Photo: www.whitehouse.gov -- President Obama holds news conference today to discuss yesterday's midterm election, November 3, 2010

Reflecting on the returns from yesterday’s mid-term election, President Barack Obama admitted today that he received a  ”shellacking” from the voters.

At a White House news conference, the president blamed the sluggish economy for voter dissatisfaction and frustration, which resulted in the Republicans gaining a majority in the House and whittling down the Democratic majority in the Senate.

Also, the president says he takes responsibility for Tuesday’s disappointing election results:

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama spoke to reporters during a news conference at the White House November 3, 2010

“After what I’m sure was a long night for a lot of you — and needless to say it was for me — I can tell you that some election nights are more fun than others. Some are exhilarating; some are humbling. But every election, regardless of who wins and who loses, is a reminder that in our democracy, power rests not with those of us in elected office, but with the people we have the privilege to serve.

Over the last few months I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the country and meet people where they live and where they work, from backyards to factory floors. I did some talking, but mostly I did a lot of listening. And yesterday’s vote confirmed what I’ve heard from folks all across America: People are frustrated — they’re deeply frustrated — with the pace of our economic recovery and the opportunities that they hope for their children and their grandchildren. They want jobs to come back faster, they want paychecks to go further, and they want the ability to give their children the same chances and opportunities as they’ve had in life.

The men and women who sent us here don’t expect Washington to solve all their problems.  But they do expect Washington to work for them, not against them.  They want to know that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, not wasted, and that we’re not going to leave our children a legacy of debt.  They want to know that their voices aren’t being drowned out by a sea of lobbyists and special interests and partisan bickering.  They want business to be done here openly and honestly.

Now, I ran for this office to tackle these challenges and give voice to the concerns of everyday people.  Over the last two years, we’ve made progress.  But, clearly, too many Americans haven’t felt that progress yet, and they told us that yesterday. And as President, I take responsibility for that.

What yesterday also told us is that no one party will be able to dictate where we go from here, that we must find common ground in order to set — in order to make progress on some uncommonly difficult challenges.  And I told John Boehner and Mitch McConnell last night I am very eager to sit down with members of both parties and figure out how we can move forward together.

I’m not suggesting this will be easy.  I won’t pretend that we will be able to bridge every difference or solve every disagreement.  There’s a reason we have two parties in this country, and both Democrats and Republicans have certain beliefs and certain principles that each feels cannot be compromised.  But what I think the American people are expecting, and what we owe them, is to focus on those issues that affect their jobs, their security, and their future:  reducing our deficit, promoting a clean energy economy, making sure that our children are the best educated in the world, making sure that we’re making the investments in technology that will allow us to keep our competitive edge in the global economy.

Because the most important contest we face is not the contest between Democrats and Republicans.  In this century, the most important competition we face is between America and our economic competitors around the world.  To win that competition, and to continue our economic leadership, we’re going to need to be strong and we’re going to need to be united.

None of the challenges we face lend themselves to simple solutions or bumper-sticker slogans.  Nor are the answers found in any one particular philosophy or ideology.  As I’ve said before, no person, no party, has a monopoly on wisdom.  And that’s why I’m eager to hear good ideas wherever they come from, whoever proposes them. And that’s why I believe it’s important to have an honest and civil debate about the choices that we face.  That’s why I want to engage both Democrats and Republicans in serious conversations about where we’re going as a nation.”

More of President Obama’s comments and a Q&A with reporters on the White House website here.

White House photo: Pete Souza — President Obama delivers the State of the Union Address 01/27/10

More jobs and pumping up the weak economy were major themes in President Obama’s first State of the Union speech delivered before a joint session of Congress last night. And that’s the way it should be. The country, and especially the backbone of the our society — middle class folks — are still struggling under the weight of this recession. “ For these Americans and so many others, change has not come fast enough.  Some are frustrated; some are angry.  They don’t understand why it seems like bad behavior on Wall Street is rewarded, but hard work on Main Street isn’t; or why Washington has been unable or unwilling to solve any of our problems.  They’re tired of the partisanship and the shouting and the pettiness.  They know we can’t afford it.  Not now. ” President Obama said.

