John McCain is a Liar

We don’t often discuss the presidential horse race on this blog, but some things simply cannot be ignored. Those of you fortunate enough to have avoided the past few days of campaign coverage following Senator Obama’s overseas trip probably missed the “straight talk express” running completely off the tracks.

McCain, in clear desperation mode, decided that he would let go of those last remaining shreds of honor and integrity by airing a false attack ad accusing Senator Obama of not supporting the troops. I haven’t included the video here because I don’t want to promote this slanderous trash, but the gist is that Barack Obama “made time to go to the gym, but canceled a visit with wounded troops,” because, “the Pentagon wouldn’t allow him to bring cameras.” It might be a powerful line of attack, if it were not completely false. Hilariously, the GOP hacks that produced the attack ad used footage of Obama playing basketball with the troops to illustrate how he is too busy to visit the troops.

From yesterday’s Washington Post’s front page article McCain Charge Against Obama Lacks Evidence:

For four days, Sen. John McCain and his allies have accused Sen. Barack Obama of snubbing wounded soldiers by canceling a visit to a military hospital because he could not take reporters with him, despite no evidence that the charge is true.

That pretty much sums it up, but if you like more information about McCain’s sad slide into Rovian politics you can read about it here, here, here, here, here, or here.
The Obama campaign’s response:

Now McCain is running an ad that calls Senator Obama the “biggest celebrity in the world” and compares him to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. It’s sad to see a politician who talked about a positive and pragmatic approach to governing in 2000, become a jealous, crotchety old man in 2008. Even Republican Senator Chuck Hagel thinks that the McCain campaign’s tactics below their candidate’s dignity.

But apparently McCain isn’t worried about maintaining his dignity. He’d rather play on peoples worst fears and prejudices to turn the election into a mud slinging contest. His whining about Obama’s popularity makes the 71 year-old Senator look more a catty high schooler or petulant child than someone who has spent a quarter century as a elected official. It’s disappointing how far McCain has fallen and how low he is willing to stoop to try to win – and it’s only July!

Congratulations to our winners in Oklahoma

Yesterday Oklahomans went to the polls and selected two 21st Century Democrats endorsed candidates for higher office.

Andrew Rice won with 60% of the vote over his primary opponent. Upon victory, he challenged his Republican opponent Jim Inhofe to a series of debates.

I'd love to be in the audience for that one. A 74-year-old Senator known for hating the environment against a 35-year-old rising star promising bipartisanship and change. If Oklahoma is anything like the national stage, Imhofe should be worried.

Jim Roth, another 21st Century Democrats endorsee, won his race for Democratic nominee for Corporation Commissioner. Hardly surprising, he was unopposed and is currently serving in that capacity as an interim appointment. We congratulate him nonetheless.

We at 21st Century Democrats will be working to get them both elected in November. Care to help us?

Gordon Smith took a criminal's money and supported his pork barrel spending

The Oregonian has an article highlighting Senator Smith (OR) taking $39,000 from indicted Senator Stevens of Alaska. Of that $39,000, Smith pocketed $10,000 personally to help repay his 1996 campaign debt. 21st Century Democrats endorsed candidate, Jeff Merkley, called on Smith to donate the entire $39,000 to charities to help provide health insurance to Oregon children.

More importantly, House Speaker Merkley questions whether Smith's support for the infamous "bridge to nowhere" and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was connected to Stevens' financial support. After Smith pocketed Stevens' money, Smith supported Stevens' top priorities, including the "bridge to nowhere" and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"In Washington D.C., Gordon Smith has been doing what is best for Ted Stevens and George Bush, not what is best for Oregon," said House Speaker Jeff Merkley. "Oregonians do not approve of the bridge to nowhere or drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Gordon Smith knows it. Smith talks a good game in Oregon, but he is part of the problem in Washington D.C."

Merkley has a good point. Gordon Smith is part of the problem in the Senate. And that needs to change!

Jamal Simmons at our Youth Leadership Speaker Series

Leonora Hanks is the author and a Summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats.

Jamal Simmons was our first speaker of the year, and he definitely opened up the Series with a bang. He had great insight to offer into the respective campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the opportunity that progressives have to take over and make change this year, and wise life lessons to pass on to the young people in the room.

Simmons spoke about how this year progressives are finally being paid attention to. He noted that Barack Obama is bringing the progressive democratic movement into places where it hasn’t gotten the attention it needs and deserves. He described movements starting in such remote American locales as Alaska, North Dakota, and Montana.

Mr. Simmons also his opinion that the republican brand is dying. Drilling our way out of oil prices, skyrocketing healthcare costs and enormous tax breaks for the rich are not helping put the U.S. on the right track, and Americans know the truth.

After a question and answer session, Simmons offered some last wise words of advice to all of us listening. He warned us against shortsightedness, saying not to sacrifice what we want most for what we want right now. Simmons also spoke about karma, quoting his father who used to say “If you’re angry and it feels good, don’t do it.” Finally, he encouraged us to maintain a sense of self in whatever we do, and to never operate in someone else’s framework.

Simmons is the President of New Future Communications as well political analyst and commentator seen most often on CNN and MSNBC. He is also currently working as an advisor to the Democratic National Committee for the campaign to elect Barack Obama President of the United States. His friendly demeanor, numerous anecdotes and openness with his experiences and lessons learned made for a great kick off to our Speaker Series.

Senator Amy Klobuchar at our Youth Leadership Speaker Series

Jeffrey Phillips is the author and a Summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats.

Our final speaker of the day was Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota. The Senator was our first elected official to speak during the series and she certainly raised the bar for our upcoming speakers in the Senate and House of Representatives. Senator Klobuchar offered us great insight into her campaign for the Senate, what it is like being a woman in the Senate, and what life is like for her husband.

The Senator had all of the attendees laughing the entire time and even invited everyone over to her office for breakfast anytime that the Senate is in session. For anyone interested the breakfast offered in Senator Klobuchar’s office is for Minnesotans and friends of Minnesota. She made sure to point out to all of the Hill interns that their internships would serve them well. One of the members of her staff who attended the event with her had started out as an intern in her office, and the Senator herself had started off as an intern on Capitol Hill.

After the event ended Senator Klobuchar stuck around for a few minutes to shake the hands of everyone in attendance and to take a picture with all of the 21st Century Democrats interns and fellows. My impression of Senator Klobuchar is that she is a very kind and personable who cares deeply about her constituents and her country. It was an honor to have the opportunity to meet her and I am very excited for our next installment of the Speaker Series where we will be fortunate enough to listen to Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressman John Sarbanes, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Robert Greenstein at our Youth Leadership Speaker Series

Corey Goldiner is the author and a Summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats.

