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So can he live up to the expectations?
Castro, 37 -- a Harvard Law and Stanford grad, who will be the first Hispanic to deliver the address -- is largely unknown to a national audience. But looking at past speeches and videos, his personality, humor, and ability to deliver a stirring speech that draws on his compelling personal story are clear.
The Obama campaign has watched Castro closely, made him a campaign co-chairman, and says he has been effective on the campaign trail for the president.
One recent speech that might give some clues as to points he might touch on, as well as his cadence, delivery, and style, was his keynote address at the Texas Democratic Convention just last month.
And then there was his public spat with Charles Barkley, the former NBA basketball player who criticized San Antonio, particularly its women. Castro fired back in a YouTube video that went viral and even won over Barkley.
'Somebody who won't screw up'
Castro’s keynote speech in Texas last month reflected the seriousness and potential of someone who has won plaudits like this:
“People look at him and say, ‘Finally, we have somebody who won’t screw up,’” John A. Garcia, a political science professor at the University of Arizona, told the New York Times magazine in 2010. Of course, he’s still young, and he might be too good to be true, but if I were betting on the next national Hispanic political leader, I’d bet on Julián.”
Of course, in the current political climate in Texas, it is difficult for a Democrat to break through, at least for now. Even though the majority of voters are minorities in the Lone Star State, none of its statewide officeholders are Democrats.
Belief in government
There was plenty in Castro’s Texas convention keynote about the American Dream, but rather than making his story solely about his own drive, determination, and individual responsibility, he laid out what government needs to do to help pave the way of fairness, including on education, infrastructure, and new technology.
Castro supports affirmative action, he has said, because it gave him and his identical twin brother, Joaquín, the opportunity to go to elite colleges. Joaquín -- who, like his brother, also went to Stanford and Harvard -- is a state representative favored to win the open 20thcongressional district seat to replace retiring longtime Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D).
“Joaquín and I got into Stanford because of affirmative action,” Castro told the New York Times. “I scored 1,210 on my SATs, which was lower than the median matriculating student. But I did fine in college and in law school. So did Joaquín. I’m a strong supporter of affirmative action, because I’ve seen it work in my own life.”
What he might say
Castro strives for the similar unity rhetoric that made Obama famous. Here he was in that speech before Texas Democrats:
“In San Antonio, collaboration is our currency. … These days we hear a lot of talk about how Americans are tired of politics. They’re disillusioned with government, but I think the real issue is that Americans are tired of politicians battling over manufactured issues instead of solving real ones.”
But he also lays blame at the feet of Republicans:
“Today’s Republican Party is leaving just about everyone behind. To them, compromise is a non-starter. Moderate is a four-letter word. You see folks are reevaluating their past political allegiances because people are fed up with the politics of division. They’re fed up with the politics of exclusion. They’re fed up with petty politics. And they’re fed up with Perry politics.”
And he tries to undercut what they stand for:
“Republicans haven’t just departed from the mainstream, they’ve departed from mainstream values. Since when does cutting health care for children make you the party of family values? Since when does denying women their basic rights make you the party of freedom and liberty? Since when does smoke-and-mirrors budgeting make you the party of fiscal accountability?”
He also gives Democrats want they want to hear -- about education, abortion, and immigration.
“We believe the real emergency is getting more students across the graduation stage not frivolous voter ID laws. We believe that veterans who risk their lives for us shouldn’t have to come home and fight for their own livelihoods here. We believe that woman’s right to privacy is a right to privacy is an individual liberty not a political wedge issue. We believe that it’s more important to build bridges to send Texas products across the world than to build a wall that cuts us off from it.”
He pivots from state politics to lay out the choice in the presidential election:
“This year’s presidential election will provide a very clear choice. President Obama inherited the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. He acted to keep thousands of Texas teachers in the classroom and cops on the beat and made investments in the industries for the future. The president made a bold call to save our auto industry. And today, they’re back at work, making the best cars in the world.”
