ELECTION RESULTS

John Liu and Bill de Blasio won the run-off elections in New York City on Tuesday and now hold Democratic nomination for comptroller and public advocate respectively.

I probably wouldn't have suspected that either of these man would have won their race, but it could be thanks to low voter. Only between 7 and 8 percent of the nearly three million registered Democrats showed up to vote.

de Blasio is done with his race and will take office as the city's new Public Advocate. There is no GOP candidate for Public Advocate in the general election since Republicans act like there is no such position and don't run candidates for the position. de Blasio beat former Public Advocate and mayoral contender Mark Green.

Liu is well on his way to becoming the first Asian-American to hold city-wide office. He beat fellow City Councilman David Yassky 56 to 44 percent.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is running as an Independent and on the Republican ticket, says that Democrats will likely win all of the city-wide races except (of course) his seat.

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Take a look at Germany's hottest new "power couple", and they're gay! It looks like Free Democratic Party (FDP) Chairman Guido Westerwelle (pictured right) will be the country's next foreign minister.

Nothing is official yet, but Westerwelle is likely to be tapped for the high-profile post of foreign minister in Chancellor Angela Merkel's new government, according to the Associated Press.

The nation's leading newspaper, Bild Daily, splashed a similar photo of the pair hugging on election night on the front-page above the fold in Tuesday's paper. They also gave him their nod for the Foreign Minister's gig.

"His man makes him so strong," Bild wrote about Westerwelle, declaring that his 42-year-old partner Michael Mronz was not only his most important adviser during the campaign, but also "gives him security and ... supports him when he suffers a setback."

Until now Westerwelle and Bild have kept their personal life out of the spotlight.

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IS HE GAY?

No matter how much he denies it, all signs point to gay for South Carolina's Lt. Gov Andre Bauer.

In a recent interview, Bauer denied any chance of him being a homo.

"One word, two letters. 'No.' Let’s go ahead and dispel that now," he said in the interview. "Is Andre Bauer gay? That is now the story. We're a long way from where we were a week ago. We have diverted what the real topic should be here: Is the governor capable for carrying on the duties for which he was elected?"

But blogger Mike Rogers who is credited for outting others like Larry Craig says that Bauer is definitely gay.

Evidently the Lt. Governor has frequent visits from young men who stay for a few hours and leave, but these aren't people who work on his staff.

If the current governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, resigns then Bauer will take the state's top job.

If Bauer is gay, he's self hating. He has done all he can to make things hell for the gays.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Everyone is a buzz about this video of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton getting a little angry at a town hall meeting in Congo.

Hillary got offended when a question from the audience was translated to ask what her husband, Bill Clinton's opinion on an issue.

As it turns out, the translator screwed up and said Bill Clinton when she was supposed to say President Obama.

Regardless, I'm changing my saying "don't fuck with the Clintons" to "don't fuck with Hillary!"

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Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano should resign from office effective immediately following his arrest earlier today for corruption charges.

The FBI has a recording of Cammarano claiming there is no way he can lose the election despite the fact that he could be indicted.

If Cammarano resigns, the Hoboken City Council will vote and choose a new Mayor.

Cammarano has only been in office for less than a month. His opponent from the election, Dawn Zimmer, currently serves as City Council President.

Zimmer has called on Cammarano to resign, and we agree. The mayor should step down and let her take office as soon as possible.

Both Zimmer, like Cammarano, told GaySocialites.com that she support marriage equality for gay couples in New Jersey.

These two were involved in a very tight race for the office that led to a run-off election. Many still believe that Zimmer could have contested the race and come out on top. I'd say she has a lot more ground to stand on now!

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If you're the mayor of a Northern New Jersey town, then you're probably in jail right now.

A years-long investigation came to an end Thursday morning when forty-four people were arrested on corruption charges, mainly politicians and Rabbis.

Among those arrested was young Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammarano who had been in office for less than 3 weeks.

Cammarano was charged with accepting $25,000 in bribes, including $10,000 just last Thursday, from an undercover witness.

This is one for the history books that involved millions in dirty money - including proceeds from the sale of kidneys - through charities controlled by area rabbis.

During his election, Cammarano was the first to answer a call by GaySocialites.com for Hoboken's mayoral candidates to release their position on marriage equality. He told us that he's always supported gay rights and the right to marry was no different.

You can't make this stuff up!

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In case you haven't heard, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford disappeared a few days ago. Original reports were that the conservative Republican was hiking in the US, but as it turns out he was in Argentina.

Now, Governor Sanford has admitted that he is having an affair on his wife. He didn't identify the other woman, but this is a sad for Republicans.

Sanford considered himself a "family values" member of the GOP and was planning to run for President. He is known for being ultra-conservative, opposing gay marriage and civil unions and pushing to protect marriages and family values. As it turns out, he's a scum bag who is cheating on his wife.

Why is it that all of these "family values" Republicans are trash?!

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GAY MARRIAGE

The new president of the New York state Senate says he still wants gay marriage to come to a vote.

Yesterday, the New York Republicans staged a coup on the floor and tipped the power in their favor by asking two Democrats to switch parties. Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. started the day out as a Democrat, but by the end of the day he was a Republican and the new Senate president.

Regardless, Espada , one of the 19 co-sponsors of the gay marriage bill, still said he wants gay marriage to come to a vote.

“I am for same-sex marriage,” Mr. Espada said. “There will be no guarantees and no quid pro quos, I think there will be a vote of conscience of the senators. And with my partner in government, Senator Skelos, we have not discussed bringing it out to the floor. I’m expressing my own personal desire to see a full debate and decision on this matter.”

The Senate only has about two weeks to vote on gay marriage as their legislative session ends later this month.

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A former television news anchor has become Detroit's first openly gay candidate for city-wide office. Charles Pugh didn't mind to be Detroit's openly gay news man and hopes that the voters won't hold his sexual orientation against him.

"I didn't know what would happen, but at that point it didn't matter to me because I knew it was the right thing to do," Pugh told The Associated Press.

"I think there will be people who grumble about it and some people who may stray away from voting for me because of that, but I think Detroiters already know me. I believe Detroiters are open-minded, hardworking people who really do accept people who are different.

"I'm focused on bringing a level of class and dignity and respect for the job that Detroiters want."

Pugh has resigned from his journalism jobs and is now focusing on becoming Detroits first openly gay city councilman.

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New York State politics would make a great reality show. I'm not joking either. Today, the state Senate put on a show as two Democrats flip-flopped parties giving Republicans control of the Senate.

Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens, evidently switched parties to help remove Senator Malcolm A. Smith of Queens as majority leader.

It seems as though the Republicans have pulled it off and regained control of Senate leadership. Until January, the New York Senate has been under Republican control.

Rumor has it wack job Ruben Diaz is thinking about switching parties too in protest of Smith and the Democrat's positions on gay marriage.

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GAY MARRIAGE

On Wednesday, GaySocialites.com called on both candidates running for mayor in Hoboken to come out with their position on marriage equality for the state of New Jersey.

We received a quick response from Peter Cammarano saying he supports gay marriage.

"Same sex marriage is a civil rights issue and I believe that everyone is entitled to equal rights under the law," Cammarano said.

But his opponent Dawn Zimmer seemed to be avoiding my question. We asked that the candidates reply by 5pm on Wednesday. The Cammarano campaign was quick with their response, and we heard from the Zimmer camp this morning after a little online pressure fromHoboken locals GeoVaughn and Hoboken411.

The statement we received said that Zimmer has always supported full legal equality for gay Americans, and added that she believes the State of New Jersey should move forward to legalize gay marriage as quickly as possible.

"I consider this to be an issue of fundamental personal liberty" Zimmer said in the statement adding, "and the State of New Jersey must take a leadership role in moving our country forward."

There you have it, both Dawn Zimmer and Peter Cammarano support full marriage equality. As a result, GaySocialites.com has decided not to endorse a candidate in this race at this time.

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GAY MARRIAGE

Earlier today, I called on the candidates running for mayor in Hoboken, New Jersey to come out with their position on gay marriage.

I contacted the campaigns of Dawn Zimmer and Peter Cammarano asking them if they could release their stance on marriage equality by the end of the day. One candidate replied quickly, and the other seems to be dodging my question.

Update: Dawn Zimmer agrees with opponent in Hoboken mayor's race: marriage equality for all!

Cammarano's campaign released a statement saying their candidate supports marriage equality regardless of sexual orientation.

"Same sex marriage is a civil rights issue and I believe that everyone is entitled to equal rights under the law," Cammarano said in a statement to GaySocialites.com.

Cammarano was also endorsed by the Hudson Diversity Action Council, a leading gay rights advocacy group in Northern New Jersey.

As for his opponent, Dawn Zimmer, she hasn't responded to my question at all. I spent the day in Hoboken and spoke with someone campaigning for Zimmer about the issue. The lady I spoke with said she wasn't authorized to speak on the candidates' position on this particular subject, but confirmed she "overheard them discussing it this morning."

That proves to me that the Zimmer camp got my request, but they seem to be dodging my question. That doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't support gay marriage, but it does mean that she doesn't care enough about the issue to release her position publicly.

Zimmer and Cammarano both earned a spot in a run-off election for Hoboken's highest office last month. Voters go to the polls on Tuesday, June 9th. GaySocialites.com will make an official endorsement in this race later this week.

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It looks like New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine will face off against Republican Chris Christie in the general election. The elections results came in pretty quickly on Tuesday night, and we knew this was going to be the match-up early.

Corzine defeated a few little known Democrats winning about 78% of the vote. Christie beat out ultra conservative Steven Lonegan.

New Jersey currently allows civil unions for gay couples, and Governor Corzine has said that he would pass a gay marriage bill if it comes across his desk. He hasn't, however, spear-headed the effort like David Paterson has in New York.

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A gay Texas mayor has resigned from his post to pursue a relationship with a man who isn't a United States citizen. J.W. Lown, mayor of San Angelo, has quit his job so that he can see the man he loves.

Lown said he will not be sworn in to a fourth term in as mayor, because he has been dating a man who is not a illegal United States citizen.

Making the call from an undisclosed location in Mexico, Lown explained that he couldn't take the oath of office knowing he was “aiding and assisting” someone who was not a citizen.

“I made the final decision when I knew it was the right decision to make for me and my partner and our future — and for the community,” he said.

The mayor declined to identify the person.

“I don’t want to give his name,” Lown said.

Lown was scheduled to be sworn in again on Tuesday.

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Not-gay Florida Governor Charlie Crist wants to go to Washington. The Republican governor has announced that he'll run for the United States Senate in 2010 rather than running for re-election.

"The challenges Florida faces are not just Florida challenges but they are national issues," Crist said.

"As a result of that, I believe I can best serve the people of Florida if they are willing to allow me (to be) their next United States senator," he announced in the state capital.

Crist is seen as the top contender to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Mel Martinez, a fellow Republican.

Running for Senate is probably a smart move for Charlie since Florida has taken a terrible hit by the declining economy.

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Arlen Spector is officially a Democrat. He started the day as a Republican, but he announced this afternoon that he has switched parties.

Spector told President Barack Obama: "I'm a loyal Democrat. I support your agenda".

In a written statement today, Specter wrote, "Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right."

"Last year, more than 200,000 Republicans in Pennsylvania changed their registration to become Democrats. I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans. When I supported the stimulus package, I knew that it would not be popular with the Republican Party. But, I saw the stimulus as necessary to lessen the risk of a far more serious recession than we are now experiencing," Specter wrote.

Critics say Spector only switched parties to avoid heavy Republican opposition on his next re-election.

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Senator Arlen Spector announced on Tuesday that he is leaving the Republican party. Spector is not just a long-time Republican, but he is also the 12th-most senior member of the U.S. Senate.

That's major news for the Obama administration and Democratic party. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon Senator Spector said that Barack Obama promised to campaign for him in the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania during the next election. The White House says no promises were made.

This is just proof that the Republican party is falling apart at the seams. Spector, however, has been known as a moderate member of the GOP with conservative views on crime and national security with liberal leaning views on abortion, illegal immigration and the environment.

Obama's press secretary, Robert Gibbs, says that Obama is "quite pleased" with Specter's decision.

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Liz Cheney, Dick's straight daughter, says that waterboarding isn't torture. Maybe that's because she doesn't want her father and others to get prosecuted for allowing prisoners to get tortured.

"The tactics are not torture, we did not torture," said Cheney.

Liz was is also a former State Department, so I'm sure she's covering her own ass too. Cheney invoked the common conservative argument that the techniques were derived from special forces training called Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Evasion (SERE).

The Obama Administration is thinking about prosecuting those who granted permission for torturing criminals. Maybe we can use some waterboarding on the Cheney's to get a confesion out of them too!

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Gavin Newsom is officially a candidate for Governor in the state of California! The San Francisco mayor broke the news on Twitter on Tuesday. Gubernatorial

"It's official," Newsom tweets. "Running for Gov of CA. Wanted you to be the first to know. Need your help."

He also posted this video for his campaign:

And Newsom asked his followers to "retweet" the message.

It looks like Twitter is going to be a powerful force in the upcoming local elections. I'm sure everyone will be tweeting about their candidates for Governor, Senate and even on the regional and city local levels.

You know I'm behind Newsom, a pioneer in gay marriage in California.

Do you Twitter? Follow me @charleswinters!

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Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has a new job. On Wednesday, he'll take over the morning airwaves at Chicago's WLS radio.

It's a one time gig. Blagojevich will be filling in for the normal hosts who are on vacation this week. WLS offered Blagojevich his own weekend radio show if he agreed to resign as governor. After he did leave the Governor's mansion, he turned down that radio job.

This week, the folks at WLS say the former governor will be taking calls from listeners, telling stories and talking with guests.

Blagojevich, of course, faces federal corruption charges that accuse him of attempting to sell President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat, among other things. He denies any wrongdoing.

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Democrats in New York say they may have some problems staying alive in the next few elections. With Michael Bloomberg nearly a shoe-in for re-election as Mayor of New York City, and the departure of Hillary Rodham Clinton from NY politics could impair the party.

The democrats will make an attempt at holding on to Clinton's seat filled by Kirsten Gillibrand, and they'll also take a stab at city hall in NYC after they narrow down the crowded field of primary candidates. Additionally, sitting Governor David Paterson is also seeking re-election soon.

The big question is will all of this disorder, lack of organization and tension destroy chances of Democratic dominance.

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The mayor of Sacramento may ruin his city's chances of getting any money from Barack Obama's stimulus package.

Evidently, Mayor Kevin Johnson is on a list of people banned from taking funds from the federal government.

Johnson was placed on a ban list before he was elected mayor due to an investigation into his non-profit, Hood Corps. The ban is a result of an investigation into the improper use of federal funding.

City Attorney Eileen Teichert hired Frederic M. Levy. Levy says that federal funds already received by Mayor Johnson could be at risk.

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STUPID BITCHES CLUB

If you're unemployed in Texas and if your benefits get canceled, then blame Governor Rick Perry.

In a blatant act of partisanship, Perry has rejected $555 million in federal stimulus money that would expand state unemployment benefits. The Texas governor did, however, take most of the roughly $17 billion slated for Texas in the plan. I think he's a stupid bitch.

Perry says expanding unemployment benefits says would require the state to increase the tax burden on Texas businesses to fund an expanded program.

Governor Perry has opposed Obama's stimulus plan from the beginning.

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Cops have arrested Yusuf Acar, head of IT Technology in the Washington D.C. city the the former office of Vivek Kundra who was tapped to be Barack Obama's chief information officer. Under Barack Obama's appointment, this is the first time our country has had a Chief Technology Officer. It seems that Kundra is in the clear though.

No one seems to be certain as to why Acar got arrested or why his office got raided. The buzz on Twitter is that Acar's arrest is a part of a bribery scheme under investigation.

In addition to Yusuf Acar, Sushil Bansal of Advanced Integrated Technologies was also arrested as a part of the sting.

Acar has evidently worked for the city since 2004 and was earning about $125,000 annually.

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EVENING CHATTER

Prime Minister Gordon Brown revealed on Wednesday that Senate warrior Ted Kennedy will be knighted by Queen Elizabeth.

"Northern Ireland today is at peace. More Americans have health care. Children around the world are going to school," Brown said. "And for all those things, we owe a great debt to the life and courage of Sen. Edward Kennedy."

Ted Kennedy, of course, is one of the most famous Irish-Americans on the planet. The Massachusetts senator, of course, is currently battling a brain tumor.

Kennedy will not be given the title "Sir Ted" because he is a foreign recipient. Still nonetheless, being knighted is an honor.

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Kathleen Sebelius is Barack Obama's latest pick for health secretary, and on Sunday she won some Republican praise.

Sebelius, the Governor of Kansas, is Obama's second pick after Tom Daschle's tax debacle. She may face some challenges from Senators who differ with Sebelius on abortion issues.

Key Republicans are backing Sebelius' appointment to head the Health and Human Services Department including Republican Govs. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, Sonny Perdue of Georgia and Jon Huntsman of Utah.

The Democratic chair of the Finance Committee Max Baucus of Montana said Sebelius would make a "strong partner" in revamping the health care system and that she "really gets what needs to be done."

She was also one of Obama's strongest supporters on the campaign trail.

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The United States Senate passed an economic stimulus package on Tuesday by a vote of 61 to 37. That means only three Republicans voted for the bill.

The Senate's $838 billion economic stimulus bill is a bit different than the $819 billion version that passed the house.

Over the next week, Senate and House leaders will try and hash out the difference so they can present a joint stimulus package bill to President Barack Obama to sign.

The president has agreed that neither of the stimulus bills are perfect, but he says something must be done.

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Bonnie Newman has evidently been slated to replace Judd Gregg, the Senator that Barack Obama has picked to head the Commerce Department.

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch will evidently pick Newman, a moderate Republican, as a placeholder for the position until a 2010 special election can be held to fill the vacant Senate seat. Newman has also said that she has no plans to seek election to the position permanently.

Despite the fact that she has a pretty impressive resume, Newman is still fairly unknown. She served as a former interim president of the University of New Hampshire and as the former Chief of Staff for Lynch when her served in the Senate in the 1980's.

Lynch, a Democrat, could have easily replaced Gregg, a Republican, by another Democrat giving a filibuster proof Senate to the governing party.

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The one-time majority leader of the United States Senate, Tom Daschle apologized to the Senate Finance Committee on Monday hoping to sail through his approval hearings to become Barack Obama's secretary of Health and Human Services.

"I am deeply embarrassed and disappointed by the errors that required me to amend my tax returns," said Daschle, who had expected to have smooth sailing through the confirmation process in the Senate. "I apologize for the errors and profoundly regret that you have had to devote time to them."

Daschle evidently overlooked taxes on additional income for consulting work and how he had initially failed to pay taxes on the use of a car service. To fix the error, he recently filed amended tax returns for three years and paid $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest.

Most expect that Daschle will easily be approved as a member of Obama's cabinet.

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It was only a matter of time until someone came forward with claims that Beau Breedlove (pictured here) was really only 17 years old the first time he had sex with Portland Mayor Sam Adams, 42.

Adams and Breedlove both now admit that they had a sexual relationship, before the openly gay mayor was elected. At first, however, both men lied about it. Breedlove says he lied to protect Adam's political career. Mayor Adams later admited that he did have a relationship with Beau and wasn't truthful about it.

Now, one of Breedlove's friends has come forward with claims that Beau had a relationship with an unnamed male politician when he was 17 years old.

"He didn't say who, or his name, but said he was having sexual encounters with this person," he said.

Up until now, Beau has only admitted that he and Adams kissed prior to his 18th birthday.

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On Friday, the Republican National Committee elected their first African American chairperson. It looks like black is the new black!

Michael Steele is a bit more moderate than most. He's the former Lt. Governor of Maryland, and according to our friends at Queerty - he hates the idea of gay marriage.

From a Washington Blade article from 2006, they quote Steele as saying:

“Marriage is not a purely human institution…Marriage defines not only the relationship between a man and a woman but also their journey through life. They should not be brow-beaten into thinking something that goes counter to what the people in the community aspire to.”

Meanwhile, the Stonewall Democrats point out that Steele's stances on equality are sub par:

"Although there were candidates that were not selected for RNC Chair with stronger anti-equality credentials than Michael Steele, which shows some hope for the party, we should carefully consider his record as the Republican Party moves forward. The Republican Party has a troubling history of anti-equality activism," said Jon Hoadley, Executive Director. "Unfortunately, Michael Steele has been a part of that record. Each time that he has promised voters a new tone in politics he has also taken steps to solidify the anti-LGBT positions of his own party. Voters should be very wary of his new role as Republican National Committee Chair. While the priority of Stonewall Democrats is on improving the Democratic Party and electing more pro-equality Democrats, we will keep a watchful eye on the GOP during this time."

If the Republicans had any sense, they would become gay marriage advocates! It would be a great way to revive their party and take a strong civil rights stance.

I'm not going to bank on it, by any means!

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Michael Steele was elected the first African-American chairperson of the Republican National Committee on Friday in Washington.

"It's time for something completely different and we are going to bring it to them," Steele said after his victory. "This is our opportunity. I cannot do this by myself."

There's evidently some bizarro system that RNC uses to elect it's chair that consists of several different votes. In the end Steele beat South Carolina Republican party Chairman Katon Dawson 91 to 77.

Steele called his election a "new moment" for the Republican party.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Former House Majority Leader Republican Dick Armey sure is in it deep after making a sexist remark on Wednesday night's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" on MSNBC.

You can watch the clip above (and the whole segment after the break). Armey compares debating Joan Walsh, the editor-in-chief at Salon.com, to squabbling with his wife. Needless to say, Walsh didn't take to kindly to Armey's remarks. I'm sure his female constituents won't find it too flattering either.

It is after all only 2009, right Mr. Armey? Get with it! He's lucky he hasn't been mobbed! I don't even want to imagine what Dick has to say about guys who are fond of that other kind of dick.

Continue reading "Video of Dick Armey's sexist remark on "Hardball" [video]" »

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The new leader of Iceland is a gay woman. Meet Johanna Sigurdardottir.

Currently the island nation's 66-year-old social affairs minister, Sigurdardottir has been appointed to lead the country by both political parties in power.

"Now we need a strong government that works with the people," Sigurdardottir told reporters Wednesday, adding that a new administration will likely be installed Saturday.

Sigurdardottir will serve as the interim Prime Minister until a special election is held, likely in May.

Analysts say she's unlikely to remain in office mainly because her center-left Social Democratic Alliance isn't expected to rank among the major parties after the election.

In opinion polls, it trails the Left-Green movement, a junior partner in the new coalition. The Conservative party crumbled earlier this after the country's banks failed leaving Iceland in bankruptcy.

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SHOT OF THE DAY

Our shot of the day comes from "The Rachel Maddow Show" and New York's newest Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

In the video above, Maddow really gets a kick out of the fact that Gillibrand missed a call from President Barack Obama during Governor David Paterson's press conference naming Gillilbrand as Hillary Clinton's replacement in the United States Senate.

I love Governor Paterson! He is freakin' hilarious. He just tells it like it is. "He's going to call back," Paterson exclaimed.

If President Obama wants to save himself some embarassment, he should probably start having people call ahead to check availablity (or maybe he could turn on the TV?)!

As you'll see later in the video, Gillibrand and Paterson made it off stage and immediately got on the phone with the President.

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AFTERNOON CHATTER

Portland's first openly gay mayor finds himself under fire after he recently confessed that he lied about having sex with a teenager back in 2005.

Newly elected Mayor Sam Adams admits he lied about a sexual affair with a teenager, and now Portland's politicians and gay community seem to be banning together to get rid of him. Neither group wants this kind of reputation for their progressive city of Portland.

"Sam has been our guy forever, which makes this even harder," said Marty Davis, publisher of the newspaper Just Out, which has called for his resignation. "It's completely dividing and tearing our community right down the middle."

The calls for Adams' resignation started earlier this week when the 45-year-old mayor admitted to an alternative newspaper, Willamette Week, that he lied during his election campaign when he denied having sex in 2005 with a teenage male who was a legislative intern. Adams originally insisted he did not have sex with the young man until after he turned 18.

Many gay media outlets have called for him to leave office immediately.

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Now that Caroline Kennedy has withdrawn her name from contention to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton in the United States Senate, new name are surfacing. David Paterson has even said that he plans to make his announcement on Friday.

The new front-runner, also a woman, seems to be Kristin Gillibrand, pictured above with Hillary. Gillibrand currently represents a district of New York in the House of Representatives, so she's no stranger in Congress.

Another Congresswoman, Caroline Maloney, is also evidently in the running.

If isn't either of these women, then it will likely be Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Insiders at Governor David Paterson's office say that Tom Suozzi is also in consideration, but said off the record that Suozzi may be on the Governor's short list to replace him as Lt. Governor.

Gillibrand, Maloney, Suozzi and Cuomo will all be in Albany on Friday for a rally. Gov. Paterson is expected to name Clinton's Senate replacement later that afternoon.

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AFTERNOON CHATTER

The moment we've all been waiting for! President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle, escorted George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, to a helicopter as they departed Washington, DC and move back to Texas.

It was a very courteous move for the Obamas to escort the Bush family out. In the years past it has been a little less coordial.

George and Laura Bush boarded a helicopter that then flew them over the White House for one last look and then on to Kennedy Airport where they boarded their final flight back to Texas. As the chopper flew over the parade route, on lookers waved good-bye to a very unpopular former President.

Goodbye and good riddance.

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BREAKING NEWS

Ted Kennedy has evidently suffered a seizure while attending an inaugural luncheon for President Barack Obama and was removed by emergency personnel.

CNN is reporting that Senator Kennedy was removed in a stretcher-like wheel chair. According to reports from inside the Presidents inaugural luncheon, Kennedy started convulsing violently. Teresa Heinz-Kerry, the wife of Senator John Kennedy, evidently tried to assist him.

Senator Kennedy was sitting with former Vice-President Walter Mondale and his wife when he collapsed.

This story is developing, and we will keep you posted.

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Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich presided Wednesday over a tense swearing-in of the state Senate that will likely decide to remove him from office.

Governor Blagojevich entered the Senate chambers silently through a back door. There was an clapping (and luckily no booing). The governor just banged a gavel and brought the already orderly Senate into session.

He discretely clapped as the names of the new Senators were read as a part of their swearing in. Before handing things over to incoming Senate President John Cullerton, a fellow Democrat from Chicago, Blagojevich said he hopes the senators will "find the truth and sort things out, to put the business of the people first."

Of course he does.

Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder. He has already been impeached by the state legislature. Senate hearings will begin later this year.

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MORNING CHATTER

Hillary Rodham Clinton laid out her plan as secretary of State on Monday for her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

From here, the committee is likely to recommend that the full Senate approve Barack Obama's nomination of Senator Clinton as secretary of State. Hillary's confirmation could come as early as next week, so that she can be sworn in right after Obama is.

Clinton was more than prepared for her confirmation hearing and had both Democrats and Republicans singing her praises.

"I'm confident that there is no one - no one - who would better serve our country and the world as the next secretary of state," bragged Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

Republican committee member Richard Lugar of Indiana said he plans to vote for Clinton. Some of his colleagues even thanked her.

"Thank you for your leadership; for your willingness to step forward and assume this very, very important position," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Team Obama is also evidently very pleased with Hillary's performance.

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MORNING CHATTER

Hillary Clinton's confirmation hearings to become the next secretary of State begin today, and things are expected go very smoothly.