Last Friday Robert Greenstein, President of the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities spoke at 21st Century Democrats’ Youth Leadership Speaker Series. Refuting the claim that economic prosperity and social justice are mutually exclusive is something the CBPP has strived for since its inception. Listening to Greenstein discuss the faux claim that tax cuts to only the top 1% of Americans bring about greater economic prosperity was refreshing. Perhaps more refreshing, was knowing that a room full of young progressives like myself agreed with him and that most of America now does as well.

Holding back nothing Greenstein ridiculed the Bush Administration’s careless and unprincipled fiscal policy. Recalling that in 2000(only 8 years ago!) Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan was testifying before Congress that taxes may need to be cut so the surplus does not get too big; Greenstein described a struggling economy ready for new leadership.

According to Greenstein, renewing the Bush Tax Cuts of 2001 will cause our already spiraling deficit, to accumulate at historically woeful rates. Specifically, the CBPP calculated that if the Bush Tax cuts were to be renewed after 2010(which John McCain vows will happen if he becomes President) the United States will accumulate 4.4 trillion dollars in additional debt. Adding a tangible element to this huge figure, Greenstein stated that this additional debt would exceed the combined total expenditure of the following federal departments in 2007 dollars: Education, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans’ Affairs, State, Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Giving the top 1% of our country generous tax breaks is not acceptable at a time when working families are struggling to get by, and our national infrastructure is collapsing. I am looking forward to an Obama presidency and robust Democratic majorities in the House and the Senate, so brilliant thinkers like Greenstein and everyone else at the CBPP will be put to good use.

More Shady Dealing in New Hampshire Senate Race

An unscrupulous Republican group, Americans for Job Security (AJS), is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars attacking former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. As far as I can tell (and good luck trying to find their website) Americans for Job Security doesn’t have anything to do with jobs or security. The only thing they seems to do is produce and air misleading attack ads against Democrats.

The group’s stated purpose is “educating the public on economic issues with a pro-market, pro-paycheck message,” but they spend all their money on political campaign ads for their Republican backers. In 2002, AJS expended almost $10 million smearing Democrats in the final weeks before the election. They even spent $1 million on ads calling the late Senator Paul Wellstone a “money grubber” and accusing him of “taxing the dead.” Disgusting.

Here is a video of Senator Wellstone talking about AJS just days before his died:

What is even more despicable is that AJS doesn’t even have to disclose where it’s funding comes from. We all know the kind of dirty tricks that John Sununu and his Republican allies will use to get elected (2002 phone-jamming scam anyone?), so we need to work together to make sure big business can’t buy any more Senate seats using these shadow groups.

Sign this petition to the Federal Elections Commission, demanding that the AJS obey the law and reveal its donors.

On The Road With Govy: One of the longer days on the trail

Cross posted from www.jeanneshaheen.org/govy.

This morning I left my house at 6 am for a 3 hour drive north to the Mt. Washington Hotel to pick up Mom.  My mom, her two sisters and my grandmother went there for the night for some female bonding.  I am not a morning person so the early morning drive was a rather difficult task.  I did, however, get to have a dance party by myself the whole way up.  I am sure everyone I passed thought I was a full tank of crazy to be dancing like a mad woman that early but I had to stay awake!

The drive north is really beautiful — so many trees, mountains, and rivers.  It was hard to pay attention to the road because I just wanted to look around.  The pictures are from my cell camera that I took on the drive.  The hotel itself is an old grand hotel that looks like something out of a fairy tale.  I picked my mom up at 9 am and we officially started our campaign day in the North Country.  We stopped at a gas station and talked about the problem of high gas prices at a diner in Littleton and a restaurant in Plymouth called 6 Burner Bistro (really good food).  Finally, we had a scheduling meeting and a house party in Gilford.  We got home close to 9…one of the longer trail days!

Oh yes, I almost forgot, we picked up a camera crew from PBS at the gas station in Littleton who are making a documentary on women in politics and they spent most of the day with us.  The documentary airs Sept. 19th.  Check it out!

Molly Shaheen is the daughter of former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. She recently graduated from college and is working on the mother's campaign for the US Senate.

Gov. Strickland Getting an "A" in Education Reform

Former 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidate Gov. Ted Strickland is holding a series of 12 town hall meetings across Ohio to discuss education reform. Judging by the local media reports, it’s going pretty well.

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Gov. Ted Strickland’s vision of an education system tailored to meet individual student needs with greater opportunity for innovation was well-received by the educators, parents and others who gathered in Columbus today for the governor’s first forum on education.
...
The forum was the first of a dozen televised “Conversations on Education” that Strickland said will help him prepare a promised education-reform plan. The governor will hold a second round of meetings later this year to discuss how to pay for the proposal.

Read the full article here

Jeff Merkley gets blogosphere attention (it's about time!)

Strangely enough, Jeff Merkley has been overlooked in the progressive blogosphere this summer. But not any longer...

He's gotten some serious attention from the Huffington Post and from Open Left because he disagrees with Senator Obama over the recent FISA bill debacle. Merkley thinks that progressives can't sell themselves short when their ideas meet resistance. We must have backbone to stand up for the causes we believe in.

It isn't just the blogosphere that is noticing this campaign, though. Cook Political Report upgraded the race to "toss-up" just last week. And Merkley's fundraising prowess has caught people's attention.

And most exciting for us here at 21st Century Democrats, Jeff Merkley was one of the few Senatorial candidate to show up at Netroots Nation. Remember, we met him and shared coffee and questions.



This is a race we should win in November, but it won't be without a fight. If you are an Oregon resident, sign up to help. If you aren't, send him some financial love.

UPDATED: The DSCC has put out an excellent ad showing how Gordon Smith is deliberately misleading Oregonians about his record and Jeff Merkley's:

McBush economics

I've never understood where Republicans earned a reputation for being guardians of the economy. They simply don't seem to understand basic math. Massive spending coupled with declining income is a road to bankruptcy, not prosperity. And it is no wonder our economy is in the tank. The leaders of the Republican Party don't understand basic economics.

What caused the credit crunch and what is the reason Congress must spend $25 billion to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

According to President Bush, it is because, "Wall Street Got Drunk." In actuality it was because the Bush's Federal Government didn't provide adequate oversight.

Yesterday more of the McSame economic reasoning showed its ugly head: McCain credits Bush for drop in oil price. His argument is that, although oil drilling is still banned in our coastal waters (and rightfully so!), the price dropped because President Bush said we would drill there. No one believes that argument.

Instead the price of oil is dropping because "the weak economy is destroying demand".

Basic economic theory is just too tough for Bush and McCain to grasp. Let's make sure they ride off into the sunset together at the end of this year.

On The Road With Govy: Friday @ Netroots Nation

Cross posted from www.jeanneshaheen.org/govy.