He seems to have the talking points down. During the speech, he touted private-sector job growth under Obama, including manufacturing jobs because of the auto bailout. He hit presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney for “Let Detroit go bankrupt” and Massachusetts being “47th in job creation.”
He defended Obama’s health law, ending the war in Iraq, and killing Osama bin Laden. Sounding a lot like First Lady Michelle Obamabefore the president’s kickoff speech at Ohio State, he also called on the Democratic activists to do the grassroots work:
“We must reelect President Obama. In your neighborhoods, in your cities, in your counties, in your communities, get out there. Knock on doors. Call your friends. Text them. Tweet them. Email them. Heck, maybe even speak to them face to face. Do everything that you gotta do to get President Obama reelected in November.”
Toward the conclusion of his speech, he reached for the kind of rhetoric that can translate on a national stage.
A compelling personal story:
“I told you about my mother. Now I want to tell you about my grandmother, Victoria. By the time she was 6-years old, my grandmother was an orphan. She had to leave her home in Mexico to come to San Antonio with relatives who had agreed to take her in. My grandmother never made it past the third grade. She had to drop out of school to start working and help support her family. By the time, I was born, this incredible woman had taught herself to read and write in Spanish and English. She spent her whole life working because of her lack of education as a maid, a cook, and a babysitter – barely scraping by but still working hard to give my mother a good chance in life, so that my mother could give me an my brother an even better shot.
“My grandmother was a fantastic cook. By the way, a skill that never really transferred to Joaquín or me. And the day before Joaquín and I were born, she won $300 in a Menudo cook off. And that money came in pretty handy. In fact, she used it to help pay a hospital bill. My grandmother didn’t live to see us enter public service. But she probably would have found it extraordinary that just two generations after she got to San Antonio one grandson would be the mayor and the other would be on his way to the United States Congress.”
Reverence for America:
“My family story is not special. What’s special is the America that’s made our possible. This is a nation like no other with unlimited potential. And a Texas where great journeys can be made in just the space of a generation.
Outlining the choice ahead:
“Today, Erica and I are the parents of a precious little girl. Carina Victoria. Now, I love my job. But I love even getting home at the end of the day and seeing her big smile and getting an even bigger hug. All of the time, I ask the questions that all of us parents wonder about – what will her life hold? What will her Texas look like? What America will she inherit? Will it shine with opportunity and possibility? Or be damaged and decayed? Will our Texas be left behind or will we shepherd America to its greatest days yet? We cannot leave the answers to chance! It shouldn’t be a coin toss!"
And a call to action (one could insert “America” for “Texas” in many spots, “Ohio” for “Panhandle,” “Florida” for “Rio Grande Valley”):
“So tonight, the future of Texas is calling on us -- from the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley. The need for common-sense values has never been more urgent. The future is calling us. Across the country, as he campaigns for reelection, President Obama is asking folks a very simple question: ‘Are you in?’ In fighting for our party’s future, for our state’s future, Texas Democrats, I ask you the same thing. Houston, are you in? Dallas, are you in? The valley, are you in? El Paso, are you in? San Antonio, are you in? Tonight, let us stand up as one party, one state, one Texas, and proudly say, We. Are. In! The future of Texas is calling on us. And we’re answering that call. Vamanos!”
GOP to also feature Latinos
Republicans at their convention a week earlier will also prominently highlight Latinos. They have plenty of elected Republican Hispanics to choose from, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL); Ted Cruz (R-TX), who’s the heavy favorite to become Texas’ next senator after his win last night in the Texas GOP primary; popular New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez; Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval; and current Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID).
Rubio’s and Cruz’s roots are from Cuba; Martinez and Sandoval trace theirs to Mexico; and Labrador’s family is from Puerto Rico.
