush's pronunciation skills: completely lost count
Number of times Palin mentions Alaska as an energy-producing state: completely lost count
Number of times Palin cites (")Reagan("): 3

Number of times Biden mentions his ties to the middle class: at least 15
Number of times Biden calls McCain a good man/non-bad man or says he loves him: 3
Number of times Biden cites statistics that may or may not have been made up: 3
Number of times Biden refers to himself in third person: 4
Number of times Biden says "champ": 2

John McCain's Record

2008-10-02T19:23:00.002-07:00

I've been waiting for the last couple of weeks to take on John McCain's record and Joe Biden finally did it. Sen. McCain likes to taught his status as a "maverick" which is complete bullshit. He has voted a solid conservative line on issues from home heating assistance to health care to the Violence Against Women Act. His alleged status as a maverick comes from his support of the war in Iraq when it wasn't popular in his party. That's certainly something I would be proud of. We don't want another Bush in the White House and I applaud Joe Biden for his leadership on pointing something out which even the media has shyed away from: John McCain is no maverick

Sarah Palin is Absolutely Right

2008-10-02T19:23:00.001-07:00

John McCain is the man we need to leave for the next four years

Dear Ms. Palin,

2008-10-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe take a look at Wikipedia sometimes. They have rather decent articles. Maybe you could look up the article on the Vice President and then you'll know that the position is in fact in the Executive branch.

Yours Truly,
Kathy

Not a Washington Insider

2008-10-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

"Americans are craving straight talk"

So why not be straight with us that you are just out of your league? The only points where you seem to have a decent position on the issues (such as opposing genocide and action in Darfur) are points when you agree with Sen. Biden. Your status as governor rather than what you describe as "Washington insider" means that you don't know how to make changes. It is important to make changes in the system but if you attempt to attack from the outside, the only thing that will change is you. You won't get your agenda accomplished and will be seen as an obstructionist. It happened to Bill Clinton and it will happen to you. Leaders don't like it when you insult them to score cheap political points so I would recommend to you Gov. Palin that you learn about the system and how to work within and by that means change it rather than simply attack it out of ignorance.

Yeah Women's Rights!!

2008-10-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm glad someone's mentioned the importance of women's rights. We have a right to be treated fairly and make our own decisions. And I'm excited that governor Palin addressed our country's appreciation of our rights. It really shows how much she cares about us and our freedom--freedom to speak, think, and ch--what is that word? It's the ability to make a decision, you know say you have many options and you need to pick one? It's a positive term, I believe, where a person isn't forced to take a certain path by people who wish to manipulate their actions? That term is escaping me for some reason.

Hm. I'll need to get back to you.

Fact Correction

2008-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Sunni, not Shi'ia extremists.

Aw man, Joe, you were doing so well

2008-10-02T18:40:00.001-07:00

Haven't we learned yet?

Let's take a suggestion from the governor

2008-10-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

We should start a new organization, SCH, "Students for the conservation of hydrocarbons."

Back Home

2008-10-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Palin answering a question: "We've only been at this, what, five weeks? I haven't been able to promise much."

What a spitfire/straight-shooter!!

On CNN's opinion tracker

2008-10-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Not a fan.

Countdown

2008-10-02T17:50:00.000-07:00

10 minutes till Biden-Palin showdown.

And Channel 5's putting us on the news tonight. An exciting feature of us watching the debate--will be thrilling(?)

Live blogging for the first time & loving it so far,
Kathy

The End?

2008-09-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

Time for the spin to begin....

Did we learn anything tonight?

Did either candidate gain significant political ground?

Did Senator McCain ever directly address Senator Obama? And will Obama ever learn the difference between John and Jim? How many times did McCain mention Reagan? (3 by my count)

hey if nothing else we learned where Waziristan is.....and where Obama's name comes from.

-jen willis

and the wellesley dems' "blog team"

happy weekend

The Wellesley Women Who Will...

2008-09-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Loudest groan yet as McCain mentions for the 50th time that he was a POW. Because that qualifies him to be president. Torture that probably influenced his mental health in ways that make him less than fit to be making the most important decisions our country will ever face in the coming years.

World Traveler

2008-09-26T19:19:00.001-07:00

So just where hasn't Sen. McCain been? Apparently he's been to Tblisi in Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Iraq, Aghanistan, Israel, Lebanon and even more places all around the world that he hasn't even mentioned yet. Is it possible that he missed something with all that time on an airplane?

The world is an awfully big place and sometimes you don't learn everything by just going on site visits. Perhaps McCain and the rest of his Republican colleagues would have a better understanding of what must be done if they actually sat down with world leaders and did something besides share a meaningful glance or give back rubs. Yes, there needs to be action that goes with that meeting but without the meeting, there is no understanding of the global situation. You cannot just surround yourself with wise men. If you don't know the questions to ask then it's as if you send a pig to Harvard, give it some earrings and lipstick and then tell it to run a country.

Sarah Palin can see Russia from her roof!

2008-09-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oh boy.... Russia... here we go.

Lauren Fink: "McCain's strategy of treating Obama like a child would have worked much better if he hadn't chosen Sarah Palin as his running mate... especially considering her special form of 'expertise' when it comes to Russia."

Also, did you know that John McCain has been to tons of other countries? He's really old, so he's had a lot of time to travel.

Lauren: I hate to admit it but I just "boo"-ed Obama out loud. He knows better. There's no such thing as clean coal.

To talk or to bomb? They're not mutually exclusive!

2008-09-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

If my brother is reading this, you're about to disagree with me. During the primary one of the major disagreements I had with Hillary Clinton was her insistence that we can't negotiate with terrorists. Yes, it may seem naive to say that TALK can solve anything... but it's just plain stupid to use arms before bombs. Maybe it takes someone "young" and "fresh" and "new" like Obama to actually be able to step back and realized that violence is never the first move. We have to talk to these people not just to try to change their minds (of course that won't work), but rather to understand how they think and how to best defeat them.

Also, apparently the average South Korean is 3 inches taller than the average North Korean. Thanks McCain. I'll remember that if I'm ever on Jeopardy.

Courting the Jewish Vote?

2008-09-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

An "existential" crisis to Israel?

I'm sorry but trying to use the threat of nuclear weapons in Iran as a way of courting the Jewish vote in just insulting. This is a classic example of the politics of fear and is right out of the Republican play-book.

The only reason that Sen. McCain invokes the Holocaust is to create fear in a voting bloc which splits 90-10 to the Democrats.

We need a real foreign policy with regards to Iran, not one that is based upon fear and courting special interests in one sentence and then ignoring them in the next. It politicizes an issue which is too important for politics.