Molly Shaheen is the daughter of former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. She recently graduated from college and is working on the mother's campaign for the US Senate.

Harry Teague stops by the office

Today Harry Teague, candidate for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, stopped by the office to talk with our political staff about the dynamics of the his district. The 2nd district is basically the southern half of New Mexico. His district is the key to winning New Mexico in the Presidential Race. In 2000 New Mexico went to George Bush by 300 votes and in 2004, Bush won again by 6,000 votes. The 1st CD is evenly split and the 3rd CD is pretty solidly Democratic. But the 2nd Congressional District has been in Republican hands for 28 years and is where they run up huge margins on statewide races. If Democrats can win that district, and with a good candidate like Harry Teague they can, we will be able to put New Mexico solidly in Obama's column and begin to make life better for the average American.

On The Road With Govy: Saturday @ Netroots Nation

Cross posted from www.jeanneshaheen.org/govy.

Flickr Pic by Avelino Maestas

Saturday was my last day in Texas.  At 9am I went back to the Austin Convention Center to listen to Nancy Pelosi speak.  There was also a surprise guest speaker who just happened to be Al Gore!

He also gave a great speech on what he knows best: the environment.  Some of the things he had to say were really scary.  He talked about the Polar Ice Cap, which is the size of 47 of the 48 states in the continental US, that is melting at a rapid rate.  There is a 75 to 80% chance that it will be completely gone within the next 5 years.  We may be able to save some and regain the rest if we act now and act fast.   After his speech I went into the hallway where there were literally several people crying because they we so excited that he came to speak.
That was my last Texas event so I went back to my hotel room to pack, headed to the airport and finally at 11pm I got back to the Shire.

Molly Shaheen is the daughter of former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. She recently graduated from college and is working on the mother's campaign for the US Senate.

Urban Youth Initiative - First Stop Brooklyn

This weekend, 21st Century Democrats kicked off our Urban Youth Initiative in Brooklyn, NY. Our hosts were the Progressive Democrats Political Association of Central Brooklyn. The goal of our training was to help empower the community by helping create a stronger grassroots network of determined, independent Democrats who want to be a part of the solution to problems confronting all of us in the 21st century. These Democrats are changing the political paradigm in central Brooklyn. They have already elected the first immigrant woman to the New York City Council; the first Haitian American to sit on that Council and the dynamic young Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11).

The Progressive Democrats of Brooklyn want to see dramatic changes in the community by building institutions that respond to local needs. They are demanding accountability from the educational system that teaches their youngsters and from a health care system that unfortunately does not serve everyone who enters its door: regardless of economic standing or immigration status.

Over 80 people attended the training which focused on Volunteer recruitment, canvassing techniques, Get-Out-The Vote strategies and date collection and analysis. As the photographs show we had lively exchanges and the crowd was engaged throughout the day.

The day featured a luncheon panel “The New Generation and Political Action” which was moderated by Dr. John Flateau. We were fortunate to have Tiffany Raspberry, Vice President of Wolfblock Strategies, Rodney Capel, Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Glynda Carr, E.D Education Voters, Inc., Patrick Jenkins, V.P. Kasirer Consulting and Rachel Mann, V.P. The Advance Group. These young people are striking examples of the effect that competence, energy and "political smarts” can have in our electoral system. The panel discussed topics such as how to build bridges and manage growing diversity, cultures and identities; how to reconnect politics, policy, local decision groups and people and how to embrace new technologies for organizing and communications. There were quite a few questions from the audience and I think we could have gone on with the panel for the entire afternoon!



Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman from the 11th CD addressed the group and gave stirring remarks about the importance of grassroots action and policies that effect local people. She spoke at length about the future and encouraged everyone to “stay connected.”

The photographs say it all. It was a terrific weekend of political action and I can't wait for our next training. You can keep up with everything we're doing and find out more about our trainings by visiting the training page on our website. Stay tuned!

More photos from the training:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Martin Clearly the Better Choice for Dems in Georgia

Rasmussen just released a poll clearly demonstrating that 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidate Jim Martin is the best choice to take on incumbent Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss in Georgia. Martin is in an August 5th run-off with Vernon Jones, and if Dems want to have any shot at unseating Chambliss, Jim Martin must win.

Jim Martin (D): 40%
Saxby Chambliss: 51%

Vernon Jones: 29%
Saxby Chambliss: 59%

More from swingstate…

And a Martin TV spot for good measure:

UPDATE: Apparently a lot of people have noticed Martin’s superior prospects. brownsox has a much more expansive post on Daily Kos.

Papa Bush is "jealous" of Obama?

No, it’s not because Barack Obama’s 10 year-old daughter would likely whoop Dubya in scrabble. At a press event with John McCain this morning the 41st President was asked if he thought that it was appropriate for Senator Obama to hold a large rally while campaigning overseas. “A little jealous is all” replied the former president, to laughter from the press corps and Senator McCain. A lot of conservative pundits have been whining about Senator Obama’s potential speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin – Maybe Daddy Bush isn’t the only one who’s jealous.

from CNN’s politicalticker…

Andrew Rice Releases First TV Spot

US Senate candidate Andrew Rice just released his first television ad. In the 30 second spot, Andrew talks about his background and why he is running for office.

Help get this ad on TV by donating to the Rice Campaign, and let’s oust one of America’s worst global warming denier, Sen. Jim Inhofe.

On The Road With Govy: Netroots Nation!

Cross posted from www.jeanneshaheen.org/govy.

Earlier this week someone on the campaign staff asked me if I would be interested in attending a political blogging convention in Austin, Texas. I said yes, which is a good thing because he told me I was already registered here! So on Thursday I came to Texas to meet with 2,000 people from all over the country who are online activists and organizers. It is a four day convention with workshops all day and meetings all night. My first night Howard Dean was the keynote speaker which was amazing! He has so much energy and really gets people excited.

Today was my first full day and I went to a panel where the hosts were 15 year old high school students. I was floored by their knowledge and passion about what is going on in America today. They were brilliant, one young man said that he started a blog about politics when he was 12 years old. When I was 12 I was trying to avoid politics as much as possible and these kids are wise beyond their years about the world. I have been living politics for my entire life and they made me feel like an amateur.

I also went to a workshop about viral videos, we basically watched a bunch of viral videos on you tube which were incredibly clever and funny!!

I have been meeting so many interesting people with so many ideas and so much energy. It is so nice to see so many people engaged and working so hard towards a common goal.

I am leaving tomorrow afternoon to head back to the Shire and tonight I am attending a candidates reception to represent my mom which will be very exciting! I will write more tomorrow about tonight’s events!

Molly Shaheen is the daughter of former New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen. She recently graduated from college and is working on the mother's campaign for the US Senate.