According to the U.S. Census, Mexicans are the largest Hispanic group and the largest-growing group:
“About three-quarters of Hispanics in the United States reported as Mexican, Puerto Rican or Cuban origin in the 2010 Census. Mexican origin was the largest group, representing 63 percent of the total U.S. Hispanic population — up from 58 percent in 2000. This group increased by 54 percent and saw the largest numeric change (11.2 million), growing from 20.6 million in 2000 to 31.8 million in 2010. Mexicans accounted for about three-fourths of the 15.2 million increase in the total Hispanic population between 2000 and 2010. The Mexican origin population represented the largest Hispanic group in 40 states, with more than half of these states in the South and West regions of the country, along with two states in the Northeast and all 12 states in the Midwest.”
“Hispanics are going to play a very prominent role in both conventions,” a GOP strategist told First Read. “The Republican Party has now run a lot prominent elected Hispanics. … . In Texas, it elected a U.S. senator, and he’s conservative, and he’s Hispanic.”
The strategist, referring to Cruz, said Cruz may be Cuban, but he “is going to represent a whole heck of a lot of Mexican Americans.”
The strategist added, “I don’t foresee any problem with our ability to be able to communicate to this audience broadly and in a more narrow fashion. And we can do it with more authority than we’ve ever done it as a party.”
The strategist noted that it’s no longer top-down white party officials telling Hispanics they should join the GOP: it’s “Latinos who have done it and are doing it. We’re in a very strong position. There’s a reason Democrats put this guy up -- it’s because they know that.”
The Obama campaign, however, believes that Castro represents the differing economic visions between the parties.
“Mayor Castro is a rising leader in the party who has worked tirelessly to build San Antonio’s economy from the middle class out, by making investments in things like clean energy and innovative education programs that will lead to the creation of good-paying, sustainable jobs you can raise a family on,” Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt said. “Having both the First Lady and Mayor Castro speak on the opening night of our convention will bring together two incredible leaders whose life stories both embody the promise of America -- that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can thrive.”
Defending the women of San Antonio from Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley outraged San Antonians two years ago when, on television, he criticized the city, especially its women.
“As much as I love San Antonio -- a great city, I’m not gonna miss it,” Barkley said. “One thing about San Antonio, them women down there, they got— My ass, my ass would look normal down there. I wanna tell you somethin’ -- they ain’t got no skinny women down there.”
The comment during TNT’s broadcast left analysts in the studio slack jawed. But Barkley reiterated it again this past May during the NBA playoffs: "Everyone knows San Antonio is a great city... They do have some big ol' women down here."
Castro had had enough. But rather than a huffy call for Barkley to apologize, Castro took to the camera and YouTube for a “Hey Chuck!”smack down that went viral. Castro ragged on Barkley’s fitness, lack of championship rings, and a horrifically awkward golf swing.
“You’ve not always been very kind in describing the women of San Antonio,” Castro says in the video. “Come to think of it, maybe that’s because we have a very different idea of what a beautiful woman looks like,” Castro deadpans when up pops a photo of Barkley dressed in drag.
Castro saved his best line for after playing video of Barkley’s golf swing: “Actually, that has nothing do with San Antonio. We just thought it was funny.”
The two later met, at the Alamo no less, and he had won Barkley over.
“I never met a mayor with a sense of humor before,” Barkley told Castro. “I want to thank you for taking the time for making that video. It was funny.”
He even changed his tune on other matters: “I like the women,” Barkley said, and he picked the Spurs to win in the playoffs.
In showcasing someone like Castro, Democrats hope to energize the base and also signal to the majority of Hispanics which party is looking out for them. One thing is clear -- both parties are well aware of Latino growth and know they need to make sure Hispanics are featured prominently.
Leave a Comment:
Interesting Gallup Info:
Thirteen States and D.C. Give Obama Majority Approval
Alternate headline:
37 States Give Obama less than 50% approval --------Ouch!
Maybe if the Dems work it out just right, between Bubba Clinton and this Castro character, they won't have to put Obama on the stage. Just ran out of time they'll claim.
Can't wait to see Harry Reid 's address to rant about Romney's taxes.
JoAnnaSmith1
Maybe if the Dems work it out just right, between Bubba Clinton and this Castro character, they won't have to put Obama on the stage. Just ran out of time they'll clai m.