Clinton is liked on both sides of the aisle, and most Washington insiders say she is enjoyable to work along side.

Republicans seem very happy with Barack Obama's choice of Clinton, his one time Presidential rival. As a United States Senator representing New York, Hillary has worked with Republicans and generally rides a moderate line on foreign police.

The Demcrats, of course, like Clinton too.

"We have great confidence in her ability to do the job well," Senator John Kerry, the Democratic chairman who will preside over the hearing told Reuters. "I think she will be overwhelmingly confirmed."

That means a lot coming from Kerry. Not only did he vocally oppose Clinton as endorse Obama during the election, but he also evidently had his eye on the secretary of State position.

Hillary will, however, get a few questions about her husband President Bill Clinton's international affairs and donors to his organizations.

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It looks like Roland Burris finally gets to legitimately call himself the "Junior Senator from Illinois."

US Senate leaders cleared the way on Monday for Burris to replace Barack Obama in the Senate. Assuming the Republicans don't start bitching and try to block it, Burris will likely be seated this week giving Democrats 58 of the 100 senate seats.

The secretary of the Senate originally denied Burris' crudentials since he didn't have the Attorney General's signature. An Illinois court ruled that Burris didn't need that signature to take the seat.

"The secretary of the Senate has determined that the new credentials presented today on behalf of Mr. Burris now satisfy Senate Rules and validate his appointment," Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid and Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin said in a joint statement.

When he is sworn in, Burris will replace Obama as the only African-American member in the Senate.

He was, of course, appointed by tainted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

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MORNING CHATTER

An Illinois legislative committee has recommended that the House of Representatives impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich for trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat.

Blagojevich says he did nothing wrong, but if the Illinois Representatives decides to impach him, the state's Senate could remove him from office.

In a statement, Blagojevich said the impeachment hearings "were flawed, biased and did not follow the rules of law. ... When the case moves to the Senate, an actual judge will preside over the hearings, and ... the outcome will be much different."

They could vote on the impeachment as soon as Friday.

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A committee in the Illinois House of Representatives said they could make their recommendation by the end of the week to the full House on whether or not to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich.

Their still waiting to hear if the recorded wire taps of Blagojevich making "pay to play" deals can be heard as evidence to impeach the troubled governor.

“The tapes would be helpful but not necessary,” said Representative Louis Lang, a Democratic committee member.

Blagojevich's appointment to replace Barack Obama in the Senate, Roland Burris, is expected to be sworn in as early as this week following a long controversy and intense meetings with Democratic leaders.

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MORNING CHATTER

Everyone is talking about the Blair House this morning after news broke on MSNBC last night that Barack Obama and his family were denied the opportunity to stay there for what seems like no reason at all.

The White House is saying that the Obama's were told they can't stay in the President's guest house, the Blair House, as it will already be occupied by former Australian Prime Minster John Howard.

Why couldn't the Bush administration just put former Prime Minister Howard up in a hotel? Instead, President-elect Obama and the future first family have to stay in a hotel.

This just proves that George Bush's legacy can best described as sleezy!

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Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush says he will not run for the Senate seat there in 2010.

In statement, Bush said the idea of serving in the Senate is "compelling" but added: "Now is not the right time to return to elected office."

Having served two terms as Governor of Florida, Bush would have clearly been the front-runner especially since the seat is being vacated by a Republican.

Jeb's dad, George Herbert Walker Bush, said he wants to see his son run for President.

"I'd like to see him be president some day. As president, it's about service, service for the greatest country on the face of the Earth and the honor that goes with it," Bush said. "I think Jeb fits that description."

All the world needs is another Bush presidency. Enough is enough!

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Those hoping to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate will have to complete a 28-page questionnaire for New York Governor David Paterson.

So far, the governor's office has confirmed, six candidates have picked up the application for the Senate position being vacated by Clinton who will become secretary of State later this month.

In addition to assumed front-runner, Caroline Kennedy; Representatives Steve Israel, Carolyn B. Maloney, Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Jerrold L. Nadler, as well as Thomas R. Suozzi, the Nassau County executive have all picked up their applications from the governor's office.

When asked about the forms, Represenative Israel described them as such:

"You are being considered by the governor for the position, enclosed are 28 pages. Fill them out.”

Governor Paterson's questionnaire asks the Senate hopefuls about their finances, job history and any criminal record, a spokeswoman for Mr. Paterson confirmed on Monday.

That should be a piece of cake for everyone except for Kennedy who hasn't released her financial statements yet.

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Former President George Herbert Walker Bush says he wants to see another Bush in the White House.

Bush says he would like to see his son Jeb run for President, although he admitted now is a "bad time."

Making an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," George HW Bush said Jeb is "as qualified and as able as anyone I know in the political scene" to be president.

"I'd like to see him run," Bush said. "I'd like to see him be president some day."

"As president, it's about service, service for the greatest country on the face of the Earth and the honor that goes with it," Bush said. "I think Jeb fits that description."

He added: "I mean, right now is probably a bad time, because we've got enough Bushes in there."

I think we've had enough Bushes for this millennium.

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Barack Obama made a bit of shocking appointment on Monday. Obama announced that his pick to head the CIA is Bill Clinton's former chief-of-staff Leon Panetta. With no intelligence experience, is Panetta qualified to head the CIA?

"My position has consistently been that I believe the agency is best served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time," California Senator Dianne Feinstein, set to chair the Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a statement.

One thing you can't argue is that Panetta, a former Republican, knows government. In addition to working in the Clinton administration, Panetta was also an eight-term congressman from California and served as chairman of the House Budget Committee. He most recently served as member of the a member of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group.

"It is true that he doesn't have an intelligence background. But he certainly dealt with intelligence. In the Iraq Study Group, we dealt with it every day. He certainly dealt with it as chief of staff," said Democrat Lee Hamilton, former chairman of the House International Relations Committee and chairman of the Iraq Study Group. Panetta brings an "outside perspective" to the job, he said.

Still, Hamilton said, "I think it will be very important that Leon bring into his inner circle, onto his team, professional intelligence people."

Panella like all of Obama's other appointments still has to be approved by the Senate.

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AFTERNOON CHATTER

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name as Barack Obama's nominee for Commerce secretary. Richardson is evidently wrapped up a grand jury investigation that will affect his ability to get confirmed as a member of Obama's cabinet.

President-elect Obama released a statement this afternoon saying that he accepted Richardson's withdrawal "with deep regret." Obama also said he felt that Richardson was putting the nation first to avoid any delay in filling the post.

A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a New Mexico state contract worth more than $1 billion.

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As the 111th Congress prepares to take office, there are still four Senate seats in question.

Here in New York, Governor David Paterson has yet to announce his choice to replace Hillary Clinton and says he won't until Senator Clinton officially resigns. As we first told you yesterday, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter is will pick Michael Bennet, the superintendent of Denver's public schools, will succeed Senator Ken Salazar once Salazar is confirmed as interior secretary this month.

Then, there are the two more controversial seats.

In Illinois, disgraced Governor Rod Blagojevich has announced Roland Burris as his pick, but the Democratic leaders in Senate say they will not seat the appointment even it if means physically removing the 71-year-old from the Senate chambers.

Over in Minnesota, the election is still too close to call! Democratic challenger Al Franken holds a slight lead over incumbent Republican Norm Coleman. Republicans say they won't agree to seat Franken if Coleman is still protesting his 49-vote lead.

By January 20th, I'd say that all of this will be resolved. Things could get ugly this week with Roland Burris and in the near future over the Franken/ Coleman controversy.

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Portland, Oregon officially has their first openly gay mayor. Sam Adams was sworn in as the first openly gay mayor of a major American city just after midnight on New Year's Day.

About 40 people including Sam's mother and partner came to count down the moments and sip sparkling cider. Adams was officially sworn in as Portland's mayor at 12:01am.

"Portland is seeing for the first time the great team that will work with me, the city council and all Portlanders to get the city moving forward again," Adams said. "These are tough times, but we are more than up to the challenge."

Mayor Adams will have a ceremonial swearing in on Monday.

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GAYSOCIALITES.COM IN DEPTH

A few months ago, Caroline Kennedy could have topped a list of unlikely but potential candidates to replace Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton when she moves on to become secretary of State next month. Now, however, Kennedy seems to be the front-runner.

Let's take a look at some unlikely but potentially perfect candidates to replace Hillary in the Senate.

Bill Clinton: Putting a former President back in public office might seem unlikely in today's day and age, but several former Presidents have continued to work in the public sector after leaving office. Bill Clinton would definitely meet the qualifications having been the Governor of Arkansas and 42nd President. While it seems highly unlikely at this point, Bill Clinton would make a great Senator for the state of New York.

Shelly Silver: Sheldon Silver is my representative in the State Assembly in New York. Shelly isn't exactly great for our district, but I do believe that he is good for the state. As the speaker of the Assembly, Silver worked to repeal the commuter tax and to block the building of the West Side Stadium - as well as tackling other state-wide issues. Since he's so great on the state level, Assembly Speaker Silver would make a great Senator for New York. He's probably not even on the Governor's radar either.

Tom Souzzi: Nassau County Executive Thomas Souzzi made an admirable run against Eliot Spitzer in the Democratic primary for Governor, and he was even once mentioned as the top contender to replace Hillary right after Obama announced she'll become secretary of State. Souzzi seems to be a great choice to replace Clinton, but it Kennedy may have knocked his name out of contention.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg: He's probably a very unlikely choice, but Mayor Michael Bloomberg would probably be a great Senator. As Mayor of New York City, Bloomberg has run the biggest metropolis in the country like a big business. It worked. Mayor Mike has also developed a honest, yeh blunt dialog with the residents of New York and the media. Bloomberg considered himself a Democrat for years before joining the Republican party to win the Mayor's office. He's now classified as an Independent. It would take a strong commitment to caucus with the Democrats and hell freezing over for Bloomberg to get Paterson's appointment.

David Paterson: It wouldn't be completely out of the question for David Paterson to appoint himself to replace Senator Clinton. There was actually mass speculation that Paterson would be tapped by then Governor Eliot Spitzer to replace Hillary if she became President. My how things change. Still, if so inclined, Governor Paterson should also consider himself for the job. I don't necessarily endorse such a move, because I think he is a great Governor. It might be a long shot, but you never know - Paterson could legally appoint himself.

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So evidently the men's room at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport where Republican Senator Larry Craig was arrested for cruising for gay sex is losing its appeal as a tourist stop.

Officials at the airport say they're glad the hype is dying down.

"We're getting there," said Patrick Hogan, director of public affairs for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. "I think we'll all be glad when there's no special interest in that restroom."

The funniest thing is that someone actually wanted to buy Craig's stall for $5,000 - BUT airport officials "don't sell fixtures for novelty purposes." OF COURSE THEY DON'T.

I love how seriously these airport cops take their job.

The silver lining to this whole Larry Craig thing is that there was a gay cruising problem in that bathroom, but since all the hype started it has basically ended.

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What in the world is up with Rick Warren? First he hates gays, then then he loves gays. Now he's shopping in thrift stores run by openly gay people to benefit homosexuals with HIV and AIDS?

Is it really a publicity stunt? Why in the world would Warren all of a sudden care so much about what the gay and lesbian community thinks about him?

Maybe Pastor Rick really does just like the spotlight!

Barack Obama definitely thrust Warren into the headlines when he invited him to lead the invocation at his inauguration.

To me it seems very cowardly of the Obama campaign to act so naive about the whole thing. They knew it would spark some controversy, and they didn't care. I hope we don't see more of this from our President-elect!

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MORNING CHATTER

Disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he's in the clear on charges of trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat and claims he has no plans to leave office.

"I have done nothing wrong. And I'm not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob," Blagojevich said at this press conference Friday:

"I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath," he added.

Blagojevich didn't take any questions from reporters and immediately left the room after wishing his audience, "Merry Christmas, happy holidays."

Before getting busted, the Illinois governor had aspirations of higher office - particularly the Presidency.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I think it is pretty apparent that I am little pissed over Barack Obama's choice to buddy up with homophobic pastor Rick Warren.

While I know this doesn't mean that Obama shares Warren's views, but I do believe that you can judge a person by their company.

If Obama is open minded enough to Warren's hateful ways, he could establish a hater mentality as well. I'm not giving up on the President-elect by any means, but the LGBT community needs some of his infamous hope too!

Warren is anti-abortion and clearly hates the gays. Pastor Rick has even compared gay marriage to incest. I read his book, "The Purpose Driven Life;" but it didn't do much for me. I tossed it when I found Warren was homophobic.

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Dana Perino, the White House spokesperson, suffered a black-eye from the infamous shoe thrower who pelted his loafers at President George Bush in Iraq.

Perino didn't actually get hit by a shoe. She was knocked in the eye by a microphone when the Secret Service jumpe to action.

The President didn't get hurt, but Dana got a black eye. She joked about it today and tried to down play the whole issue on Bush's behalf.

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Caroline Kennedy is officially throwing her name into the hat to replace Hillary Clinton in the United States Senate.

The New York Times is reporting that Kennedy alerted her political tree to start making the calls including contact with Governor David Paterson, the person who will appoint Clinton's Senate replacement.

“She told me she was interested in the position,” Mr. Paterson said at a news conference on Monday. He added, “She’d like at some point to sit down and tell me what she thinks her qualifications are.”

If Caroline is chosen for the seat, she'll have to run in 2010 to finish out the last two year so Hillary's term. Kennedy would then have to start over in 2012 to seek a term of her own.

Other who were initially interested in the seat have suddenly become very tight lipped.

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MORNING CHATTER

Barack Obama's cabinet is coming together nicely, and I don't think there will be a whole lot of objection when it comes time to get these people confirmed.

Obama has evidently tapped the head of the Chicago School system, Arne Duncan, to be his secretary of Education.

The Washington Post reports:

Duncan, 44, has been chief executive of the Chicago public schools since 2001, steering the nation's third-largest school district, which has more than 400,000 students. Duncan was raised in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, not far from Obama's home, and is a longtime friend and basketball partner of the president-elect. He graduated from Harvard University, where he was co-captain of the basketball team, and he played professional basketball in Australia from 1987 to 1991. He returned to Chicago to direct the Ariel Education Initiative, which creates educational opportunities for youths on the South Side.

Obama has also picked Senator Ken Salazar to be his secretary of the Interior.

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Barack Obama evidently plans to send Senator Ken Salazar to the Interior Department.

According to the Los Angeles Times, "Two senior Democrats confirmed Monday that Obama will name Salazar to the post, rounding out an energy and environmental policy team announced at a Chicago news conference."

With Obama's choice of Salazar as Interior secretary, this leaves another Senate seat open. This time in Colorado.

The Interior department oversees national parks and other large swaths of public lands, and sets policy for oil and gas drilling, mining and other resource extraction.

Salazar's, a strong latin leader, comes from a historic family that helped settle what is now New Mexico in the 1500s. He was raised on a ranch in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, and became an attorney with an expertise in water law.

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Amy Poehler and Seth Meyer did their last edition of "Really?!" targeting Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich on "Saturday Night Live's" Weekend Update.

Blagojevich was, of course, arrested for trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder in Illinois.

In case you didn't know, Saturday was officially Amy's show on SNL as she'll move on to other endeavors at NBC. Poehler originally co-hosted weekend update with Tina Fey and kept the role when Meyer replaced Fey.

The "Really?!" segment was one of Amy and Seth's most famous Weekend Update segments where they called public figures out on their mis-steps using a simple question like statement, "Really?!"

A skit knocking Gov. Blagojevich's potty mouth also opened "Saturday Night Live." Blagojevich is played by Jason Sudeikis.

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SHOT OF THE DAY

Our shot of the day comes from George Bush's "Farewell" trip to Iraq. The President made a surprise visit today as his last tour, and while speaking to a group of reporters a journalist took both of his shoes off and threw them at Bush.

The President joked about the whole shoe toss later, but throwing your shoes at someone in that culture is major!

As you can see in the video above, the journalist took off both of his shoes and threw them at one at a time at President Bush's head. Bush dodged both shoes. He moves faster than I would have thought!

It took the Secret Service a few seconds to get there, but they eventually detained the man and removed him from the room. Bush later joked that he shoe was a size 10.

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MORNING CHATTER

MSNBC managed to get their hands on a memo that was evidently circulated among Senate Republicans admitting that the automotive bailout was killed for political reasons.

Evidently the Republicans are using this as a way to take a swipe at auto labor unions even if it means killing the GM brand.

The brief memo outlines internal political strategy on the bailout, including the view that defeating the bailout represents a "first shot against organized labor."

The White House says they'll do everything they can to try and keep GM and other automobile companies from going out of business, even if it means taking on fellow Republicans or using some of the financial bail-out money.

This one might get nasty.

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Barack Obama announced this morning that he's picked Shaun Donovan as his secretary of housing and urban development.

President-elect Obama said he think Donovan, currently the New York City Commissioner of Housing Preservation and Development, "will bring to this important post fresh thinking, unencumbered by old ideology and outdated ideas."

Donovan is no stranger to Washington. He served at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Bill Clinton's administration.

"He understands that we need to move past the stale arguments that say low-income Americans shouldn't even try to own a home or that our mortgage crisis is due solely to a few greedy lenders," Obama said of Donovan. "He knows that we can put the dream of owning a home within reach for more families, so long as we're making loans in the right way, and so long as those who buy a home are prepared for the responsibilities of homeownership."

Donovan has a big job ahead of him. During his announcement, Obama mentioned that one in 10 American homeowners is now in some form of distress and called this situation "deeply troubling."

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STUPID BITCHES CLUB

A Bronx politician says his office phone line is jammed with threats and angry calls from gay marriage supporters after the dissident "Democrat" refuses to accept that New Yorkers want to legalize same-sex marriage.

New York State Senator Ruben Diaz is causing all kinds of problems for his own party in Albany after the Democrats have finally gained control of the Senate. Diaz and three others may, however, jeapordize that.

Democrats won a 32-30 majority in November's elections may ruin that for everyone. Diaz, a minister, says he may join the Republicans or become an Independent. I say let him go, and we'll vote him out in a few years! I'm sure Ed Koch will help. Diaz has been on his case too. He hates the media too.

To me, it seems that Senator Diaz is just a stupid bitch. If you would like to contact Diaz's offices, here is the information:

304 Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12247
518-455-2511

1733 E. 172nd Street
Bronx, New York 10472
718-991-3161

diaz@senate.state.ny.us

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Al Franken is edging his way towards the United States Senate. The "SNL" alum turned radio show host turned politician is in a fierce battle with incumbent, Minnesota Republican Sen. Norm Coleman. According to the Associated Press, Franken gained some ground on Friday.

Democrat Al Franken won a pair of victories Friday before the state board overseeing the Senate recount, including a decision that as many as 1,500 incorrectly rejected absentee ballots should be included.

The board also opted to recommend use of election night results in a Franken-leaning Minneapolis precinct where 133 ballots went missing, a decision that could have cost him 46 votes if it had gone the other way.

At this point Coleman leads with Franken by 192. Before the recount, Coleman had a 215-vote edge.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

All eyes are on Caroline Kennedy to take Hillary Clinton's spot in the United States Senate when she becomes Secretary of State next year.

Caroline has the family name, but does she have the qualifications? Probably not... but according to her Wikipedia page, "Kennedy is an attorney, editor, writer and member of the New York and Washington, D.C. bars."

However, Kennedy does already have some pretty powerful endorsements including her uncle Ted Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Jr..... yes, they're all Kennedys. And that might be enough!

Before Caroline stole the spotlight, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and former President Bill Clinton were both being mentioned for the Senate job.

Hillary was a great Senator for New York, so we expect another powerful person in that position. I wouldn't want to be Governor David Paterson, the decision is solely his!

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Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has been fielding questions from constituents today who believe that she may have hung up on President-elect Barack Obama earlier this week.

Ros-Lehtinen says she was caught off guard by the call from Obama.

"I was just flabbergasted," Ros-Lehtinen said Thursday. "I just hung up on the most powerful man on earth — twice."

The Florida Congresswoman said that Obama called to congratulate her on her win and position as the ranking Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs committee. She thought it was a prank call, so she hung up on him.

Both Obama and Ros-Lehtinen said they had a good laugh over the incident.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As Minnesota's Senate re-count continues, Democrat Al Franken keeps getting some lucky breaks. Just not enough to catch Republican incumbent, Norm Coleman.

When the Ramsey County re-counts ended yesterday, workers discovered and tallied 171 ballots that weren't counted on election night. Franken gained 37 votes on Coleman's lead.

Through Tuesday's recounts, Coleman's margin was narrowed to 303 votes. The Michigan Senate seat is one of the last contests still undecided from the November 4th election.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is calling on Pakistan to fully cooperate with India's investigation into the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

"This is the time for everybody to cooperate," Rice told a news conference in New Delhi late on Wednesday.

Pakistan has a special responsibility to do so and should do so transparently, fully, urgently and that is the message that we have delivered (to Pakistan)," she said.

India's Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee believes many groups in Pakistan have been linked to the Mumbai terror attacks and has thus been very vocal of his disapproval.

In an interview with CNN's Larry King, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said he plans to cooperate with India's inquiries.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is on a roll with cabinet appointments, so why stop now?

President-elect Obama has decided to name New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson secretary of Commerce.

Richardson, of course, made a brief run for the White House but ended his run quickly. After dropping out of the Presidential race, Richardson turned against his long-time friend Hillary Clinton to endorse Obama.

I'd say he deserves a good appointment. Ironically, I heard he had his sights set on secretary of State. A position that Hillary, of course, was chose to fill in the Obama administration.

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Republican Saxby Chambliss is heading back to the United States Senate. Chambliss was re-elected in a runoff held on Tuesday in Georgia.

Chambliss' victory is important for Republicans. It proves two things.

The first is that the G.O.P is down, but not out. Saxby sailed to victory in Georgia, a traditionally Republican state, but it proves that there still is a conservative base out there.

The second is that this victory has eliminated any chance of a 60-vote majority in the Senate. With that wide of a majority, Barack Obama's agenda would easily pass without a Republican filibuster.

John McCain and Sarah Palin both went to Georgia to campaign for Chambliss, but Obama decided not to campaign in the runoff.

Senator Chambliss beat Democratic challenger, Jim Martin, in Tuesday's runoff after neither candidate reached the 50% mark on November 4th.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

There's one more election to take place in the 2008 race, and that is between Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss and his Democratic challenger Jim Martin in Georgia.

Chambliss came short of reaching a majority requiring a run-off against Martin on November 4th. The Republicans have brought in big hitters to campaign in Georgia like John McCain and Sarah Palin. The Democrats have sent Bill Clinton and others, but Barack Obama himself didn't return to the campaign trail for Martin.

GaySocialites.com would like to endorse Jim Martin for this position if you're on the fence or thinking about not voting. Chambliss is a gun toting conservative who is completely inflexible on his abortion rights and a hater of the gays. If you live in Georgia, please go vote in this Senate race!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama announced his national security team this morning, and put Susan Rice in the spotlight. Everyone seems to be wondering what Rice's crudentials are, other than being a long-time Obama advisor.

The Associated Press released this biography:

"NAME — Susan Elizabeth Rice

FAMILY — Husband, Ian Cameron."

And here are some of the more raw facts about Rice from NRO:

"From April 1994:

On July 21, she said Obama "bows to nobody in his understanding of this world.""

It's good to keep your friends close, I guess. You do, after all, have to repay the favors!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Here is the video of Barack Obama announces his appointments to head his national security team this morning.

President-elect Obama announced that he will nominate his former rival Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, Susan Rice as ambassador to the United Nations, retired Marine Gen. James Jones as his national security adviser, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as homeland security director, Eric Holder as attorney general and current Defense Secretary Robert Gates will remain in his post.

"The national security challenges we face are just as grave, and just as urgent, as our economic crisis," Obama said during a Chicago news conference where he was surrounded by his newly chosen team. "We are fighting two wars. Old conflicts remain unresolved, and newly assertive powers have put strains on the international system. The spread of nuclear weapons raises the peril that the world's deadliest technology could fall into dangerous hands. Our dependence on foreign oil empowers authoritarian governments and endangers our planet."

The reporters in the room put most of their emphasis on Obama's appointment of Clinton to the Secretary of State post, but "no-drama-Obama" held strong.

Clinton said it will be hard to leave her post as the Junior Senator from New York, but said she recognizes the opportunity to serve the nation.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Her chances might be slim, but New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn could stand a chance of becoming the first openly gay United States Senator. That is if Hillary Clinton takes Barack Obama's appointment as Secretary of State, and if Governor David Paterson chooses her for the post.

The Daily News has somewhat thrown her name into the hat by asking her at a press conference. Speaker Quinn's reponse:

"I am very excited for Senator Clinton that her name has been thrown out there and is obviously really, really under consideration for secretary of state.

"It's obviously no secret how enthusiastically I feel about our senator. I supported her candidacy for president. I think she would be an asset to this country as a cabinet member and I hope that comes to pass if that's something that she and her family want."

"There's a lot of steps that have to fall into place before we get to the point where we might have to look for a United States senator. I am very lucky to have a job right now, a job that I love and I am at this moment planning to run for both of the jobs that I have - local councilmember and speaker."

It looks likely that Hillary will take over the State Department, but Quinn is up against a lot of New York heavy-hitters who clearly want bigger jobs.

The New York Post is reporting that Governor Paterson struck a deal with Senior Senator Chuck Schumer to name a smaller name so that Schumer can gain some ground as the predominant New York politician in Washington.

Both, however, would probably like to get Attorney General Andrew Cuomo off their tails. Cuomo could challenge Paterson in the Democratic primary for Governor and Schumer for Senate. It is very unlikely that he would beat either of them.

Names other than Quinn and Como being thrown around for the Senate position include: Democratic Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand of Hudson and Brian Higgins of Buffalo.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

President-elect Barack Obama outlined his plan to create 2.5 million jobs in the upcoming years during his Saturday morning Democratic radio address.

Some of the jobs that Obama hopes to create include modernizing schools, developing atlernative energy sources, more efficient cars and rebuilding roads and bridges.

"These aren't just steps to pull ourselves out of this immediate crisis; these are the long-term investments in our economic future that have been ignored for far too long," Obama said during the radio address.

The goal for Barack Obama's economic team is to create 2.5 million new jobs by the beginning of 2011. The President-elect said he wants to push the plan through Congress quickly so that he can sign it as soon as he takes office.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Penny Pritzker, the heir to the Hyatt Hotel dynasty, says she has no desire to be the Secretary of Commerce in an Obama administration.

Pritzker is a huge supporter of Barack Obama's, having even served as his finance chair, but this evidently isn't the role for her.

"Speculation has grown that I am a candidate for Secretary of Commerce. I am not. I think I can best serve our nation in my current capacity: building businesses, creating jobs and working to strengthen our economy," Pritzker said in a statement.

CNN broke the news that Pritzker may take the Commerce gig on Tuesday, but I guess they didn't get much into the vetting process.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

This is sorta sad but still very funny. Here is video of George Bush attending the G20 Summit with other world leaders. Notice that not one of them shakes Bush's hand. The President just walks in with his head down kicking a rock or something.

Talk about awkward!

As CNN's Rick Sanchez says in the video, "[George Bush] seems like the most unpopular kid in High School."

Bush and the other world leaders were lining up for a photo, but still all of the other people seemed to be much more excited to see one another. They almost acted like Dubya didn't even exist.