Sen. McCain's vice presidential pick Sarah Palin doesn't seem to understand that. If you look up her statement on nuclear proliferation, it was full of presidential politics, at the expense of the issue. And based upon his description of the issue, McCain doesn't seem to understand it either.

Ahamenaninajad?

I've got a bracelet too!

2008-09-26T19:00:00.001-07:00

Did you know that John McCain was a POW in Vietnam?

Was that a tactic or a strategy?

2008-09-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

McCain seems to believe that Obama lacks a basic command of the English language. He keeps claiming that Obama is unaware of the difference between a tactic and a strategy.

Obama is starting to use very forceful language. He's heatin' up! We're getting back into the classic Obama speeches. He states that we need to "find and kill" Bin Laden, and "crush" al Qaeda.

CNN just scanned from the Congressional Black Caucus watch party to the GOP watch party. Guess who was older?! The GOP watch party was comprised of old, angry looking, white people. Sounds like my kind of party! Speaking of old, angry looking white people...McCain is old. In case you didn't know. Older than the state of Alaska. And Sarah Palin's parents. (Check out www.youngerthanmccain.com

McCain would be a good history professor... he's really good at discussing mistakes made in hindsight.

McCain also believes that we shouldn't say what we really think out loud.

Jen Willis: "Because what government needs right now is less transparency."

Lauren Fink: Obama seems very comfortable directing his responses directly at McCain, and calling him by name. McCain on the other hand only looks at Obama for the occasional "say wha? oh no you didn't" Perhaps that's because to John McCain, this feels like a dream. In 1936, when John McCain was born the idea that he would be on stage having a serious debate with an African American man raised by a single mother from Hawaii would have only occured in a dream.

Jen Willis: "I'm surprised...it took him 57 minutes to mention Ronald Reagan."

McCain lies in the most comforting of ways

2008-09-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

McCain is using the arrogant professor eyebrows. I don't think I've ever even seen a professor raise his eyebrows that high when trying to show how much smarter he is than a student.

You know, with his ability to make it sound like this war is actually going to end in peace (no matter how bullshit it is) makes me think that I wouldn't mind having him as my grandfather...but my president better be a bit better at telling the truth.

Miss Congeniality?

2008-09-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

While McCain is very proud of the fact that he is not "Miss Congeniality,"he is, however, a self-proclaimed maverick. Also, we are apparently winning the war in Iraq... who knew?! At least they are talking about legitimate foreign policy now.

Obama points out the fact that he and McCain have disagreed on Iraq since the beginning. Wellesley really likes the fact that Obama opposed the war from the beginning, everyone applauds.

Jen Willis : "oversights NATO" ?

"You're using a hachet where you need a scalpel."

2008-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

Host Jim Lehrer really wants Obama and McCain to directly confront each other. It's kind of cute when they actually do... however McCain keeps making the classic "I am caught in a lie" look, followed by the Hillary "haha I'm fucked" giggle.

McCain just managed to work in the word "festooned" (which I don't even know how to properly spell). I thought Obama was supposed to be the elitest here!

Finally, 27 minutes in, they have started using the word "foreign" in a foreign policy debate, however Obama is discussing health care. Naturally, when he mentions making college affordable, the whole room applauds. McCain really wants to cut spending, but has yet to mention his freeze on government spending.

Neither of the candidates are doing particularly well in my (Lauren's) opinion. Neither has been answering the questions (not that we expected them too), but Obama is lacking his usual "umph" -- he seems a bit reserved.

Jen Willis: "Jim Lehrer is my hero." He's really not letting them get away with this bullshit. Ah, here comes the spending freeze. Obama's response is awesome: "You're using a hachet where you need a scalpel." Cheers from the crowd as he mentions spending in Iraq. Boos, grumbles, and conversation as McCain mentions off-shore drilling. Finally Obama admits that "in the short term" the slow economy is going to have to make "tough decisions" (that's almost code for "raise taxes"). Also, let's add every time Obama says "healthcare" to our drinking game.

And since when is more people in prison a good thing, McCain??

What happened to foreign policy?

2008-09-26T18:13:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a foreign policy debate, but so far foreign policy has yet to be mentioned. Sucks to be John McCain.

The atmosphere here in the Pendelton Atrium is tense. Stressed out college women with no where to go on a rainy friday night are packing it in to watch our democratic process in action. As the candidates walked on, someone yelled out "awkward." Also, this just in -- McCain looks old.

I'm still not sure where exactly "mainstreet" is, but the people there seem to have it pretty rough. Unless you're John McCain, in which case you just cited the economic crisis due to "failures on Mainstreet." Oops.

If we took a shot every time John or Barack said "accountable" or "accountability" ... we'd be drunk already. Add in shots every time either one mentions "Main St.," and we'd all be blacking out.

Apparently, according to John McCain, Ireland is a great example of a thriving economy and we should be following their economic lead. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Ireland's economy recently enter a recession? I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like the type of economic plan that I want to be following.

Wellesley Dems LIVEBLOG!

2008-09-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

Get excited all you Pink Donkey fans. The Wellesley Dems will be liveblogging during tonight's debate. And by the Wellesley Dems, I mean me (Lauren Fink) and Abbey Hargreaves, with possible commentary by renowned political mind Jennifer Willis.

Tonight's debate will be focusing on foreign policy, which happens to be John McCain's only strength (hah. kidding?). He has already managed to make an ass of himself by trying and failing to postpone the debate due to his inability to multitask. We have no doubt that Congress will continue to ineffectively bitchfight without his presence. Yay bipartisanship.

Vote Early, Vote Often, Vote Far From Home

2008-09-24T19:47:00.001-07:00

The followed appeared in the Wellesley News on September 24

In 2000, presidential candidate Al Gore lost the election by a mere 537 votes to a man who launched a war to find a type of weapon that he cannot even pronounce, sacrificing the lives of over 4,000 Americans and over 100,000 Iraqi civilians in the process (“Media Recount: Bush Won the 2000 Election,” pbs.org; , 4/3/2001; icasulities.org). Just over 500 votes could have changed the course of American history – votes that Boston students from Florida alone could have easily garnered by voting with an absentee ballot.

Even the 2004 election could have been won by Democrats if Ohio students had voted in droves. John Kerry, the presidential candidate from Massachusetts, barely lost the electoral votes in Ohio, turning the presidency back over to George W. Bush.

Voting absentee is the most imperative task Wellesley students must accomplish during the next six weeks. Polls show that most students are already reluctant to vote, and applying for an absentee ballot can seem like just one more piece of paper to print out and one more pressure on student’s hectic schedules. One piece of paper per student will change our generation’s future and ensure that history will not repeat itself; this time the Democrats cannot afford to lose.