Interestingly a  New York Times’  piece today, points out that even when the president rightly boasted of tax cuts generated by his administration, Republicans in the audience, who almost always cheer anything or anyone that produces tax cuts, well, last night, they refused to applaud. This demonstrated to the country why gridlock in congress is hampering a national health plan and other legislation that would benefit average Americans. That kind of attitude and partisanship by Republicans are responsible for much of the mess our country is in now. I don’t vote along a party line. I vote issues and candidates and therefore, I find the partisanship battles extremely frustrating.

During eight years of a Republican President, you didn’t hear Republicans screaming loudly about the rapidly growing deficit, the ill-conceived and expensive war in Iraq, or even the major financial melt-down and the much hated Bush Adminstration plan to bailout the rich cats at the banks and on Wall Street. Republicians were in charge of Congress during those eight years and it’s ridiculous to expect a Democratic President to clean-up that mess in one year. Republicans and Democrats need to work together to get the country and the economy back on track.

I must say, I thought new Republican Governor Robert. F. McDonnell, who gave the rebuttal to the State of the Union, showed more class than many of his more senior Republican leaders. Virginia Governor McDonnell complimented the president on some points and criticized him on others. Overall, McDonnell faulted the federal government for “trying to do too much.”

I gotta point out, President Obama was left with a full plate of problems to deal with and many demand urgent attention. The President realizes this and made it clear in his speech he plans to push forward on a health care plan, a bipartisan commission to work on reducing the federal debt, a jobs creation bill, $30 billion of the repaid bailout money to go to small businesses and so on.

I agree with the president when he wrapped up the spirit and goals of his speech by saying, “… a new year has come.  A new decade stretches before us.  We don’t quit.  I don’t quit.   Let’s seize this moment — to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more. ”  

For the full text of President Obama’s State of the Union speech click here.

The Burbank Democratic Club threw a backyard BBQ bash with great eats and brew in a neighborhood near the Rancho District, last night. I’m a member and I joined 50 or so other folks for a fun club meeting and social gathering. However, there was a serious message about the state’s budget woes presented by local Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (D) 43rd District.

Krekorian had the tough job of trying to rally support for the upcoming State Special Election for six controversial initiatives. In these difficult times, even Democrats aren’t in the mood for more taxes or eager to hear about budget cuts and multi-billion dollar deficits. Krekorian, to his credit, did not shy away from the grim task.

Krekorian, passionate at times and apologetic at others, admitted the initiatives were a bitter pill saying”I don’t love raising people’s taxes … this isn’t the way government should be run.” Still, the man who called himself a grassroots democrat declared the initiatives are the necessary support pillars to the  recent hard fought compromise state budget. He urged a “yes” vote on all six including Proposition 1F, which prohibits pay raises for state legislators in years when there is a state deficit.

Like many frustrated residents, the state lawmakers pay restriction initiative is the one I’m sure will get my approval, the others I’m still debating. The five other initiatives are somewhat confusing, but here’s how the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s lavote.net website summarized them up:

1A — “Rainy Day” Budget Stabilization Fund.

1B — Education Funding. Payment Plan.

1C — Lottery Modernization Act.

1D — Children’s Services Funding.

1E — Mental Health Funding. Temporary Reallocation.

 More detailed information about these initiatives is on the California Statewide Special Election voter guide section of the Secretary of State’s web page. Also, voters will be getting information on the election and the initiatives in the mail soon. The election is May 19, 2009.

Millions of Americans voted for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s message of change on  Election Day and the Illinois senator rode that tidal wave to victory. It was a historic win and a decisive one. Minutes after the polls closed on the West Coast at 8 p.m. on Election Tuesday, the number of electoral votes for Obama flew past the required 270 needed to win.