Move over Bush, make room for Obama!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Huckabee went on "The View" today ranting and raving about civil rights and how great it is that our country elected Barack Obama.

However, when Joy Behar asked him what he thought of the gay civil rights struggle going on right now - Huckabee said it wasn't the same.

Huckabee tried to make a comparison to the African American civil rights movement calling it different, because blacks were beaten and stoned. As someone who has been gay bashed, I can honestly say that homosexuals have been beated and stoned. Some of us have even been left in the street to die.

Mike definitely has a skewed image of what is going on with this gay rights movement.

Huckabee definitely earns the title of " stupid bitch"!

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Ted Stevens has officially conceded his Senate race in Alaska to Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

As we told you yesterday, with most of the votes counted Stevens trails Begich with no hope of catching him.

Stevens is currently the longest serving Republican in the United States Senate.

There goes Sarah Palin's chances of working her way into the Senate! I think the Governor was secretly hoping that ole Ted would win and get ousted by her peers paving the way for Palin to head to the Senate.

Stevens' concession give the Democrats 58 of the 60 seats needed for a filibuster-proof Senate.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has evidently offered Tom Daschle the Secretary of Health and Human Services gig. According to the Los Angeles Times, the South Dakota Democrat has accepted the job.

If this true, Daschle will take on Obama's plan to expand health insurance coverage to more Americans.

According to unnamed sources, President-elect Obama will officially announce Daschle's appointment and others early next week at the latest. Some cabinet announcements may come even sooner.

Daschle served in Congress and the Senate. He even served as Senate majority leader in 2001-03 before losing his re-election bid in 2004.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ted Stevens is out! The longest serving Republican in the United States Senate has been defeated in Alaska. (It takes them a while to count votes up there).

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (pictured above) is the Democrats 58th seat, and they only need 60 for a filibuster-free Senate.

Stevens was convicted of a felony, so he was likely to be ousted if he would have won. As you probably already know, Sarah Palin had her eyes on that seat.

There are still about 2,500 votes to be counted. After Tuesday's tally of just over 24,000 absentee and other ballots gave Begich 150,728 to 147,004 for Stevens. That means even if Senator Stevens got all of those 2,500 he couldn't catch Senator-elect Begich.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Democrats in the Senate voted to accept Joe Lieberman back into their caucus after he turned against the party and not only campaigned for Republican John McCain but also bashed his fellow party member, President-elect Barack Obama.

As a result, Lieberman will still be allowed to chair the of the homeland committee, but he will be removed from the environmental committee.

I guess you can consider that Joe's "punishment" although no one would ever call it that. Lieberman really enjoyed working on the environmental committee according to his aides.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Senators followed a suggestion by Obama to let Lieberman maintain his homeland post and still caucus with the Democrats.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dick Cheney welcome Joe Biden to his new diggs on Thursday night. The outgoing Vice-President welcomed the new V.P. to camera flashes and media freenzy, a lifestyle Joe Biden and his wife Jill to which will have to get accustomed.

I'm sure things were a bit awkward for Dick and Joe since Senator Biden has been a major critic of Vice-President Cheney. Biden has often referred to Cheney as "the most dangerous vice president we've had probably in American history." Both are political veterans who know Washington like the back of their hand, only through different glasses.

Biden hasn't resigned from his position as United States Senator. He has said he plans to do so after he is sworn into office as Vice-President.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is trailing by more than 800 votes in his still too close to call re-election bid.

Stevens trails Democrat Mark Begich, the two-term mayor of Anchorage, 132,196 to 131,382.

"I've always said that this would be a close race," Begich said in a statement. "I'm confident that Alaskans, like the rest of the country, want a new direction in Washington, and ultimately that will be reflected in the results."

Stevens is now a convicted felon after a jury found him guilty of lying on Senate disclosure forms to hide more than $250,000 in gifts from oil companies.

If he wins the seat but gets ousted from the Senate, Sarah Palin gets to appoint his relacement.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After many decades of Republican rule, the Democrats have finally gained control of the New York State Senate. Now they need to pick one of their own to lead the pack, and that's where the problems come in.

Most Democrats have already reaffirmed their support for Malcolm A. Smith, the current Senate minority leader, but three Senators remain in the undecided category. They even say they might not pick a side until January.

Inside, it is all a political issue over gay marriage.

Led by hate-filled Senator Carl Kruger (pictured here); Senators Ruben Diaz Sr. and Pedro Espada Jr. are holding out. They want a Latino Democrat to lead the Senate who is more likely to help them stop same-sex marriage in New York.

If he can hold out until January, Kruger thinks he can get a referendum on the ballot to let New Yorkers vote on gay marriage before it can be passed as a bill through the Senate.

“We have agreed that gay marriage should be a referendum,” Mr. Diaz said. “Let the people decide.”

Ruben Diaz says he expects a Democrat to be in charge when the Senate opens in January; but came just short of threatening the possibility of voting for Dean G. Skelos, the current Senate majority leader and a Long Island Republican, saying Skelos hasn't taken his name "out of the running."

It's a shame that some politicians play so dirty! It's time for change!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The only convicted felon serving in the Senate still hasn't officially won re-election, but Alaska Senator Ted Stevens is holding on to every thing he's got.

Stevens, a Republican, currently leads his Democratic challenger by just over 3,000 votes. If Stevens does defeat Mayor Mark Begich to win re-election, his peers are calling for him to resign and let Governor Sarah Palin appoint a Republican to replace him. Some have even suggested that Governor Palin might even appoint herself to the Senate seat.

There are still about 90,000 votes left to count in Alaska, so we won't know if Senator Stevens will maintain his lead over Begich for weeks.

If Begich does win, that will put the Democrats very close to the 60 votes needed to avoid a filibuster.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It was a “watershed election” for gay candidates, said Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe.

Evidently gay and lesbian politicans across the country picked up at least 40 seats across the country on both the state and national level.

Congressman Barney Frank cruised to an easy victory Tuesday to retain his seat in the House of Representatives.

“Our government became more representative and our democracy became stronger,” Wolfe said. “As we near the 30th anniversary of the death of Harvey Milk, it's enormously gratifying to see this dream realized in so many brave men and women heeding the call to run for office, and doing so openly, honestly and unafraid.”

On Top Magazine has a full list of LGBT politicians and how they fared in Tuesday's election. Go check it out!

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Barack Obama has named his choice for White House Chief of Staff, and that is Representative Rahm Emanuel of Illinois.

If Emanuel accepts, he will return to the White House where he served as a political and policy adviser to President Clinton.

The offer to Representative Emanuel hasn't been officially announced, but Obama did list the names of those tapped for his transition team.

John Podesta, who served as chief of staff under Clinton; Pete Rouse, who has been Obama's chief of staff in the Senate; and Valerie Jarrett, a friend of the president-elect and campaign adviser.

Rumor also has it that Senator John Kerry has his eyes on secretary of State.

They are planning an official annoncement about Emanuel's Chief of Staff appointment in a few day.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain and Sarah Palin both pre-recorded skits for Monday night's "Saturday Night Live" Presidential Bash.

McCain opened the show, but he actually wasn't funny at all. He tried to explain election coverage and took a few jabs at Obama that weren't really landed.

Here's McCain's pre-recorded spot:

Later in the show, Sarah Palin appeared in "an address" from the woman who wants to be Vice-President. While Palin's previous stuff has been hilarious, this skit isn't too funny at all.

Watch it for yourself:

I can't imagine that any of these last ditch TV efforts really helped. If I had to guess, most of "SNL" demographic is voting for Obama anyway.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The lines might be really long! Don't wait until the last minute!

Go vote!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As cliche as it is, the outcome of Proposition 8 in California is too close to call. Just about every poll shows the yes and no's neck-and-neck.

There is a lot riding on this decision on whether or not to ban gay marriage. Within a few years, we'll be looking back at progressive states like California who realized that same-sex marriage is civil issue. If Proposition 8 passes, it will be a horrible slip backwards for civil rights in the country.

Despite the fact that Barack Obama is likely to win California by a land-slide, it is important that you go to the polls and vote NO on Proposition 8.

How would you like it if someone took the right to marry away from you?

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Growing up in East Tennessee, I saw something that I don't see a lot in New York. There are two divisive groups of Republicans. The high-and-mighty Republicans drive Mercedes and Escalades with McCain bumper stickers, and then there's the people who drive beat up cars and clearly don't have a lot of cash flow using a McCain sticker to hold up their bumper.

I'll never understand it. How can two groups of people who are so different feel included by the G.O.P? The poor keep getting poorer and the rich keep getting richer. The middle class is becoming obsolete.

On Tuesday, you get to do the one thing that you can truly do that no one else ever knows. You get to go into the voting booth and confidentially pick a choice for President.

If you make more than $250,000 and you have no concern for those who are struggling go in that booth and pull John McCain's lever. We wouldn't want you to feel like you're being forced to spread your wealth.

If you aren't fortunate enough to make $250K every year or if you are that successful financially and don't mind to pay a little more taxes in hopes that it might help someone who can't afford to pay as much - go in that booth and vote for change. Pull Barack Obama's lever and let's change this country and the world.

After you walk out of the booth, you can get back in your LTD (McCain sticker and all) and drive right back to the trailer park telling everyone along the way that you did your duty as a Republican and voted for McCain. They'll never know the difference.

Think about it. I guarantee you won't regret it. And that's coming from a Hillary-Democrat!

[Photo credit: John Atkinson Artwork and Design]

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain picked up an endorsement from Vice-President Dick Cheney, and I'm sure it means as much to him as Barack Obama's Chris Crocker endorsement.

Cheney's McCain endorsement has turned out to be a good thing for the Obama campaign. They released this advertisement Monday letting the world know that Dick Cheney supports McCain for President. Watch it above.

Obama picked up his own Cheney-related endorsement today. The Vice-President's hometown newspaper in Wyoming, the Casper Star-Tribune, threw their support behind Obama.

Do endorsements effect your decision on how to vote? Join our discussion on Twitter.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vote and get a free cup of Joe! Starbucks is jumping in to encourage people to get out and vote.

Anyone who casts their ballot tomorrow, can swing by Starbucks to get a free coffee.

If your polling station offers proof of voting, grab it; but Starbucks says they will work off the honor system without turning anyone away!

Starbuck's free coffee campaign started in Florida, but it has since been extended to the entire nation. According to reports, California residents can't partake since a law there prohibits gifts in exchange for votes.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

TONIGHT ON TV

"Saturday Night Live" will be back on TV tonight with their election wrap-up special. "SNL" head writer, Seth Meyer, appeared on "The View" today to plug the election special saying several politicians have recorded segments for tonight's show.

As you can see on the video above, "The View" got tagged by "SNL" over the weekend. On today's show, Sherri Shepherd and Barbara Walters seemed a bit offended that they got left out.

If you need a funny dose of politics on election eve, tune into NBC tonight for a week night version of "SNL." Check your local listings for times.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The campaign season has finally come to a close, and everyone is rightly concerned with making sure their vote is counted in tomorrow's election.

ABC's "Good Morning America" released this voter's guide to help you get ready to vote.

Q: How do I know if I'm registered to vote? A: To make sure you are registered. Visit www.canivote.org. It will direct you to the registration rolls in your county to make sure you haven't been purged. It also will tell you which polling place to go to.

Q: Can I take off work to vote? A: Most states require employers to provide time for employees to vote on Election Day. While these laws vary in each state, they generally require employers to give employees time off to vote if the polls aren't open two or three hours outside of the employee's regular shift.

Some states require that employers pay employees for time off while they are voting, while others require employees to request time off from their employers in advance.

Q: What should I do if I go to vote and my name is not on the list? A: In many, but not all states, you can ask for a provisional ballot. If you forget your ID and can't get home in time to get it, or you aren't registered for some reason, then you can cast a provisional ballot and argue about it after the election.

Q: Can wearing a T-shirt with a candidate's likeness prevent me from voting? A: It's a first amendment freedom of speech question. Obviously, you can't campaign for a candidate inside the polls or within a certain number of feet in most states. And the problem is that some states have indeed interpreted that wearing of campaign paraphernalia as being electioneering or campaigning.

To be safe you shouldn't wear your campaign stuff when you go to vote.

Q: If I am still in line when the polls close, will I be able to get in to vote? A: If you are in line when the polls close, then you vote. They can't slam the door in your face.

Q: Do you have to have proof of residency in the state you are voting in? A: You should bring a photo ID like a driver's license or state issued ID, which are best. Seven states want it and the others will accept alternate photo ids or forms of identification.

Another great resource website to double check your facts is vote411.org.

As with every election, they're calling this vote the most important one cast in our lives! Make sure you're prepared to vote and that you have everything you need to get your vote counted!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is leading John McCain by 11-points in Pennsylvania, but as this video shows - McCain feels like he can still win there.

Winning Pennsylvania is frankly the only chance McCain has to pick-up a Democratic leaning swing state. A place where John Kerry won four years ago.

McCain is, however, leading Obama in two swing states - Indiana and North Carolina. George Bush won both of those 2004. North Carolina has never really been a swing state before.

Obama is leading McCain in Missouri, Florida, Virginia and Nevada; but only by a few points and within the margin of error. Virginia and Nevada are also very new to the swing state category.

It's very important that everyone get out and vote on Tuesday! This election could still go either way!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have posted this video of these 7th graders from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and their renditon of a TI song that the students retitled, "You Can Vote However You'd Like."

I decided to repost it today since the old video had been taken down, and I thought you might need a little extra motivation to get you to the polls on Tuesday.

GaySocialites.com has endorsed Barack Obama, and we strongly encourage you to vote straight down the Democratic ticket. Additionally, if you're in California - we want you to vote NO on proposition 8!

But of course, you can vote however you'd like!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

POLITICAL OPINION

The election is practically here, and it is time to make a decision. Do you want four more years of a George Bush-based Republican agenda? I don't think anyone is going to answer yes to that.

It is time for change, America. Barack Obama and the Democratic party has energized a group that has never been so motivated. Every day citizens are feeling the trickle down affects of Bush's bad decision making. We are tired of it.

Not only does GaySocialites.com encourage you to go out and vote for Barack Obama. We encourage you to knock on your neighbors' doors, send an e-mail, write a letter, make a phone call. Do whatever it takes to spread the word and influence others to join this incredible movement for change.

While we can't endorse a candidate in every race across the country, we strongly encourage you to pull the Democrat's lever over the Republican's. The Democratic party is progressive and more powerful than ever before. The Republicans are doing every thing they can to suppress the gay community and stop same sex marriage.

The time for change has come. Let's take advantage of this opportunity.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

Things are getting nasty in Pennsylvania, a state that could determine the outcome of next week's Presidential election.

In this video from CBS News, John McCain tells supporters they should 'ignore the polls.'

McCain is going after Barack Obama's tax plan citing his running mate, Joe Biden, and what seems to be a $100,000 slip of the tongue.

Biden evidently said that the people making under $150,000 would be spared from tax increase while Obama has been setting the mark at $250,000.

Meanwhile, Sarah Palin keeps calling Obama a socialist wealth spreader.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's hard to believe that anyone is voting for Proposition 8, and that's wonderful! There are some haters out there who want to ban gay marriage in California.

Dianne Feinstein is not one of them. The powerful California Senator offered her star power to the "No on 8" effort in this 30-second spot that started airing this week.

"8 would be a terrible mistake for California. It changes our constitution, eliminates fundamental rights, and treats people differently under the law," Feinstein says in the ad.

Senator Feinstein is easy to like, and this video just reinforces that. It's good to know that the gay community has people like Feinstein in Washington working on our behalf.

Vote NO ON PROP 8!

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT

This election year is very important on the national level, but if you live in a state on the cusp of legalizing gay marriage local and state-wide races could be even more important!

That's why GaySocialites.com is proud to endorse Rick Dollinger, a Democrat running for New York State Senator in the 56th district around Rochester.

Dollinger is definitely pro-gay marriage and has stood up for the LGBT community in the past.

It is important for anyone who lives in New York state to vote for the Democrats in State Senate and House races.

Governor David Paterson has already said he will sign a gay marriage bill into law if it comes across his desk!

For that reason, we encourage you to vote for Rick Dollinger for New York State Senator if you live in his district even if it means taking a trip back home on November 4th!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Federal agents say they have disrupted a plot by two neo-Nazi skinheads to assassinate Barack Obama.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said Monday that the men planned to buy guns and shoot or decapitate 102 black people.

Court papers were unsealed today revealing that the two men wanted to planned to start their killing spree in a Tennessee school and eventually kill the man likely to be the first black president. The federal documents evidently didn't reveal the school by name.

The Obama campaign had no immediate comment.

The young men, 20-year-old Daniel Cowart from Bells, Tenn., and 18-year-old Paul Schlesselman of West Helena, Ark., are being held in jail without bond. ATF officers seized a rifle, a sawed-off shotgun and three pistols from them when they were arrested. The ATF says the two men were planning to break into a gun shop to steal more weapons.

This is sad and disturbing. These guys are practically kids.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ted Stevens is a convicted felon. That's right... the longest serving Republican in the Senate was found guilty on Monday of corruption.

Stevens was charged with lying about free home renovations and other gifts from a wealthy oil contractor.

The Alaskan Senator is in trouble as he is up for re-election next week. This will likely cause Stevens to loose the election. That will mean that the Senate will have to expel Stevens if he doesn't resign.

I can't imagine that the US Senate will allow a convicted felon to serve in their body. Non-convicted felons... that's another story.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

Early voting is a great perk, and I encourage those of you who can to take advantage of it.

It isn't, however, all it is cracked up to be. People participating in early voting are reporting long lines and multiple glitches. You know my advice is to check your ballot!!

Many believe that early voting is favoring Barack Obama, and exit polls seems to show the same. I guess that means if you're waiting in line for hours to vote, it is probably a good thing for the Obama campaign.

Don't let that discourage you from early voting! Every vote counts!

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The McCain campaign is definitely desperate, and here is some more proof.

Yesterday, we told you about a poor John McCain supporter in Pittsburgh who was robbed, attacked and mutilated for being a Republican supporter.

Here's the catch. The entire story was made up!

Ashley Todd told cops that someone jacked her money and carved a "B" on her face. It never happened, and now Todd is admitting it.

Even FOX News is starting to lose hope.

"If the incident turns out to be a hoax, Senator McCain's quest for the presidency is over, forever linked to race-baiting," John Moody, executive vice president at Fox News, commented on his blog today.

It looks like Ashley Todd just messed things up for Mr. McCain. Now she faces charges from police. This also means the psycho bitch carved a "B" on her own cheek or had someone do it for her.

Someone needs a little attention, huh?

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

It's official. Michael Bloomberg will be allowed to seek a third term as Mayor of New York.

The City Council just passed a measure allowing Bloomberg and second term city council members to seek a third term in office.

This will change the political landscape that was starting to unravel for the 2009 race in New York. Many first time city council hopefuls will now have to run against an incumbent.

You can click here to see how the council members voted on this afternoon's measure.

The council also decided not to let the item go to referendum allowing New York City voters to make the decision.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Rogers, the gay blogger known for investigating closeted politicians, is after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) this time.

Rogers wants Senator McConnell to release his military records. Rogers wants McConnell to also release documentation of the reason why he was discharged from the Army in the midst of the Vietnam War.

This all comes one day after the Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Kentucky's former Attorney General Greg Stumbo came forward with questions of his own for McConnell.

Rogers is the blogger known for exposing closeted, homosexual, anti-gay, public officials like Senator Larry Craig (ID) and Reps. Mark Foley (FL) and Ed Schrock (VA).

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

They say this is the most important election of our lives, but then again - they always say that. Regardless, it probably is. Make sure you get out and vote. More importantly, make sure you check your ballot before you cast your vote.

In 2004, there were tons of problems with electronic voting machines. In 2000, the infamous hanging chads made headlines. We don't want anything like that to happen in 2008.

Make sure you check your ballot when you get in the booth. You might think you're voting for Obama, but it might click McCain anyway like reports our of West Virginia.

It might sound dumb, but it is better safe than sorry.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The GWU/Battleground Poll, run by Republican strategist Ed Goeas of The Tarrance Group and Democrat Celinda Lake of Lake Research Partners, shows drastic gains for John McCain.

The most recent battleground poll shows Barack Obama leading McCain by only one point, compared to the 13 point lead Obama had until a few days ago.

These polls are starting to scare me! Some show Obama up by 5-10 percentage points. Others show McCain down by just a point or two.

I'm afraid the polls may be way off. If McCain wins this election, I'll be shocked. But you never can tell what will happen, so get out and vote! The battleground states are going to determine this election!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Monday is the LAST day to register to vote in the upcoming election if you live in California.

It is VERY important that everyone in California registers to vote, because you have a lot to save this year!

As you know, GaySocialites.com has endorsed Barack Obama for President. It is likely that Obama will carry California with ease, but there is another issue that might even be more pressing for LGBT community.

You must register to vote and help defeat Proposition 8, the ban on gay marriage.

If you live in California, click here and register to vote! This is the last day!

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

General Colin Powell gave a whole new meaning to the term maverick on Sunday morning when he crossed party lines to endorse Democrat Barack Obama for President.

It doesn't sound like Powell, a former Secretary of State under George W. Bush, will actively campaign for Obama; but he did go on "Meet the Press" to reveal how he will vote.

Powell was also once rumored to be on McCain's short list as a V.P. pick. Now it is clear that Powell isn't crazy about Palin.

Barack Obama is even already talking about it on the campaign trail. This morning, he made the announcement to a screaming crowd in North Carolina.

Things don't look good for John McCain.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

Vito Fossella was convicted Friday of drunken driving in suburban Virginia neighborhood. The New York Congressman was pulled over just after midnight on May 1st and little did Vito know that it would be the downhill slope leading to the death of his political career.

That arrest led to revelations that he had fathered a child from an extramarital affair. That, of course, led to his decision not to run for re-election. Fossella had been New York City's only Republican congressman and was first elected to the House in 1997.

The judge said she will hold another hearing in early December to see if prosecutors met the mark for high blood alcohol content.

Fossella could face up to five days in jail.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Who knew that John McCain was so funny?! This is video of his speech from the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner last night in New York.

It was great to see Senator McCain and his opponent Barack Obama put their difference behind to joke around for one night only.

McCain and Obama both spoke and gave rather humorous speeches. The Al Smith fundraiser is meant to be like a roast where politicians come together to poke fun at one another.

She didn't speak, but both Obama and McCain made Hillary Clinton the star of the evening!

I must also admit that McCain's speech was a bit funnier than Obama's, maybe John should give up on politics and turn to comedy??

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Meet Joe the Plumber! Joe Wurzelbacher became a household name over night after he was referred to as "Joe the Plumber" eleven times during the final presidential debate.

Joe has big dreams of owning his own business and going over Barack Obama's $250,000 tax mark. (Sidebar: Obama has said he won't raise taxes for people who make less than $250K).

Today, Joe the Plumber said he was happy to help the candidates gauge aspiring small business owners.

"I was just really surprised that my name was mentioned," he told reporters after the debate. "I think it helped them get their points across, so I was happy about that."

Although Wurzelbacher wouldn't say who he is voting for, he did say that he isn't crazy with Obama's tax plan.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

The Presidential contenders went at it one last time on Wednesday night at Hofstra University for the third and final debate. John McCain didn't land the blow that he needed to come out on top, and Barack Obama maintained the status quo. Exactly what he needed to do.

McCain did get testy with Obama and said he wanted to make it clear that he was running for President not George Bush. He's not only trying to stop Obama's fuel of "four more years of Bush policies," but for goodness sakes the man is being compared to George Bush. That has to get old!

Obama did a great job of making every answer about the economy, an area where he knows he fairs well.

In the video above, the candidates address the question of the nature of the campaign.

One last thought, what the hell is with "Joe the Plumber?" Palin had "Joe Six-Pack," and the presidential contenders have "Joe the Plumber," a man named Joe who happens to be a plumber that Obama met along the campaign trail.

Regardless, I'm giving the win in this final Presidential Debate to Barack Obama (as are most polls.) This election is Obama's to lose!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Senator John McCain and David Letterman are going to try a "do-over" after the Republican nominee "suspended" his campaign, canceled an interview with Letterman and ended up on the same network sitting with Katie Couric while he was supposed to be with Letterman.

Shocking, McCain has agreed to be on the show again despite the fact that Letterman has bashed the Arizona Senator since he skipped out on that last appearance.

It will be a bit awkward to see Dave explain saying he felt like “an ugly date” when McCain stood him up, not to mention the fact that Letterman questioned the intelligence of the campaign suspension stunt.

John McCain's appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman" will air Thursday night.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

This election has had more an impact on pop culture than any other Presidential election in history. Even entertainment media outlets are reporting on the candidates.

"Entertainment Tonight" host Mary Hart is the latest entertainment journalist to enter the political arena interviewing Republican presidential nominee John McCain and his wife Cindy.

Watch the video of Mary Hart's interview with John and Cindy McCain after the break.

Continue reading "Watch Mary Hart's interview with John and Cindy McCain [video]" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SHOT OF THE DAY

Bill and Hillary Clinton joined Jill and Joe Biden in Scranton, Pennsylvania on Sunday afternoon to campaign for Barack Obama for President. This photo from the Associated Press is our shot of the day.

The Scranton crowd was clearly packed with Hillary Clinton supporters. You could tell, because they kept breaking out in "Hillary, Hillary!" chants. Senator Clinton won this area of Pennsylvania in the primary season by nearly 50 percent.

But today was all about the Obama-Biden ticket.

"It took a Democratic president to clean up after the last president Bush, it's going to take a Democratic president to clean up after this President Bush," Clinton said to a cheering crowd.

Hillary isn't the only one in the crowd with hometown ties to Scranton, Pennsylvania. Joe Biden is from there too, and Jill's a PA-native as well.

Barack Obama is currently leading John McCain in national polls by at least 6% and in Pennsylvania 54% to 40%, according to the Strategic Vision poll.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Everyone is talking about this video today. Sarah Palin made a special appearance at a Philadelphia Flyers game to drop the first puck, and she got booed.

It's horrible. The Republicans are trying to spin it that saying there were some cheers, but all of the reports I've heard from that game in Philadelphia say there were blatant boos throughout the Flyers arena.

It looks like Sarah Palin's own hockey moms don't even support her. It's crazy that the Democrats have such support in Pennsylvania! Four years ago, Palin would have probably been a superstar!

For a hot second, I felt a bit sorry for Governor Palin. It ended very quickly!

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

"Saturday Night Live" made their Thursday debut last night with an election special. During Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers' "Weekend Update," the hosts were joined by Hall and Oats who delivered a song on Obama and McCain.

This video above is all the buzz this afternoon. Watch Hall and Oat's take on this year political landscape.

"SNL" has a lot of material with this year's election from debate spoofs, skits like this one and - of course- Tina Fey's impression of Sarah Palin.

I like having "Thursday Night Live!" They could do it every day of the week, and that's fine by me!

What do you think? Do pop culture shows like "SNL" influence your decision on who to vote for in the presidential election?

Let us know what you think. Join our discussion on Twitter.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

John McCain is really starting to look desperate with his presidential campaign. Since the Republican nominee can't hang with his opponent, Barack Obama, on the economy and other issues; he's stuck on personal attacks.

Senator McCain continues to attack Obama on his ties with "domestic terrorist" William Ayers. Barack Obama was a child when Ayers was accused of terrorism, but McCain is calling the Illinois Senator a liar. McCain says Obama and Ayers are much tighter than we think.