Six weeks seems like a long time, so students are prone to wait until the last possible moment to fill out another tedious form; however, as a general rule, absentee ballots should be sent to officials six weeks before an election. Each state has a different rule, but typically absentee request forms should already be in the mail.

To make it easy for students I recommend you enter the following date in your calendars: Thursday September 25, all absentee ballot requests forms should be printed out, filled out, addressed and taken to the mail room. Voting absentee is simple; the website www.govoteabsentee.org provides every state’s respective applications for absentee voting forms.

Students from swing states, like New Hampshire, Ohio, Iowa, Florida, and Nevada, should be the first to jump at requesting their absentee ballots.

For a time, Obama’s lead over McCain rose steadily, according to the Gallup poll, as the economy hit what experts are calling “Black September.” This lead was deceiving, though, because the Electoral College system relies solely on a state-wide popularity vote rather than a simple national popularity vote. If 80 percent of Maine votes for Obama while McCain wins by one percent in New Hampshire, Obama and McCain will receive the same number of electoral votes.

Massachusetts’ 12 electoral votes are all but guaranteed to go to Obama regardless of how many Wellesley students vote for him as registered Massachusetts voters. Navigating the Electoral College requires strategy; it is naively idealistic to assume that if Obama is ahead in the polls he will win the Electoral College. Gore won the popular vote in 2000, but lost the Electoral College – it can happen again.

Our disinterest in political participation and our reluctance to take the extra step toward activism cannot be the reason why our country will be drilling for oil in Alaska three years from now, nor the reason why we remain in Iraq for a hundred years, nor the reason why millions more people will be struggling to survive with John McCain’s continuation of trickle-down economics.

We came to Wellesley to gain knowledge and influence. Why not start now?

Ellen Willis-Norton is a first year and active member of the Wellesley College Democrats

Vote for Issues, Not Gender

2008-09-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

The following appeared in the Wellesley News on Sept. 17:

This year’s election has brought the role of women in politics to the forefront. The Democratic Party’s nomination was very nearly won by a female candidate and the Republican vice presidential nominee is the female governor of Alaska. No matter what happens in November, this election cycle will have been historic for all women, regardless of their personal political affiliations.

The McCain campaign is now hoping that women will support the Republican Party in record numbers because of Sarah Palin’s place on the ticket. They are especially optimistic that disheartened Hillary Clinton supporters will be eager to vote for a woman, no matter what political party she is a member of, and regardless of whether voting for that women is in their best interest. To a certain extent, this strategy is working. Marc Fisher of the Washington Post quoted Beth Tweedle, a Virginian voting for McCain, as saying “She's just as flawed as we are…It's not the fact that she's a woman but the way she does it all. And let me tell you: There're more American parents with unwed pregnant teenaged children than American parents with Harvard grads. She's real.” (Washington Post, 9/11/08)

This is a compelling argument but I would like to make a different one. Tweedle wants others to support Palin and, by extension, McCain because she did “average”. Why? While there may be more American parents with unwed pregnant kids than with children who graduated Harvard, I would wager my tuition that most would prefer that ratio to be reversed. What good reason is there to settle for less simply because it is more likely to occur?

The only thing I have found in Palin thus far that justifies her as a vice presidential pick is already possesses the hubris for the job. The previous comment is not intended as an insult. It takes an incredible amount of self-assuredness to hold the nuclear launch codes. But beyond that, I am forced to return to my original question. Why vote for someone who is “average” when the job of running this country is quite simply, not something everyone can do.

As women, we were given the right to vote on August 26, 1920. And yes, I mean given. Women were not considered citizens in the full sense until less than a century ago and even then, there have been, and remain, enforcement issues, especially in minority communities. Our choice in this upcoming election is crucial. Women tend to vote for the Democratic Party precisely because they have addressed the “now” as well as the “tomorrow.” Statistically, we want to protect our families, our communities and our world. In this upcoming election, we need to vote for women who will lead, not those who can empathize with us one minute and then ignore our concerns the next. That is why we must get active in down-ticket races where women are on the ballot. Palin’s place on the Republican ticket emphasizes this need because she is exactly who we don’t want in Washington. Not all women are equal.

I support Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as a woman, because they are qualified to run this country by any definition of the word. This is not to say that women are not capable of the job of the presidency and could perhaps even better. Women run for elected office at all levels of government and are winning. Political action committees, such as EMILY’s List, help to raise money specifically for female candidates and there are some outstanding women running for local office right here in Wellesley. Sara Orozco is running for State Senate against an incumbent, male, Republican. She is not attacking him on the fact that he is male, and out of touch with half the electorate, nor is he attacking her for those reasons. They are battling on the issues and those alone, as it should be.

Every time Sarah Palin objects to some political attack as “all the boys ganging up on her,” she insults those very women whose vote she hopes to win, perhaps that is because it is her only source of leverage. By playing the gender card, she is hoping to obfuscate the fact that she does not support a woman’s right to choose or even receive a proper education when it comes to contraception. She believes that creationism should be taught in public schools as science and that drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is the only way to deal with the ongoing need for oil. She knows that if women are able to get to know her and Senator McCain’s positions on the issues, the Republican Party will lose.

When you go to the polls this November, choose the candidates based on their qualifications, regardless of gender; not based on their gender, regardless of qualifications.

Deborah Moldover is co-president of the Wellesley College Democrats

Congrats to the New Members of our E-board!

2008-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Election results are in and congratulations to our new and returning members of the executive board!

Lauren Fink will be serving as our new Senator and will make us proud as she represents us in College Government
Julie Triba will be returning as our Webmistress and will continue to make our website shine
Olivia Lenson will be joining us as our First Year Whip and will bring activism and recruitment to a whole new level.

Congratulations to all the candidates and here's to an exciting year!

The Editorial the News Wouldn't Publish

2008-09-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Shameless spam but decently written nonetheless:

Want Change? Here’s how YOU can be a part of making a better tomorrow.

Welcome to another year of progressive, political activism here at Wellesley College! The Wellesley College Democrats have always tried to start the year off with a bang and this year is certainly no exception. With all the rhetoric about change and the historic nature of this election – you don’t need us to tell you why this election is important. Instead, we have opted to use this space to tell you HOW you can make a difference. Wellesley College students have a reputation of being reliable and enthusiastic volunteers for progressive causes in the greater Boston area – help us to maintain that reputation. We have what may well be the most exciting presidential race of our lifetimes happening in just under two months and more competitive races than we can possibly count. This time, rather of sitting on the sidelines – be an active part of creating the change in direction we desperately need.