The 47-year-old Obama will become  the youngest president in American history. Also, a nation where blacks were once sold as slaves has now elected a black man to its highest office. In his victory speech in front of thousands of supporters in Chicago last night, Obama said, “… because of what we did this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.”

As an African American woman, the historic significance of this touches me deeply. Yet, I must say that I did not vote for Obama because of his skin color, in fact, he was not my first choice in the presidential race.

I was a throw-down dedicated Hillary Clinton supporter. I didn’t jump off that train and board the Obama hope express until last January after the South Carolina primary. Obama won big, 55 percent of the vote, in that southern state and delivered a powerful version of his “Yes, we can” speech.

 I remember, I was working at my computer keyboard and the speech was on the radio in the background. Gradually, as the words struck a cord with me, I stopped typing and just listened. I was greatly moved by Obama’s message of change, hope, and determination, “…where we are met with cynicism and doubt and fear and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of the American people in three simple words — yes, we can.” It is a message the country needed to hear and needs to believe in during these tough times. Also, it is a message I had expected to hear from Hillary Clinton.

It took me a few days to switch presidential candidates, but I did by the time the California primary rolled around on February 5. I knew Obama’s odds of winning were long, but the American Dream is built on long shots. Then, as the campaign progressed I became more and more convinced that the time was right for voters in this country to look beyond race and focus on a candidate’s message and qualifications to lead. And that’s just what happened. it’s totally awesome that it occurred in my lifetime.

I’ve always been proud of my country and its people, I’m just a little more so today.

Over the weekend, Barack Obama and John McCain campaigns blitzed Nevada fighting for those undecided voters. Many of the political analysts have slotted Nevada in the column of swing states– those still up for grabs in this heated presidential race.

For weeks now the Obama camp has been targeting Nevada. Some of the recent Obama e-mails I have received included urgent requests for California supporters to volunteer to go to Nevada to help get out the vote. No one is saying how many Obama folks from the Golden State have made the dash to Nevada, however, some reports put the number in the thousands.

 Last Saturday, Obama spoke to a large crowd at a high school in Henderson, Nevada. Today, his wife, Michelle Obama, is scheduled to rally supporters at a college campus in North Las Vegas.

Also in Nevada today, Republican V.P. candidate Sarah Palin is scheduled to make two stops, one in Reno and the other in Elko. Tonight, John McCain will be in Henderson to speak at what is being touted as a “Road to Victory Rally.” Despite being down in most of the polls, McCain is still working his underdog status and pushing for what he hopes will be a come from behind win.

Meanwhile, Obama and his supporters are refusing to let up or slow down even during these last days and final hours of the campaign.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama is not only the front runner in the major political polls, but he’s also          outselling his opponent, Arizona Senator John McCain, in a local presidential cookie poll.

Super popular Porto’s Bakery & Cafe At Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way in Burbank has been offering John McCain and Barack Obama cookies for several weeks. I dropped by the Cuban-style bakery on Thursday, October 23 and discovered the presidential cookie poll was well underway.

Friendly counter staff members “Robert” and “Jasmine ” told me they were delighted with the cookie poll and their customers’ reaction to it. On this day, Obama was leading with 1,771 Democratic donkey style cookies to 833 McCain Republican elephant style cookies. They are priced at $1.60 each. I returned to check out the latest count yesterday and, ahem, to pick up a few of the yummy bakery goods.

So on October 30, the number of cookies sold for Obama had jumped considerably. The count stood at Obama 2,085 and McCain 943.  In terms of the presidential cookie poll, Porto’s suggests its customers “vote early eat often.”  A portion of the proceeds from this cookie sale goes to the American Red Cross and Ike Disaster Relief Operations.  

It will be interesting to see if the Porto’s presidential cookie poll predicts the winner of the presidential race on Election Day, November 4.        

FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove – Burbank

The closer it gets to Election Day the more political yard signs I see in my Burbank neighborhood. The most popular are those for the presidential candidates. Barack Obama signs started popping up first, more than a month ago. Lately, the folks backing the John McCain/Sarah Palin ticket have put out yard signs to show their support. Now, that’s all good.

Janet Reynolds speaks to a gathering on August 28, 2008; the night Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president.

Janet Reynolds, President of the Burbank Democratic Club, says the group has filled requests for 50 Obama signs in Burbank. Reynolds volunteers 15 hours a week at the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley headquarters. When it comes to distributing yard signs, Reynolds says the “DPSFV has done in the 1000+ range.”

For some folks in the Southland it has become necessary to get replacement signs. Over the weekend, I heard reports of political signs being defaced in Whittier. Earlier this month, there were reports about Obama yard signs vandalized in Montrose. 

Reynolds says “…many many yard signs are being stolen in the San Fernando Valley.”  She says that while working at the DPSFV in Van Nuys,”…people come in to get more yard signs because they have had them stolen.” That’s the really bad part of all this.

 Sticking a political sign in your yard should not be that big of a deal. It should be considered a right, just like casting your ballot for the candidate of your choice. So it is really bad news when some small minds try to stop the free expression of others by vandalizing or stealing yard signs.

I have yet to hear of anyone changing a political view because their yard sign was stolen. Actually, most folks who have their signs defaced or ripped off become more determined to display a political sign and to vote for their favorite candidate. 

“I’m a plumber… just a plumber,” that’s how Joe Wurzelbacher described himself when he lashed out at the media for scrutinizing his opinions and personal life, last weekend. Yeah, Joe is that guy.  Joe the Plumber. The Joe that Republican presidential candidate John McCain mentioned repeatedly in the third and final presidential debate. In fact, McCain referred to Wurzelbacher as “my buddy, Joe.”

Wurzelbacher was thrust into the public arena after having a brief chat with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama back on October 12. During the encounter, Wurzelbacher complained about Obama’s tax plan, which he says would keep him from purchasing the $250,000-plus small plumbing business where he works. McCain jumped on this and portrayed it as an example of how Obama’s tax plan hurts the small business owner.

McCain’s strategy for using Joe the Plumber to trash Obama’s tax plan is typical politics. The surprise in this drama is the Holland, Ohio plumber named Joe. Fast forward to reports that now show shy Joe is  loving his 15 minutes of fame so much he wants to extend it.

On Thursday, Keith Olbermann on Daily Kos reported rumblings in the publishing industry about Joe the Plumber putting out feelers that he’s looking for a book deal. Also in the last few days, a flurry of stories on the Internet about Joe the Plumber mulling over a run for Congress.

Then, there’s the interview chat Joe did Friday on the Washington Times website. Joe answered questions and spouted off freely about his views. He said Obama made him “scared for America.” Also, Joe says that when he met Obama, despite all he’d heard about the candidate’s ‘presence’, he came away thinking the Illinois senator was “very average.”  This from a guy who apparently doesn’t understand our tax system nor that he needs a plumber’s license to work in his own community.

In the glare of the spotlight and caught up in dreams of fame and major dollar signs, Joe the Plumber seems to have forgotten that he is really the one who is average and “just a plumber” by his own assessment.  

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is taking a break from the hectic campaign trail to visit his gravely ill grandmother, Madelyn Dunham. She still lives in the same Honolulu, Hawaii apartment where she helped raise a teenage Obama.

Recently, 85-year-old Dunham reportedly broke her hip and apparently her health worsened last week. Late yesterday, Obama flew to her bedside and will spend today with the woman he says helped shape his values and his character.

When Obama’s campaign announced his intentions to take a break from campaigning to visit Dunham, some asked how could he leave the campaign at such a crucial time? Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham Sutoro, who was probably the greatest influence on him, died of cancer at the age 52, in 1995.