Netroots for the Troops: Care Package Creation

Dozens of Netroots Nation attendees got together to make care packages for US Military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conference attendees with some of the care packages headed to our troops

More great photos of care package creation…

Q & A with Speaker Pelosi (and surprise guest Vice President Gore!)

Speaker Pelosi is addressing the general assembly right now. It is very courageous to show up to a group that is still hurting over FISA.

Questions were submitted prior to today via AsktheSpeaker.org. While all the questions won't be asked, you can still submit questions to the Speaker and her office has promised to get back to each question.

1) The first question is asking why she isn't pushing forward to impeachment.

Speaker Pelosi is proud that we passed a contempt resolution for Harriet Myers and Josh Bolton. She is pleased with Chairman Conyers and the House Judiciary committee pursuit of lawbreakers in the Bush administration including getting Karl Rove.

2) Will you push for Karl Rove to be arrested and put in the jail in the basement of Congress?

Speaker Pelosi - "Certainly that's where he belongs"

3) A question on FISA's passage.

Speaker Pelosi - The House bill lacked immunity. "Our bill was the good bill." But the Senate sent a bill with immunity. There was obviously not going to be able to be removed in the conference committee.

The Speaker wanted to make sure these 4 things were in the bill.

a) FISA exclusivity over all surveillance
b) Protection of American overseas
c) All electronic communication under the FISA law
d) Inspector General that can fully investigate

She was sure that courts wouldn't allow us to discover much about the illegal activities. The Inspector General would be able to turn out much more.

4) Why did the 17 Democratic Senators vote for this bill if both liberals and conservatives hate the Constitution being shredded?

Speaker Pelosi - No idea. There was a liberal and conservative agreement in the House. Things will be different in 107 days until the election.

5) What is the Democratic Party vision of what government should be?

Speaker Pelosi "the bigger the victories - the more bipartisanship in the Congress"

- keep Americans safe
- science, science, science, science
- building the infrastructure
- ensuring Americans can see a doctor

6) Should Congress step in and bailout GM like it did Chrysler 20+ years ago?

Speaker Pelosi - I don't think it is necessary. We need to innovate. If GM innovates they won't need a bailout.

7) What about the pensioners from GM that have been hurt by cost cutting?

Speaker Pelosi - "I make a distinction between pensioners and shareholders who invested and took a risk." But how do we help with the legacy cost from these pensions? They should have access to universal health care as a start.

8) Will you take steps to redirect money from abstinence-only education to more comprehensive sex ed policies?

Speaker Pelosi - "Yes. Let me remove any doubt. This policy is dangerous to the health of our young women in our country!" "If you don't love abortion, you should love contraception!...It is absolutely wrong...It is ideological."

9) Will you support local broadband infrastructure? What can Congress do to help with "blackout" zones where large parts of America lack broadband because TeleComms don't feel it is profitable?

Speaker Pelosi - We must do the following:
- universal broadband is part of innovation agenda
- improve the technology to make it cheaper
- Net Neutrality

10) Why are our soldiers being forced to beg for care packages that lack basic sundries toothpaste, tampons and protein bars?

Speaker Pelosi - "They shouldn't have to!" That is emblematic of a bigger problem with the Bush administration. They refuse to recognize the needs of our soldiers either with mental health or with physical needs.

11) Shouldn't you introduce a bill that symbolically calls on the Bush administration to fulfill this need? And start this conversation?

Speaker Pelosi - Absolutely. There is no question we owe it to them and then I'll talk with Rep. Murtha about how this might be accomplished.

Al Gore just showed up!

Gave an excellent speech about climate change and the need for America to take leadership in an energy revolution in the world.

12) Would you accept a role in the Obama administration?

Vice President Gore - No. Not best thing for me and the climate change cause.

13) Does meat cause more emissions than cars?

Vice President Gore - No, but increasing meat in diet is putting all kinds of pressures on the Earth. It hasn't been front and center because I want to focus on one thing at a time. "Gotta walk before we run."

14) What are your thoughts to West Virginia and mountaintop removal?

Vice President Gore - It is an atrocity and has no place in the future economy. "coal liquification is insane" - it is enormously expensive and would vastly increase the CO2. It is a bad for everyone!

15) How do we hold the administration accountable?

Speaker Pelosi - The new FISA bill has reporting to House judiciary and an Inspector General to oversee

16) Can't we use existing infrastructure to help with getting us to 100% renewable?

Vice President Gore - Existing infrastructure is the best option when possible, but you have to be where the resources are. So you have to have windpower where the wind is. The need is for electricity is constant. Wind power is inconsistent due to wind currents, but we can use solar in combination with wind to even out the ups and downs

17) Will you end NCLB?

Speaker Pelosi - Will be revisited but with a new POTUS

18) Speaker Pelosi will you accept Vice President Gore's challenge?

Speaker Pelosi - It is possible. Renewable Electricity Standard passed the House and failed in the Senate. Will come up again in September.

19) Will electronic waste be kept out of prisons and developing countries?

Al Gore - on a computer board and progress is moving. Plenty more room for improvement

20) Battery storage issues?

Vice President Gore - Battery needs to be improved (sodium batteries are pretty good). But "thermal storage" is 6-8 hour of storage on site. The price goes down when demand goes up for solar and wind. Gas and coal is the opposite.

21) Nuclear energy?

Vice President Gore - All kinds of problems, but the biggest problem is that nuclear weapons proliferation. The biggest problem is the cost and nuclear is the most expensive option of all

22) Will you follow up with legislation regarding Maliki's statement of 16 months

Speaker Pelosi - The Bush administration is being strange about the war. Iraq is more stable, but we can't bring our troops home. We need Barack Obama as POTUS to make meaningful advances in Iraq.

23) Global warming effect on Africa?

Vice President Gore - We must address extreme poverty by partnering developed with developing nations. We need to clean up our act with energy consumption/usage and they must work on development and better governance

Coffee and Questions with Jeff Merkley

This morning, Mike and I had the opportunity to have a cup of coffee and chat with US Senate candidate Jeff Merkley. He is currently the Speaker of the Oregon House and is challenging Republican rubberstamp Senator Gordon Smith.

21st Century Dems: How important are field organizers in your campaign?

Speaker Merkley: A good field program is incredibly important when you are running against an incumbent. If you’re going to win it’s going to be on the ground, working with the people and communities you’re trying to represent. A couple of years ago when we took control of the Oregon House we had to buid the best field program in the State’s history.

21st Century Dems: How have the internet and online activism affected your campaign?

Speaker Merkley: Well there is a reason I’m here at Netroots Nation. I’m fighting for people and I’m running against someone who fights for the big special interests, so I need to be connected with individuals and activists who are engaged in what is going on are on the ground. The dialog that takes place on the blogs is essential to try and match the power and money that incumbents have to communicate their message.