You don’t even have to leave campus. Right here in the town of Wellesley there is a competitive state Senate race with Sara Orozco challenging the Republican incumbent Sen. Scott Brown. Sara is ripe for challenging this two term incumbent and the Democrats here on campus are looking forward to helping her. Come join us for phone banking, canvassing, and doing whatever needs to be done to help her get elected.

With less than two months until election day, we have plans in the works to go to New Hampshire and work at the New Hampshire Democratic Party Headquarters almost every weekend up until November 4th. The Obama campaign and the Jeanne Shaheen for Senate campaign both need as much help as we can give them in order to ensure that New Hampshire goes blue along with the rest of New England.

Jeanne Shaheen was the first woman governor of New Hampshire – and is challenging incumbent Senator John Sununu. (Or Sunono if you prefer) Shaheen nearly unseated Sununu in 2002, and it’s all hands on deck to ensure she is elected this time around. Please join us Sunday September 14th for a trip to Manchester to canvass for a democratic majority in the Senate.

In 2004 John Kerry won New Hampshire by a margin of less that 10,000 votes. George W. Bush took the state in 2000 by a similar margin. Please help ensure Barack Obama wins New Hampshire by coming up to New Hampshire to canvass, or by making phone calls to those who are still undecided. In addition, join us in Boston Saturday September 20th for an Obama Student Kick Off Rally! A trip to New Hampshire will follow on Saturday September 27th.

The next President will be appointing new members to the Supreme Court and the new Senate will vote on them. The prosecution of the war in Iraq and the treatment of detainees will be determined by the new Congress. Equal pay for equal work, choice, quality medical care and our nation’s energy policy are just too important for the members of our community to get complacent. This election matters locally, on a state level and of course nationally and we have to all get involved. Today we call on our fellow Wellesley students to get active and work together to change the face of this country. Get off community – and help us elect a president. To quote the Barack Obama campaign, we are fired up and ready to hit the ground running this year.

We are all very busy – but please try to take a few hours out of your busy schedule for those who really can’t help get out the vote. The single mother working two jobs to pay the bills, the reservist who is on his second tour of Iraq, or the seniors whose health care costs are spiraling out of control: they would all be out there if they could and they’re counting on you.

We’ll see you on the campaign trail.

Deb Moldover and Jennifer Willis, co-presidents of the Wellesley College Democrats
The Wellesley College Democrats meet every Tuesday at 8pm in Pendleton Atrium. Please contact either Jennifer Willis or Deb Moldover for more details on how to make a difference this fall.

New Hampshire Day 1

2008-09-12T20:45:00.001-07:00

So we're off to New Hampshire tomorrow for the Obama/Biden rally and then again on Sunday for canvassing for Jeanne Shaheen. We still have a couple spots left for Sunday so if anyone is interested in coming, please e-mail me, Jen or Katie and we'll get you there.

Pictures from the rally will be posted upon our return!

2008-2009 Wellesley College Democrats E-Board!

2008-05-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the new 2008-2009 Wellesley College Democrats Executive Board!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the election! Elections will be held in the fall to fill the positions of CG Senator and First-Year Whip.

CO-PRESIDENTS - Jennifer Willis and Deb Moldover

VICE PRESIDENT -Maria Mattera

TREASURER -Caitlin McGlynn

SECRETARY - Emily Scofield

CO-CAMPAIGN COORDINATORS - Katie Chanpong and Lisa Geraci

PUBLICITY & FUNDRAISING CHAIR -Kathy Zhang

CPLA REPRESENTATIVE - Katie Blair

PROGRESSIVE ACTIVISM WEEK!!

2008-04-02T17:37:00.001-07:00

We are happy to announce this year's Progressive Activism Week.
Here's the schedule -- hope you can make some of the events!

Monday April 7
Screening of Uncounted a documentary about voting rights.
8 pm, Pendleton Viewing Room

Tuesday April 8
The Iraq War and the Peace Movement: A Lecture by Paul Shannon
7 pm, Jewett 106

Wednesday April 9
Environment Action Day
12:30-2, Wang Campus Center

Thursday April 10
Taxes: What are they good for? A Discussion with Professor Courtney Coile
12:30, Pendleton 239

Friday April 11
Congressman Barney Frank
4:30, Clapp Library Lecture Room

We Scream, We Swoon....

2008-03-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

Our latest video is a response to Charlotte Allen's article in the Washington Post about the 'real' nature of women.
Her article (We Scream, We Swoon. How Dumb can we get?) can be found here
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/29/AR2008022902992_pf.html

ENJOY!

VOTE

2008-03-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry this took so long! Part 1 of our super tuesday interviews are now up on YouTube!
Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZtDKbCocis

Hey Boston Globe!

2008-03-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

An article in the Boston Globe last month got our collective blood boiling. The article discussed the expected high turnout for the February 5th presidential primary in Massachusetts. However, high youth voter turnout was not expected in Wellesley. Wellesley’s Town Clerk, Kathleen Nagle, said “There was not a surge in registration from Wellesley College students. I expected it to be a huge factor, but it’s not.” Apparently this lack of new registrants indicated a “lack of enthusiasm” for the presidential race among students at Wellesley College. Try telling that to the hundreds of students who lined up for hours to see Senator Clinton return to Wellesley last semester.
Nagle’s comments were insulting to the dozens of students who have given up many hours to campaign for presidential candidates. She also failed to realize that many students at Wellesley are from out of state and voted in their home state. (It should also be noted that she was less than helpful when members of the Democrats tried to pick up voter registration cards).
However, the article does bring up a serious problem at Wellesley. The college does not do enough to educate students about the electoral process. Voter registration can often be confusing for college students, especially those from out of state. The presidential primary process is even more confusing: there are different deadlines for sending in absentee ballots and registering to vote. Some states have caucuses, in which students cannot vote absentee. Often students find out that they will have problems voting in their home state too late; as a result, they are unable to perform their duties as citizens and cast their ballots.
Ultimately, many of these problems could be solved if Massachusetts allowed Election Day registration. Election Day registration allows residents of a state to register to vote the day of the election. A handful of other states around the nation allow Election Day registration – including Minnesota, which consistently has the highest voter turnout in the nation.
Until the Massachusetts legislature makes it easy for college students to vote by enacting Election Day registration, the college will have to focus on reaching out to students and educating them about voting. We strongly believe that, contrary to Kathleen Nagle’s assertions, Wellesley women are women who will… vote.

The Wellesley College Democrats Executive Board

(Article can be found here! http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/02/heavy_turnout_e.html)

Why I support Obama

2008-02-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

From the NY Post...