And you t-baggers will claim Castro is a communist; Snookie Jo
Hey redsox, how many battleground states does Romney have 50% in? Look it up. I'll wait.
The newest research from Nate has it as:
“Obama chance of winning 69.0% Romney 31.0%”
"37 States Give Obama less than 50% approval ---"
Let's see what the truth is behind that blithering remark, shall we?
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/2012_elections_electoral_college_map.html
Latest score: President Obama 247 to Mitt "Etch-A-Sketch" Romney 191
It looks like President Obama is continuing to surge into a commanding lead supported by none other than the great state of Massachusetts! Tell the more rational residents of your state the country appreciates their common sense and good judgement, Red Sox Sux. You might want to listen to your neighbors, too, by the way. It might help you get a clue.
Winnie, I will let you know on November 7th. The only time it counts. LMAO
Sallycat, check gallup, like I said. Dimwit. Geez, no wonder this country is in such trouble.
JOB1....try reading Nate Silver's entire analysis before spouting it as gospel. He states the changes in his prediction was due to new releases of personal income data. He later goes on to say:
"There are also reasons to be wary of the personal income data. It is extremely noisy, for instance — with large fluctuations from month to month and from quarter to quarter — and it frequently undergoes significant revisions. "
Look, there are going to be changes to every poll out there many times over between now and November, especially after the debates start in October.
What a weak retort redsox. Why did you even bother to reply?
Maybe if the Dems work it out just right, between Bubba Clinton
Hey Snuffy - I'll bet the repubes wished they had somebody like Clinton to speak for them at their convention. By the way, who do you have? Palin, Bachmann, or maybe Boner will get up there and get teary eyed for ya?
Obama/Biden 2012
JoAnnaSmith1
Is that why Romney has like 97 surrogates? So the RNC doesn't have to put Romney up on the stage?
I'm still waiting for you to provide the second year of Romney's taxes that you claim have been released. Just please don't count the 2011 that have the gigantic "IN PROGRESS" stamped across every page.
GT-2021701
they have Joe the Plumber and the Pizza Man.
"...check gallup, like I said. Dimwit."
Gallup says President Obama is ahead of Etch-A-Sketch, Red Sox Sux. Maybe you should be checking Gallup more closely:
ww.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2012/president/us/general_election_romney_vs_obama-1171.html
And it is becoming clear that you really need to have heart-to-heart talks with your more rational neighbors in Massechusetts, Red Sox Sux. You're embarrassing yourself.
I am one proud American.
Did you see the DIVERSITY of the audience in the video?
Sillycat, let me spoon feed it to you since you are obviously too dumb to know how to look it up yourself. What a moron.
gallup.com/poll/156389/Thirteen-States-Give-Obama-Majority-Approval.aspx
Like I said, no wonder this country is in such bad shape with dimwits like you around.
So to recap: RedSox Rules posts results from a poll, then turns around and tells everyone who offers different results from other polls that "I will let you know on November 7th. The only time it counts. LMAO". And then posts a link to a poll that by his own admission, doesn't count, because it's not November 7th.
The thought process here - and I use the term loosely - is mind-boggling.
Julian knows how to fire up a crowd.
As usual, please watch the absence of diversity during the Republican convention.
JoJo, do you have a steel plate in your head that gives you comprehension issues? Must be something like that.
You libby clowns love to use polls, so I gave you one. And then libbys like sillycat run around and refuse to even look at it, or acknowledge it, or not able to even find it. My guess is because he is a dimwit, like most libbys.
The only results that matter are after the election. I only use these polls because you light minded libbys like to, but you refuse to look at them all. Like true libbys, you have a real problem with truth and fact.
Sorry you were not able to follow the thought process, but had you finished at least 6th grade you might have.
LMAO. Libbys are so much fun to watch!
Red Sox,
It is all about what they hope they can make stick.
Ann Romney was chided about wearing a 900 dollar shirt, while Mrs. Obama was complemented on her fashion sense with her wearing a 6,800 jacket.