At this point who cares? Ayers is a respected professor now, and we all have ties to shady people in some way.

The McCain camp better get back on the issues or his presidential hopes are over!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

AFTERNOON CHATTER

Everyone is talking about the new USA Today/ Gallup poll that shows Tuesday night's debate did more good for Democrat Barack Obama than his Republican rival John McCain.

If anyone needed a boost in the polls from that debate, it was Senator McCain.

While 53% of the 735 people surveyed said their opinions of Obama had not changed, 34% said they thought more favorably of him and 12% viewed him less favorably. All 735 said they had watched the debate.

The reactions to McCain were almost mirror opposites: 54% said their opinions about him had not changed, 33% felt less favorable and 12% felt more favorable.

The poll also shows that among those surveyed, 56% thought Obama did the "better job" at the debate, to 23% who said that about McCain. Fifteen percent said the candidates' performances were "equal."

The USA Today/ Gallup poll was conducted on October 8th over the telephone among likely voters.

Things aren't looking good for McCain and his runningmate, Sarah Palin.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It has been a day of flub-ups on the campaign trail. Earlier today, John McCain referred to voters as "my fellow prisoners," and later Joe Biden was accidently introduced as at a rally as "John McCain."

Former Republican, turned Barack Obama supporter, Jim Piccillo, was getting the crowd

"…No matter your party, gender, race, or religion, please help me today in welcoming the next vice president of the United States: John McCain!"

It didn't really seem to bother Joe Biden too badly though. All signs point to the White House for the Obama - Biden ticket, so at this point they could call him Sadam and it really wouldn't matter!

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today is the last day to register to vote, so if you haven't registered yet - head over to Rock the Vote and register now!

I can't tell you how important it is to register to vote! Even if you don't plan to vote, register today. You never can tell what might happen between now and November 4th that might change your mind!

Imagine all of those people in other countries who can't vote. Exercise your right as an American! Register to vote today!!

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thursday night's Vice-Presidential debate was a little disappointed in my eyes. I wanted to see Sarah Palin crash, but that didn't exactly happen. Regardless, most people (including myself) are giving the win to Joe Biden.

Biden definitely did a much better job in the debate than Palin did, but that isn't the real story. The real headline coming out of last night's debate is that Gov. Palin didn't do too horribly!

Granted she didn't answer all of the questions, but she basically told us that at the beginning by saying she is talking straight to the American people despite what Biden and the debate's moderator expected.

Gov. Palin has conquered the hard part as last night was the only Vice-Presidential debate. Barack Obama and John McCain still have two more debates before the election in early November.

What do you think? Who won the Vice-Presidential debate?

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On Wednesday night, the Senate passed a $700 million dollar bail out plan for Wall Street. Now, the pressure is on Congress to do the same. It is expected to go to vote in the House as soon as today.

There is a chance, however, that Congress won't even vote on the bail out plan this week. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said that the bailout plan will not go to a vote in Congress unless they are sure it will pass.

Meanwhile, as the bill was introduced on to the Senate; Barack Obama decided to take the mic. His opponent, John McCain, chose to lay low.

"This will not solve all our problems," Obama said on the Senate floor, as his Democratic colleagues streamed in to listen. "This is what we need to do right now, to prevent the possibility of a crisis turning into a catastrophe."

As soon as Congress votes, we'll let you know of the outcome.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tonight is the night! Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin!

The Vice-Presidential candidate will go head-to-head in the one and only V.P. debate this election.

Biden, the Democrat, is a veteran. He's a great debater. Joe even gave his running-mate, Barack Obama, a run for his money in the Democratic debates a couple of times.

Palin, the Republican, wants to be known as the new face of the Republican party. What we've seen from her recently hasn't been good. Governor Palin did, however, do well in debates in Alaska in previous races.

If Palin is, however, as lofty as she has come across in recent interviews (especially with Katie Couric)... then Joe Biden is going to destroy her.

The debate airs on most major networks at 9pm EST on Thursday night.

On the day of the big show, what do you think? Who will win the Vice-Presidential debate?

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The latest Quinnipiac political tracking poll looks good for Barack Obama and the democratic ticket.

According to the poll, Obama now leads McCain nationally 50% to 43%. This basically flips the results of the last Quinnipiac poll which put McCain on top by a similar margin.

The big news out of this Quinnipiac poll is that Obama now leads in three crucial swing states: Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.

The poll was taken over the weekend, after Friday's presidential debate and during Monday's spectacular drop in the U.S. stock market.

The new Quinnipiac also shows that more people think Obama is better fit to handle this financial crisis.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

The word on the streets this morning in New York City is that Mayor Michael Bloomberg is going to try and defy the rules by running for re-election despite the fact that NYC restricts the mayors reign to two four-year terms.

Citizens I have spoken with both formally and informally seem to think it is a good idea to let Mayor Bloomberg have one more run.

Politicians on the other hand aren't too happy. Bloomberg has a lot of city politicos waiting in the wings to run for his position including Congressman Anthony Weiner and openly gay City Council speaker Christine Quinn.

The City Council will have to grant Bloomberg a stay on the rules before he is allowed to run again.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Republicans are blaming this speech by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, for the failure of the $700 million bail out package.

Two-thirds of the Democrats backed the legislation; and Republicans said if that was the case - they could find 12 more votes to get it passed. Instead, they didn't even come close.

Why? If you ask leaders in the Republican party, it is because of Speaker Pelosi's speech. In the words of Republican presidential nominee, John McCain, "horseshit!"

I'm not crazy about the $700 billion bailout, but to blame Pelosi's speech for the failure of this bill is ridiculous.

Maybe Pelosi's speech lacked a sense of bi-partisanship in a time when the parties need to come together, but the state of their feelings is no reason for Congressional reps decided to vote against the measure. Who cares about their feelings? I hope voters who have the chance to vote against these people and to oust these spineless career politicians do so. Not because they didn't vote for the bailout, but because they did so out of spite.

Who wants someone like that representing their country? See how your representatives voted, here.

What do you think? Is it Nancy Pelosi's fault that the bailout plan failed?

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The government bailout plan failed in Congress Monday afternoon, and there are reports of "chaos around the House chambers."

Evidently, there were a lot of negotiations going on on the floor as the vote was taking place.

Republicans seem to have a hard time swallowing the idea of bailing out Wall Street to the tune of $700 billion. They just weren't able to get enough votes in favor of the major bailout.

The bill seems to be very unpopular among most voters who say the plan favors Wall Street over Main Street.

Stocks plummeted as the bailout failed.

Congressional leaders may come back as soon as Thursday for another attempt.

President Bush is said to be "very disappointed" according to a White House spokesperson.

Maybe the next attempt should be to bail out the people, not the financial corporations!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the fact that the I.R.S. says preachers can't use their pulpit for politics, several pastors across the country used their Sunday service to encourage their worshipers to vote for Senator John McCain and other Republicans this November.

Thirty-three pastors in 22 states evidently used their position in the church to endorse the various Republicans for office this fall.

The wackos at the Arizona-based Alliance Defense Fund is behind all this. They plan to send copies of the pastors' sermons to the Internal Revenue Service with hope of setting off a legal fight and abolishing restrictions on church involvement in politics.

Many of the preachers didn't mention a John McCain by name, but encouraged their worshipers to jump behind him in other ways.

Maybe they'll do the opposite and thrown them all in jail or something. Church is a place for God, not politics!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MORNING CHATTER

Everyone is talking about the first presidential debate held Friday night. Although most polls show Barack Obama as the winner, that doesn't say much.

Both men got in some good blows, and both men looked very presidential at the debate. (You know that's important to me for some unknown reason).

It was great to see the debate moderator, Jim Lehrer, pit Obama and John McCain against each other. He even tried to get them to go head-to-head multiple times. As I've mentioned before, we haven't seen a lot of that in recent debates.

Both parties, of course, are declaring victory today.

I, personally, can't wait for the Vice-Presidential debate. I have a feeling Joe Biden will wipe Sarah Palin out!

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

That's right, John McCain already has an ad out quoting Barack Obama with "McCain was right!"

Friday night's presidential debate was a bit anti-climatic. After McCain's near debate dodge, I expected Obama to destroy him - but that didn't happen.

Debate moderator Jim Lehrer did his best at getting the candidates to go at each other, and that happened a lot more than we've seen in recent debates.

I know that foreign affairs is supposed to be McCain's forte, but Obama was practicing for the debate while McCain was figuring out a way to get out of it.

Obama definitely held his own against McCain, and I'd even say that I'm leaning towards Obama as the winner no matter what McCain's advertisements tell me.

So that puts Obama 1, McCain 0 on my presidential debate scoreboard.

What do you think? Who won the first presidential debate?

You can also join our debate discussion on Twitter.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mike Huckabee has a new gig.

Huckabee is the new weekend face of Fox News. The former Republican presidential hopeful made the announcement on his Political Action Committee's website.

The show is simply titled "Huckabee" he said.

"I'm sure the name will make it easy for all of you to find it," Huckabee wrote the site's blog.

"Huckabee" debuts Saturday night at 8pm and will air on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

Fox News Channel spokesman Richard White said that Huckabee's new show would air on the channel but referred all questions about the show to Huckabee's agent.

His first guest will be "The View" co-host, Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

David Letterman continued his attack on Republican Presidential nominee John McCain, and I love it!

McCain stood Letterman up earlier in the week claiming to be rushing back to Washington to deal with the economic crisis. Instead, Senator McCain went else where at CBS (to Katie Couric) for an interview.

"Now I'm feeling like an ugly date," Letterman said on Thursday's "Late Show". "I feel used. I feel cheap. I feel sullied."

McCain spokeswoman Nicolle Wallace said the campaign "felt this wasn't a night for comedy."

"We deeply regret offending Mr. Letterman, but our candidate's priority at this moment is to focus on this crisis," Wallace said Thursday on NBC's "Today."

He also described socialite Paris Hilton — Thursday's guest whose celebrity was once used in a McCain campaign ad to mock Obama — as McCain's first choice for a running mate.

"Here's how it works: you don't come to see me? You don't come to see me? Well, we might not see you on Inauguration Day," Letterman said.

There's also a lot of buzz around Letterman's Top 10 List of McCain's Top 10 Blow-ups. I didn't watch "The Late Show" last night, and I forgot to set the DVR.

I did, however, find a Top 10 McCain blow-ups list delivered by Mitt Romney in the primary.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The Friday night fights are on! John McCain and Barack Obama WILL debate tonight in Oxford, Mississippi.

The McCain campaign just released a statement saying...

"He is optimistic that there has been significant progress toward a bipartisan agreement.... The McCain campaign is resuming all activities."

Obama has already flown to Mississippi, and McCain is expected to do so today. Even though the economy is not the theme of tonight's debate, I bet we'll hear a lot about it.

I can't believe I'm so excited over a presidential debate!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain still doesn't want to debate tomorrow, because he says that the candidates need to "set politics aside" to solve the economic crisis.

Barack Obama and his aides have said that they think the debate should go on, and they anticipate McCain showing up to participate.

Senator McCain shocked everyone yesterday by saying he would suspend his campaign to move back to Washington hoping to solve the ecomonic situation.

As far as we know, the debate is still scheduled to go on despite the fact that things are still up in the air.

Both candidates met with President Bush in Washington to discuss the bailout.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a strange turn of events, the New York Daily News is encouraging the city to change the rules and allow Mayor Michael Bloomberg to run for a third term in office.

“Run, Mike, run,” said an editorial in Monday's news.

This happens at the end of the term for any NYC mayor with a high approval rating, but the Daily News normally opposes the extension of term limits.

With economy in the dump, the News believes that financial minded Bloomberg is the best choice for the next four years.

“New Yorkers deserve to select the person they feel is best qualified to pull the city through the crisis from among a full field of candidates,” the editorial said. “Bloomberg must be in the pack.”

While I agree that Mayor Mike has done a great job and would be a wonderful choice to help us through this economic crisis, I strongly support allowing the citizens of New York to make this choice.

If we extend term limits, we need to get a public referendum on the next ballot. A similar measure failed to pass a city wide election in 1993 and 1996.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm surprised to say that Mark Foley is going to get off the hook on his scandalous text messaging investigation.

Foley got busted texting inappropriate messages to underage male pages in Congress. The controversy led to Foley's resignation.

Now, Mark's coming out on top.

"There did not appear to be probable cause that a crime was committed," according to a report released about the case.

Foley's attorney has confirmed that a federal investigation has been dropped.

What do you think? Is Mark Foley getting off easy?

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This afternoon, I was watching a live rally for Barack Obama on MSNBC.

As Obama spoke in Coral Gables, Florida; a group known as "Blacks Against Obama" interrupted the Democratic nominees speech with chants and signs.

Here's the video:

The "Blacks Against Obama" clearly need some work! When I originally saw the video, I got so confused as to why a black man was holding up a KKK sign. The sign actually read that Obama was “endorsed by the KKK.” Another sign said, “Jesse Jackson hates Obama.”

It was nice of Obama to stop his speech and recognize them with respect. He even offered to let them stay with their signs if they would shut up.

After the rowdy bunch kept going, the 10 anti-Obama activists were escorted out of the arena. Surely they're not voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin?!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All roads lead to my home state of Tennessee, as the Secret Service continues to investigate who hacked Republican Vice-Presidential nominee Sarah Palin's e-mail account.

Evidently authorities are questioning University of Tennessee student David Kernell. David is the son of Democratic State Representative Mike Kernell.

The younger Kernell is at the center of the investigation and the only person being by FBI questioned at this time.

According to a report from The Tennessean, representative Mike Kernell told a reporter that his son, David, is the individual believed to be among those responsible for the hacked account.

Someone who identified themselves as Rubico10 blogged on various sites that they were the hackers.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Senator James Inhofe, a Republican of Oklahoma, is running this new ad that clearly has gay undertones and basically abuses his opponent Democrat Andrew Rice.

Not only does Senator Inhofe's ad attack the possiblity of allowing gay marriage in Oklahoma, the commercial also shows pictures of Rice from his younger years with cute curly hair and a leather jacket. If Inhofe was trying to make Rice look attractive with sex appeal, it worked.

Andrew will definitely get the gay vote and likely score with women too!

As for the same-sex marriage claims. Senator Inhofe is basically a bigot who doesn't deserve anyone's vote!

If you live in Oklahoma, we encourage you to vote Rice for Senate! Call it an endorsement if you will, just don't vote for Inhofe!

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The engineer responsible for a Metrolink commuter train involved in a deadly head-on collision with a freight train outside of Los Angeles Friday was a gay man, according to reports.

Robert M. Sanchez, who died in the crash, failed to stop at a signal which reportedly caused the collision with the Union Pacific Freight train in which 25 people died and 135 were injured.

Sanchez evidently moved to California with his partner, Daniel Charles Burton, who committed suicide by hanging in 2003. Burton killed himself on Valentine's Day, and a coroner’s report showed that he was HIV-positive.

The engineer's series of misfortunes don't stop there. The Los Angeles Times is also reporting that Sanchez was busted for shoplifting after Burton's death at a Costco.

Investigators have ruled out the possibility of a train and track failure causing the crash and are about to rule out signal failure as a cause, which leaves them focusing on Sanchez and his typically long work day on the commuter train, which includes hours on break in the middle of the day during off-peak hours.

There have also been reports that Sanchez was text messaging at the time of the collission.

The Transportation Safety Board is also investigating a report that Sanchez was involved in a fatal crash with a pedestrian earlier this month.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's so great to see so many people getting involved in this year's election. I am trying to keep you posted of some cool events that might make politics a little more entertaining. I've hit the gold mine here...

You've got to check out "Reconstitution" at the Art Directors Club (106 West 29th St.) if you're in Manhattan.

On Tuesday October 7th, Sosolimited presents "ReConstitution 2008" with a stop in New York City.

According to the release:
"ReConstitution is a live audiovisual remix of the 2008 presidential debates. This nonpartisan hybrid of video art and performance exposes the themes, content, and structure behind the sound and images of the debate. The legibility of the content is preserved, upholding the debates as a vital information source for voters. Each spoken word is catalogued, analyzed, and displayed with the transformed video signal—the visuals react instantaneously to the physical movement of the candidates, the tone of their voice, and the words they speak, weaving an exciting and unpredictable narrative. "

Other stops on the "Reconstitution 2008 Tour" include...
Sept 26th – Debate 1 of 3 – Institute of Contemporary Art, BOSTON
Oct 7th – Debate 2 of 3 – Art Directors Club, NEW YORK CITY
Oct 15th – Debate 3 of 3 – Corcoran Gallery, WASHINGTON DC

For more info: www.reconstitution2008.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After months of weighing the options, GaySocialites.com is finally ready to endorse a candidate in the presidential race.

For the past few months, I have been trying to fairly report news from the campaign trail as an undecided voter. I hope to still be able to do that, but I think it is time that GaySocialites.com endorses a candidate for President and Vice-President.

Everyone probably knows that I'm a loyal Hillary Clinton supporter, and her influence helped my decision a lot. I wish I was writing this letter to endorse Senator Clinton for President, but since she isn't a choice that wouldn't make much sense.

After Hillary exited the race, both the Obama and McCain campaigns reached out to GaySocialites.com and me for our support. I am very thankful for that. It means a lot to me personally and truly shows how far the gay community has come. Who knew that both the Democrats and the Republicans would want a growing openly gay media outlet to endorse their bid for the White House?

After hearing both sides, I will say that both Obama and McCain make good cases for their platforms. There are issues I agree with both sides on, but there are fundamentals that make the decision clear.

In this election, for a gay person - there is only one choice no matter who you how you have voted in the past.

On behalf of GaySocialites.com, I encourage you to get behind the Democratic ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden as we officially endorse their candidacy for President and Vice President.

John McCain and Sarah Palin have the potential to do so much damage to the gay rights movement from pushing anti-gay legislation to appointing conservative Supreme Court Justices. Sarah Palin is like a conservative fairy tale. I can't believe someone who is so closed-minded actually exists. She supports the idea that you can actually pray the gay away.

I liked the old John McCain, but I'm afraid that man is gone. He has flip flopped on all of the moderate issues he has supported in the past, and it is sad really. Palin basically anchors McCain too far to the right.

After the break, I'll tell you how the candidates weigh up on issues that I care about. You'll see why I decided to throw my support behind Obama/ Biden!

Continue reading "GaySocialites.com makes surprise endorsement for President" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jill Greenberg was hired by The Atlantic to shoot John McCain for their cover and now the liberal photographer admits to deliberately manipulating photos according to an story on PDN

She delivered the image the magazine asked for—a shot that makes the Republican presidential nominee look heroic. Greenberg is well known for her highly retouched images of bears and crying babies. But she didn’t bother to do much retouching on her McCain images. “I left his eyes red and his skin looking bad,” she says.

Greenberg admits she lit McCain's shoot from below with a strobe light to make him look weathered and old.

“He had no idea he was being lit from below,” Jill says. And his handlers didn’t seem to notice it either. “I guess they’re not very sophisticated,” she adds.

The scary thing is that the photo above isn't the bad photo. This one is:

The Atlantic didn’t chose to use the scary looking McCain for its cover. Greenberg is hoping to license that image to some other magazine.

Quick question: Do you really have to try that hard to make John McCain look old and weathered? I'm just saying...

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There they are in all their glory, the potential first family of the United States - the McCains. In this week's People, John talks about being a good father while Cindy recaps her previous drug addiction.

Cindy and John McCain have three children together — Meghan, 23, Jimmy, 20, and Jack, 22 — along with their adoptive daughter, Bridget, 17. John McCain also has three children from a previous marriage.

"I hope I've been a loving father," said John McCain, 72, told People magazine. "My children are probably better qualified to make that assessment, but I'm certainly proud of them and what they've done in life — all seven of them."

Cindy McCain also discussed her previous addiction to painkillers. In the late 1980s, she underwent back surgeries and became addicted to painkillers that she was stealing from a medical charity she had founded.

"The era I was raising my children was the era when you had to be Super Mom," she said. "I was putting too much pressure on myself."

Cindy said she quit cold turkey in 1992 after her parents confronted her. She told the magazine she hid her dependency from her husband "because I didn't want to let him down."

The senator returned home once he found out.

"He sat down next to me and said, 'You should come to me first with whatever it is — I love you, I'm here for you, I will get through this with you,'" Cindy said. "And he did."

John and Cindy also appeared on "The View" Friday morning. Click here to watch the video of the co-hosts socking it to Senator McCain.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gordon Brown is being criticized for endorsing Barack Obama despite the fact that he says he doesn't support Obama or John McCain.

In a magazine article, Brown said of Obama and his ticket, " [it is] the Democrats who are generating the ideas."

When news broke this week that the British Prime Minister could be endorsing a candidate for the White House, Brown denied the allegations.

"I have scrupulously met both Senator McCain and Senator Obama and talked to them both about the same issues that affect our two countries," he said. "I've got a great admiration for both of these very distinguished senators."

Writing in the Parliamentary Monitor, a political magazine with a limited circulation, Brown discussed proposals being put moderate and liberal parties around the world to deal with economic difficulties.

"Around the world it is progressive politicians who are grappling with these challenges," the Labour Party leader wrote, before citing the new Labor government in Australia and that of New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

"In the electrifying US presidential campaign, it is the Democrats who are generating the ideas to help people through more difficult times," the prime minister added.

"To help prevent people from losing their home, Barack Obama has proposed a Foreclosure Prevention Fund to increase emergency pre-foreclosure counselling, and help families facing repossession."

If Brown did endorse either candidate, it would be the first time in history that a British Prime Minister endorsed a U.S. candidate.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Closeted homosexual Senator Larry Craig is trying to get his guilty plea withdrawn, and Craigs' lawyer claims that his foot tapping in an airport men's room should be protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

Hook up men, it's your first ammendment right.

Tapping your foot under a toilet stall is evidently a sign that you wanna have a romp with the person in the stall next door.

Craig was actually charged with disorderly conduct, but his attorney has a defense for that too

The Senator's legal team says since no one besides the arresting officer saw the hand signals and foot tapping, no one else was offended by the behavior and, thus, makes the disorderly conduct charge invalid.

It sounds like Larry has a good legal team. Maybe he should have consulted them before pleading guilty in the first place!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is calling the "lipstick on a pig" comment a "made up controversy" by John McCain's campaign.

In case you missed my earlier post, McCain is criticizing Obama for saying his bad policies were like putting lipstick on a pig. McCain himself even once used the same saying to describe Hillary Clinton's policies.

I'm not sure what the origin of the statement is, but I heard it a lot growing up in the South.

Earlier today, staunch Republican Elisabeth Hasselbeck defended Obama [watch the video] on "The View" saying that this was a bit of a stretch.

What do you think? Was Barack Obama out of line for using the "lipstick on a pig" comment knowing it may be considered a delegate topic where Sarah Palin is concerned?

You can also join our discussion on Twitter.com!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Who knew that putting lip stick on a pig could be so controversial? It sounds like something your middle school principal would do if you reached your fundraising goals at the bike-a-thon.

No, we're not talking about animal rights or cosmetic testing here. Today, "lipstick on a pig" is one of the hottest topics on the Presidential campaign trail.

Earlier this week, Barack Obama said that John McCain's ideas weren't new. Instead, Obama believes McCain's platform is George Bush in disquise. In this video you'll see how he compares them to "lipstick on a pig" and "smelly fish".

The McCain campaign says that Obama was taking a jab at Sarah Palin even though the Republican nominee used the same statement to describe Hillary Clinton's health care plan in May.

Here's the video:

The Republicans are acting out of desperation, even adopting Obama's call for change. It actually seems to be working. Most polls show McCain either tied with or leading Obama.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"The View" co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck must be confused as to who is actually running for office, because she's evidently out campaigning for Cindy McCain.

Not only is Hasselbeck singing the praises of Cindy, she's also bashing Michelle Obama.

Using her time with the two potential First Ladies in "The View" make-up room, Elisabeth made this comparison:

"Cindy came into our hair and make-up room fresh as can be. And unlike another wife of a political candidate who shall remain nameless, she didn't come with a list of topics that we weren't allowed to touch. Nope. That's because she has nothing to hide."

When you need a promising prospective of a candidate's wife and what make-up is perfect for a First Lady, then we'll ask Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Until then, she should probably just keep talking about Target sales and baby clothes.

After being silenced by Rosie O'Donnell for nearly a season, the Hasselbitch is back again!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Obama campaign is trying to yank the foundation right from underneath the Republican ticket with this new ad that challenges whether or not John McCain and Sarah Palin should be calling themselves mavericks.

I didn't know that the term 'maverick' had such a good connotation, but McCain and Palin are loving it these days.

Sarah Palin is a hard core conservative. There's nothing maverick about that.

John McCain was a maverick at one time, but lately he's looking more like a George W. Bush clone.

Maybe Barack Obama hit the nail on the head with this new ad!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sexy San Francisco Mayor and our pick for California's new governor Gavin Newsom kicked-off his campaign against Proposition 8 this weekend, and as usual - Gavin is standing up for the gays!

“If we succeed, we will not only change history in California, we will change the tone and tenor of this debate, not only across America, but the rest of the world,” Newsom said at the launch event.

Proposition 8 is the ballot initiative seeking to constitutionally ban gay marriage in California despite the fact that the state Supreme Court has already declared such a move unconstitutional.

Does Gavin think his campaign against Prop 8 will affect his bid for Governor?

“This [campaigning against Prop 8] is not going to help me politically; I'm not naïve to that. ... It's about my convictions; it's about my ability to sleep at night and reconcile the fact that we're running the 90 yard dash on gay and lesbian rights,” Newsom told Ray Suarez for the PBS program The Newshour Insider Forum. “And if you believe fundamentally that people should have rights that are of the same sex, but you're not willing to extend them equal rights, then what is it about that point of view that distinguishes it from your point of view about civil rights for people based on race or ethnicity? What is inherently more significant about someone and their rights that happens to be of a different race that should not be extended equally to someone who may have a different sexual orientation?”

The world needs more people like Gavin Newsom.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

MSNBC evidently wants to lean left but not too far left.

Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews have been dropped as co-anchors of the nightly political coverage and will be replaced by NBC's David Gregory.

Gregory will step in to balance things out as Olbermann and Matthews have been criticized for being too liberal.

According to Associated Press...

The tipping point appears to have come during the GOP convention when Olbermann criticized MSNBC for showing a Sept. 11-themed video prepared by the Republicans.

MSNBC executives, who had publicly defended their anchors' roles while privately monitoring them throughout the political season, made the change over the weekend after discussions with Olbermann. Despite the controversy around him, Olbermann has been a hero with left-leaning viewers and keyed MSNBC's growth among coveted young viewers.

During her acceptance speech last week, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin talked about the "Washington elite" not accepting her qualifications for the job. Some delegates on the convention floor began chanting, "N-B-C, N-B-C."

I was hoping that MSNBC would be able to add a more liberal touch to the elections in an attempt to off-set FOX News' conservative-leaning coverage.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Even though we originally thought we wouldn't, GaySocialites.com has decided to endorse a candidate for President of the United States.

While I still remain a bitter Hillary Clinton supporter, I do think it is important that we decide who is more capable of leading our country in a direction that matters to us.

Now that Joe Biden has joined Barack Obama on the democratic ticket and John McCain has picked Sarah Palin as his runningmate, I think it is pretty clear where each of these campaigns are heading and which team is more prepared to lead our country.

Our endorsement will come very soon, but I ask for any final thoughts you might have.