Cairo's views of the campaign

2008-02-13T09:17:00.001-08:00

In the outdoor cafes tucked away in twisting alleys and the smoke-filled bars filled with ex-pats, residents of Cairo, Egypt are discussing a presidential race. This is not a race taking place in Egypt, where the “democratically elected” president Hosni Mubarak is widely believed to be succeeded by his son Gamal in the next couple of years. Instead, the residents of Cairo are watching the US presidential race with as much interest as any American.

This intense interest is due in no small part to Egypt’s close relationship with America. Egypt receives about $2 billion in American economic and military aid every year. But the concerns of Cairo’s diverse populace go beyond foreign aid. Sudanese refugees, of whom there are thousands in Cairo, are hoping that the next president will take more vigorous action on the issue of Darfur. Christian Lebanese ex-pats are concerned about how the next president will address the problem of Hezbollah and Lebanon’s fractured society. Egyptians are wondering if the next president will continue to talk out of both sides of his or her mouth by calling for democracy in the Middle East while simultaneously backing authoritarian leaders like President Mubarak. And citizens everywhere in the Middle East are deeply concerned about the War in Iraq and the Palestine-Israel conflict.

So who do Cairenes back? During a recent eight day visit to Cairo, I heard only one response: Barack Obama. Some talking heads in the US have criticized Senator Obama for a lack of foreign policy experience. This argument holds no sway with the people who are so profoundly affected by American foreign policy. “Obama was against the war from the start” said one Lebanese friend. “He has good judgment – I trust that if he is the president, he will make good decisions about the Middle East.” This sentiment was echoed by everyone I talked with; all believed that the US was in desperate need of a fresh start in the Middle East. To them, Obama seems to be the most credible harbinger of change.

Like so many young Americans, the young people I met in Cairo were also impressed by Obama’s message of hope. “We need someone like this” said a Sudanese friend as we played chess in a café. “His story is what America is all about. It’s great.” “He has a new voice,” said an Egyptian friend. “I like what he has to say.” Some even joked that Obama gave them hope about the situations in their own countries – but they were careful not to get too carried away.

On the flip-side, people I spoke with in Cairo were uniformly frightened of the prospect of Senator John McCain becoming president. His continued support of the Iraq War terrified them and none felt as though they could trust his judgment. It seemed as though Senator McCain would be a less than credible player in that region of the world.

So why should the thoughts of people in Cairo matter to the voters of California or Colorado as they pick their candidates? Since President Bush so thoroughly damaged the reputation of the US around the world, it seems prudent to find out who people around the world view as a credible leader. My friends in Cairo will not determine my vote. But their views on the presidential candidates give me yet another reason to support Senator Obama.

David Shuster is a Ho

2008-02-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Controversy erupted a couple of days ago when MSNBC correspondent David Shuster asked "Doesn't it seem as if Chelsea is sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?"
Understandably, the Clinton campaign was upset. Thankfully, Shuster was put on leave.

Shuster's comment got me thinking about the media. And I've come to the conclusion that he and other political correspondents are being "pimped out in some sort of weird way." I wanted to tear my hair out while watching CNN on Super Tuesday. The commentary was so inane -- and it focused solely on delegate counts and campaign spin. Reporters of the major networks are being pimped out by their corporate bosses to dissect the Clinton marriage or Obama's middle name. There is little concrete, fact-based information about the issue positions or leadership experience and style of the candidates. They cover politics as though it was a game.

This election is no game. The problems we face are real and serious. So Shuster, if you ever do make it back on television, instead of focusing on the strategic placement of Chelsea Clinton on the campaign trail (the woman is 27, by the way, and probably would not be out there unless she wanted to be), try talking a little bit about the things that actually matter to voters.

Wellesely in the Washington Post

2008-01-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

Well, half of our e-board is in this article. Why is it such a revolutionary idea to vote for the candidate you think is most qualified??

Ridiculous

2007-12-28T20:44:00.000-08:00

I came home for break to face the parental nagging that is typically faced by college seniors.
"What are you going to do after graduation??" said my mom. After having expressed interest in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, with its value of "simple living" (ie you get paid enough to barely scrape by), my parents are desperately trying to persuade me to go into a career that will allow me to pay off my student loans and let them retire before the age of 91. "You know," said the mom, "political consultants can make real good money."

Well, Mother Knows Best. As this article in the New York Times demonstrates, media consultants for presidential candidates can really rake in the dough. Bob Shrum was paid $5 million by John Kerry's 2004 campaign. Shrum is the inexplicably sought after political consultant who has worked for about 700 losing presidential candidates. Helluva a job, Shrummy.

It gets my goat. My little $25 that I managed to donate to the Kerry campaign on a student budget went towards paying Bob freaking Shrum to not fight back against the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads and lose an election that should have been in the bag for the democrats.

I know that Shrum isn't the guy solely responsible for losing the 2004 election and subsequently ruining the future of my generation. But the fact that he got $5 million for his "efforts" makes me want to scream.

2007-11-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

It happens often. Just as I start to feel discouraged by the apathy and cynicism around me and want to throw in the towel on this whole politics thing, someone always comes along to restore my faith in American democracy.

Two people graced us with their presence last night here at Wellesley. Dr. Mark Meaney, President of the National Institute for Patient Rights, and Donna Smith, subject of SiCKO and founder of American Patients for Universal Health Care.

Mark spoke about our current health care system and how to navigate the health care system effectively (hint: go to your hospital chaplain). Donna talked about the making of SiCKO and how we can fix our crazy health care system.

One of the great things about SiCKO was that it made me think about health care in a way that I had never thought about it before. How crazy is it that there are little corporate bureaucrats deciding whether or not you get treatment? How strange is it that an industry worth trillions of dollars has grown by denying people needed medical care? Our current health care system not only doesn't make sense economically. It doesn't make sense morally.

Donna and Mark helped flesh out this very point. Mark spoke about how doctors are reimbursed based on how many medical procedures they preform, not on the health of their patients. Donna spoke about her own difficult situation and the extreme financial burdens of having an illness.

And so, as Donna gets back on her school bus to tour around the country to bring attention to the health care issue, I know she'd want all of you to do this. Support HR 676 -- a single payer health care bill. Not socialized medicine. Just publicly funded, privately delivered health care.
You can sign the petition of support or call your representative and ask her to be a co-sponsor.

The late Senator Paul Wellstone used to say "I'm not for the Rockefellers -- I'm for the little fellers." Well the Rockefellers are a health insurance and pharmaceutical industry that will do anything to prevent universal health care. And the little fellers are us -- regular Americans who are tired of having to deal with the paperwork and the astronomical bills. It's going to be a long hard fight. But I have an inkling that the little fellers will win...