Obama has said he regrets not being with his mother to hold her hand during those last moments. He doesn’t plan to make the same mistake with his grandmother. I understand all too well. On May 13, 2003, my father had a heart attack and passed away a few hours before I was able to hop a plane for the Bay Area.  

 So to those who ask, “How could Obama leave his presidential campaign at a critical time like this?”  My retort to them is, “How could he not?”

Meanwhile, final preparations are underway today in Las Vegas for an Obama rally at a local high school stadium on Saturday. Obama is scheduled to speak at around 3 p.m. at Bonanza High, according to the Las Vegas Sun.

Also, early voting is underway in Nevada and is scheduled to continue through October 31.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama is on a roll with the destination being the White House. Yet, his campaign is not letting up, despite leading in the polls, getting impressive endorsements, and raising mega-bucks. I think that shows Obama is running not only an inspiring campaign, but also a smart campaign.

Yesterday, I got another one of those Obama campaign e-mails, which included a thank you for your support, an update on fundraising along with a report on the latest campaign developments. In the e-mail, campaign manager David Plouffe said, “… with just 16 days left in this election, we can’t slow down now.” Apparently these e-mails are going out routinely to regular supporters, small donors like myself, whom the campaign has been courting since the early days of the Illinois senator’s run for the president. 

True, they need to keep their eye on the prize, but I believe the Obama campaign should get stroked for some recent achievements. In September, the campaign raised a record haul of $150 million. The average contribution was under $100. The campaign has more than doubled what it collected in August.

Also yesterday, Obama got some very important endorsements: from newspapers like the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Las Vegas Sun, and Los Angeles Times and former Bush Administration Secretary of State and prominent Republican, Colin Powell, who says he’s going to vote for Obama. Powell, a retired Army general who was once the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is admired by many as an American hero.

Senator Obama has cautioned his supporters not to get “giddy” or “cocky” over all these kudos and achievements. And he’s right. 

The formal greetings were barely over at the third presidential debate, before Republican candidate Senator John McCain went on the attack, throwing verbal punches, jabs, and a few low blows at his front-running opponent, Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama.

The final presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York had the most drama and the most clashes between the candidates. McCain was aggressive, sarcastic, and determined. Again, Obama remained calm, focused, and articulate to the finish.

Moderator Bob Schieffer asked questions about domestic issues and made a serious effort to keep the candidates on topic. McCain turned most of his responses into an assault on Obama. The Arizona senator brought up an Ohio plumber named Joe and used Joe’s doubts about Obama’s tax plan to beat up on the Illinois senator. McCain wove Joe the plumber into many of his responses. Surprisingly, Joe the Plumber was mentioned more than two dozen times during the debate.

 Also, McCain ignored the voters’ disdain for personal attacks and made several attempts to smear Obama’s character. When Obama linked McCain’s policies to those of President Bush, McCain shot back, “Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush. If you wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago. I’m going to give a new direction to this economy in this country.”

Obama defended his assertion, “… the fact of the matter is that if I occasionally have mistaken your policies for George Bush’s policies, it’s because on the core economic issues that matter to the American people, on tax policy, on energy policy, on spending priorities, you have been a vigorous supporter of President Bush.”

McCain was fiery and aggressive to the point of almost mauling Obama in the final debate. However, was his performance a game-changer? Top polls show Obama holding onto his lead over McCain. Still, McCain worked very hard in this debate and appears to have gained little ground with undecided voters, but it looks like he will get the vote of Joe the Plumber.

Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama has a sizable lead in two major polls over his Republican challenger Senator John McCain. The Obama camp is probably cheering that good news, but it would be unwise for them to throttle back on their efforts. Clearly Senator McCain is the underdog, but I’ve seen too many come from behind victories to count him out.

Nevertheless, the poll numbers are impressive. In the latest Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll, Obama has increased his lead over McCain, 50 percent to 41 percent, among voters likely to cast ballots in the November 4 general election. Last month, those numbers gave Obama a slimmer lead with 49 percent to 45 percent.