Join the discussion on my Twitter.com page or e-mail your thoughts directly to charles@gaysocialites.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Even though we originally thought we wouldn't, GaySocialites.com has decided to endorse a candidate for President of the United States.

While I still remain a bitter Hillary Clinton supporter, I do think it is important that we decide who is more capable of leading our country in a direction that matters to us.

Now that Joe Biden has joined Barack Obama on the democratic ticket and John McCain has picked Sarah Palin as his runningmate, I think it is pretty clear where each of these campaigns are heading and which team is more prepared to lead our country.

Our endorsement will come very soon, but I ask for any final thoughts you might have.

Join the discussion on my Twitter.com page or e-mail your thoughts directly to charles@gaysocialites.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jesse Ventura sounded off in favor of gay marriage asking reporters at Ron Paul's convention if it was fair for the government to decide who they love.

Ventura ranted and raved, and while it was great to have someone defending our cause - why do they always have to be the crazy ones?

The wrestler turned politician was attended Paul's rally and protest to the Republican National Convention.

Rumor has it Ventura is so visible this election year so that he can work on his own bid for the White House in 2012.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oprah Winfrey says she will not invite Sarah Palin on her show until after the election.

The Drudge Report originally wrote a story saying that Oprah refused to have Palin on the show, because the Almighty O supports Barack Obama. According to their sources, Oprah's staff wants to play host to Palin despite Winfrey's political opinion.

In response, Oprah issued a statement to TMZ.com saying the whole thing is untrue.

"The item in today's Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over."

Barack Obama has already appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show in January 2005 and October 2006. Oprah is even credited with encouraging Obama to run at all.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Rasmuessen Report daily tracking poll for the Presidential Race still show Barack Obama leading even though he dropped by one percentage point over night.

Obama and John McCain were in a neck-and-neck race before the Democrats held their Convention last week. After the DNC, the Obama-Biden ticket jumped two to three percentage points.

The poll numbers sit at 47% backing Obama and 43% for McCain. Obama fell from 48% on Wednesday prior to a night of being bashed by Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin at the Republican Convention.

Each party generally gets a surge in the polls after their party's convention.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has pleaded guilty and struck a deal with prosecutors.

Under the deal Kilpatrick decided to plead guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice by committing perjury, agreed to serve four months in jail, pay up to $1 million in restitution, and serve five years' probation. He also pledged not to run for office during that five-year span.

Additionally...

The mayor will turn over his state pension to the City of Detroit, which paid $8.4 million to settle two whistle-blower lawsuits three former cops filed against the city. The mayor was charged with eight felony counts ranging from conspiracy to perjury to misconduct in office to obstruction of justice after the Free Press revealed that the mayor lied on the witness stand during a police whistle-blower trial and gave misleading testimony about whether he intended to fire a deputy police chief investigating allegations of wrongdoing by members of his inner circle.

Finally! Detroit can feel like a free city again! Get this dud mayor out of office and start fresh!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Us Weekly magazine has come under fire for attacking Republican Vice-Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin with their "Babies, Lies and Scandals" cover.

Just a few months ago, Us Weekly put Barack Obama and his wife Michelle on the cover titled, "Why Barack loves her."

The magazine clearly chose to take a soft approach with the Democratic nominee while socking it to the Republican V.P. pick.

The comments on the US Weekly site show that most people aren't happy about the Palin attacks.

What do you think? Has Us Weekly crossed the line by bashing Sarah Palin?

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

They wouldn't even let George W. Bush into the Republican National Convention. The McCain-Palin campaign made the sitting President address the delegates via satellite from the White House. Talk about distancing yourself from the incumbent.

If you even care what Bush had to say about the upcoming election, here's the video:

It's a bit too late for Senator McCain to start trying to distance himself from President Bush. John McCain was a great moderate maverick who has basically become a Bush carbon copy.

He can't ride both sides of the fence. After several decades of service we should already know who Senator McCain is... I'm just saying...

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Joe Lieberman betrayed his roots by addressing the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night. The former Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee not only endorsed John McCain but also bashed Barack Obama.

The New York Times is reporting that McCain actually wanted Lieberman to be his Vice-Presidential running mate. Instead, he settled for Sarah Palin to appease his right-wing critics.

Lieberman, now an independent senator from Connecticut, tried to reiterate McCain's credentials as a maverick who isn't afraid of change.

If you ask me, he's talking about the old McCain.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin, is being called a bad mother for dragging her pregnant 17-year-old daughter through the spotlight of a Presidential campaign.

Now, some pundits are asking if McCain might change his mind and go with a safe choice for Vice-President.

Palin is expected to tap into that right wing base, and the Republicans are spinning her as a real person with real problems. It might actually work.

Finding out that her daughter, Bristol, is pregnant has given given Palin lots of free publicity. I bet the McCain-Palin campaign is enjoying the instant name recognition. I'm just saying...

What do you think? Is Sarah Palin a bad mother?

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hurricane Gustav is already affecting the United States, and it hasn't even hit the gulf yet. So far, George Bush and Dick Cheney have pulled out of the Republican National Convention. John McCain has also called to scale back events on opening day of the convention.

McCain told his supporters and delegates it is time to “take off our Republican hats and put on our American hats.”

The Republican's campaign manager Rick Davis, speaking in St. Paul, said the Monday session would be designed to comply with requirements of calling the convention to order. From there, everything is day by day.

Senator McCain and running mate Sarah Palin toured rescue centers in Mississippi on Sunday. No word yet on whether or not they will attend the convention.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

President George Bush announced this morning that he will not be attending the Republican National Convention in St. Paul this week, so that he can be available when Gustav makes landfall in the Gulf of Mexico.

The RNC may actually be canceled all together, but the party for the Republicans will definitely be toned down.

Bush plans to ride the storm out in Texas to stay close but out of the way. The airspace above the President has to be clear at all times, so moving closer to the action might impair rescue or evacuation efforts.

Vice-President Dick Cheney is also going to skip the convention. The Vice-President says he is heading for the county of Georgia as tension remains there.

No word yet on whether or not Republican nominee-to-be John McCain and his running mate Sarah Palin will make it to the convention themselves.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Presumptive Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin needs to back off of Hillary Clinton's glass ceiling.

Since dropping out of the race, Clinton has said that her supporters put 18 million cracks in a glass ceiling that will one day be broken to propel a woman to the White House.
On Friday, as Palin thanked John McCain for making her his pick; she compared herself to Hillary and really put herself out there for female voters.

The problem is that Clinton supporters aren't stupid! Hillary didn't get where she is with her good looks and a few years in office. Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton! Senator Clinton worked her way to where she is, and it isn't something Governor Palin can do over night.

Palin is actually nothing like Clinton. The Alaskan Governor is a gun carrying conservative who doesn't support abortion rights or advancement for the LGBT community.

That's definitely no Hillary Rodham Clinton. Watch-out-there-now Sarah Palin!

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain is releasing this video tonight congratulating Barack Obama as the first African American to ever win the nomination of their party.

Here's the text from McCain

"JOHN MCCAIN: Senator Obama, this is truly a good day for America.

Too often the achievements of our opponents go unnoticed. So I wanted to stop and say, congratulations.

How perfect that your nomination would come on this historic day. Tomorrow, we'll be back at it. But tonight Senator, job well done.

I'm John McCain and I approved this message."

That's the nicest ad we've seen from McCain during this election!

CNN is reporting that John has made his choice on a running mate. We're expecting the announcement Friday morning.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

INCASE YOU MISSED IT

Just in case you weren't able to catch Hillary Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention, you can watch the video here.

Clinton is being applauded for saying all of the right things to compare her platform to Barack Obama's in hopes of persuading straggling Hillary support to jump onboard with Obama.

Hillary was introduced by her daughter Chelsea. Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, watched from the crowd.

I'm glad that Senator Clinton address Michelle Obama and Joe Biden. It was also wonderful to see them both on the floor of the convention for Hillary's historic speech.

This may be enough to silence media outlets like CNN and Fox News who are pressing the idea that the Democratic party may not be able to unify after a competitive primary season.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One of my favorite quotes from the Democratic National Convention so far is from my Governor, David Paterson of New York.

Speaking about John McCain, Paterson said: "If he's the answer, then the question must be ridiculous."

You can see the entire video as Governor Paterson addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver below. If you love the man as much as I do, it's nearly a tear jerker!

Governor Paterson is a super delegate who has pledged for Hillary Clinton but has, of course, decided to back Barack Obama for President.

Obama will acept the Democratic Nomination on Thursday. Wednesday night belongs to former President Bill Clinton. Joe Biden will also accept the Vice-Presidential nomination.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton will take the stage tonight preceded by her daughter Chelsea who will introduce her.

Clinton is expected to encourage her supporters to jump behind Barack Obama fully. The media seems to be hyping the divisiveness of the party, but Obama and Clinton both claim that the party will be unified as the Democrats end their convention in Denver.

Chelsea is raising speculation that she might be entering into a political career of her own by taking center stage in such an important part of the convention.

Hillary and Chelsea Clinton are expected to take the stage tonight at around 10pm EST.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

INCASE YOU MISSED IT

Everyone (myself included) is raving about Michelle Obama's moving and powerful speech on opening night of the Democratic National Convention.

In case you missed it, here's the video of the entire speech.

As I've already said, Michelle knocked it out of the ballpark. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Today, Barack Obama complimented Michelle in an e-mail to supporters saying, "I am so lucky to be married to the woman who delivered that speech..."

Barack added: "Michelle was electrifying, inspiring and absolutely magnificent."

I couldn't agree more! Who knew I would be agreeing with Michelle and Barack Obama?!

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

These two pretty boys were arrested this week in Denver suspected of trying to assassinate Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

One of the suspects, Nathan Johnson, spoke with the local CBS affiliate about their plot.

"So your friends were saying threatening things about Obama?" CBS4 investigative reporter Brian Maass asked.

"Yeah," Nathan Johnson replied.

"It sounded like they didn't want him to be president?"

"Yeah," Johnson said.

CBS reported on Monday that the duo was "going to shoot Obama from a high vantage point using a ... rifle ... sighted at 750 yards."

The story began emerging Sunday morning when Aurora police arrested Tharin Gartrell, 28. He was driving a rented pickup truck in an erratic manner, according to sources. That's when the story unfolded.

They both seem a bit off. I'm not sure that they have enough smarts to kill Obama, but at least they're in custody now. Cops have since said they are "not a credible threat" to Senator Obama.

The Secret Service is definitely on high alert as Obama accepts the party's nomination this week at the DNC in Denver.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton arrived at the Democratic National Convention on Monday morning as she met with the New York delegation and encouraged them to do all they can for party unity this week.

"I ask each and every one of you to work as hard for Barack Obama and Joe Biden as you worked for me," Sen. Clinton told the New York delegation at a breakfast hours before the Democratic convention was to formally open in Denver. "We are united, we are together and we are determined."

Hillary was greeted with an extended standing ovation from rapturous delegates, many of whom sported Hillary pins and hats and waved signs reading "Hillary Made History."

Polls show Clinton supporters still aren't sold on Sen. Obama. Just 52% of Clinton voters plan to vote for Obama, according to a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.

However, a lot of the divisiveness in the Democratic party seems to be generated by the media. Sen. Clinton continually preaches party unity, and her key supporters seem to be following suit even if it is reluctantly.

Hillary will address the Democratic National Convention on tonight.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All I can say is that Michelle Obama nailed it on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention. Not only did Mrs. Obama say all of the right things, her speech was nearly perfect.

Michelle introduced herself as someone who was living the American dream. She complimented her husband often, and she even complimented Senator Hillary Clinton.

She motivated her base while inspiring others to rally behind Senator Obama's mission for change. It was a great moment in American politics.

Barack appeared via satellite after Michelle's standing ovation. Their two daughters joined her on stage, and together they humanized their family for the world. It was probably the most powerful part of the whole presentation.

Little Sasha Obama grabbed the microphone and started saying "I love you Daddy" and asking questions about where he was. It was adorable, unscripted and a perfect way to end Michelle's moment at the convention.

If Michelle Obama was running for office, I'd probably vote for her! Sidebar: She's looked fabulous, and she's definitely not preggers!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The answer is simple. The Democratic National Convention is scheduled in blocks.

For example, there's a 7pm to 9pm block (local Denver time) that included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and former President Jimmy Carter. Then there is a 7pm to 9pm block that includes Jessie Jackson, Michelle Obama and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. That block also includes a tribute to and appearance by Senator Ted Kennedy.

If you're looking for Michelle Obama, she's expected to speak at around 10:30pm.

The schedule blocks aren't even precise, because you know politicians can be! The DNC is doing the best they can to offer a schedule at all!

If you would like to see a full schedule of events for Democratic National Convention, check out the official website.

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like I am not the only gay journalist having reservations about jumping on the Barack Obama bandwagon. I received a lot of great e-mails over the weekend from former Hillary Clinton backers encouraging me to support the Obama and his new running mate Barack Obama. I intend to reply to each of them as time allows.

Paul Colichman, owner of The Advocate and Out magazines, is also having a hard time opening his mind and wallet to an Obama presidency.

"I'm a die-hard Democrat," Colichman told Page Six.

The gay media mogul said he had planned to donate to the Obama campaign before the appeared at the evangelical forum at Saddleback Church.

"I thought, 'Wow! He just threw the gay community under the bus,' " Colichman said. "My partner looked over at me, and we tore up the check."

Colichman says he may even support Republican John McCain.

"If we always vote for the lesser of two evils, if we accept their crumbs and platitudes, if we write checks to candidates who don't stand up for us, aren't we being self-destructive?" he argues.

I can't imagine voting for McCain, but I definitely understand how Paul feels!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Democratic National Convention kicks off today in Denver. In addition to tons of politicians, this year's convention will have a celebrity flair that includes appearances by Oprah Winfrey, Kanye West and others.

On opening night, former President Jimmy Carter, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama.

Tuesday night, Hillary Clinton will take the podium as the key note speaker with a call for unity that is expected to stretch through the week-long convention.

The following night, on Wednesday, Bill Clinton will speak as Joe Biden accepts the Vice-Presidential nomination.

On Thursday, Barack Obama will officially accept the Democratic nomination for President. This week is like the Olympics for politicians.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The McCain campaign was quick to release an ad on Saturday morning pitting Barack Obama's new running mate, Joe Biden, against him.

McCain's ad features snippets of Biden knocking Barack Obama's experience and complimenting John McCain.

The Republicans are clearly going to try and make it look like Obama and Biden hate each other while McCain calls Biden a friend.

The McCain campaign is also expected to point out that neither Obama nor Biden have any executive experience, and it won't be hard to find video of Joe running his mouth. Biden has been critisized often in the past for not knowing when to shut up.

Biden is definitely going to give the Republicans tons of amo since he is so fiesty and basically has diarhea of the mouth.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has picked Joe Biden as his runningmate, as you know; but now it is John McCain's turn.

Will Obama's pick affect McCain's plans? I'm not sure. I think it depends on which way McCain was leading.

Obama's choice of Joe Biden makes it clear that John McCain can still pull his party together by picking his former opponent Mitt Romney.

Romney has become the clear choice for McCain. Not only will it add a more conservative factor to the campaign, but it will also perhaps show that McCain is bold enough to pick his formal rival while Obama is not.

John McCain is expected to announce his Vice Presidential pick within the next week.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Evidently so!

According to a new Zogby International poll, most Americans say they could support an openly gay candidate for president.

More than six in ten U.S. voters say they could support an openly gay candidate for president of the United States, and 70% say they’d support the appointment of an openly gay cabinet secretary, according to a new nationwide poll from Zogby International.

The poll results come just a week after an openly gay congressional candidate, Jared Polis, won his Democratic primary in Colorado. If Polis wins the general election in November, he would become the first non-incumbent, openly gay man ever elected to Congress. Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, elected in 1998, was the very first openly gay or lesbian person to win a seat in Congress as a non-incumbent.

Sixty-six percent of poll respondents said they could support an openly gay vice-presidential candidate, while 69% said a gay candidate for U.S. Senate could get their vote. The poll of 1,089 adults was conducted August 13 to 15 for the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI), a non-partisan leadership development organization.

“These results prove that most Americans want to be fair to gay people. Our aspiration is to always see each other as individuals first, and though we may not always succeed at that, our underlying fairness and decency means that one day soon we will. This marks tremendous progress for our community and for the voting public,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute.

More than 415 openly LGBT elected officials serve at every level of government throughout the United States, that's 10 times higher than 20 years ago.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is scheduled to appear with his new running mate tomorrow in Illinois, and he still hasn't sent out the infamous text message to alert supporters of his V.P. pick.

Now, all eyes have shifted from the short list to Texas. Evidently, the buzz is that Congressman Chet Edwards looks like the choice.

Ohh, the irony! Not only is Chet from George Bush's home state, but he is also Dubya's congressman since the President's Crawford ranch is in Edwards' district.

Democratic officials revealed Friday that Edwards was being vetted and had already undergone a background was checked by Obama’s campaign making him a finalist for the #2 spot.

We're still waiting on the text!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain evidently has so much dough that he doesn't even know how many homes he owns, and Barack Obama is capitalizing on it with this new campaign ad.

"I think — I'll have my staff get to you," McCain responded to a question posed by Politico, according to a story Thursday on the publication's Web site. "It's condominiums where — I'll have them get to you."

Maybe it's because McCain has a rich wife.

Later, the McCain campaign told Politico that John and Cindy have at least four in three states, Arizona, California and Virginia. Newsweek recently estimated the two owned at least seven properties.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's in the 11th hour, and Barack Obama is expected to announce his choice for Vice-President any day now via text message and e-mail to his supporters.

With all of the hustle and bustle of the "short list" talk, many say Hillary Clinton is a "long shot." I hope not.

Clinton is the smartest decision for Obama, and even most Hillary critics that I know are saying the same thing.

The majority of Democratic convention delegates would like to see Clinton as the Vice President than any other candidate on Obama's list.

As you know, I've remained an undecided voter since Senator Clinton suspended her campaign. There are many more others like me out there. If Obama choses Clinton, then it will bring the largest drove of Democratic voters that this nation has ever seen together.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are a dream ticket. Even though I imagined that Hillary would be on the top of the ticket, we have to do what is right for this country. Let's hope Obama has made his first step toward doing that with an Obama/ Clinton dream ticket.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ohio's first black U.S. Representative is in stable condition at a local hospital. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones suffered an aneurysm while driving her car on Tuesday.

No word on the specifics of her position.

According to a statement from police, Tubbs Jones had been driving erratically and her vehicle crossed from the northbound lanes across the southbound lanes.

An officer pulled a cruiser across the roadway to warn oncoming traffic. The officer reached her vehicle and found Tubbs Jones in medical distress, the statement said.

Tubbs Jones was one of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's biggest boosters during the primaries but decided to back Obama after Clinton quit the race. She is a superdelegate at next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Tubbs Jones represents the heavily Democratic 11th District and chairs the ethics committee in the House. She was also the first black woman to serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

UPDATE: CNN is reporting that Stephanie Tubbs Jones has died, but her family representative says she remains in critical condition in an Ohio hospital. We will keep you posted.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is expected to announce a running mate any day.

Insiders at Team Obama tell me the news will likely come in an early morning e-mail to supporters that could go out as early as Wednesday.

All eyes are on Joe Biden, and I don't necessarily think that would be a bad choice. If Obama picks Hillary Clinton, then I'll feel compelled to automatically endorse their campaign. My loyalty and belief in Senator Clinton assures me that she'd be a great Vice-President, but I'd rather see her take another stab at the Oval Office in 2012.

If Obama does, however, form the "dream ticket" with Clinton; a lot of now undecided Hillary supporters will give the Democratic ticket a boost likely pushing them to the top making it almost unobtainable for John McCain to catch.

Clinton does, however, seem like a long shot at this point. Other names on the "short-list" with Biden include Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius.

As soon as we get the infamous text message, we'll let you know!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So evidently both candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, got advanced copies of the questions asked at Rev. Rick Warren's Civil Forum at Saddleback Church over the weekend.

Warren, the pastor of a mega-church and the author of "Purpose Driven Life." came under fire after word leaked that McCain already knew the question before they were asked.

As it turns out, both McCain and Obama got advanced copies of the questions before the forum even started. That just means that Barack Obama should have done even better. He's normally good at prepared stuff.

But I gess this big controversy is over.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a move that looks very politically motivated, Senator Joe Biden has met with the president of Georgia regarding their conflict with Russia.

Barack Obama and his campaign say the fact finding mission wasn't their idea, but they have confirmed that they'll meet with Biden to discuss the results.

This puts Biden in a position to fill the gap left by Barack Obama's inexperience in foreign policy.

Meanwhile, back at home... Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh tried to look presidential themselves on the talk show circuit.

ABC News is reporting that Hillary Clinton's odds of getting are the ticket are 50:1, while both Biden and Bayh continue to top the short list.

I'm not sure where ABC is getting their info, but the Obama camp seem to be really tight lipped about the big V.P. announcement. They say the top contenders don't even know they are themselves.

Obama is expected to announce his running mate at some point during the next week.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama and John McCain attended Rick Warren's Civil Forum at Saddleback Church over the weekend.

Warren asked both Obama and McCain to define marriage. They both said they defined marriage between a man and a woman. It was nauseating to watch. It is sad that the Democrats can't stand behind the gays like we stand behind them.

Here's Barack Obama's response:

Obama defined marriage as "the union between a man and a woman. [Applause] Now, for me as a Christian, it's also a sacred union. God's in the mix."

John McCain's response wasn't much different:

Obama and McCain did differ on the idea of a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage.

McCain killed Obama in this appearance. I even walked away liking John McCain.

Barack Obama should have declined to make this appearance. It only pushed him farther away from that "religious right."

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell shot down rumors on Wednesday that he was going to cross party lines to endorse Barack Obama for President.

Rumors were circulating through the media earlier in the day that Powell was going to endorse Obama and attend the Democratic National Convention later this month.

Conservative journalist William Kristo started the rumor once before, and it looks like that's where Colin Powell is pointing the finger.

"I do not have time to waste on Bill Kristol's musings. I am not going to the convention. I have made this clear."

A Powell endorsement would be HUGE for Barack Obama. The former Secretary of State is highly respected among Republicans and Independents.

I guess it just ain't gonna happen.... yet...

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Angelina Jolie hasn't decided whether she is voting for Barack Obama or John McCain yet.

"I have not decided on a candidate," Angelina told Variety. "I am waiting to see the commitments they will make on issues like international justice, refugees and how to address the needs of children in crisis around the world."

Jolie says her baby daddy Brad Pitt hasn't decided how he is voting either, despite the fact that Pitt and Obama are 9th cousins.

I'm glad to see that I am not the only person taking my time to decide who I want to be the next President. Finally, I have something in common with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I hope this isn't true! The Globe is reporting that Ted Kennedy has told his family that it is his "time to go."

According to the tabloid paper, Kennedy only has two weeks to live and is planning his departure.

Ted Kennedy is fading fast and his deadly brain cancer is spreading, family insiders reveal in a heartbreaking GLOBE exclusive! As time runs out, the Massachusetts senator is feverishly working on a stunning autobiography but is plagued by new tragic medical problems, which may doom his effort to set the record straight about Chappaquiddick and his assassinated brothers, insiders reveal. This week's issue has all the intimate details of Teddy's courageous fight - and what he's telling pals about his life. Don't miss it!

I really hope this isn't true! However, at the same time, I hope that the Globe wouldn't falsify a story about anyone dying... especially a legend like Ted Kennedy...

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Openly gay Congressional candidate Jared Polis beat former Colorado Senate president Joan Fitz-Gerald in a race to replace Rep. Mark Udall, who is seeking a U.S. Senate seat.

If Polis wins, he will join Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank as the only openly gay members of Congress.

Polis, however, will be the first openly gay candidate election not as an incumbent. Most gay politicians get elected first, then come out of the closet.

Jared Polis is a wealthy web investor who spent $5 million on his campaign.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

California Chief Justice Ronald George finds himself in a unique positon after handing down the Supreme Court's majority decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

For the past 17 years on the high court and 34 years as a California judge, Judge George has focused on cultivating an image of a cautious jurist and earning a reputation as a politically skilled court administrator.

Gay marriage opponents are now likely to try and unseat George.

"Absolutely, Ron George should be thrown out for voting for gay marriage," said Mike Spence, president of the conservative California Republican Assembly. "He has a very radical view of what's a family."

George makes no apologies for taking the lead on a politically dangerous case.

"I really felt that as chief justice I had to have the broad shoulders because I knew there would be substantial controversy about it," he said in a recent interview.

The gays may just have to soften up and campaign to keep Justice George in office!

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"Focus on the Family" producer Stewart Shepard has released this video asking his right-wing Christian followers to pray for rain during Barack Obama's outdoor acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month.

"You might ask, now why would I pray for that? Well, I'm still pro-life, and I'm still in favor of marriage as being only between one man and one woman. And I'd like the next president who will select justices for the U.S. Supreme Court, to agree..."

I'm praying that "Focus on the Family" loses all of their funding and goes out of business.

I'm also praying that someone gives Stewart Shepard a wake-up call to tell him that he isn't God and shouldn't be judging people.

I'm also praying for a new Aston Martin.

I'll keep on praying... "Focus on the Family" needs to focus a little more on reality!

Update: Maybe my prayers are working. "Focus on the Family" pulled this video from their site today! Where's my Aston Martin?

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama and the Democrats are gearing up to announce their pick for Vice-President.

We've seen some very familiar names on the short list (like Hillary Clinton, Evan Bayh, Kathleen Sebelius, Joe Biden); but how does John Kerry for Vice-President sound? Blogger David Mixner poses the question:

As I look at the Convention schedule and see that Wednesday night is about national security, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps Senator John Kerry could be the Vice Presidential nominee. Despite not having seen his name on any of the lists, who would be better vetted than the Senator who ran last time for President? In addition, he wouldn't need any 'on the job' training for a national race.

It would definitely be a bad move for the Democrats. Obama is plagued with an "elitist" reputation, and Kerry makes him look like a commoner. Two overly confident yuppies on the same ticket might even turn off some loyal democrats (like myself!)

As we have already told you, the Obama campaign plans to notify supporters of the V.P. pick via text message and e-mail as soon as they make their final decision.

What do you think? Is former Presidential loser, John Kerry, going to suck it up and run for Vice-President?

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You know I am an undecided voter who can't seem to pick a side, but this debate over 'celebrity' in the campaigns isn't going to push me one way or the other.

I do, however, find it odd that John McCain is trying to make Barack Obama's celebrity look like a bad thing. I agree that Obama is probably the biggest celebrity in the world, and his supporters are more like fans who idolize him. I don't, however, think that affects his ability to lead.

If John McCain is going to continue to pull the "celebrity" card, then he better get tabs on his daughter. Meghan McCain is almost as publicity hungry as I am, and she's definitely doing everything she can to become a celebrity from blogging to rubbing elbows with the stars in West Hollywood.

Meghan is even running around with Heidi Montag from "The Hills." Two publicity whores are better than one, I guess! I hope their find their "celebrity status!"

The Obama campaign has also created their own ad to attack John McCain on his "celebrity" status too.

This is going to get really nasty before it is all said and done in November.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Team Obama announced on Sunday that the presumptive Democratic nominee will notify his supporters first about his pick for Vice-President via e-mail and text.

In an e-mail to supporters, Obama's campaign manager David Plouffe writes, "Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign -- choosing a running mate. You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice."