Why wasn't this question asked??

2007-11-29T20:23:00.000-08:00

MA moves primary!

2007-11-29T16:48:00.001-08:00

While front-loading the primary system may prove to be quite disastrous, it is kind of cool that Massachusetts will now hold its presidential primary on SUPER TUESDAY (February 5th).
This means that all you Wellesley people should register to vote in Massachusetts by January 16th so that you can vote in the primary.
Just fill out this form and send it to this address or visit the Massachusetts Secretary of State's website.

To see the rest of the primary and caucus dates, visit this beautiful website from the Boston Globe.

The Dems on You Tube!

2007-11-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hey check out the questions we submitted to the GOP youtube debate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYYEZq0dh-k

SiCKO SUBJECT COMING TO WELLESLEY!

2007-11-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

SiCKO SUBJECT TO SPEAK AT WELLESLEY COLLEGE

Wellesley, MA – November 24, 2007 – Ms. Donna Smith, featured in Michael Moore’s movie SiCKO and founder of American Patients for Universal Health Care has joined forces with Dr. Mark E. Meaney, director of the National Institute for Patient Rights (NIPR) in providing a highly interactive seminar for anyone with an interest in learning how to navigate change in the US health care “system.”

“SiCKO” Seminar is part of a national campaign at NIPR to link advocates, activists, and family caregivers to information and services that can help improve their lives by learning how to effect change and navigate the US health care system, while securing the care they deserve when they need it.

The centerpiece of the campaign is ‘Good Health Care—a Right Not a Luxury’. This highly interactive seminar is designed to provide people with the tools, skills and information they need to understand how to navigate change in the US health care “system.”

Event attendees will learn about the making of SiCKO (including exclusive photographs), the depth and extent of the US health care crisis, the patient and caregiver rights movement, and about specific strategies to effect change.

The seminar will take place on Wednesday November 28 at 6:30pm. It will take place in the Library Lecture Room in the Clapp Library at Wellesley College. The event is open to the public; there is a suggested donation of $5. Refreshments will be served.

For more information: http://www.wellesley.edu/Activities/homepage/democrats/home.html or

Contact: democratsmail@wellesley.edu

2007-08-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Nearly seven years after the debacle in Florida, important people are finally starting to realize that having a secretary of state who is also the state chair of a presidential candidate's campaign may not be a good idea. From the NYT

The state officials who run the nation’s elections — most with little oversight — are facing new efforts to limit what have been widely criticized as political and financial conflicts of interest.

would YOU work for the minimum wage??

2007-07-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

I really liked the YouTube Democratic presidential debates from earlier this week, mostly because of the questions. One of the questioners asked the candidates if they would be willing to work for the minimum wage if elected president [which, thanks to Democrats, is now a whopping $5.85 an hour]. Senator Chris Dodd's response: " I have two young daughters who I’m trying to educate them. I don’t think I could live on the minimum wage." Surprisingly enough, most people working for the minimum wage have a hard time living off of it. But that's for another post. Obama came back with one of the best lines of the night [I should note that I still haven't picked a candidate].

OBAMA: Well, we can afford to work for the minimum wage because most folks on this stage have a lot of money. It's the folks... on that screen who deserve -- you're doing all right, Chris, compared to, I promise you, the folks who are on that screen.
DODD: Not that well, I'll tell you, Barack.

Chris Dodd makes $165,200 a year. His net-worth is between $1.5 million and $3.5 million. He has a vacation home in Ireland. The Senator is not hurting for money, to say the least. Dodd's whining about his income is really an insult to families who are struggling to pay for their kids' education. I think the YouTube debate revealed exactly where these candidates' priorities lie.

2007-07-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Fred Thompson hasn't even formally announced his candidacy, but he's already shaking up his campaign staff. This change, plus Thompson's hesitancy to formally announce that he's running make me wonder if he actually wants to go through the hassle of running for president. He's a man infamous for his lack of work ethic -- can our country really afford another intellectually lazy president?

Welcome back

2007-07-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Pink Donkey has been on a break for a while, but we're glad to be back up and running. There's going to be plenty to post on -- the Iraq War, the presidential race, and students loans are just some of the things on the agenda. Got an idea, opinion, or suggestion? Put it in the comments!

A Muslim in the House?

2006-09-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Depending on the results of today's primary, Keith Ellison could become the first Muslim Congressman. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14786303/site/newsweek/
Stay tuned for primary results.

Al Gore: Hero of the MTV Crowd

2006-08-31T20:33:00.000-07:00

This evening, I had the luck of stumbling across Al Gore's presentation at the MTV Video Music Awards. Gore, wearing his typical renegade uniform of black-on-black, was well-received by the crowd. He had a few awkward moments when he joked about MTV requesting he attend in order to bring "sexy back" and mispronounced "Aguilera." Despite all this, he could pull off the failed attempts at hipness because of his message. He showed some of his slides and compellingly spoke of our generation's ability to "save the world" from global warming. Gore cited an MTV poll which found that young people rate the environment as the most important issue facing our generation. Gore shows that if a politician has a compelling message, a lot can be forgiven. If the former next-President-of-the-U.S. chooses to run in 2008, he should be able to easily drum up support in the under-35 age bracket.

President Martha Coakley?

2006-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

The National Journal's "The Hotline" has labeled Martha Coakley's virtually uncontested run for Attorney General against Republican Lawrence Frisoli as one of its "Fab 15" down-ballot races to watch. It's logic is that the Attorney General position is perfect to propel Coakley to the State House or the Senate seat (and The Hotline suggests a national run). We're not ready to call the Middlesex County DA "Madame President" yet although things look promising. A March 2006 Boston Globe/UNH poll found that only 30 percent of MA voters hadn't heard of her (more MA residents were unfamiliar with Chris Gabrileli, Christy Mihos, and Deval Patrick). Her work prosecuting priest sex abusers brought her into the political spotlight and built the name recognition which will likely lead to a landslide in November.

Patrick breaks fundraising record

2006-08-28T18:42:00.001-07:00

Money will in no doubt make a huge difference in the last few weeks of the governor's race. For Deval Patrick, money has long been a problem. The former Clinton administration official faced money problems early in the campaign and despite fundraising momentum, lags behind the self-financed Chris Gabrieli and the well-established Tom Reilly. But today's Boston Globe reports that Deval Patrick has broken the monthly fundraising record for gubernatorial candidates in Massachusetts by raising $550,000 in August. Patrick's campaign reports that 18,000 individuals have contributed to his campaign, and his recent financial success could be a positive sign for Deval's chances next month. Patrick has a large base of donors and volunteers, active and dedicated supporters who could make a big difference on Primary Day.