21st Century Dems: What is the first thing you’ll do when you get to Washington?

Speaker Merkley: Well there are a lot of things we need to do, but the very first is ending the war in Iraq. It is just so important and affects everything else we do.

21st Century Dems: What will be your other priorities as a US Senator?

Speaker Merkley: After ending the Iraq war we need to make sure every American has access to affordable health care. We must move toward energy independence and combat global warming. We need to create good jobs that pay people a living wage and we have to strengthen our education system so we have young people who are prepared to fill those jobs. Finally, I think it is critical to restore America’s integrity and good standing in the world. We have a lot of work to do, but those are the issues that I think we really need to address up front.

You can learn more about Speaker Merkley and how to get involved with his campaign by vising his website, www.jeffmerkley.com.

Pelosi calls Bush a total failure

Refreshing...

Diane Benson endorsement snowballs in Anchorage

Our endorsement of Diane Benson has snowballed. Sean Cockerham in Anchorage Daily News has a blog post up that has drawn some concern from Benson's primary opponent.

Wendy Davis, the national field director for the 21st Century Democrats, said that Berkowitz didn't apply for the endorsement and Benson did. (UPDATE -- The Berkowitz campaign called me to say it didn't receive an application. The 21st Century Democrats responded they don't send out applications -- the candidates contact them.)

We are proud to support Diane Benson and are working to ensure she is best positioned for the General Election.

Governor Dean's keynote at Netroots Nation

The keynotes is being stream on Netroots Nation's front page.

We don't have an auto-refresh option for our blog, so please hit refresh every once in a while

7:45 CST - In the ballroom and waiting for Governor Dean to speak.

7:55 - Still waiting.

8:05 - MC - Bartunde Thurston - has started the evening with some jokes. He's a blogger at multiple venues and works with The Onion online. Lots of laughs. Very funny stuff.

8:12 - Brandon Freedman from VoteVets.org will be introducing General Clark.

8:15 - General Clark started with a story about how he has had his words taken and misused.


8:22 - "You'll never get Americans to believe that Democrats will defend them, until Democrats defend each other."

8:24 - "We've got to take care of the people in the economy that do the work in this economy...day in and day out!"

8:26 - General Clark calls for all those running for office to stand up. About 20 individuals stood up. Very exciting.

8:28 - General Clark has just had teachers, medical professionals, civil defenders, grassroots organizers, and military servicemen/servicewomen to stand up and be honored. Literally 100s of people stood up. A giant cross section of people in the Netroots. Guess, we all don't just sit around in our pajamas.

8:29 - In an off-hand way, General Clark mentioned FoxNews. It drew hisses.

8:30 - Rick Noriega got a shout out from General Clark and lots of applause.

8:35 - Why doesn't anyone "in the know" have any idea what the two fists coming together is called? I know the terrorist fist jab is funny, but can we all just agree it is called a fist bump?

8:36 - General Clark finishes up with the importance of the blogosphere and gets a standing ovation.

8:37 - MC is back. He announces 2000 attendees at Netroots Nation.

8:39 - Gina Cooper - founder of Netroots Nation is now speaking

8:40 - Gina declares first Netroots win was putting Howard Dean in chairmanship of the DNC.

8:44 - Gina offered a warm welcome to everyone and reminded everyone that the progressive revolution (both online and in the flesh) is just beginning.

8:45 - The MC has just returned and is offering more jokes. Very funny.



8:47 - On the stage now - leader in Democracy for Texas - Glen Maxey has taken the stage to introduce Gov. Dean.



8:51 - Maxey is talking about the ability to organize via the internet and how he's felt "empowered by Howard". It was this freedom and access to information that helped make Howard Dean the front-runner in 2004.

8:54 - Maxey's Democracy for Texas has an online database that has the voter roll for all of Texas!

8:56- Howard Dean is on the stage now. Dressed down a little. No tie, but a jacket. He has a flag pin on the lapel.



8:58 - "Crawford, Texas is going to become a retirement community"

8:59 - The difference between John McCain and Barack Obama is "98 years in Iraq."

9:04 - All politics is local - Gov Dean, "5 Texas State House seats is all that we need to make sure that we can undo the injustice of Tom Delay's illegal redistricting. 5 Texas State House seats is all that keeps Texans from access to good quality health care."

9:06 - More people voted for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary than they did for the Democratic nominee in 2000 or 2004.

9:08 - Gov. Dean, "The Republicans are exclusive, we are inclusive!"

9:09 - "The new generation believes that every person deserves a chance, every person deserves an opportunity."

9:10 - Governor Dean has pledged to share the DNC voter list all the way down to the "city council" level

9:12 - Universal Health Care is a good proposition for everyone, especially the business community because it helps them keep costs under control and compete with other industrialize nations.

9:15 - Governor Dean is really hitting hard that America must restore its moral authority throughout the world. He is using multiple examples and is getting a standing ovation.

9:17 - He has moved to discussing the importance of human rights and how the Republicans have failed at home and abroad

9:18 - "The real promise of Barack Obama is the end to divisiveness. The new America doesn't need to hate other Americans."

9:19 - Why is the Democratic Party talking to evangelical Christians? Because those under 35 care about 3 things - 1-poverty 2-climate change 3-relieving suffering in Darfur. Sounds like a Democratic platform, so why shouldn't we talk to them?

9:22 - Gov Dean "grades" citizens. A "D" is simply voting. A "C" is voting and giving money. A "B" is voting, giving money, and helping on a campaign. An "A" is voting, giving money, helping on a campaign and running for some public office.

9:24 - Gov Dean has finished with a call for everyone to get involved and get involved now.

We'll be back blogging tomorrow from Netroots Nations. See you then!

Round 3 Group 3 endorsements are here!

Today, 21st Century Democrats is very excited to announce we are now working with the following progressive candidates:

We are proud to stand behind these candidates for their strong support of a variety of issues important to 21st Century Democrats:

• Jim Martin's commitment to a strong economy for everyone, not just corporations.


• Diane Benson who will work to bring a swift and honorable end to the War in Iraq.


• Steve Driehaus' leadership in making his community a better place to live, work and raise a family.


• Donna Edwards because she is much more progressive than the previous Democrat.


• Jim Himes' willingness to make good on the promise of public education.


• Frank Kratovil's dedication to cleaning up Chesapeake Bay.


• Ty Cobb as a trusted and selfless public servant.


• Dan Scripps who is emerging as a statewide leader on environmental and energy issues.


• Barbara Favola's laser-like focus on affordable housing and human services.

21st Century Democrats is very proud to number these individuals among our endorsed candidates!