Obama’s lead has grown to double digits in the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.  In that nationwide survey of more than a thousand adults, 53 percent said they favored Obama, while only 39 percent said they would vote for McCain. That’s a 14 point lead for the Illinois senator with only three weeks to the election. Another interesting finding in this poll is that the majority of those questioned said they were turned off by McCain’s negative attacks on his Democratic opponent. Hopefully, McCain gets the message, avoids character attacks, and spends his time during the third debate presenting his own agenda for dealing with the long list of problems facing the nation.

The final presidential debate is tonight, 6 p.m. Pacific Time, at Hofstra University in Hempstead New York. The moderator will be Bob Schieffer of CBS News.

Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s campaign coffers reportedly are $10 million richer after two star-studded fundraisers in Beverly Hills last night. That according to Variety, which has a detailed story about Obama’s appearances on its website today.

Some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry attended a $28,500 a person courtyard dinner at the historic Greystone Mansion. Others paid $2,500 apiece for an affair at the Beverly Wilshire, which included a performance by Barbra Streisand.

Some of the celebrities spotted at the Obama events; Jamie Lee Curtis, Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jodie Foster.

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Barbra Streisand rarely performs these days. Apparently, she has decided to do so for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“The Diva” is scheduled to lift up that magnificent voice of hers in song at a star-studded Beverly Hills fundraiser next Tuesday, September 16.

Variety reports that several hundred people are expected to attend the reception and concert at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The ticket price, $2,500 a person.

The co-hosts for the night’s event are heavyweights: DreamWorks Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Geffen, and political consultant Andy Spahn.

It will be a busy night for Obama. Before the Streisand event, Obama will attend a fancy dinner at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills for a smaller group of 250 – at a cost of $28, 500 per person.

Streisand is a well known philanthropist and activist. The entertainer gave special performances for Democratic presidential candidates John Kerry in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000. She is a staunch supporter of Bill and Hillary Clinton. She endorsed Hillary early in the presidential campaign, but switched to Obama when it became clear he had the delegates to win the nomination.

Meanwhile, Streisand has a statement up on her website about Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a running mate. It is titled, “McCain Doesn’t Get It: Women are not that stupid.”  It’s, ah well, priceless.

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Barack Obama’s eloquent and powerful speech of change still reverberates on the political scene, the day after the junior senator from Illinois stepped onto a stage in Denver and into the pages of history. Obama became the first African American to be nominated for president by one of the country’s two major political parties.

 A huge crowd of around 80,000 witnessed Obama’s acceptance speech at Invesco field in a Denver football stadium. Millions more watched as part of a huge television audience. I was among the masses glued to the tube listening to Obama state his case for and to America.

I shared this event with more than fifty Democrats who crowded into a two-bedroom condo for a Watch Obama Speech Party, sponsored by the Burbank Democratic Club. The noise level was quite high until Obama emerged and walked to the podium — then it was silence — except for the few whimpers of a fussy toddler.

The group, a mish-mash of diversity and backgrounds, frequently broke into applause, cheers or mumbled approval and encouragement.  Also, when Obama spoke with passion and conviction about the American promise, the hardships and sacrifices of average citizens as well as those of his own family, some were moved to tears.

They cheered loudly when Obama spoke of the economic and social changes he would make as president. Cheered even louder when Obama slammed the ”failed policies of George Bush.” And yes  there were even more cheers, when Obama attacked the presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain and skillfully linked the Arizona senator to the Bush administration.

At the end, Obama acknowledged the other historic factor of his speech — it was delivered on the 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I have a Dream” speech. Then it was over, the fireworks went off, the confetti dropped, and Obama stood center stage basking in the adulation of his party. A short time later, Obama would be joined in the spotlight by his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, and his running mate Joe Biden and his wife, Jill.