Candidates in a "dead heat"

2006-08-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

A new Boston Globe poll has found the three primary candidates for governor in a near 3-way tie with Deval Patrick polling at 31 percent, Chris Gabrieli at 30 percent, and Tom Reilly at 27 percent (the margin of error is +/- 4.4 percentage points). The close polls foretell a bitter few weeks before the September 19 primary. On the plus side, Democrats should be enthused about a field of three strong candidates who all have a solid chance of beating Kerry Healey. The strength of the field could lead to productive dialogue about issues, and a rush of new ideas. However, a bitter primary battle could leave the Democratic nominee battered before what could be a tough race with Healey.

Katherine H. Slams Separation of Church and State

2006-08-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

It's pretty absurd that just a few months ago, the Florida Senate race was considered competitive. Katherine Harris has struck again. The Republican Senate candidate's interview with the Florida Baptist Witness has invoked widespread criticism.

A few bizzare excerpts from the interview:

1) The ever-humble Harris is certain of her own salvation:

The Baptist Witness: Some day all of us have to give an account before God for what we have done. Are you certain in your own heart that when you come to that point of accounting that you’ll spend eternity with God in Heaven?

Harris: No question.

2) Separation of church and state is a "lie":

Harris: We have to have the faithful in government and over time, that lie we have been told, the separation of church and state, people have internalized, thinking that they needed to avoid politics and that is so wrong because God is the one who chooses our rulers.

3) "If you're not electing Christians...you are going to legislate sin."

Harris: If you are not electing Christians, tried and true, under public scrutiny and pressure, if you’re not electing Christians then in essence you are going to legislate sin.

Gabrieli overtakes Patrick in Suffolk U Poll

2006-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

A new poll from Suffolk University shows that Chris Gabrieli is leading the field of Democratic candidates in the race for governor. Gabrieli is polling at 32 percent, eight points ahead of Deval Patrick, and twelve points ahead of Tom Reilly. The polls also show Gabrieli as the strongest contender against Kerry Healey - he leads Healey by 21 percent while Reilly leads by 9 percent and Patrick by 8 percent. In Massachusetts, where Democrats are sick and tired of a succession of Republican administrations, electability may be the deciding factor on Primary Day.

Katrina contract $s spent wrecklessly

2006-08-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

House Democrats have released a report showing that 70 percent of contracts for Hurricane Katrina work were awarded without bids. Out of $10.6 million in contracts awarded, $7.4 million were awarded with limited or non-competitive bidding.

The Bush administration has continually failed to handle contracts responsibly. Late last year, a story broke showing that MS Governor Haley Barbour's daughter-in-law was a recipient of one of the largest, most coveted Katrina contracts (worth $6.4 million). Whether or not Barbour did anything unethical, in large part, these contracts were awarded without competition, and have resulted in wasting millions of taxpayer dollars.

When resources are so crucial in the clean-up and restoration of the Gulf Coast region, we need leaders to take a stand, set the bar high for contract recipients, and use our money efficiently.

Suffolk U Poll Shows Patrick Ahead

2006-06-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

A new Suffolk University poll came out today finding Deval Patrick leading the pack of Democratic candidates by 6 points over Attorney General Tom Reilly and 9 points over businessman Chris Gabrieli.

In matchups between the Democrats and LG Kerry Healey (R), all three candidates had a signficant lead over Healey with Chris Gabrieli the strongest with a 19 point lead. Healey trailed 13 points behind Patrick and Gabrieli.

Interestingly, the politician with the highest favorable ratings was Governor Mitt Romney, whose favorable ratings reached 48 percent. His unfavorable ratings were also the highest. Of the three Democratic candidates, Patrick had the lowest unfavorable ratings, but also the lowest favorable ratings, indicating he still has a lot of work to do on name recognition. Gabrieli polled strong, with 41 percent favorable ratings, and 19 percent unfavorable ratings.

At this point, this could still be anybody's race.

Taking Back America from Whom?

2006-06-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

There was a heavy Democrats v. Democrats emphasis at this week's Take Back America conference. Hillary was booed. JK dissed Hillary for not acknowledging that voting for the war was a mistake. Ned Lamont was everywhere (both in person and in signage). Donna Edwards, who is challenging a Democrat in Maryland's 4th district, spoke on a panel on "The Investment Gap: Putting People First." Robert Kuttner of the American Prospect praised Edwards, reminding the crowd that not all Democrats are progressives and disparaging DINOs. Russ Feingold talked about how Iraq is the Democrats fault, as well as the Republicans.

So, all in all, the conference was kind of typical of the kind of attitude that has permeated the Democratic Party. While there was a lot of talk about taking back Congress, and unity on broad themes such as investing in human capital for the common good, there was a lot of disagreement about logistics. Right now is not the time for Democrats to argue. It's time to present a common good progressive agenda that will appeal to voters so we can get in power in November. Even Joe Lieberman believes in social investment. Once we have the majority, we'll have the power to whip the DINOs into line and promote a truly progressive agenda.

Murtha Update

2006-06-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

Haha.

Pelosi just announced this:

"In the spirit of unity to achieve our goal of winning a Democratic majority in November, Congressman John Murtha has informed me that he will suspend his campaign for Majority Leader until after we win a Democratic Majority of the House.

"I appreciate Mr. Murtha's continuing cooperation and leadership in our effort to win a Democratic House to take America in a New Direction for everyone."

Brooks on Single-Sex Education

2006-06-13T12:02:00.001-07:00

This Sunday, every liberal’s favorite conservative (okay maybe not every liberal, but at least this one) wrote about the benefits of single-sex education due to the innate biological differences between men and women. Brooks makes his courtesy mention of Larry Summers, and he seems to reinforce many stereotypes about the differences between men and women. However, his point about varying ways that men and women learn is valid – at least, it’s backed up by a copious amount of scientific research. I think where Summers and Brooks differ is really important: while Summers seemed to imply that women are not as adept at science because of biological differences, Brooks implies that this could be because women are not taught in a way that is accommodating to their unique needs. I don’t know whether I buy his argument completely, but I do think that single-sex education is beneficial in part because of the reasons Brooks highlights. Men and women do have unique learning needs (whether biological or socially constructed), and single-sex education assists in equalizing this. While I certainly don’t think single-sex education should be mandated, I think it is a valid option for some (even most) students.

Misplaced Priorities

2006-06-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

A leadership fight is brewing in the House, and no, it’s not over the leadership position of some scandal embroiled Republican. Instead, Rep. John Murtha, famous for his anti-war, pro-immediate withdrawal position, has declared his intention to run for House Majority Leader if the Democrats win back the House in November. This has led many prominent Democratic House members to speak out in support of Rep. Steny Hoyer, who as the Minority Whip, would be the natural choice to replace a potentially outgoing Majority Leader Boehner.