The libs are just hoping no one will show up to vote.
When you look at the percentage of people who said they could change their vote, to me that is really undecided, it means nothing until November.
I liken the libs on this site to those sports fans who are 0-10, then win one game and when the camera pans into the crowd, they all have their index finger up yelling were number 1.
Means nothing until November.
Julian Castro (and this is not hyperbole comparison) is the wolf at the Republican door not only in terms of changing demographics in the US, but also in terms of the deeper bench Democrats have compared to the GOP/TP. Teapublcans, your time is limited...
And speaking of comparisons, how about FOX comparing Romney's dressage horse to Kerry windsurfing?Really, seriously? I tried windsurfing once and I'm common folk, but access to dressage is SO elite it even has a French name. Puleeze!
Red Sox Sux has his own fantasy world and he just doesn't like reality to intrude on it: Gallup shows Obama leading Etch-A-Sketch by two points. Most respectable polls agree, as well. President Obama also is well ahead in the race for electoral votes, too, and he is rapidly pulling away from the wheezing campaign horse belonging to Romney. No matter how he wants to twist reality, Sux can't run from the fact his hopeless candidate continues to trail the president by all reasonable measures.
<insert GOP "Pandering To Hispanics" rant here>
It's great to see another up and comer. Republicans have nothing! This is the man Latinos will look to. Marco Rubio offers nothing to the Latino community. Whatever happened to his alternative to the dream act? Did I miss something whilst on my vacation?
Just another charismatic lefty who never worked outside of government that reads a good speech and just loves the "efficiency" of the government.
Haven't we had our fill of those types yet?
Illinois = crook
This guy is good - the YouTube video was a hoot.
"<insert GOP "Pandering To Hispanics" rant here>"
Or, we could just skip past the "pandering" rants and go directly to "Castro? He's in league with CASTRO??? See, we told you he was a Communist!"
JAS1 - Do you ever get tired of being a flaming idiot? Your posts are degenerating almost as fast as what little mind you have left.
As usual, the Democrats are showing what a diverse base they have and doing it well. The GOP will try to dig up someone who isn't a white old man to speak, then make sure they follow the script exactly.
Anyone who is looking for the party of today sees it in the Democrats. Anyone who is looking for relics only has to look at the GOP convention.
Obama/Biden 2012
"dems4freedom" must be a supporter for the Democratic Party of the 50's. I don't think he is quite current, and I don't think he is a Democrat. Imagine calling an entire state crooked. What a screwball!
More hero worship from the Left. I'm sure they'll have Julio's, ehh Julian's, poster on their wall right next to Barry's & Bubba's.
Can you buy those posters with food stamps?
JoAnnaSmith1
Just another charismatic lefty who never worked outside of government that reads a good speech and just loves the "efficiency" of the government.
Haven't we had our fill of those types yet?
Snookie Jo,
Yup, you are correct especially those clueless t-baggers ya'll dragged off the streets to represent government and the presumed tax dodger Willard Myth Romney.
Oh and about our President having never worked outside of government-- PolitiFact reported two years ago when Joe Scarborough falsely asserted that Obama had never "received a paycheck from a profit-making business," the president does, in fact, have some experience outside of government, albeit not in the Fortune 500 world. In fact, the bulk of his income in recent years has come from royalties from sales of his books.
Some of the relevant jobs in Obama’s work history include:
— A stint in 1983-84 as a research assistant at Business International Corp. in New York City, where he helped write a newsletter.
— Working from 1985 to 1988 as a community organizer for the Developing Communities Project in Chicago;
— Working from 1993 to 2004 as an associate, and then a partner, at the Chicago law firm of Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, where his work included employment-discrimination and voting-rights cases. The job also overlapped with his time in the Illinois Legislature.
Obama himself in the past acknowledged that much of his experience was as a legislator, but during a meeting with the editorial board of the Valley News in West Lebanon, N.H., in November 2007, lso noted that he had quickly built a $100 million political organization that at the time was rivaling the long-in-the-making Clinton machine.