3rd Round Candidate Endorsements - Group Three

21st Century Democrats Board of Directors endorsed so many great progressive leaders in the 3rd round that we have decided to announce them in three groups. This third set includes 9 candidates from Georgia, Maryland, Alaska, Connecticut, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia. From the Far North to the Deep South, these candidates will succeed in creating an America of increasing fairness, justice and equality for all of its citizens.

See our Third Round – Group Three Endorsements
OR
Support our Endorsed Candidates by Contributing to 21st Century Democrats Today

Sununu Helps Bush Protect War Profiteers

While this isn't anything we didn't already know, it's important that we make sure voters understand that John Sununu has repeatedly voted against creating a commission to oversee the awarding of military contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan and against strong penalties for war profiteers.

For all you visual learners, here is nice little video from StopSununu.com:

McCain the panderer

One of the things that doesn't seem to get enough notice is that McCain is the biggest panderer in recent memory. He wants to be POTUS so badly that he will say anything to any audience, assuming the they won't ever talk to each other.

Carpetbagger has an excellent post today about McCain's sordid past with the DREAM Act.

McCain co-sponsored the Dream Act, then refused to vote for it, then promised to oppose it, then promised to support it.

Sorry Senator. Where do you stand?

My weekend - mornings in Billings, dinners at Yale

It has been more than a few weeks since my last post. I am going to try to be better now that we are closing in on the crucial months leading up the November General Election. Last week I spent time in Montana: from Billings, to Bozeman, to Helena. I was there for Steve Bullock whom we endorsed for Montana Attorney General. He won in a three-way Primary and is now getting his general election campaign up and running. The internet was being connected when I was in the office taking a picture!

The Obama campaign is targeting Montana so there will be lots of Presidential staff in the state. We’ve put together a field program for Steve that concentrates on directly talking to voters and asking them to support Steve Bullock. Our goal is to have 56 county Steve Bullock Committees announced by the end of August. (Montana is huge state!) Since neither Senator Baucus or Governor Schweitzer have serious opponents this year the Republicans have a bull eye on Steve’s back and are working to make sure their fundamentalist candidate takes Steve out.

We’re going to do everything we can through the Coordinated Campaign to help Bullock win the November 4 election.

This weekend I was in New Haven, Connecticut meeting with young activists. They are planning Obama for President operations in their Wards for 2008 and getting ready for city elections in 2009. 21st Century Democrats is assisting these budding politicians with advice on strategy, tactics and good old fashioned field techniques.

We have exciting work going on in Pennsylvania and North Carolina and our “Battleground” state efforts are moving ahead in Ohio and Michigan. As always we need to raise more funds and I do hope you will make a contribution to our work. Every dollar we raise goes directly to field efforts to elect progressive Democrats.

I am off to New Jersey but will be back on these pages with an announcement about our Urban Youth Training Initiative.

Schools over bombs

Nicholas Kristoff's Op-Ed this morning, It Takes a School, Not Missiles, makes a simple point. If you improve people's lives, they tend to like you. If you make it tougher (or take it completely) they tend to dislike you.

Kristoff highlights the efforts by Greg Mortenson, who is working the wild lands of northeastern Pakistan to build schools. He has hired former Taliban to teach and is educating girls. The value of educating girls has long been known. It appear to have benefits for labor markets, as well as family wealth production. It has a direct effect on improving health (the woman's own health and the health of her children), increasing child schooling, and reducing fertility (PDF). But Kristoff points out another benefit of educating women - when women are educated they are more likely to restrain their sons from joining the Taliban.

Kristoff notes that one "Tomahawk missile that the United States fires in Afghanistan costs at least $500,000. That’s enough for local aid groups to build more than 20 schools." Think of the return on the investment for more schools. It reminds me of when the US Quake Aid Helped U.S. Alter Image in Pakistan and dropped Pakistani approval of Al-Qaeda while drastically improving ours.

At 21st Century Democrats, we support going after Al-Qaeda with our military might, but we must do more to drain the swamp that breeds extremism. Educating women in South Asia must be a high priority. We will never achieve a world where "full civil rights for all people regardless of their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability" is possible without pursuing human improvement with the same fervor we prosecute the military side of War on Terror.

The gaffs speak for themselves

I really have nothing to add to this list. We should all memorize the list and repeat it to anyone who will listen. John McCain as President would simply be a disaster for America.

10 McCain Gaffes from This Week

More sunshine for the Florida 24th

The Congressional Quarterly joins The Rothenberg Political Report and Cook Political Report in rating 21st Century Democrats endorsed candidate Suzanne Kosmas a serious contender. Her strong fundraising and canvassing effort have moved the Florida 24th from "Republican Favored" to "Leans Republican". Check out her website to see how you can help.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney's defense of his Central Florida seat just got a little tougher, according to Congressional Quarterly, a Capitol Hill publication that handicaps congressional races. CQ just labeled Feeney's race against Democrat Suzanne Kosmas as "Leans Republican" a change from its previous ranking of "Republican Favored."

"Leans Republican means Feeney maintains an edge in the race, but that the contest is highly competitive, with an upset not a far-fetched possibility," according to CQ.

Among the factors cited is Kosmas' strong fundraising -- she is estimated to have beaten Feeney $475,000 to $400,000 in the July quarter -- and Feeney's ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, which Democrats have emphasized throughout the campaign.

While Feeney has not been charged with any wrongdoing, he traveled to Scotland with Abramoff in 2003 and has been under investigation by the Department of Justice. Officials from the agency refuse to comment on the status of that investigation, including whether it is finished.

CQ is the latest to cite the Feeney race as growing more competitive. Both The Rothenberg Political Report and the Cook Political Report have labeled the House District 24 race as "Lean Republican."

Senator Harkin and Representative Lewis to co-chair 2008 Youth Leadership Speaker Series

Colin McDonnell is a the Executive Assistant at 21st Century Democrats:

Man oh Man, what a great summer to be a Democrat! With our presumptive nominee, Senator Barack Obama, crisscrossing the country speaking to voters, numerous House and Senate seats up for grabs, it may finally be time to undo the damage of the past eight years of the Bush Administration.

As many of you who have visited our website or met our awesome interns when they came to the offices on Capitol Hill last week to distribute flyers know, our annual Speaker Series is right around the corner! We are honored to be working with two distinct members of Congress, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Representative John Lewis of Georgia to ensure that our Annual Youth Leadership Series will continue to be a success.

We have invited numerous Senators, Members of Congress and other top Progressive Democrats throughout the country to speak at our series and hope that you can join us. Who knows there may even be a surprise or two waiting for you!

Sign up to get confirmed dates, speakers and locations as the Speaker Series will be hotter than a DC Summer.

Why poverty issues are important to us

At 21st Century Democrats, we are unashamedly economic populists. We think that everyone should benefit from economic growth, not just the CEO fat cats. It is a travesty that CEOs in America make ON AVERAGE $14.2 million in total compensation annually, while the those earning the federal minimum wage will only earn $11, 700 annually. That means the CEO makes 1, 213 times more money than the guy who empties his trash can.