I suppose anyone, supporter or not could get in on this. All you have to do is follow this link to sign-up.

The Obama campaign did not give indication as to when the announcement will come, but I expect it to come during the Olympics.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The New York Supreme Court looks like they are going to stick behind their Governor as David Paterson is being sued by the Alliance Defense Fund.

The right wing Christian group from Arizona claims Gov. Paterson overstepped his bounds when he issued an executive orde calling for state agencies to recognize same-sex unions performed legally outside of New York.

Justices on the court drilled the Alliance Defense Fund's reps over their definition of the term "marriage."

Gov. Paterson makes me so proud to be a New Yorker!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Democratic National Convention is starting to sound like a Clinton-fest!

CNN is reporting that Bill Clinton will be speaking on Wednesday night of the convention later this month in Denver. That's the same night that the Barack Obama's Vice-Presidential pick will speak.

Hillary Clinton is schedule to address the convention on Tuesday night, considered by many to be the key note address. CNN is also reporting that Chelsea Clinton will also get a speaking role at the convention, likely introducing her mother.

Senator Clinton's votes may also be cast at the convention for history's sake. Hillary not only made history as a woman, she also earned more votes in a primary season than any other candidate for President in American history.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A man is being held in Florida police custody after threatening to kill Barack Obama.

Raymond Hunter Geisel was jailed without bail Thursday at a brief court hearing on the matter.

The Secret Service says Geisel made the threat to kill Obama during a training class for bail bondsmen in Miami in late July. Another tipster said Geisel also threatened President Bush.

The man, who says he is from Maine, claims that both accusations are false. Geisel says he didn't threaten Obama or President Bush.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Can the mayor continue to serve his term even if he's in jail? That's what the folks of Detroit are asking themselves today after Mayor Kwane Kilpatrick was ordered to jail.

Kilpatrick practically begged the judge to spare him on a bond violation for a July 23 trip to Windsor. The mayor even brought his sons to observe the case in hopes that the judge might see his respect for the system, but it didn't work.

"I respect this process more than I've respected any process in my life and I'm sorry," said Kilpatrick, who wore a gray suit.

"I did violate the conditions of this bond."

Kilpatrick said he violated court orders to complete a job for the city, but that doesn't seem to matter.

Despite the fact that Kwane Kilpatrick tried to demonstrate his love for Detroit, 36th District Judge Ronald Giles didn't buy it.

"That's what I have to do," Judge Giles said. "The court is revoking your bond, that all travel be suspended, and two, that you to be remanded to Wayne County Jail."

Mayor Kilpatrick will at least spend the night in jail while his attorney appeals.

Kilpatrick was indicted in March for lying under oath about an affair with his chief of staff and firing a police officer investigating reports of a wild party at the mayor's mansion.

What do you think? Should Detroit Mayor Kwane Kilpatrick resign from office?

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Keep on listening Evan Bayh, because your invite to join the Democratic ticket could still come.

It just didn't happen on Wednesday like some suspected while Barack Obama was working Indiana with Senator Bayh.

Everyone is talking about who Obama and John McCain are looking at as possible Vice-Presidential nominees.

Obama should go with Hillary Clinton to form that "dream ticket" that everyone has been talking about since the election started.

McCain should go with Mitt Romney in an attempt to secure the far-right conservatives.

And then again they could both screw it up and make the race a battle 'til the end.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The National Stonewall Democrats have announced that more gays and lesbians will be in attendance at the Democratic National Convention later this month in Denver. They've managed to increase the number by 27% since the last election.

"The Democratic Party is being positively shaped by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates who believe in Democratic principles of fair play, hard work, security at home and equal opportunity for all," said NSD Executive Director Jon Hoadley.

A total of 358 participants from 48 states have signed on for this year's Denver event, running from August 25 to August 28. Congratulations to the Stonewall Democrats on a job well done!

Go gay!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A Christian group from Arizona has wondered their way into New York State's business as they plan to sue Governor David Paterson for allowing gay marriages performed in other states to be recognized in the Empire State.

The Alliance Defense Fund, a group of right-wing busy bodies, is suing Gov. Paterson citing an online dictionary's definition of the word "marriage." The gay-suppressing Christian group claims that legal recognition of out of state gay marriages "will undermine the democratic process and force taxpayer dollars to fund benefits for same-sex couples."

I think they need to take their asses back to Arizona and stay out of our business. How would they like it if a bunch of gays went there and tried to ban straight stupidity? The members of the Alliance Defense Fund would be screwed!

The case goes to court for the first time on Thursday.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As we told you earlier this week, rumor has it Evan Bayh is going to be Barack Obama's pick for Vice-President.

Blogger Bill Browning seems to be convinced.

Here are his thoughts:

1. The Olympics start on Friday and run until the Democratic convention starts. He won't want to compete with the Olympics for press coverage. He'll announce before the Olympics starts. If he announces on Wednesday morning, he'll get coverage all day and be on the news cycle until the Opening Ceremonies knock him off the top spot.

2. Barack Obama is coming to the state on Tuesday afternoon for a campaign stop in Elkhart, Indiana. He'll be attending with Evan Bayh. The press has been told to plan on staying until Wednesday afternoon/evening. Why would he spend so much time in Indiana with nothing on his public calendar?

3. Staying around Indiana allows Obama and Bayh to travel to Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio - all important states in this election. When you've just announced your VP, those are states you'll want to visit - especially since Bayh's reputation will help the most in those states.

4. The website ObamaBayh08.com is taken. For a tiny sliver of time late last week, you could type in the URL and you'd be forwarded to another site. Where do you think it took you? The Democratic Party website.

Senator Bayh, himself, says that Obama hasn't even asked him.

What do you think? Is Evan Bayh going to be Barack Obama's running mate?

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This Presidential election has just taken a turn that no other election has ever taken.

Paris Hilton is sounding off in an ad of her own that is somewhat of a spoof of John McCain's ad which compared Barack Obama to Hilton and Britney Spears.

Watch Paris' response below, brought to you by the people at FunnyorDie.com:

Hilarious or what?! It's good to know that Paris HIlton has a good attitude about being dogged by both campaigns.

Who knew Paris had her own energy plan?!

Now we've heard from Barack Obama,. John McCain and Paris Hilton. Who is next?!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama seems to have lost all of the points he gained during his highly publicized visits to Afghanistan and Iraq in the latest Gallup poll. Following the trip, Obama lead John McCain by 9-percentage points.

The Gallup Daily tracking poll shows that voters favored Obama over McCain 46 to 43 percent.

McCain bounce follows two advertising campaigns against Obama. The first painted the Democratic nominee as the biggest celebrity in the world comparing him to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton. The second called Obama arrogant, distancing him from the common man.

The election is less than 100 days away.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rumor has it Barack Obama has decided to go with avid Hillary Clinton supporter Evan Bayh as his running mate on the Democratic ticket.

Bayh has been on Obama's shortlist since the Vice Presidential selection process began. In addition to being a very close friend to Senator Clinton, Bayh would have likely been on her shortlist too if the New York Senator would have snagged the Democratic nod.

Evan Bayh is a very popular Senator for Indiana, a state that could be crucial in November.

Add fuel to the fire, ObamaBayh08.com is currently being rerouted to the Democratic party's official website. The Obama campaign is also sending out private invites to the media for an unscheduled event this Wednesday.

The timing is perfect as politics will take a back seat to the Olympics over the next few weeks.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nancy Pelosi is evidently using her position as Speaker of the House to push her favorite for Vice-President on the Democratic ticket.

CNN is reporting that Speaker Pelosi wants 9-term Texas Congressman Chet Edwards to join the ticket. Edwards represents a district in central Texas that includes President Bush’s ranch in Crawford.

“I didn't want to see a discussion of candidates for vice president without showing the House of Representatives," Pelosi said on Sunday. "I just wanted people to be aware of the extraordinary credentials of Chet Edwards. And I hope he will be the nominee.”

Pelosi did also give a list of other viable candidates with whom she would place her stamp of approval.

"Senator Dodd, Senator Biden, Senator Hillary Clinton — there's such a great array of people from whom Senator Obama can choose. So, anyone of them, I'm fine with."

I'm still hoping for a dream ticket with Senator Clinton.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As you know, I am an undecided voter for the first time in my life leaving me to try and fairly cover this year's presidential election. The rest of the media, however, seems to be in love with Barack Obama and very upset that John McCain's new ad has compared the presumptive Democratic nominee to Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

Watch it here:

There was another blood bath "heated discussion" on the the View this morning when Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar and Sherry Shepherd teamed up on Elizabeth Hasselbeck who says the ad isnt' so bad.

I agree, big deal! Obama is a celebrity and his supporters have hoisted him to that level. Get over, it's true!

Another ABC show, "Good Morning America" also pitched their own little fit about it this morning.

Chris Cuomo opened "GMA" with: "Some odd campaign news today. There's a round of new campaign commercials that really have us scratching our heads here."

A bewildered Sawyer agreed: "What sort of committee meeting do you have where you say, 'Let's use Britney!' 'Let's use Paris!' Yes, that'll be a blow!"

Personally, I say it isn't that bad! Big deal, Barack Obama is a celebrity. It has nothing to do with his ability to lead the country!

What do you think?

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Polls in Berlin show that Barack Obama is in the lead.

While I'm only kidding, you would have thought that Germans could vote in the US elections today as Democratic nominee Barack Obama addressed the largest crowd in the history of his campaign.

As you can see in this photo, people flooded to hear Obama speak near where the Berlin Wall once stood. His campaign is reporting that at least 200,000 people were in attendance.

Here's the video compliments of MSNBC:

Many say Obama's speech in Berlin today was reminicent of previous mass gatherings held by John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan.

He is, afterall, running to be the leader of the free world.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a strange move to defend Senator Barack Obama and bash Senator John McCain, Vanity Fair has spoofed the recent New Yorker magazine cover that took a jab at Obama.

On their cover, Vanity Fair shows the McCain's doing an Obama fist-bump and Cindy is holding an arm full of prescription drugs. I'm not sure if they're calling Mrs. McCain a druggy or making fun of the fact that John requires so much health care.

Inside, a short article talks about why they chose this cover.

"We had our own presidential campaign cover in the works, which explored a different facet of the Politics of Fear, but we shelved it when The New Yorker's became the "It Girl" of the blogosphere," Vanity Fair writes. "Now, however, in a selfless act of solidarity with our downstairs neighbors here at the Condé Nast building, we'd like to share it with you. Confidentially, of course."

The two magazines evidently have a "friendly" rivalry going on. We've heard they even play softball against one another. What corporate fun!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The National Enquirer is back on the trail of the a story that claims former Senator and Vice-Presidential contender John Edwards had an affair and love child with documentarian Rielle Hunter.

The folks at Enquirer want their story to make it to the main stream so badly that they have reporters and photographers following Hunter and baby around.

According to their latest report, the spies claim to have caught Edwards deck into the Beverly Hilton last night at 9pm (where Hunter had two rooms rented under someone else's name). He evidently didn't leave until almost 3am. When he did come out of the hotel, the photographers and reporters chased him.

Reporter Alan Butterfield says he confronted Edwards in the basement as here's his report:

"Shocked to see a reporter, and without saying anything, Edwards ran up the stairs leading from the hotel basement to the lobby. But, spotting a photographer, he doubled back into the basement. As he emerged from the stairwell, reporter Butterfield questioned him about his hookup with Reille.

Edwards did not answer and then ran into a nearby restroom. He stayed inside for about 15 minutes, refusing to answer questions from the NATIONAL ENQUIRER about what he was doing in the hotel. A group of hotel security men eventually escorted him from the men's room, while preventing the NATIONAL ENQUIRER reporters from following him out of the hotel."

It seems a bit far-fetched, but you never can tell!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has wooed over some gay voters, but a lot remain undecided; according to a new Harris Interactive poll.

Obama leads John McCain among registered voters 44 percent to 35 percent, while Bob Barr, the Libertarian candidate and Ralph Nader each receive 2 percent.

Sixteen percent of registered gay voters are not sure whether they will vote for Obama, McCain or one of the third party candidates if they vote at all. This still leaves the election up for grabs.

The results of this Harris Poll were complied from 2,690 adults surveyed online July 3-11 by Harris Interactive.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

James Dobson has evidently had a change of heart. The "Focus on the Family" cult leader originally said he wouldn't consider voting for McCain. The tides may, however, be turning.

"While I am not endorsing Senator John McCain, the possibility is there that I might," Dr. Dobson said in a Focus on the Family radio broadcast on Monday.

Dobson and his guest, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Albert Mohler, spent the morning bashing Barack Obama.

"I find Barack Obama a very attractive candidate and I would want to vote for him," Mohler said. "But the closer I look at his positions, the more alarmed I become. ... We are looking at the most liberal candidate that we have ever seen in American history," he added.

"I think he is more liberal and extreme than most Democrats in the Senate," Dobson replied.

Dobson says that while neither candidate is consistent with his views, McCain's positions are closer by a wide margin.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain and Rudy Giuliani took a trip to Yankee Stadium for a photo op and some free P.R.

The Yankees fans even chanted for a "McCain-Giuliani" ticket.

"You hear all kinds of stuff, but I'm not thinking about anything but helping to get him elected," Giuliani said. "Beyond the fact that he's the candidate of my party, he's a very good friend."

Despite the fact that Giuliani and McCain campaigned against each other at one time, Rudy was quick to endorse the now presumptive Republican nominee when he quit the race.

It might a long shot to see Giuliani on the ticket. He is more liberal than McCain, and right now the Republicans are trying to look a bit more conservative.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

STUPID BITCHES CLUB

This could be one of the dumbest things I have ever heard!

Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart is running for re-election, but he is evidently a little worried that the gays might hold him back.

Rinehart's campaign is mailing out a comic book to voters that makes fun of homosexuals criticizes Rinehart's political opponents. It features a man and woman admiring Rinehart's often-controversial political career.

The politicians who are called in Rinehart's comics aren't too happy!

"A drowning man tends to thrash about,” state Attorney General Drew Edmondson, one of the targets in the book, said through a spokesman. "Nothing Rinehart says is worthy of comment or rebuttal.”

Sheriff John Whetsel, another target of the comic book, called it "extremely pathetic and very bigoted. I was taken back that in 2008, a candidate would use that type of inflammatory material and do it under the name of being a Christian.”

Other characters in the comic include an angel, who supports Rinehart, and Satan, who supports Rinehart's critics.

Commissioner Rinehart just earned himself a spot in the GaySocialites.com Stupid Bitches Club.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earlier this month, Jesse Jackson got busted saying some not so nice things about Barack Obama.

On July 6th, we learned that Jackson said:

"See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based … I want cut his nuts off … Barack … he’s talking down to black people.”

Now the entire transcript has been released and as it turns out, Jackson dropped the "n-word."

"Barack...he's talking down to black people...telling n—s how to behave."

Fox News maintains there is more on the tape, but that the un-aired portion was not relevant to the issue at hand: about whether Obama was "talking down" to the black community.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

During each election, Jibjab.com is just as popular as the election results.

Here is Jib Jab's first stab at Barack Obama and John McCain titled "It's time for some campaigning."

The video features everyone from President Bush to should-be President Hillary Clinton (I had to!) and former President Bill Clinton including both McCain and Obama.

You know that the Obama supporters don't like their team candidate to be made fun of, and the Republicans don't even want to think about McCain dying. I wonder how the respective candidates and their campaigns will take this Jib Jab stab?

I think it is brilliant! If we can't laugh at politicians, then who can we laugh at?!

Additionally, you can put yourself in the campaign spoof video. Go to jibjab.com to find out how!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If John McCain would keep his mouth shut, then he might pick up a few gay votes.

However, McCain keeps blabbing giving us many more reasons to jump on the Obama bandwagon or vote for Bob Barr.

In an interview published in Sunday's New York Times, Senator McCain said he agrees with President Bush that gay couples shouldn't be allowed to adopt.

"Q: President Bush believes that gay couples should not be permitted to adopt children. Do you agree with that?

Mr. McCain: I think that we’ve proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no I don’t believe in gay adoption.

Q: Even if the alternative is the kid staying in an orphanage, or not having parents.

Mr. McCain: I encourage adoption and I encourage the opportunities for people to adopt children I encourage the process being less complicated so they can adopt as quickly as possible. And Cindy and I are proud of being adoptive parents.

Q: But your concern would be that the couple should a traditional couple

Mr. McCain: Yes."

It is nauseating, isn't it?

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bernie Mac is coming under fire for some comments he made at a Barack Obama fundraiser in Chicago over the weekend.

The star of "The Bernie Mac Show" evidently crossed the line when he joked about menopause, sexual infidelity and promiscuity even using occasional crude language.

"My little nephew came to me and he said, 'Uncle, what's the difference between a hypothetical question and a realistic question?'" Mac said. "I said, I don't know, but I said, 'Go upstairs and ask your mother if she'd make love to the mailman for $50,000.'"

Someone from the crowd eventually yelled, ""It's not funny. Let's get Barack on."

Later, Obama tried to land a joke of his own:

"We can't afford to be divided by race. We can't afford to be divided by region or by class and we can't afford to be divided by gender, which by the way, that means, Bernie, you've got to clean up your act next time," Obama said. "This is a family affair. By the way, I'm just messing with you, man."

"Sen. Obama told Bernie Mac that he doesn't condone these statements and believes what was said was inappropriate," spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement after the event.

Obama has gotten himself in a lot of hot water with his choice of speakers. Maybe he'll denounce Bernie Mac too...

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here is the latest New Yorker Magazine cover featuring a cartoon sketch of Barack and Michelle Obama doing the "fist bump" while she totes a machine gun and he's in a turban and full garb.

The New Yorker is definitely under fire, because the drama doesn't stop there. In the background of the drawing is a photos of Osama bin Laden with an American flag burning in the fire place.

Barack Obama's campaign is condemning the New Yorker magazine cover as “tasteless and offensive,” and the McCain camp says they agree.

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement: “The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Sen. Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create. But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."

McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds quickly e-mailed: “We completely agree with the Obama campaign, it’s tasteless and offensive.”

The New Yorker says it's satire. Inside is an article about Obama's start in Chicago politics. The magazine goes on sale one week from today on July 21st.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How would you rank our Presidential contenders? In a recent AP Yahoo poll, survey says that most people describe John McCain as "old" and Barack Obama as an "outsider."

McCain is often associated with the war while Obama is most associated with a lack of experience.

The AP Yahoo poll also suggests that Obama has the biggest problem with growing negative impressions. That basically means that the more voters get to him, the less they like him.

The election is nearly four months away, so it looks like it is anyone's game!

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Former White House press secretary Tony Snow has died of cancer, according to his former employer Fox News. He was 53 years old.

Snow only spent just over a year and a half as press secretary. He resigned saying he needed to make more money. From there he took a job with CNN as a conservative commentator.

Before taking a gig with President Bush, Snow worked for Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio.

Snow, once a heavy Bush critic, did an amazing job of explaining and defending the president's policies as Bush's popular plummeted.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Anti-gay Republican Alabama Attorney General Troy King is actually homo himself! He just looks like a big flamer doesn't he?!

That's the word on the street after Troy's wife, Paige, caught King in the bed with one of his male aides. Even worse, Troy was screwing his male assistant in Paige's bed.

She, evidently, has thrown him out of their home. Meanwhile King's political career hangs in limbo.

The anti-gay activists has been called the front runner to become Governor of Alabama in 2010. King previously served as Assistant Attorney General and was appointed to Attorney General by Alabama Governor Bob Riley in 2004.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mitt Romney is trying to look as conservative as humanly possible as he tops the "short list" to become John McCain's running mate.

Now, Mitt is going to stand firm on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

When asked if it is time to repeal the outdated measure, Romney said:

"You know, I don’t think so. I think particularly at a time of conflict, as we’re experiencing in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is not the time to be putting in place a major change in policy and trying to accommodate all of the adjustments that that would require. That’s something which clearly we’ll learn from the military and the people who are responsible for managing our troops down the road. But certainly now is not the time to make a change of that nature."

I thought it was basically common knowledge now that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is stupid?

On Wednesday, Mitt was talking up McCain's economic plan. Anything to be V.P., huh?

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Jesse Jackson has come under fire for making what he called "hurtful and wrong" comments during a taping for Fox News on Sunday.

From what I understand, Jackson said that Obama was "talking down" to black people during his mega speeches instead of addressing issues that concern the black community such as unemployment, the mortgage crisis and the number of blacks in prison.

In other words, Jesse Jackson basically called Barack Obama an elitist. I'm also sure that Jackson didn't use the best words to discuss it.

What's the big deal? On Wednesday Jackson held a press conference and apologized.

I don't think its that big of a deal, do you?

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The pets on our staff are still undecided, but nationally it looks like our four legged friends are leaning Republican this election year!

An AP-Yahoo News poll found that pet owners favor John McCain over Barack Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with McCain leading for Best in Show among dog owners.

Dog owners in particular are leaning towards McCain according to the report. Worth adding, the McCain family has several pets - more than a dozen!

McCain's pets include Sam the English springer spaniel, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, Oreo the black and white cat, a ferret, three parakeets, a bunch of saltwater fish and more!

On the flip side, non-pet owners are in Obama's corner by commanding numbers at 48 to 34 percent. The Obama family doesn't have any pets.

In this poll McCain comes out on top, especially since the majority of American homes have at least one pet.

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One of Hillary Clinton's top advisers has a new job. Howard Wolfson is joining FOX News as Democratic analyst.

"Fox has the largest audience in cable television -- many of its viewers are independents who will help decide the next election," said Wolfson in an e-mail confirmation this afternoon. "It's critically important for strong progressives to be talking to and offering analysis to that audience."

Wolfson will remain a partner at the Glover Park Group -- a major consulting firm in Washington, D.C.

As for jumping on the Obama-bandwagon like other Clinton supporters, Wolfson said he was focused on his work at GPG and with FOX.

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Florida Governor Charlie Crist got engaged to New York socialite Carol Rome over the weekend making it look more likely that he is vying for a spot along John McCain on the Republican ticket.

Crist is probably also hoping that his engagement will crush rumors that he is a closeted homosexual. We all know happens to gay governors (Jim McGreevey). Imagine if one made it to Washington.

A reporter asked Crist his reaction to some people's preoccupation with his sexuality, and sexual orientation. Charlie responded, "Well, you know, when you're in the public eye, and being governor of Florida that's inevitable, you know, I don't really focus on it, I'm just damn glad I found such a wonderful lady."

Local media is reporting that Governor Crist and Rome are planning a fall wedding, most likely a small ceremony in St. Petersburg. (Probably just before a certain election thus drumming up tons of free publicity for the GOP ticket. I'm just saying....)

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's hard to believe that November's general election is barely under way and folks in California are already eying a run for Governor in 2010.

As you know, sexy San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has already started his campaign with an exploratory committee. The new gay marriage laws could help and hurt Newsom, the pioneer to Cali's Supreme Court ruling.

There are also two other big shot Dems waiting in the wings. Also considering a run as run for Governor is Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Villaraigosa is not only a well-like Mayor in the state's largest city, he is also the first Hispanic elected speaker of the California Assembly.

Then there's former two-term governor and current Attorney General Jerry Brown. At 70 years old, he definitely has the most experience and is very well liked among California old timers.

Democrats are hoping to take back the governor's office often held by moderate Republicans like Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Governator can't run again due to term limits.

So far, my money is on Newsom.

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Barack Obama's chartered flight to a campaign stop in Charlotte, North Carolina was rerouted to St. Louis after the plane seemed to experience some problems.

According to a Fox News reporter on the aircraft:

"As the plane ascended, the plane seemed to push down at one point before bouncing up quickly - one of the traveling press gasped audibly - the rest chalked it up to turbulence.

About 20 to 30 minutes into the flight, an Obama adviser informed press we would be landing not in Charlotte as planned due to mechanical problems. Flight attendants who normally let press get away with unbuckled seat belts and keeping bags out asked us to clear the exit rows and buckle up."

Obama later answered a few questions for the media on the plane:

Soon after landing, Obama and his staffers left the airplane and headed for a nearby St. Louis hotel.

The presumptive Democratic nominee's campaign released this statement saying the Charlotte event has been tabled:

“While en route to North Carolina, Senator Obama’s plane was diverted to St. Louis for a maintenance check. The plane is remaining in St. Louis until the check is completed and as a result Senator Obama will not be able to hold his event today in Charlotte. Senator Obama will return to the Tar Heel state again soon and looks forward to a continuing discussion with hard-working North Carolina families about his agenda to strengthen our economy and bring the change America needs,” a statement read.

This particular aircraft is actually a substitute for the Obama campaign's chartered 757 which is being prepared for the general election.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is going where most Democrats don't really dare to go on a national level - after the evangelical Christian vote.

If elected Obama pledged $500 million a year in faith-based aid.

This truly crosses the political aisle as it is basically an expansion of a Bush administration program that has strong support from evangelical Christians.

Could Obama really win over the Christians? He sure thinks so!

"The challenges we face today, from putting people back to work to improving our schools, from saving our planet to combating HIV/AIDS to ending genocide, are simply too big for government to solve alone," he said. "We need all hands on deck."

Obama said he would work to get religious charities more involved in solving the nation's social problems, such as feeding the needy, helping educate poor children and providing job training for those who need it.

What do you think?

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Barack Obama and John McCain both agreed that the presumptive Republican nominee's military record should not be questioned.

On Sunday, Obama's top military adviser Wesley Clark questioned McCain's readiness to be President.

On this week's Face the Nation, Clark said McCain did not hold “executive responsibility in the Navy, adding, “I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be president.”

Today, Obama basically retracted those statements for Clark.

“For those who have fought under the flag of this nation – for the young veterans I meet when I visit Walter Reed; for those like John McCain who have endured physical torment in service to our country – no further proof of such sacrifice is necessary,” Obama said. “And let me also add that no one should ever devalue that service, especially for the sake of a political campaign, and that goes for supporters on both sides.”

McCain says he hopes to move past this type of mudslinging.

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Unity, it's not just a town in New Hampshire anymore it's the way of life for the Democratic party.

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama unified the Democratic party on Friday in Unity, New Hampshire marking their first major public appearance together.

The formal rivals spoke very highly of one another, and Obama stressed how much the Democratic party needs both Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The word "unity" was used more than one might expect, but both Clinton and Obama seemed very dedicated to bring their party together to beat John McCain in November.

Still no word on whether Hillary will join the ticket as Obama's Vice-President yet.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton introduced Barack Obama to her top fund raisers on Thursday night.

Senator Clinton asked the people who raised the most money for her campaign to make donations and help raise money for Obama.

Both Hillary and Barack said pretty much the same things. They understand how dedicated the supporters were to Clinton, and they each stressed how important it was to come together for the unity of the party.

This was their first official appearance together. Those inside the meeting say there was more tension between the supporters and Obama than Clinton and her former opponent.

"There was a little more tension in the room than more so on the stage I have to say," long time Clinton supporter Bill White said.

Obama paid Clinton $2,300 and so did his campaign, the maximum amount possible to help pay off her campaign debt.

Tomorrow Clinton will appear with Obama in Unity, N.H.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With the big unity mission in Unity, New Hampshire tomorrow, some good news for the Democrats.

As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama come together to campaign for the common cause, Obama is actually leading John McCain in polls from four battle ground states.