Asked at that 2007 meeting when he had first had to fire someone, Obama gave an answer that might hold water in any corporate boardroom.
Obama said when he was 25, and working as a community organizer, he hired a woman who was "significantly older than me to help set up a college prep program for local young people" but that it "became clear after two to three months that she was poorly suited for the job."
"It was brutal. She had left another job to take this one, and in some ways I realized it was my fault, not having recognized that she didn’t fit in this task," Obama said. "What I took from it was that you clean up your messes quickly. When you make a mistake you correct it, even when it’s hard."
The ruling: Obama may not have the corporate chops of Romney, but he’s worked in several jobs in the private sector -- and had management experience. And if you count his best-selling books that have brought Obama millions of dollars in royalties, he also knows something about entrepreneurship.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/oct/18/mitt-romney/romney-says-barack-obama-has-no-private-sector-exp/
=================================================
You just like most RWNJs and the T-baggers in Congress dragged from the streets and local bars have no idea what you're talking.
Oh Bev - you made my day on that one - that is by far the funniest thing I have read all week. Speaking of hilarity - I haven't been keeping up on the Olympics - does anyone know if Queen Annie RomneyShambles horse has won any medals in the fancy-prancy-horsie-dancing event (or as old sour-Kraut-hammerhead calls it - the hoity-toity spoit)?
JAS - since you reference food stamps and welfare so much my guess is you get both. Since most on this site are gainfully employed why don't you let us know what you can buy with your food stamps? Your vast experience with welfare receipts could be a learning tool for all of us.
Obama/Biden 2012
So basically 2 private sector jobs for a total of 5 years, then part-time at a law firm while he was a State Senator (conflict of interest anyone)
That'a a pretty impressive private sector resume there Bev. It's seems even the man himself agrees that its a we bit skimpy. But boy does he know how to rack up those donations.
BTW If writing two books about yourself qualifies you as an entrepreneur, does that mean Mao is an entrepreneur having written the "Little Red Book"?
Hey Da Noid
<insert Obama and Biden "Pandering To Gays and Lesbians" rant here>
I guess it is ok for the Libs to site pandering to Hispanics but not the Gays and Lesbians.
What Obama said ' my views on Gay marriage is evolving.
What he meant. Hey Joe, I need to get the Gay and Lesbian vote, leak that we are in favor!
Julian Castro (and this is not hyperbole comparison) is the wolf at the Republican door not only in terms of changing demographics in the US, but also in terms of the deeper bench Democrats have compared to the GOP/TP. Teapublcans, you and your failed ideology are on notice...
Abe Lincoln had as little, and maybe even less, "executive" experience than President Obama. George W had extensive experience in both private enterprise and government. 'Nuff said?
Obama is a war criminal and he should be impeached.
Obama has:
Signed the NDAA bill into law allowing the assassination of any us citizen without trial (yes, I know it's been around for a long time but Obama signed it into law even though it's unconstitutional)
Obama has killed hundreds of innocent people (including 3 Americans) with drone strikes he has ordered in Pakistan And Yemen.
Obama has raised the National debt Nearly $5 TRILLION.
Obama has allowed almost 1 Million ILLEGAL aliens to become legal citizens (thanks to those he allowed to become citizens, they have committed 19 murders and 142 sex crimes)
Lied About all of His 2008 Campaign Promises Including the One Where He said he campaigned in 57 states.
Google Search "Dreams from my REAL father" and you'll see, Obama's father was a failed communist who's dream was to DESTROY America, at age 18, Obama went to a MARXIST school.
@greatjob - to address just one point: well bushie killed roughly a hundred thousand innocent Iraquis all to increase the power of Iran and lied us into doing it. Please address. And please stop lying by making pretend you know anything about the murders committed by those "1 million illegal aliens" and for that matter by making pretend you know anything at all about those "1 million illegal aliens."
Other than that, please go back to school and try to learn how to think, rather than distribute turds you find on neo-fascist web sites.
Jim - should we call out these "liars" as well?
"One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them.