I recognize that isn't exactly a fair comparison. But CEO pays is still excessive at over 364 times the pay of the average U.S. worker. (Want to find out what CEOs earn? Check out this searchable database)

CEO pay is only the tip of iceberg regarding the discussion poverty. Rising costs for basics like energy and food, mortgages with "kicker" rates, and increasing unemployment are the real concerns of everyday folks.

So it is no surprise that a recent survey on poverty shows that the American public wants more focus on poverty.

"The survey, conducted by McLaughlin and Associates, asked voters whether they believed the media had devoted 'an adequate amount of time during the presidential campaign covering the issue of how to fight poverty in the U.S.' Fifty-six percent of respondents disagreed with that statement.

'Even among Republicans and Democrats, the answers were similar,' they wrote. 'A majority of each felt there hadn’t been [an] adequate amount of time spent on the topic.'"

We care about poverty issues because unlike the Republican nominee, who's campaign thinks we've "become a nation of whiners," we believe that each of our wellbeing is tied to the welfare of those around us:


How best can we focus on poverty issues here at 21st Century Democrats? Should we focus on policy? or poverty-alleviation programs? or leader who are speaking on the issue? Let us know in the comments

Judy Baker is on TV!

Missouri State Rep. Judy Baker is running for the US Congress (MO-9) and she just released her first television spot:

You can help keep this ad on the air and support a great Democrat by making a donation to the Baker Campaign.

WANTED: Your Input on the Democratic Party Platform

Governor Dean and Barack Obama called for wide ranging input on the 2008 Democratic Party Platform. That's refreshing and exciting. Here at 21st Century Democrats we believe that America is stronger when we adopt these principles.

• We support exhausting all avenues of diplomacy with potential adversaries and using military force only as a last resort to defend our nation;
• We support a living wage for working Americans;
• We support the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively;
• We support a progressive tax system based on the ability to pay, which is fair to those at every income level, and where corporations pay their fair share;
• We support economic security in retirement;
• We support every person's right to affordable and accessible healthcare;
• We support providing an exceptional public education to every child in America;
• We support preserving the internet as a free exchange of ideas;
• We support creating and fair sharing of economic prosperity;
• We support a fair distribution of power between individuals and corporations;
• We support the development of a sustainable economy based on renewable energy;
• We support robust public investment in higher education and lifetime learning;
• We support strong environmental protections to preserve our planet for future generations;
• We support a path to citizenship for all immigrants;
• We support full civil rights for all people regardless of their gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability; and
• We support the inherent right to privacy for law-abiding citizens, and the right of individuals to control their own bodies and medical decisions.

If you agree with us, please sign the 2008 Alternative Democratic Platform and we will deliver a copy in your name to the Platform Committee.



If we missed something important to you, please let us know in the comments.

Equal Rights for all soldiers

Last week, Mark wrote about how far we've come in the battle of civil rights for all and how far we still have to go. Today four retired US military officers released a study that showed openly gay or lesbian soldiers are "unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline or cohesion."

Time to roll back "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"?

Patriotism considered

Deborah Block is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:
The latest issue of TIME Magazine raises a question that in my 22 years of life, I’ve barely taken the time to stop and answer: What does it really mean to be patriotic? This weekend, to celebrate the nation’s birthday with my family and friends, I left DC and took the train home to Westport, Connecticut. At you pull up my driveway, it is difficult to miss the large American flag suspended above my front door. This flag decorates my house all year round, not just for the holiday. But as we parked the car on this July 4th afternoon, I noticed a bit more American cheer. To let our neighbors know that we’re really excited that it’s America’s birthday, a lone balloon was strapped onto the banister or our front porch. That’s right, we love America, you know because the balloon says so.

But what the TIME’s article asks is how patriotism should really be measured. Is it by the flags we wave and clothes we wear? Is it by the songs we sing and the bumper stickers we put on our cars? Barack Obama thinks otherwise and because of this, critics try desperately to challenge Obama’s patriotism. But Obama’s supporters are quick to argue the meaning of patriotism; Loving America is not about symbols, it’s about actions.

And as today’s Democrats and Republicans often disagree on social issues, economic policies, health care reform and a laundry list of other issues impacting people today, varying perceptions of patriotism also tends to divide with political parties. As the article in TIME states, “Conservatives think patriotism is a tribute to the past and liberals believe it is the key to the future.”

As McCain—the son and grandson of admirals and a war hero himself—may be a walking American flag, supportive Conservatives can see patriotism as the inheritance to a great past and history. Yet in contrast, liberals like Obama like embrace patriotism as a set of ideals about democracy, and less about a common culture. As Obama writes in his article, A Faith in Simple Dreams, that’s why his patriotism and love for this is defined by his vision for the future and the promise that our destinies are not predetermined before our birth.

And so for me, as a young woman only a month out of college, what does patriotism mean to me? Looking back to my own past, I think about my Grandmother who escaped the Pogroms in Russia and came to America on a boat in the beginning of the twentieth century. Like many others, she cried when she saw the statue of liberty. I think about my own my own father who served as a doctor during Vietnam. He saw people give their lives for America—actions I argue embody true patriotism. But is that what America is? Only a history? Although our country’s history has shaped where we stand today, we cannot forget to look forward.

So today, although I have continue to learn from and embrace my own family’s successes and struggles, I believe the patriotism is not only about faith, but more significantly about action and sacrifice. My love for America should be evident not only through my words, but also through my actions.

And as many Democrats like Obama believe that patriotism is about looking towards the future and embodying the democratic ideals that make our country so great, it is vital to understand not only what these ideals are, but what they actually mean. 222 years ago, our forefathers wrote in the Declaration of Independence that: “All men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” As a young adult and part of a generation that will one day lead America, to me, being Patriotic is about understanding what these words mean, and ensuring that they as America progresses, they are not just words, but instead must be a reality for all Americans. Ensuring a promising future for our country does not happen through faith alone and a passive love for America—instead, it happens through action and an unyielding perseverance to embrace the words of the past that were written to make our future better.

My Journey to the 21st Century (Dems)

Jeffrey Phillips is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

Moving to Washington D.C. and working in politics was exactly what I wanted to do as soon as I got out of college. I am happy to say that with a lot of hard work and dedication I have made it, and I am very happy to have settled into a fellowship here at 21st Century Democrats. During my first few weeks here I have learned a great deal about what it takes run a political action committee and unlike many other political internships there is always plenty of work to be done.