According to surveys conducted by Quinnipiac University for washingtonpost.com, here are the latest swing states results:

Obama leads McCain among Democrats and Independents in Michigan, Colorado, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

If Obama wins these four states and the traditionally Democratic states, it will be simple for the Democrats to take back the White House in November.

The Quinnipiac also shows Obama leading McCain by double digits while other polls, such as the Gallup daily tracking poll, show the race to be much tighter.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will appear together for the first time this week to push the Democratic ticket in November.

Senator Obama recently described what he is looking for in a runningmate.

"I want somebody who can be a good president if anything happened to me," Obama told a news conference in Chicago, Illinois.

"I want somebody who can be a good adviser and counsel to me and tell me where he or she thinks I'm wrong, not just on national security policy but on domestic policy as well."

He has also been speaking very highly of Senator Clinton a lot as if to do a little more than just introduce her as an ally.

"I think we'll have a terrific time together in New Hampshire and I think that she will be very effective going all the way through November," Obama told a news conference in Chicago.

What are the chances that this could be the point when the "Dream Ticket" is formed? The two are meeting in Unity, N.H. The interesting thing about Unity is that Clinton and Obama each got 107 votes there in the primary. A dead even tie.

I'd love to see the Democrats beat the Republicans to a complete ticket.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are now "scratching one another's backs."

Hillary is making appearances with Obama this week starting with a stop in Unity, Pennsylvania (how appropriate!)

Now, Barack Obama is asking his donors to help Hillary Clinton pay off her campaign debt. Is that honorable or what?!

In an afternoon teleconference with his top fundraisers, Obama asked them to "do what they could do" to help Clinton. Hillary ended her campaign $22 million in the hole. I guess that's the price of her 18 million supporters.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here come the right wing Christians.

We haven't seen or heard too much of the conservative Bible-thumpers in this election so far. Even though each of the candidates have had their pastoral controversy, the right-wing God squad has laid low.

Until now.

On Tuesday, "Focus on the Family" psycho pastor James Dobson is going to attack Barack Obama for "distorting" the Bible.

During the episode of his show, "Focus on the Family," Dobson will also accuse Obama of pushing a "fruitcake interpretation" of the Constitution.

I can't imagine that Dobson and McCain see eye-to-eye on very many things, but I guess he is much, much closer to the right than Obama.

This is going to get nasty. Bring on Al Sharpton.

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Even though he may be on the short list for both John McCain and Barack Obama, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he is not considering a run for the Vice-Presidency.

Bloomberg says the V.P. slot is a figurehead position.

“It adds a little luster to the podium," Mayor Mike said. "I think most vice presidents are selected on the basis of whether they can deliver home state and electoral votes.”

While no official offers have been confirmed, Bloomberg evidently met with McCain recently in New York and many Republicans say the possibility of a McCain/ Bloomberg ticket was discussed.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It doesn't look like the Republicans in Staten Island are going to be able to hold on to New York City's only GOP Congressional seat.

Frank Powers, the man primed to help the Republicans hold on to Vito Fossella, died in his sleep over the weekend. He was 67 years old.

Powers' son Brian, 23, read the following statement on behalf of the family outside their Staten Island home:

"Our dad, Frank Powers, passed away early this morning. As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family. We would appreciate privacy at this time as we make the necessary arrangements. We shall have more information when the final arrangements have been made. We thank you for your kindness and cooperation and ask you to keep our dad and our family in your prayers."

Fossella said he would not run for re-election after his DUI violation revealed he had a love child with a mistress in D.C.

The Democrats have two candidates running for the seat. The Republicans have none at this point.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has evidently opened up a significant early lead in the general election.

The latest Newsweek poll shows that Obama has a double-digit lead over McCain, 51 percent to 36 percent, among registered voters nationwide.

Obama leads among younger voters between 18 to 39 by 66 percent to 27 percent. The two candidates are statistically tied among older voters.

This gives Obama a big bounce as he and McCain were in a statistical tie during the last Newsweek poll. At that time, Obama was still facing Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michelle Obama made a campaign stop on "The View" today, and I have to admit - I kinda like her!

Michelle applauded Hillary Clinton saying "there’s always a level" of sexism involved in a situation like hers, and that Clinton cracked the glass ceiling for women everywhere.

Here's the opening clip of Michelle Obama on "The View":

Obama guest hosted the entire "Hot Topics," so it was basically all about her. I did like the way Michelle weighed in on normal "Hot Topic" issues when they came up.

It was basically a love fest with Michelle, but I expected as much.

I just didn't expect to like her as much as I did. During the primary season, Michelle came off very bitter to me. Watching her on today's episode of "The View," I saw a softer side to the Obama family.

"The View" co-hosts talked with Michelle about her comparisons to Jackie Kennedy and her fashion appeal, and Obama even admitted that she is taking notes from Laura Bush on being a good First Lady.

Who do you think would make a better first lady, Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain?

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Patti Solis Doyle has been announced as one of the newest senior staffers for the Obama campaign. She has been appointed the Chief of Staff for the unnamed Democratic runningmate.

Doyle was fired from Hillary Clinton's campaign in February and blamed for her poor performance on Super Tuesday.

Barack Obama's appointment of Doyle has left some former Clinton staffers scratching their heads since they think she did a horrible job on their campaign.

This could be a good and bad sign for those hoping for a Clinton Vice-Presidency. Obama may be positioning Doyle as his watch dog, someone to watch over Clinton as veep.

Or it could be bad news for a Clinton Vice-Presidency. Rumor has it Patti and Hillary hate each other and haven't spoke since she got canned.

Only time will tell....

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Calling him a "young leader" who believes that "we are not a red state America or a blue state America, we are the United States of America;" Al Gore endorsed Barack Obama before a huge crowd. The Obama campaign counted 20,000.

"Take it from me," Gore said, "elections matter."

"Even our dogs and cats have learned that elections matter," he said.

The Obamamaniacs in the crowd seemed like they were at a wrestling match. They "booed" Governor Jennifer Granholm when she spoke highly of Hillary Clinton and Gore when he praised John McCain.

Tacky, tacky, tacky!

It was expected that Gore would endorse the Democratic nominee but still significant that he is actively campaigning this year.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Al Gore, the man elected President but never got to serve his term, is endorsing Barack Obama for President.

In an email sent to supporters from the Obama campaign, Gore writes:
“From now through Election Day, I intend to do whatever I can to make sure he is elected President of the United States. Over the next four years, we are going to face many difficult challenges — including bringing our troops home from Iraq, fixing our economy, and solving the climate crisis. Barack Obama is clearly the candidate best able to solve these problems and bring change to America.”

Four years ago, Gore jumped the gun and endorsed Howard Dean who later quit during primary season. This year, the former Vice-President held out until a Democratic nominee was chosen. Gore probably regrets not running again, but I think he thought Hillary was a shoe-in.

Gore and Obama were scheduled to appear together in Detroit on Monday night.

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This year's Presidential race is already too-close-to-call!

The first Gallup poll is out as we enter the second full week of general election campaigning.

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are statistically even in the latest Gallup poll. Obama got 44 percent to McCain's 42 percent in tracking surveys conducted June 12-14. With the margin of error at +/- 4, there is no clear winner.

Obama seems to have the momentum over McCain after the Republican's failed attempts to corner the Democratic nominee on his turf at a town hall meeting.

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NOT SO UNIFIED. Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul ended his campaign this week, but Paul made no efforts for party unity. Instead of throwing his support behind the Republican nominee John McCain, the Republican congressman said he planned to help elect liberatarian-leaning Republicans to office across the US. That is obviously foreshadowing for what looks to be an endorsement for the liberatarian Presidential nominee Bob Barr. Paul was expected to concede at a campaign rally. Instead, he didn't end his campaign there. He released a statement later on his website.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A new polls shows that most New Yorkers favor Gov. David A. Paterson’s order to state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the state.

The Quinnipiac University poll showed that New Yorkers favor the Governor's plan by a margin of 53 percent to 40 percent.

The poll revealed a complex division of opinion when asked about whether same-sex marriage should be permitted in New York State:

42 percent said same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry;
31 percent said these couples should be allowed to form civil unions, but not marry;
21 percent said there should be no legal recognition of same-sex unions.

The poll found mixed results regarding Mr. Paterson’s political future. When asked who they wanted to see as the next Governor:

30 percent named Mayor Bloomberg;
26 percent named former Mayor Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani;
23 percent said they wanted to see Governor Paterson re-elected;
15 percent named State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo.

That's going to be a hard decision!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Now that Bill Clinton is retreating from his wife's Presidential campaign, two of his self proclaimed mistresses are trying to make a few bucks off of slutting around with Clinton.

Paula Jones and Gennifer Flowers are selling stories from their affairs with Clinton on the internet. Both Jones and Flowers claim to have had an affair with the former President.

The two old hags have created a Web site offering videos of their thoughts on Clinton, his wife Hillary and other matters. Each video segment is available for $1.99.

"It's a way we can get our story out there in our own words, without someone making their own interpretations or corrections," Jones said.

It's also a way for two old women who aren't pretty enough to sleep their way to the top to make a few bucks.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is going after John McCain in an area that Republicans normally feel pretty comfortable, the economy.

In a time when many Americans are scared to death about what might happen next, Obama seized the opportunity to lay out his plan for the economy.

Launching a two-week economics tour, Obama warned that McCain's policies on taxes, spending and energy would continue the nation's slump, which some are already calling a recession.

Obama called for new taxes on oil companies and wealthy individuals, as well as $1,000 tax cuts for most working families.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dennis Kucinich is determined to get George W. Bush out of the White House immediately.

Despite what his fellow Democrats said, Kucinich called for Bush's impeachment on Monday.

Kucinich says Bush should be impeached and removed from office for misleading the country into war against Iraq. Rep. Kucinich outlined his intention to propose more than two dozen charges against Bush on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Little Dennis the Menace is on his own on this one. His fellow Democrats don't even support him. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called the impeachment call a divisive move that Kucinich can't win.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It was a tough weekend for we Hillary supporters.

On Friday, I asked if Barack Obama wanted my vote, and at least this time I got some articualte responses from Obama supporters. I have also been signed up for Obama's campaign e-mail list. Thank you.

On Saturday, Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign for President and enthusiastically endorsed Barack Obama. Clinton called on her supporters to help elect Obama in November. I actually shed a tear.

Now, I see two candidates from which I must pick. I don't support either of them fully, so rather than making a quick decision; I am going to do my best to offer some fair and balanced election coverage.

Before all of the Obama and McCain supporters start writing me letters, it could be worse. At least I haven't joined PUMA which stands for Party Unity My Ass. They're a group of Hillary supporters who aren't necessarily going with Obama for Democratic party unity. The PUMA members will likely back McCain in November.

An endorsement may come later, but for now we'll help you explore the options and make an educated decision.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is going for the gay vote.

The Obama campaign sent out a letter to gay leaders, according to folks at Queerty. (We didn't get a copy).

In said letter, Obama promises for fight for "reach change for all LGBT Americans. I have the entire letter after the jump.

On Friday night, Obama also evidently called up some of Hillary Clinton's gay supporters to try and rally them behind his campaign. (We didn't get the call. It's a good thing I read other gay blogs!)

Obama clearly wants the gays to pull his lever in November.

Continue reading "Barack Obama is going for the gays" »

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton used Barack Obama's catch phrase "yes we can" as she asked her supporters to jump on the Obama-bandwagon.

Clinton addressed supporters on Saturday afternoon from Washington telling her supporters "yes we can" elect Barack Obama.

Some of Hillary's supporters seemed disappointed and not so quick to jump behind Barack Obama. Many refused to clap when Obama's name was mentioned while others gave the thumbs down.

Clinton asked those supporters to take a minute to look at where we stand saying that Obama is definitely a better choice than John McCain.

Senator Clinton suspended her campaign and will hold on to her delegates as a way of helping pay down her campaign debts.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton will suspend her historic run for President today and endorse Barack Obama.

Clinton is expected to say all the right things for party unity and likely pave the path to eventually run as Obama's Vice-President.

The Clinton campaign announced on Friday that they will run Hillary's concession speech in its entirety on her website, HillaryClinton.com, beginning at noon.

The Democrats are depending on Hillary to take the first step toward party unity by signing Obama's praises and persuading even her anti-Obama supporters to help bring the party together.

We will have full coverage throughout the day.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Human Rights Camaign endorsed Barack Obama for President today. Their Friday morning announcement was no shocker. The HRC has a tendency to lean to towards Democrats.

"HRC is proud to throw our full support behind Senator Obama’s presidential campaign," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

"Senator Obama has consistently shown that he understands, as we do, that, GLBT rights are civil rights, and human rights. Senator Obama has said that embracing ‘our gay brothers and sisters’ is true to Martin Luther King’s vision; I know that Senator Obama’s vision is one of equality, fairness, and justice for all of us," Solmonese added.

"We have just witnessed a historic primary contest in which two champions of our community demonstrated that they hear our voices and share our dreams. For millions across this country, their candidacies—as the first woman and the first African American to be top contenders for the nomination of a major party—have already been life-changing, inspiring, and groundbreaking. Senators Obama and Clinton both remained our allies whether they were campaigning in New Mexico or Nebraska; in California or Kansas. They are, quite simply, heroes to anyone fighting for equality."

The HRC went on to justify why they jumped on the Obama bandwagon ranging from his stance on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and increased funding for fighting HIV/AIDS.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UNDECIDED. This weekend when Hillary Clinton suspends her candidacy, I'll become an undecided voter. I have found myself wondering lately if Barack Obama and his campaign actually want my support. After getting some gracious e-mails from John McCain's campaign and his supporters and none from the Obama camp, I find myself torn. Does Barack Obama really want my vote? The McCain folks sure seem to be trying harder. Could the Republicans be more saavy in this regard? Will I ever get one of those wonderful Obama speeches in writing? I penned an op-ed piece for our sister-site, The Socialite Report. Please bop over and read it. I'd love your feedback. Just email your comments to charles@gaysocialites.com.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SHHHHHHH. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton held a private meeting in the Clinton's Washington, DC home last night. According to aides, Clinton asked Obama for the meeting on Thursday night. Senator Obama was scheduled to fly back to Chicago last night for after a rally in Virginia. Instead, he avoided the press and his "peeps" to meet with his formal rival. Hillary says she will suspend her historic campaign on Saturday and endorse Obama. Many Clinton supporters are waiting to make their move until a Vice-President is chosen.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I literally cried when I read this letter that Hillary Clinton sent to supporters announcing that she will suspend her Presidential bid on Wednesday.

"I wanted you to be one of the first to know: on Saturday, I will hold an event in Washington D.C. to thank everyone who has supported my campaign. Over the course of the last 16 months, I have been privileged and touched to witness the incredible dedication and sacrifice of so many people working for our campaign. Every minute you put into helping us win, every dollar you gave to keep up the fight meant more to me than I can ever possibly tell you.

On Saturday, I will extend my congratulations to Senator Obama and my support for his candidacy. This has been a long and hard-fought campaign, but as I have always said, my differences with Senator Obama are small compared to the differences we have with Senator McCain and the Republicans.

I have said throughout the campaign that I would strongly support Senator Obama if he were the Democratic Party's nominee, and I intend to deliver on that promise.

When I decided to run for president, I knew exactly why I was getting into this race: to work hard every day for the millions of Americans who need a voice in the White House.

I made you -- and everyone who supported me -- a promise: to stand up for our shared values and to never back down. I'm going to keep that promise today, tomorrow, and for the rest of my life.

I will be speaking on Saturday about how together we can rally the party behind Senator Obama. The stakes are too high and the task before us too important to do otherwise.

I know as I continue my lifelong work for a stronger America and a better world, I will turn to you for the support, the strength, and the commitment that you have shown me in the past 16 months. And I will always keep faith with the issues and causes that are important to you.

In the past few days, you have shown that support once again with hundreds of thousands of messages to the campaign, and again, I am touched by your thoughtfulness and kindness.

I can never possibly express my gratitude, so let me say simply, thank you.

Sincerely,
Hillary Rodham Clinton"

I am now officially an undecided voter.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Anderson Cooper, who has been providing some crappy political coverage lately, evidently wants to be Democratic superdelegate Donna Brazile's boo.

Donna is one of my favorite Democrats, but someone needs to tell Anderson that Ms. Brazile is not a drag queen. I'm sure Cooper would be very disappointed if he spent on this time on Donna and later realized that she isn't a male.

Still, Anderson Cooper wants to be Donna Brazile's boo...

Definitely a cute video and a highlight of this season's election coverage on CNN.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

IT IS OVER. As sad as I am to report this... Hillary Clinton's advisers say she will suspend her campaign on Saturday and endorse her opponent Barack Obama. Hillary had a long phone conversation with her supporters in Congress where she was urged to drop out of the race and unify the Democratic party. Obama has been singing Hillary's praises, so the dream ticket of having both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the Democratic ticket is looking very likely. This officially makes me an undecided voter. Both John McCain and Barack Obama have a lot of work to do to get my support!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has evidently picked three people to head his search for a Vice-President.

On the veep commitee are Caroline Kennedy has taken on the process with high-profile Democratic insiders Jim Johnson and Eric Holder.

Obama campaign staffers confirmed that Kennedy, Johnson and Holder have begun compiling information on potential running mates.

They haven't mentioned any names yet.

If they want the Hillary Democrats, one name had better rise to the top of that veep list quickly! I'm just saying!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

CNN should be ashamed of their Tuesday night election coverage lead by Wolfe Blitzer and nancy pants Anderson Cooper.

This self proclaimed news outlet is doing everything they can to keep the Democrats divided. I am not sure if closeted Cooper is working the Republicans or if they just hate the Clintons, but the CNN coverage could be summed up as Hillary bashing!

The only person on their heavily pro-Obama weighted panel who spoke any sense was Democratic superdelegate Donna Brazile, and they quickly pulled her off when she didn't tag on to the Obama-bandwagon.

The rest of the CNN's self proclaimed "Best Political Team on Television" did everything they could to take as much away from Hillary as she could.

Both Clinton and Obama have made history. As Americans, we should be proud without taking anything away from either of these pioneers.

CNN's pathetic coverage is both gross and shameful.

They should give me some airwaves!

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite initial reports, it ain't over!

Hillary Clinton is denying reports that she will leave the race for the Democratic nomination on Tuesday evening after the last two states vote.

Montana and South Dakota will cast their ballots all day Tuesday. Hillary is expected to win big in South Dakota while Barack Obama holds a slight lead in Montana.

In the past 24-hours, at least 14 superdelegates have endorsed Obama. His campaign hopes to cross the finish line before the end of the day Tuesday.

The Associated News reported Tuesday morning that Clinton planned to concede the nomination to Obama later that night. The Clinton campaign says that isn't the case.

Polls continue to indicate that Hillary Clinton would fare better against Republican John McCain than Obama would.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Senator Ted Kennedy is recovering following brain surgery to cut out as much of his cancerous brain tumor as possible.

Kennedy was evidently awake during the 3 1/2 hours of risky and delicate surgery. The crazy thing is, right after surgery Ted Kennedy hit the campaign trail from his hospital bed releasing this statement:

"After completing treatment, I look forward to returning to the United States Senate and to doing everything I can to help elect Barack Obama as our next president."

From here Senator Kennedy will have to under go chemo therapy and radiation

Doctors found the tumor last month after Kennedy suffered a seizure at his home on Cape Cod.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama could very well be laying the ground work to ask Hillary Clinton to join him on the Democratic ticket.

On Monday, the Obama campaign announced that they hope to cross the delegate finish line by the end of the night on Tuesday and give a speech to accept the Democratic nod after Montana and South Dakota hold their primaries.

At a campaign stop in Michigan, Obama made the following statement leading some to believe that he might ask Hillary to be his Vice-President in the days to come:

"Senator Clinton has run an outstanding race, she is an outstanding public servant and she and I will be working together in November," Obama said.

I can't imagine voting for Obama for President. The only way I would even consider it is if Hillary is on the ticket too.

While I would rather see Hillary Clinton become President, I would completely trust her decision to run for Vice-President if that's what it comes down to.

First, Obama has to get the nomination... and that hasn't happened yet. It may not even happen Tuesday. We'll just have to wait and see!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

ALMOST. So, evidently John McCain almost promised to only serve one term in the White House if elected President this year. If Barack Obama were to nab the Democratic nomination without Hillary Clinton on the ticket, a pledge for only one term could be an easy way for McCain to win over some angry Clinton Democrats who cringe at the thought of voting for Obama. McCain in 2008 could pave the way for Clinton in 2012 if it comes down to that. I'm just saying...

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Even though the polls have just closed in Puerto Rico, CNN is projecting that Hillary Clinton will win that commonwealth by a landslide.

Clinton lead the polls by double digits going into Sunday's election, and Hillary has always done well among Hispanic voters.

CNN's exclusive exit polls show that Clinton won across every demographic in Puerto Rico. Hillary even won more significantly in demographics such as wealthier, educated voters... areas in which Obama has been winning so far.

Assuming that Senator Clinton wins by as big of a margin as CNN is projecting in Puerto Rico, that will put Hillary in the lead of the popular vote.

Two more states, Montana and South Dakota, vote in the Democratic primary on Tuesday. From there, it's up to the super delegates.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The DNC rules committee has voted to seat the entire Michigan delegation with 1/2 vote each. This means that Hillary Clinton gets another mark in the win category and an addiitonal boost in the popular work.

While this isn't exactly what the Clinton campaign had hoped for, this will definitely put the super delegates in a very intersting position to choose the Democratic nominee.

To secure the party's nomination, 2118 delegates are now needed. No candidate stands a chance of reaching that point without super delegate support.

By a vote of 19 to 8, the motion carried to seat all of Michigan's delegates despite the fact that they will not receive a full vote.

The debate was heated at times, and the audience made it very clear that they were not happy with all of the decisions that the committee made.

The Democratic National Convention will take place this summer in Denver.

The Clinton campaign plans to challenge this ruling through the crudentials committee. Under this ruling, Obama will be given the votes that were undecided despite the fact that his name wasn't even on the ballot.

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The Democratic National Committee has just voted to restore Florida's delegation at the party's convention. The Florida delegates will not get all of the votes back, however each voter will get one-half vote.

Twenty-seven members of the DNC's rules committee voted in favor of this motion.

That means Hillary Clinton will net 19 delegates since she won more pledged delegates in Florida, and give her the win in that state boosting her position in the popular vote.

The DNC is now discussing the options for the delegates in the state of Michigan. A motion has been made to do something very similar in Michigan.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

The Democratic National Committee has rejected a motion to seat all Florida delegates with full voting rights at the convention in Denver this summer.

The vote failed by a vote of 12 to 15.

The room of spectator and Democratic leaders exploded with boos and a chant of "Denver, Denver" leading one to believe that this Democratic race will go all the way until the Democratic National Convention rather than ending after Tuesday's final primaries.

A new motion is on the table. We will keep you posted.

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It is about time that someone finally speaks up about the Obama campaigns misuse of words to make their shady behavior seem justified.

Harold Ickes, a senior adviser to the Clinton campaign, called out Barack Obama and his supporter Robert Wexler for saying they concede to Clinton in Florida by jumping on board with the Ausman petition which would seat the delegates with only 1/2 of a vote each.

"Concession?" said Ickes. "Gimme a break. Under their formula, Hillary Clinton loses delegates, not gains delegates. It is just a perversion of the word to call that a concession."

Ickes has asked all remaining super delegates to stay in the undecided column until after a decision regarding Florida and Michigan votes is reached.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DECISION DAY FOR DEMOCRATS. The Democratic National Committee's rules sub-committee will meet on Saturday to decide whether delegates from Florida and Michigan should be seated at the Democratic convention this summer. FL and MI were stripped of their delegates for moving their primary dates ahead of Super Duper Tuesday. At the time, the DNC decided to take all of their votes - but they also probably never thought this election would come down to the wire as it has. Supporters for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have lined the streets outside of the DNC's meeting in Washington. We will keep you posted throughout the day as details are made available.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GAY, STRAIGHT OR TAKEN? Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has been tagged at the top of John McCain's short list for Vice-Presidential possiblities, but there is one BIG problem... a lot of speculation that Crist is gay. To solve that problem with homosexual rumors, the GOP is evidently trying to get out a "sex tape" of Crist and his "girlfriend" going at it in an elevator. Why would Republicans want Charlie's sex tape exposed? It's a sure-fire way of proving he is straight. OR so they think!

Posted by Charles Winters at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY ABOUT TO HAPPEN. A superdelegate who originally endorsed Hillary Clinton but later switched to Barack Obama has switched back to Hillary Clinton. It's like the superdelegate bounce. I bet after delegates from Michigan and Florida are seated a lot more of this will happen. "I'm very proud of Barack Obama. I think he's doing a great job," superdelegate Kevin Rodriquez said. "I'm honored as an African-American to have him in the position he is in, but I feel Hillary is still the better candidate to lead the party to victory in November." I couldnt agree more!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Former White House spokesperson Scott McClellan has a new book, and inside he basically bashed George Bush revealing secrets left untold from inside the Oval Office.

Politico.com got a hold of a copy, and here are their highlights.

McClellan charges that Bush relied on “propaganda” to sell the war.

He says the White House press corps was too easy on the administration during the run-up to the war.

McClellan admits that some of his own assertions from the briefing room podium turned out to be “badly misguided.”

The longtime Bush loyalist also suggests that two top aides held a secret West Wing meeting to get their story straight about the CIA leak case at a time when federal prosecutors were after them — and McClellan was continuing to defend them despite mounting evidence they had not given him all the facts.

“I still like and admire President Bush,” McClellan writes. “But he and his advisers confused the propaganda campaign with the high level of candor and honesty so fundamentally needed to build and then sustain public support during a time of war. … In this regard, he was terribly ill-served by his top advisers, especially those involved directly in national security.”

McClellan worked for President Bush as White House Press secretary from July 2003 to April 2006.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Even though Hillary Clinton is still running for President, some of her supporters are looking for a Plan-B.

The most logical plan seems to be that one candidate runs for President and the other runs for Vice-President.

Sen. Diane Feinstein of California says if a Democratic ticket with both Clinton and Obama is the only way to go.

"I think as this race has emerged each one of them has garnered a different constituency and different states," Feinstein said."...And therefore when you put the two of them together it forms, I believe, the strongest ticket."

Sen. Feinstein is a Super Delegate and has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.

Three more states still get to vote. Both Hillary and Barack are in Puerto Rico campaigning this weekend.

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

DROP OUT or VICE PRESIDENTIAL PICK? This could be the best answer I've heard as to why Hillary Clinton shouldn't drop out of the Democratic primary. "My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. You know I just, I don't understand it," Hillary said. Clinton also said her campaign has had no discussions with Barack Obama's aides about her possibly becoming his vice presidential pick.

UPDATE: Senator Clinton held a press conference Friday evening to explain these comments. She was simply explaining that it isn't unusal for a primary to run into June.

Posted by Charles Winters at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John McCain appeared on the Ellen Degeneres show Thursday, and Ellen wasn't afraid to put him on the spot where gay marriage is concerned.

In the video below, you'll see that Degeneres and Senator McCain agreed to disagree on the topic, but Ellen did a great job of articulately expressing her thoughts on same sex marriage to the presumptive Republican nominee.

Ellen told McCain she planned to get married this summer even before California legalized it.

Senator McCain told Ellen he supported what sounds like civil unions saying, "people should be able to enter into a legal agreement, and that is something we should encourage..."

Degeneres said, "You're no different than I am, our love is the same."