That is our bottom line."
President Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998
"Iraq is a long way from USA but, what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998
"He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983."
Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser, Feb, 18, 1998
"We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S.Constitution and Laws, to take necessary actions, (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs."
Letter to President Clinton, signed by Sens. Carl Levin, Tom Daschle, John Kerry, and others Oct. 9, 1998
"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process."
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998
"Hussein has .. chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies."
Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State, Nov. 10, 1999
"There is no doubt that ... Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue a pace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies."
Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others, December 5, 2001
"We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and a threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandated of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them."
Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI), Sept. 19, 2002
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002
"The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons..."
Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV), Oct. 3, 2002
"I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary-- to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Oct. 9, 2002
"There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years ... We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV), Oct 10, 2002
"He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do"
Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA), Oct. 10, 2002
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002
"Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation ... And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real ..."
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan 23, 2003
A 37 year old Mexican rookie is the best the dems can do for a keynote speaker?
Say it ain't so! This should be a real snooze fest.
Has Julio released his tax returns?
Uh...his name is "Julian".
and pronounced like 'hooligan'!
JAS and miked - you two belong together. Two crack pots. JAS - Julian isn't running for President - can you possibly understand the difference between he and Mitt?
miked - you're just a pathetic loser. 'nuff said!
Obama/Biden 2012
Glad you asked. I have no idea if "Julio" has released his, but since Mayor Julian Castro was one of the many mayors who signed this letter, my guess would be yeah, he probably has:
"Dear Governor Romney,
Transparency leads to trust. And public release of your tax returns is the only way the American people can know if they can trust your judgment, perspective and motivations.
But the American people have waited long enough and heard enough excuses about why you refuse to disclose your tax returns. It’s time to come clean Governor Romney.
Your own father set a precedent for presidential candidates, of both parties, when he said public release of several years of tax returns was necessary, explaining that “one year could be a fluke, perhaps done for show.” President Obama has released 12 years of tax returns, John Kerry released 20 years’ worth and Bob Dole released nearly 30 years. Without releasing additional tax returns, you would go down as one of the most secretive presidential nominees in modern history. Even Richard Nixon released more years of tax returns than you.
Remember when you auditioned to be John McCain’s vice presidential pick? You gladly handed over twenty-three years of tax returns. Now, as you audition for the American people, you think only one full year is good enough. It isn’t.
We know you have a bank account in Switzerland. We know you have continued holdings in offshore tax havens like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. And we know you’ve already paid a significantly lower tax rate than most middle class families. The question is why? What else are you trying to hide? Were you
trying to avoid paying your fair share? Is there shifty accounting in the rest of your tax returns that would shock Americans? You are running for the highest office in the greatest country on Earth. Don’t you think the American people deserve to know the truth?
We do. Transparency is the only way the American people can trust that their President is on their side. It’s time to release your tax returns, Governor.
Respectfully,
Mayor Michael Nutter, Philadelphia, PA
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles, CA
Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee, WI
Mayor Julian Castro, San Antonio, TX
Mayor Anthony Foxx, Charlotte, NC
Mayor Bill Bell, Durham, NC
Mayor RT Rybak, Minneapolis, MN
Mayor Michael Coleman, Columbus, OH
Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit, MI
Mayor Mark Mallory, Cincinnati, OH
Mayor Greg Stanton, Phoenix, AZ
Mayor Pedro Segarra, Hartford, CT
Mayor Pete Lagiovane, Chambersburg, PA
Mayor Richard Gray, Lancaster, PA
Mayor Helen Thomas, Darby Borough, PA
Mayor Ed Pawlowski, Allentown, PA
Mayor William Euille, Alexandria, VA
Mayor John Callahan, Bethlehem, PA
Mayor Cindy Lerner, Pinecrest, FL
Mayor Kenneth Wright, Portsmouth, VA
Mayor Brian Moore, Petersburg, VA
Mayor Rick Vilello, Lockhaven, PA
http://wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=275102
So why won't Romney release his?