I made the decision that I wanted to pursue a career in politics during the summer of 2007 when I was in Washington D.C. interning as a journalist. Journalism had attracted me because I saw the career path as one of public service and as a way of stepping behind the velvet rope to go and interact with the great movers and shakers of this world. What I soon found frustrating about reporting was that being a good journalist meant not being an advocate, only an observer, and while I feel that journalism is a very noble career I was not comfortable sitting on the side lines of history. I wanted to get more involved in politics, and as soon as I returned to college in the fall I change my major to political science and began working toward my new career.

While finishing my last year of college I interned in Congresswoman Diana DeGette’s District Office to gain experience working in a politician’s office. I was thrilled to come to work at 7:30 in the morning because everyday the work that I did helped other people and everyone that I worked with was bright, informed and genuinely cared about the people that they served. It was also worthwhile to work there because I adore Congresswoman Diana DeGette who has a solid history of standing up for her constituent and is brave enough to make the right decisions even when it’s not popular to do so. During my last year of college I also spent a great deal of time volunteering on Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in Colorado. Working as a precinct captain and as a leader in a small group of committed students I spent days knocking on doors and nights phone banking. At my caucus I was elected to the position of precinct chairman and four out of my district’s five county delegates went for Senator Obama.

I chose to become a fellow at 21st Century Democrats because I wanted to move back to Washington following college and because I wanted to be a part of a team making sure that candidates who have the bold ideals needed to run this country get the support they need to get elected. The most important thing for me in my career is to know that I am working for something greater than myself, and to know that the work I do plays a part in making this country and this world a better place. 21st Century Democrats has a strong history of getting progressive leaders elected and I have a great deal of pride knowing that while my work as a fellow may not always be glamorous it is certainly important.

Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks on the Mall


21st Century Democrats Celebrate the 4th of July with a BBQ lunch

The Civil Rights Act - 44 Years Later

Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving

Yesterday, as I reflected on the 44th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, I thought about how far we have come in the fight for equality and how much work we still have ahead of us. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of the progress we have made as a nation all around us – none more visible than the Democratic Presidential Primary race between Senators Clinton and Obama. But even as we celebrate these victories we must keep in mind those who have been left behind in the struggle for equality.

As the recent California Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage demonstrated, there are people and places in this country that are ready to correct the injustice being visited on gay Americans and support marriage equality. Many of the most ardent opponents of gay unions claim to be “defending marriage” as though allowing two people of the same gender who love each other to get married somehow weakens the institution of marriage.

Ignoring the incredibly high rate of divorce in heterosexual marriages, they reject the simple truth that providing a legal framework for gay couples to marry would create MORE strong, supportive families – not LESS. Would these people propose we ban divorce in order to protect marriage? Moreover, the opponents of gay marriage are largely the same group who stood against making interracial marriage legal over 40 years ago. How would Americans react today if we said interracial marriage should be banned? I think Americans would overwhelmingly oppose such a ban.

Democrats have been the driving force in much of the social progress we have made in the last 50 years, but we must always remember that there are people and parties in our country who seek to advance their own agenda by scapegoating and demonizing those who are different. We must stand up against this kind of discrimination at every opportunity and support what we know to be right. As we celebrate our nation’s independence this weekend we must remember not only what is great about our country, but how we can work to create a more perfect union.

A new generation of Americans is emerging and they generally don't think about race, religion or sexual orientation – when they make friends, date – or decide to marry. Hopefully the baby boomer generation and the depression era-WWII generation will learn from their children and grandchildren.

Speak No Evil - working on the Speaker Series

Corey Goldiner is a summer Fellow at 21st Century Democrats:

During my interview with 21st Century Democrats’ I was very excited about potentially working on a speaker series that has hosted some of my political heroes. I never knew the amount of detailed work that goes into progressive event planning.

Compiling a list of exciting progressives to invite was my first assignment for the speaker series. As a Collegiate Debater, and political junkie, I was naturally eager to create a list of people who I read about every day on the Daily Kos. Our goal in creating the list was to invite people with diverse experiences from throughout the progressive movement. Some of my favorite invitees are Senators Obama, Clinton, and Edwards, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, political strategists Joe Trippi and James Carville and President and Founder of Emily’s List Ellen Malcolm. Invitations are going out as we speak and I can’t wait to see who shows up this year!

Helping to create a flyer for the series was my next job; this was tough for me because I have little experience with Microsoft Publisher. I started out with a complex new design, but eventually decided a simple flyer was better. Navigating the various text boxes and images was not easy but with the help of Mike Kruger, Collin McDonnell, and some advice from Mark Lotwis the flyer was ready to be handed out.

Yesterday, I and the rest of our interns and fellows went to all the Democratic Senate offices, and some House offices (we are finishing the house side today) to hand out my flyers. Going to Capitol Hill for the first time in my life had me a bit awestruck! Growing up I listened to my Grandfather tell me about landmark pieces of legislation like the G.I. Bill, the Wagner Act, and the Voting Rights Act. Walking in the very halls where these bills were drafted was emotional for me. I hope someday, I will be able to tell my children that in these same halls, the Employee Free Choice Act restored collective bargaining rights for all Americans and here is where we ended the Iraq War.

After adjusting to the Hill and getting a little lost in the Hart building I stopped by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin’s office and had some popcorn. While in the Dirksen building one intern from Bernie Sanders’ office told me “Finally! I’m getting invited to an event that isn’t for Republicans!” I am thrilled at the prospect of meeting many more young progressives like myself!

Thoughts and Prayers with Darcy Burner

21st Century Democrats' endorsed candidate Darcy Burner experienced a personal tragedy yesterday. A faulty lamp in her son's bedroom caused a fire that completely destroyed her home and all the contents. Thankfully, Darcy, her husband, her son and the dog were able to make it to safety. Rather unfortunately, her cat perished in the fire.

Darcy has a statement on with more details and asking folks that want to help to direct it "toward your local humane society or animal shelter in memory of Charlotte [her cat], or to the Washington State Council of Firefighters Benevolent Fund."

You can be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with the Burner family at this time. But for me, this is more personal. The Washington 8th is my "home" district. My wife's family has been living in that district for 25 years. For 2 years right after university, I lived in that district and my old district has been underserved by Mrs. Burner's opponent. The current Congressman has consistently towed the line with the dreadful Bush administration. We need a change in the Washington 8th.

Darcy will obviously need to take care of her family and personal life in the near future. Therefore the progressives of Washington State and especially the Washington 8th need to step up to move the message of change forward. I would encourage everyone who is in the area to sign up to volunteer!

UPDATED:Both the DailyKos and MyDD have frontpaged articles relating to Darcy's house burning down. They have issued challenges to help her raise $400,000 on ActBlue. And people are responding!

UPDATED AGAIN: Someone has created a HelpDarcy website with simple ways you can help her and her campaign.

2008 Speaker Series

21st Century Democrats is hosting the 20