Back in Burbank, the euphoria filled the room just as it did in that Denver stadium. It appears the Democrats are finally united and seriously ready to do battle for the White House. 

Thousands of Democrats are in Denver today for the opening of their four day convention at the downtown Pepsi Center. Closer to home, another political drama is set to play out in Beverly Hills this evening. 

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain and his wife Cindy will be special guests at a star-studded fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Wilshire Boulevard.

 According to  The Washington Times and Variety, show biz conservatives like Angie Harmon, David Zucker, Jon Cryer, Craig T. Nelson, Jon Voight, and Robert Duvall are among those planning to fete the McCains.

Tickets reportedly started at $500 for the 35 and younger set and a thousand bucks for all others. While the Republicans are partying inside, the Democrats will be protesting at a march and rally in the streets outside.

I got an e-mail over the weekend from the Burbank Democratic Club announcing a “Rally Against McCain” in order “… to expose his big oil and corporate connections!”

Sounds like the stage is set for a lot of excitement in Beverly Hills as well as Denver. 

The suspense and political intrigue are over!  The presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has picked Delaware Senator Joe Biden for the number two spot on the ticket.

Senator Biden is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Biden is an expert on foreign policy and familiar with foreign leaders and diplomats around the world.

In 2007, Biden made his own run for the presidency and was quoted as saying Obama was “not yet ready” for the highest office in the land. Apparently, Biden has changed that opinion.  Many feel the Delaware senator adds depth and experience to the Democratic ticket.

I found out about Obama’s choice last night, while persuing the New York Times website. Shortly thereafter, I spotted a news alert on the Internet from the Associated Press saying Biden is Obama’s choice. So much for the high-tech planning of the Obama campaign.

It just goes to show you that you can’t keep a secret that big for very long.  Obama’s team had planned to make the announcement first by e-mail  and text messages to Democrats and supporters.

 As a Democrat I got an e-mail a few days ago asking me if I want to be on the list of the “first to know” about Obama’s choice for vice-president. You bet. I signed up immediately. Oh well, that’s not the way it went down.

On Thursday, Obama told the media he had made his choice.  Yesterday, Obama was in Chicago reportedly working on his acceptance speech for the convention set to kick-off on Monday, August 25 in Denver.

This morning I received that special e-mail announcement about the selection of Biden. Here it is.

Fronnie –

I have some important news that I want to make official.

I’ve chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.

Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois — the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.

I’m excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can’t do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.

Please let Joe know that you’re glad he’s part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we’ll make sure he gets it:

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

Barack

Days before the Democratic and Republican Conventions kick-off, the presumed presidential candidate for each party is headed to Southern California.

Senators Barack Obama and John McCain will make their first joint appearance of the 2008 campaign at the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, located about 50 miles south of Burbank in Orange County.

The moderator for the event and friend of both candidates is pastor, philanthropist, and author, Dr. Rick Warren. His book, “The Purpose Driven Life” has sold 30 million copies. The follow-up “The Purpose Driven Church” is a best seller as well.

Dr. Warren is on the August 18, 2008 cover of Time magazine where he is described as America’s most powerful religious leader.

All the general admission tickets have been handed out for the Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion on Saturday, August 16, from 5 -7 p.m.  The candidates will be talking about faith and the common good.  The event is expected to get extensive coverage by the media.

For more information go to the Saddleback Civil Forum .

 I dropped by the backyard cookout of the Burbank Democratic Club this evening. A spirited group of about 20 ate BBQ, sipped beverages of their choice, and discussed the state of the country and the world. And oh yes, talked a lot about politics and the upcoming general election on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.  

Club President Janet Reynolds called for a vote and got a unanimous endorsement for the presumptive presidential nominee for the Democratic Party, Senator Barack Obama. Also, the group threw its support behind a resolution to ban the death penalty in California.  

Among activities being planned for the upcoming months, an all out push to register voters in Burbank.

For more information – check out their website www.burbankdemocraticclub.com