Earth to Murtha: the Democrats may not even win back the House, and wasting our time on petty leadership quarrels is certainly not going to help us get it!

The Hill speculates that Murtha was spurred on by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, with whom he is closely allied (Murtha managed Pelosi’s campaign for Minority Leader against Hoyer).

With last Tuesday’s loss in California, things are definitely not certain for the Democrats. It’s going to be an uphill battle to get the results we want in November. Now is the time to stand united for the benefit of all Americans, not caught up in power struggles in Washington.

Bush: One Heckuva Actor

2006-06-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

Like any good politician, President Bush has mastered photo-ops (though observers of a certain visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln may disagree). Just off of two major victories in Iraq, Bush is trying to take advantage of his successes by supplementing them with staging.

First, Bush held the Camp David summit on Iraq, which postures him as serious on Iraq issues, and perhaps even willing to change strategy, if necessary. While I highly doubt that the second statement is true, it hopefully is indicative of the first.

After recent statements about his regrets on rhetoric, he’s toned it down, appearing humble and restrained in his statement on al-Zarqawi’s death. He has acknowledged that we still have a great deal of work to do before the mission in Iraq is really accomplished.

And today, we see Bush’s surprise visit to Iraq, where he met with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. In this move, he shows his growing confidence in the Iraqi government, raises hopes that American troops could be brought home soon, and keeps recent successes in Iraq in the public eye.

Yet, this slew of photo-ops does not represent the real change in policy that is necessary to bring order to Iraq and bring our troops home.

Today in Virginia

2006-06-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today, former Reagan Navy Secretary Jim Webb and former technology lobbyist Harris Miller face off in a contentious Democratic primary to take on Virginia Senator George Allen this fall.

Jim Webb made big news when he was endorsed by DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer. Yet, political analysts say it is nearly impossible to predict the race’s outcome. Miller has outspent Webb on print, radio, and television media, but the Party’s support of Webb could tip the scale.

Webb has the tough image needed to succeed in a traditional red state like Virginia, and Democrats see him as the best hope for picking up the seat (although it would be a very long shot). The defeat of George Allen would carry additional symbolic and practical experience as Allen is considered a chief contender for the Republican nomination for the presidency in 2008.

Taking back America

2006-06-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Today, I attended the morning session of the Take Back America conference. The room was filled with left-wingers, including a group of anti-war protestors equipped with signs. Hillary Rodham Clinton was received with a standing ovation, but in general, the room’s energy was low with luke-warm applause for her anti-administration talk.

HRC was best when she was angry – particularly at the EPA for failing to inform firefighters and clean-up workers about toxic levels at Ground Zero.

Personally, I could feel the tension rise in the room when HRC began to talk about Iraq. I think that in some ways, it was brave of her, considering the lefty audience. She talked about the necessity of supporting our troops and giving more responsibility to the Iraqi government. But when she talked about her unwillingness to set a specific deadline, the crowd responded with boos (with some scattered applause). It was clear that the room was divided over the key issues: putting pressure on the Iraqi government to take responsibility and getting our troops home as soon as possible (what possible is, however, varied).

My favorite line came when she referred to the Democrats’ ability to stop the Federal Marriage Amendment, the repeal of the estate tax, and social security reform: “I’m tired of defining success by what we prevent. It’s time for us to start defining success by what we can build.” Ever pragmatic, HRC emphasized that we need to win back Congress first, and she was particularly adamant about election reform. I think that her focus on the electoral steps needed to make bigger policy changes was a good start to the day.

The San Diego Special Election -- what does it mean?

2006-06-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

I spent three weeks in San Diego talking with voters about the special election to replace Duke Cunningham, the man who used to represent Californians 50th Congressional District and is now in prison on bribery charges. While the 50th is a conservative area, dems were hoping that Francine Busby could pull off a win and give the party some momentum going into November. Unfortunately, Busby lost with 45% of the vote versus 49% for Republican lobbyist Brian Bilbray. The Busby loss can be chalked up to a couple of things:

Immigration. San Diego is just North of the border, so immigration is a huge topic there. Bilbray took an extreme position on immigration, which resonated well with the voters in this conservative district.

A wrong comment at a wrong time Busby mispoke at an event in the days leading up to the election. She said that people didn't need papers to vote, but immediately corrected herself. Unfortunately, a member of the Minutemen was taping the event and released it to the media. The worst comment Busby could have said about the most controversial issue in the district played over and over again on the airwaves.

Negative Ads Numerous studies have shown that negative ads depress voter turn-out. The 50th was hit especially hard. Not only were the Republicans pouring in millions of dollars into negative ads (the Dems spent around a million in ads as well) but there was also an extremely nasty gubenatorial primary for Democrats that fell on the same day as the special election. Negative ads ruled the airwaves, especially during the weekend before the election; by Tuesday, people were fed up. Voter turn-out last Tuesday was the lowest in any California election since 1920.

So what is the significance of the results of the San Diego special election? Well, depends on who you ask. The DCCC spun it as a win, because the RNCC was forced to blow a lot of money on a race that should have been easily won. I agree with this assessment -- the GOP can't spend five million dollars trying to win every close race (and an article in today's WP shows that the Dems are rapidly catching up with the Republicans in fundraising -- a bad sign for the GOP come November). But the RNCC spun it as a loss for Democrats -- if Dems lost the battle for the seat of Duke Cunningham, the very embodiment of the Dems "culture of corruption" theme, to a lobbyist, how can the Dems possibly expect to take back the House in November?

Ultimately, I think people should be careful to not overinterpret the results of this election. As David Broder wrote today, voters are showing their "restless" side -- engaging in an issues debate, but not turning out to vote. One analyst said that independents will be the key to the outcome of the mid-terms, making the fact that Busby won the majority of the Independent vote a possibly good indication. But November is a long ways away. And with so much disagreement about which seats are even in play, I think the Busby loss is perhaps not the best indicator of things to come.

This Saturday Walk with Deval Patrick, the Endorsed Democratic Candidate!

2006-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

We want to keep the incredible momentum from our victory in Worcester to continue in our grassroots efforts.

This Saturday, we are reaffirming marching with Deval in the Gay Pride Parade starting at noon in Copley Square. We are meeting at the corner of Dartmouth and Comm Ave. at 10:45. We are hoping for a huge turnout to show Boston just how solid we stand behind gay rights.

Thanks!
Anamarie
Wellesley Students for Deval Coordinator