"You can set there, but you can't sit there," Ellen described her feelings.

Both parties agreed to disagree.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cindy McCain graces the pages of the new Vogue. As you can tell in the photo above, McCain looks relaxed, beautiful and very American stretched across that chase on a California beachfront.

As the wife of Republican presidential nominee John McCain, Cindy could be well on her way to becoming the nation's first lady.

Mrs. McCain's Vogue photo shoot was done Norman Jean Roy, who is known for her non-celebrity photo shoots. Cindy is wearing Lucky Brand jeans (size 0 - wowza!) and a Michael Kors sweater. If you ask me, she looks fine in this Vogue shoot!

Who do you want as your first-person? Laddie Bill Clinton or Ladies Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama?

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton won her second landslide victory on Tuesday in Kentucky as Barack Obama reached a milestone having obtained the majority of the pledged delegates. Still the Democratic primary is "too close to call."

Clinton's massive win in Kentucky proves that she still has a lot of appeal. Despite the fact that many media outlets are counting her out, Hillary dominated with a 35% win.

Meanwhile, across the country Barack Obama won Oregon by a significant margin and passed the mark having secured the majority of the pledged delegates.

The message that the Democratic party needs both of these candidates couldn't be louder!

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Kennedy suffered two seizures over the weekend and was rushed to the hospital.

Despite the fact that Kennedy has been diagnosed with a pretty serious tumor, friends and family say he is up and about joking with those who call and come by to visit.

It is possible to have the tumor removed, but since Senator Kennedy's condition affects his brain cells it can be hard for doctors to remove it.

Preliminary biopsy results showed a malignant glioma in the left parietal-lobe. Typical treatment includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy, but Kennedy will undgo further tests before a treatment is decided.

A tumor of this calibur can cause problems in functioning and thinking. Common symptoms include loss of ability to write, speech disturbances and seizures.

This is a developing story, and we will keep you posted.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On Tuesday, Oregon and Kentucky will get the chance to weigh in on the Democratic primary.

Isn't it great to see so many states finally getting to be a part of the primary process? Whether you support Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama or John McCain, you have to agree that this is the way it was meant to be.

Everyone knows that I am sticking behind Hillary Clinton. As a moderate Democrat, she best represents my views.

Could Hillary Clinton go all the way to the Democratic National Convention this summer and walk away with the Presidential nomination? I think she can, and I think that might be what wins the general election for her.

Hillary has really become the candidate of the little people in this election, and for that reason many Americans see her as the strongest fighting candidate. If Senator Clinton goes into the convention winning the popular vote (including votes from Florida and Michigan), the Super Delegates have a situation on their hands. One candidate may have more pledged delegate while the other has more of the popular vote.

What do you think is more important?

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Democratic National Committee has launched a new website to take on John McCain's bid for the presidency.

The DNC unveiled a new website Monday called “McCainpedia” supposedly aims at bringing voters the “raw facts and research” on McCain’s record.

Tagged as an "online encyclopedia" the website lists the Arizona senator’s positions on the issues, allows viewers to watch, download and use video taken by Democratic trackers of McCain on the campaign trail.

The site also refutes McCain’s platforms on a variety of subjects ranging from the economy to same-sex marriage.

The set-up is similar to that of Wikipedia, and I'm sure it is going to ruffle some feathers over at the Republican party!

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama is in a tizzy over my first agreement with the Tennessee Republican party.

Being a native Tennessean, I can honestly say I have taken on that state's Republican party more times than I can count. For once, I somewhat agree with them.

Obama is slamming the Vols for attacking his wife, Michelle Obama, and her statement about finally being proud of America.

"For the first time in my adult lifetime, I'm proud of my country," Michelle said at a rally earlier this year.

Barack is not happy that the Tennessee Republicans are capitalizing on it in a new anti-Obama ad.

"These folks should lay off my wife," he told ABC's Good Morning America on Monday.

The Democratic presidential frontrunner called the video "low class," adding, "Whoever is in charge of the Tennessee GOP needs to think long and hard about the kind of campaign that they want to run."

Barack wants to send his wife out to stump for him, but if she says something ignorant then we're supposed to ignore it?

I don't think so. There are 49 other state-run Republican parties. If Obama can't take the heat at this point, he should definitely get out of the kitchen.

His whining ways are going to make it very hard for the Democrats in November if he does snag the nomination.

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Republican Presidential nominee John McCain appeared on "Saturday Night Live" this week.

Not only did McCain joke that Democrats should take their time in picking a nominee saying that Hillary Clinton shouldn't drop out. Senator McCain even said that Democrats shouldn't even pick a nominee at the Democratic National Convention.

"That would be crazy... crazy fun," McCain chuckled.

McCain even suggested that John Edwards should jump back into the race.

This isn't McCain's first time to appear on SNL. The Arizona Senator hosted the show in 2002.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

America's first openly gay Gov. Jim McGreevey told the court this week that is poor and can't afford to pay his child support, alimony and legal bills.

"I got my furnishings at a Huffman Koos going-out-of-business sale," McGreevey said when asked to describe his belongings.

McGreevey, the former governor of New Jersey, resigned from office and announced that he was gay and having an affair with a male staffer.

His wife Dina Matos-McGreevey says Jim owes her for committing marriage fraud. She says he married her to hide his homosexuality and run for political office.

Jim says Dina should have known he was gay the entire time they were married. He also said that she made more money than him for the most of their marriage.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ted Kennedy was rushed to the hospital on Saturday morning, as we already told you, but there are mixed reports as to why Sen. Kennedy was sent to the emergency room.

Evidently, the paramedics were called to the Kennedy compound at around 8:15 a.m. Originally, it seemed like he may have had a stroke.

A family spokesman later characterized his condition as a seizure, the Associated Press reported. Those close to Kennedy also said they expected him to recover.

Kennedy, 76, was treated at Cape Cod Hospital before a helicopter transfer to Massachusetts General around 10:15 a.m.

Ted Kennedy hospitalization comes seven months after the veteran Senator had surgery to remove blockage in his left carotid artery.

This story is developing, and we will keep you posted of further developments.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Most people think Mike Huckabee is a very likeable guy, unless you're Barack Obama that is.

While speaking to the National Riffle Association, Huckabee heard a loud noise in the background and said someone pulled a gun on Obama.

At first, Mike joked that Barack Obama fell off his chair. There was a little encouragement from the audience, so Huckabee added, "Somebody aimed a gun at him and he dove for the floor."

The audience didn't find it too funny, as you'll see in this video. I guess even the gun lovers don't want to take Barack down like that!

Huckabee, of course, was a Republican presidential hopeful before conceding to John McCain. He has since apologized for the remarks. Obama had no comment.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Senator Ted Kennedy has evidently been rushed to the emergency room.

CNN says that the veteran Senator may have suffered a stroke, but local TV stations are reporting that Kennedy's condition is unknown.

Senator Kennedy was taken to the hospital by medical helicopter from the Kennedy compound, so it could be something pretty serious.

Kennedy is second longest serving member of the Senate. He has recently been campaigning for Presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

At 76, good ole Ted has an extensive medical history. A 1964 plane crash, which killed a pilot and one of Kennedy's aides, caused serious back injuries. Fellow Democratic Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana, who was traveling with Kennedy, pulled him from the wreckage.

This is breaking news, and we will keep you informed.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This election's primary season is almost over. By the end of the day on June 3rd, all of the states will have voted.

This doesn't happen very often. During most election years, the campaign is over much earlier and the final states to vote don't really matter anyway.

Tired of being one of those states, Michigan and Florida broke the rules and moved their primaries ahead of the infamous Super Tuesday races. As a result, the DNC stripped both states of their delegates.

Now, it could come down to the end and the millions of voters in Michigan and Florida won't get a vote at all. Their voices won't be heard, and they won't get to be a part of that leg of the democratic process.

But on May 31st, the DNC is going to reconsider their position on Michigan and Florida.

It would be undemocratic to deny these two states to vote. We must count the votes from Michigan and Florida.

Please take a moment to tell the DNC to let Michigan and Florida exercise their right to vote.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Earlier on Friday, I showed you what Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama had to say about the gay marriage ruling from the California Supreme Court.

Now, we have John McCain's response. His campaign said:
“[McCain] supports the right of the people of California to recognize marriage as a unique institution sanctioning the union between a man and a woman, just as he did in his home state of Arizona. John McCain doesn’t believe judges should be making these decisions.”

Check out this commercial in which McCain speaks out against gay marriage in Arizona:

And I thought what the Democrats (Clinton and Obama) said was bad!

Again, sometimes I just feel like no one is really fighting for the gays in Washington.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Has anyone else noticed that Elizabeth Edwards hasn't been by her husband's side as John starts to ride on the Obama bandwagon?

We all know that Elizabeth has raved about Hillary Clinton's healthcare plans, so could it be that Mrs. Edwards hasn't followed her husband's lead in endorsing Barack Obama?

John and Elizabeth Edwards have both always stood solid on their political ventures, but it wouldn't surprise me to find out that Elizabeth is on Team Hillary.

Even though the former North Carolina Senator says he wasn't offered a deal for his endorsement, it wouldn't surprise me if he snaggled a spot as Attorney General nominee. On Friday, Edwards said he wasn't eyeing the Vice-Presidency.

Elizabeth Edwards is a fierce woman, and when her battle with cancer is over I wouldn't be surprised if she seeks office herself.

What do you think?

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We've been waiting on this. Can someone give us a concrete date? When will the troops come home?

You might expect that Barack Obama would be the first candidate to set a date on when we might have our G.I.'s out of Iraq. Maybe Hillary Clinton? Nope, its the presumptive Republican nominee John McCain is the first candidate to somewhat set a deadline for troop withdrawl.

Senator McCain announced on Thursday that most American troops would be home from Iraq by 2013 and that the nation would have a functioning democracy under his presidency.

What in the world is going to happen if Barack Obama has to face off with John McCain in the general election? Obama has done so well in the Democratic primary, because he has said what everyone wants to hear. What will his strategy be if McCain beats him to the punch?

Senator McCain is basically saying that if we'll give him one term in the White House, he'll bring the troops home. His new strategy seems to be painting a picture of what the future would look like under a McCain presidency.

The big question is whether or not 2013 will appease the anti-war Democrats.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have both sort of responded to the gay marriage ruling in California. They actually both had their campaigns do it for them.

Both candidates oppose gay marriage and have both spoken up for civil unions. If you ask me, that's lame. It makes me for one moment feel like we don't have anyone fighting for hopes of marriage at all.

Here's what the Hillary Clinton's campaign said about Thursday's California ruling that a ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional.

"Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committed relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as all Americans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve this goal.

As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sex couples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federal level. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriage should be left to the states."

And the Obama campaign released their own boring version:

"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equal rights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions as President. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, and continues to believe that states should make their own decisions when it comes to the issue of marriage.

On the issue of constitutional amendments, Senator Obama has been on record for some time: He opposes all divisive and discriminatory constitutional amendments, state or federal. That includes the proposed amendments in California and Florida."

On the Republican side, I haven't seen anything from John McCain's camp. McCain himself has been wishy washy on gay issues. I think he leans more moderately but feels the need to align with the GOP.

If I weren't such a controversial person, I'd just run for office myself.

You never can tell what might happen in the future!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Barack Obama has come under fire for calling a Michigan reporter "sweetie" when she tried to ask him a question.

Here's how it went down when WXYZ-TV's Peggy Agar yelled out a question at Obama:

Agar asked Obama what is he "going to do to help American autoworkers."

"Hold on one second, sweetie," Obama replied. "We'll do a press, thanks." He did not reply to Agar's question.

Obama evidently called and left Agar a voicemail that her station played over the air last night. Obama apologized and said he has a problem with calling people sweetie.

Sure he does! Barack Obama is an elists, and to those who think they're that good... everyone is a sweetie!

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

John Edwards is evidently caving to pressure and plans to endorse Barack Obama for President.

The more level headed super delegates are waiting to make a final decision until after the final states vote on June 3rd.

Edwards came short of endorsing Obama last week, but made it very clear he didn't pick either candidate. Now, according to the Obama campaign, Edwards will endorse their candidate this week.

Hillary Clinton won a landslide victory over Barack Obama on Tuesday in West Virginia and is expected to win a very significant margin next Tuesday in Kentucky.

The race isn't over yet!

Our publisher, Anthony Lago, had hopes for a Clinton - Edwards dream ticket. I guess that won't happen now, will it?!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday night's election did more than give Hillary Clinton's campaign a boost. Some Oklahoma voters put a 19-year-old University of Oklahoma student in office as the mayor of Muskogee, a city of 38,000 in the northeastern part of the state.

"The public placing their trust in me is the greatest, humbling and most awesome experience I've ever had in my life," said teenager John Tyler Hammons, who is originally from Muskogee but attends the Norman branch of the university.

Hammons won 70 percent of the vote over former Mayor Hershel Ray McBride, according to the Muskogee County Election Board.

The two candidates participated in a runoff election Tuesday night for the nonpartisan post after neither secured 50 percent of the vote in a six-person election April 1.

Hammons, will be sworn in next week and said he plans to continue his college education despite the fact that he's the new mayor.

"Being elected does not change my desire to continue my education," he said. "We will schedule our time in an appropriate fashion so that I can be mayor and stay in school."

Hammons replaces Wren Stratton, who decided not to seek re-election after only one term.

Posted by Charles Winters at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama in West Virginia on Tuesday night like she was the candidate who thinks they already won the party's nomination.

It looks like Clinton will win the majority of the delegates from West Virginia, and the popular vote by 30-35 percent. (At the time we're writing this article, Hillary leads 64% to 29% and has carried every county that has reported.)

Obama seems to have just skipped West Virginia all together, something that may hurt him since this is considered a swing state. No Democrat has ever won the White House without winning West Virginia. Senator Clinton has proven she can win both swing states like Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia as well as Democratic strong holds like New York and California.

Hillary used her victory as a time to remind voters that she is still in the race and capable of winning by a landslide. Clinton seemed to be talking directly to the states who haven't voted and super delegates. She made a very good case.

Clinton told supporters that she is the best candidate now, the best candidate to beat John McCain and the best candidate to be President for the next 8 years.

Obama opted not to even give a concession speech. His actions tonight made it look like he is the one who is quitting the race!

To make a donation to Hillary Clinton's campaign head over hillaryclinton.com!

Posted by Charles Winters at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Democrats in West Virginia hit the polls on Tuesday, and Hillary Clinton is expected to win big.

This makes the primary process so confusing! If Barack Obama is the "presumptive nominee" why does Hillary continue to win primaries, and why do most polls show that Clinton is more likely to beat John McCain.

Hillary is expected to win West Virginia by the largest margin in her campaign's favor yet. The latest Suffolk University poll shows Clinton 36 percentage points ahead of Obama.

West Virginia voters are adding fuel to the fire behind the Clinton campaign while Washington insiders think she should drop out.

A football player doesn't quit in the third quarter if he thinks he isn't going to win, does he? If every vote is meant to be heard, then I think it is an insult to voters who haven't gotten to weigh in yet. Why quit if every vote hasn't even been cast?

After Tuesday's primary in West Virgina, the campaign moves to Kentucky.

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Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr announced on Monday that he is running for President. This time around, Barr hopes to snag the Libertarian nomination.

Barr has hired Ross Perot's former campaign manager to head his bid.

"I've heard from Americans from all walks of life ... they want a choice," he said at a news conference in Washington. "They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us."

This could shake everything up. Bob Barr could hurt McCain since they're both basically moderate Republicans, and it could hurt the Democratic nominee since Barr would represent a call for change.

The Libertarians will pick their nominee on Memorial Day Weekend.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I love politics, but I'm starting to get so sick of this election. Maybe it is because I want Hillary Clinton to be President, and it looks like the new members of the Democratic party don't agree with me.

I'm actually scared of living in a country run by Barack Obama. I have said it before, and I'll probably say it again: a lot of Obama's short comings remind me of the current President George Bush.

In one of his infamous speeches, Barack lost count of how many states are in the union.

“I’ve now been in 57 states, I think — one left to go,” Obama said. “Alaska and Hawaii I was not allowed to go to … my staff could not justify it,” he added after hearing laughter from the audience.

When someone else isn't write his words for him, Mr. Obama doesn't sound so smart - does he?

On the bright side, if Obama is elected President, we'll still get a lot of great late night talk show moments!

57 states? Are you kidding me?

Posted by Charles Winters at 4:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Despite the fact that the President's daughter tied the knot, I know all the queens care about is what she was wearing.

Here ya go:

Jenna Bush wore an Oscar de la Renta gown as she married Henry Hager at the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Don't get me wrong, Jenna looked beautiful; but she looks too young to get married!

The wedding itself lacked all of that glam of a White House Rose Garden ceremony. It clearly wasn't too secretive since they released all of these photos. Afterall, George Bush needs a good ole family wedding to brighten up the last few months of his presidency.

I don't think Jenna's nuptials will be enough to raise Dubya's approval ratings, but it sure can't hurt to release a few photos... right?

No word yet on whether Jenna will take Hager's name. Rumor has it she and Henry are headed to Europe for their honeymoon. Way to boost the economy Jen....

Posted by Charles Winters at 8:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After hearing that "family values" politician Vito Fossella is such a scum bag, it makes me wonder if we can trust any of these politicos who are "doing the right thing."

Fossella thinks that same-sex marriage is wrong, but thinks it is okay to have a wife and family in New York and mistress with a kid in Virginia. That doesn't sound like someone who should be telling me what is ethical and what is moral.

Elected officials like Vito Fossella have been trying to define what is "right" and what is "wrong" for decades. Who is this adulter to tell us what is morally and ethically okay? If you're going by the Bible, I don't recall any of the 10 commandments that "Thou shall not have same sex marriage," but there is a commandment that says "Thou shall not commit adultery."

Who is the unethical one now, Vito?

The New York Daily News reported on Saturday that his tangled web of deceit doesn't end there. Evidently, Fossella had told his girlfriend he was separated from his wife. From here's only a matter of time until they both dump him and peg his ass in court for everything he's worth.

Fossella is being called upon to resign by his hometown paper, fellow members of the GOP and now GaySocialites.com. Let's just get it over with!

His resignation is expected before the weekend is over. We will keep you posted.

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This presidential election is really starting to make my head hurt.

I feel like a hurricane hit the democratic process, and we're still cleaning up five years later.

A lot happened on Friday. Barack Obama picked up a lot of super delegates, Hillary Clinton gained support in the polls and John Edwards almost intentionally came one step short of endorsing Obama.

What does this all mean?

The root of all this evil stems from Michigan and Florida's decision to move their primary dates ahead of the infamous Super Duper Tuesday. What these two states did was wrong, but who are we to deny anyone their right to vote? When the Democratic National Committee decided to strip people in Michigan and Florida of their right to weigh in on this race, they crossed the line.

I have said it before, and I'll continue to say it. It would be extremely un-democratic to deny these people of their right to vote.

If we can just figure out a way to seat the delegates in Florida and Michigan that benefits everyone involved, then we can start making sense of who should be the nominee.

Again, I return to my plea for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to sit down together and decide how they're going to run together. That is the only way they're going to bring the democratic party, as we knew it before this election, back together.

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

In a valiant effort to give Michigan and Florida Democrats the opportunity to weigh in on this Presidential contest, Harvey Weinstein is applying pressure to Nancy Pelosi threating to cut off his powerful funding to Congression Democrats.

Weinstein wants House Speaker Pelosi behind his plan to to finance revotes in Florida and Michigan. If she doesn't Harvey, who is known as a heavy Democratic contributor, may derail her efforts to maintain Democratic control of congress.

Why won't she jump on board for this? It would be wonderful to see how Michigan and Florida would vote. I think Nancy is looking out for herself and the possibility of a Vice Presidential invitation by Barack Obama.

Weinstein, like me, is a Hillary Clinton supporter.

We have to do something to unify this party, and a revote in those two states is definitely the best option!

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Let the dirty politics begin.

From here on out, Barack Obama will likely shift his focus from voters to super delegates. CNN's commentators seemed to predict it on Tuesday night's election coverage, but the shift has already started to happen.

Over the next few days, Obama and Hillary Clinton will both probably be calling on super delegates to publicly endorse them and leave their opponent if possible.

George McGovern, the Obama of the 70's, is the first to jump ship. McGovern has endorsed Barack Obama and asked Hillary to drop out of the race.

"It certainly was not out of any less respect for Senator Clinton," McGovern said. "I think she has waged a really courageous and valiant campaign. She will have my affection and admiration for all of my days."

Well that's a nice way to bail!

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Hillary Clinton defeated Barack Obama in Indiana on Tuesday night, a defeat that hits close to home for Obama.

It took until the wee hours of the morning to have a definite winner. Hillary started with a significant lead that dwindled through out the night until the state finally went in the Clinton column.

One of the last areas to report was in the Northeast corner of Indiana. Lake County, for some reason, held the majority of the votes until they released the majority of the county. Some were claiming dirty politics since the mayor of Gary, Indiana Rudy Clay is so connected with Obama.

In the end, Clinton scored around 51% of Indiana's vote leaving Obama with 49.

No matter what anyone says, this win in Indiana is a big win for Senator Clinton. Indiana is in Barack Obama's back yard, and for Hillary to win a state that Obama was once handed is very impressive.

Hillary basically battled Obama on his turf and beat him. That is something Barack Obama couldn't do in the prime of his campaign for Super Tuesday in New Jersey and other neighboring states to New York.

This part of the country knows Barack Obama better than anyone, and it tells me something to hear that not all of them want to see him as President. Use Hammond, Indiana as an example. It touches Chicago, and Hillary won there.

Clinton may have grabbed Indiana by just a few votes, but any win in Indiana is a big win.

Barack Obama predicted that Hillary would win Pennsylvania, he would win North Carolina and that Indiana would be the tie-breaker. It looks like Clinton won the tie-breaker.

Posted by Charles Winters at 1:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Every county in Indiana reported partial results throughout the night, but Lake County did not. Politicans in the Northwest part of the state are currently holding all of their returns in hopes of pulling off a shocker for Barack Obama.

"Let me tell you, when all the votes are counted, when Gary comes in, I think you're looking at something for the world to see," said Gary Mayor and Obama supporter Rudy Clay, "Gary has absolutely produced in large numbers for Obama here."

This is reminiscent of old school dirty politics. Before the voting process advanced as it has, dirty politicians would hold one county and then "find" the votes needed to put their candidate ahead.

The commentators on CNN even talked about it earlier.

Barack Obama needs 58-60% of the vote in Lake County, Indiana to carry the state. It would be a big stretch to see that happen.

Could something shady going on in Lake County?

UPDATE #1 (11:45pm): CNN is reporting that the folks in Lake County will have "some explaining to do" and that the information coming from election officials there is not consistent. It sounds very fishy to me!

UPDATE #2 (11:47pm): Lake County, Indiana has started to report some of their results. My sources say those votes came from Gary, Indiana.

Posted by Charles Winters at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

Hillary Clinton addressed supporters on Tuesday night and declared "it's full speed on to the White House" after saying that Barack Obama called Indiana the "tie-breaker," a tie she seems to have broken on Tuesday.

As Senator Clinton spoke to a diverse crowd of supporters in Indiana, it sounded like a victory speech for the nomination. Hillary thanked supporters and congratulated them on the victory. She also gave props to the Obama campaign for their win in North Carolina and a hard fought battle.

"It is important to recognize that we are all on the same team," Clinton said in an effort to unify the party.

"I will never stop fighting for you," Clinton said to a packed house chanting "Hillary! Hillary!" and "Yes she will!"

This woman is a fighter! Senator Clinton made it very clear on Tuesday night that she intends to face John McCain in November, and Indiana supporters seem to have sent out a message that they want a fighter to represent them in Washington.

Hillary promised to stand up for working people, the middle class and promised to fight all the way until the end.

Senator Clinton also briefly addressed the delegates in Michigan and Florida saying it wouldn't be right for only 48 states to elect a nominee.

A winner still hasn't been officially declared in Indiana. We will keep you posted, just refresh your browser!

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BREAKING NEWS

CNN is projecting that Barack Obama will win the North Carolina Democratic primary. Even though no precincts are reporting votes, the CNN exit polls show that Obama will carry that state.

Throughout both Indiana and North Carolina, exit polls also show that Obama is having more problems appealing to blue collar workers. The Illinois Senator beat his opponent Hillary Clinton among African American voters.

The votes in Indiana are still coming in, and Hillary Clinton currently leads.

We will keep you posted with more election results and exit polling numbers throughout the night. Check back and refresh your browser!

Posted by Charles Winters at 7:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Unless you've been locked in a basement in Austria, you probably already know that North Carolina and Indiana Democrats are voting on Tuesday.

Here's an update from the campaign trail as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battle for delegates out west and down south.

In Indiana:
Early exit polls show that 'hardcore' democrats are crossing over to vote in the Democratic primary following a cry by Republican strategists and commentators to drag the primary on a bit longer.

Going into the day, most polls show that Clinton leads Obama. This state could give either candidate a much needed surge moving towards the Democratic National Convention later this summer.

In North Carolina:
Obama leads most polls going into election day in North Carolina, so a win for Hillary in that state would definitely send out a strong message to super delegates and those few states remaining to vote.

If Clinton upsets Obama in North Carolina, former President Bill Clinton can probably take some of the credit. He spent a lot of time talking to small time country folk who love it when he turns on the "Bubba."

There are 187 delegates up for grabs today — the largest delegate pool left in what has become a drawn-out Democratic primary battle.

Clinton is planning a victory rally tonight at a hotel ballroom in Indianapolis and Obama is planning a rally at a coliseum in Raleigh, N.C. That could be an early sign of where candidates think they will pick up the biggest wins.

Posted by Charles Winters at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's election day in Indiana and North Carolina, and here are the morning political headlines.

Clinton and Obama in latest battle
Voters in Indiana and North Carolina are set to choose between Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in the latest critical primary elections in the race to the White House. [AFP]

How Bill Clinton Got His Campaign Groove Back
For anyone who has observed Bill Clinton over the past 20 years – witnessed his intuitive command of his audiences, his keen ability to frame an issue, the heads nodding in agreement whether he is speaking to a gymnasium crammed with voters or a newspaper editorial board– his performance this year on his wife’s behalf has been startling. [New York Times]

Poll shows Clinton leading Obama in Indiana primary
Hillary Rodham Clinton scored 49 percent compared to Barack Obama's 43 percent while 6 percent registered as undecided. [Associated Press]

Hillary Clinton's Top 10 Reasons She Loves America
On the eve of the crucial primaries in North Carolina and Indiana, Hillary Clinton appeared via satellite on the Late Show with David Letterman. She read the night's top ten list: Top Ten Reasons Why Hillary Clinton Loves America. [Huffington Post]

Posted by Charles Winters at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Both Hillary Clinton and John McCain are proposing a vacation from the gas tax to help stuggling familes fill their tanks.

Critics say a gas tax vacation is a bad idea, because families would save very little more.

The amount of $9 keeps coming up, and I honestly don't know where that number came from. However, my point is still the same... If a vacation from the gas tax saves $9 to a family in need, it is 9 more dollars than they had before.

Why should a rich elitist like Barack Obama decide if $9 is a lot of money for a family in need when he makes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

A few bucks may not seem like a lot of money to the upper class, but when a middle class family can't afford enough gas to get to work and school something is seriously wrong! Saving a few bucks on gas would definitely help!

I'm just saying...

Posted by Charles Winters at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)