Da Noid
Has Julian released his tax returns then? Satisfied?
Good for him.
Excellent post, JoAnne!
Tax return?
I can already see the birth certificate issues once they get the crazy old sheriff in AZ to take a peek at it.
JoAnna in PA....The hypocracy of democrats touting that Romney must divulge years and years of tax returns to show transparency is ludicrous. Obama ran on a Platform of Transparency and has been the most secretive President in recent times. Remember how all the hearings on Obamacare were going to be public....how did that work out?
GeorgeW148
not years and years but more than one would be great.
In Olympics spirit, JAS1 gets a double gold medal for ethnic slur and for irrelevance. Kind of defensive about Mitt's tax returns, aren't you?! I can see why.
GeorgeW148,
You may not like Obama's transparency, but at least he disclosed his tax returns.. Has Romney?
JoAnna - have you dry cleaned your clan robe lately?
What about nancy Pelosi'd tax returns? or Harry Reid? Al Sharpton? Weiner?etc etc etc
Anybody seen Obama's college financial aid records?
Anybody ever found any of those "people" who inspired 24y/o Obama to write two autobiographies without a single accompllishment in his life?
Anybody seen his college transcripts? GPA? Editorial written while he was "Editor" of the Harvard Law Review? Anything ever written before be was elected to the state senate?
Obama's financials from before 2002?
What dealings did he have with Chicago organized crime and why did they sell him his home?
Why did he attend a black sepratist, racist, terrorist church for TWO DECADES?
He had his first political meeting in a convicted terrorists living room?
He despises small business and embraces avowed communists the world over, he even supported Assad in Syria and called to congradualte him after the last election.
Worried about Romney and his taxes? really????????
You elected a guy who spent $25,000,000.00 in DNC money to hide his birth certificate. Why?
cal20
all these people running for president?
paidmyfee
so you don't care about Romney's tax returns - something that pretty much every presidential candidate has released but you want Obama's financial aid records? You want Obama's supermarket transaction history, too? How about his Blockbuster video rentals - would that make you happy?
Why can't we see any of Obama's records?
Tell us why we have no right to inquire about the messiah's spendings habits? or see that much praised college transcript in the flesh?
If it is utterly unimportant to know anything about Obama before 2008, then let's apply the same standard to Romney and ignore everything before 2012,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,as required by law by the way.
Joanne Sh(m)itty knows that it is not important to pay attention to names of, um, people of excessively southern origin.
dear fee- please read a book. You'll find the answers you have not yet found.
To: paidmyfee
If you're going to hold Barack Obama to that standard then you must be consisistent and hold Mitt Romney to that same standard as well.
Mitt Romney HAS NOT released his Birth Certificate! He HAS released the Certificate of Live Birth. That is the same document Barack Obama released back in 2008 that supposedly wasn't good enough for you folks. Both men's fathers were born on foreign soil, so why does Mitt get a pass and Obama doesn't?
Mitt Romney supposedly attended Harvard and graduated cum laude according to the school. Barack Obama supposedly attended Harvard and graduated magna cum laude according to the school. Neither Mitt Romney nor Barack Obama have released their college transcripts. However, Obama is the only one taken to task for it. The implication here is that Harvard is lying and covering up for Obama. In the WEIRD WORLD OF REPUBLICANLAND Harvard University which is a 472 year-old learning instution and has the highest credintials of any school in our land would for some reason throw all that away on a whim for a 28 year old black guy that no one has ever heard of. In contrast, the Romney name was far more established when Romney entered law school there. His father George had already been a successful Governor and had run for PRESIDENT in "68". If Harvard were going to fudge anyone's records it would be more inclined to fudge Mitt's because of the power, influence and prestige of the Romney name. I believe both men have earned their credentials and that Harvard University would have no incentive to fudge their numbers and there is no evidence to suggest they did. I just thought I would point the double standard here.
RedSoxRule
boo
RedSucks, yup that is just why the President picked him.
SEE--> http://mlkshk.com/r/1B9T
President Obama knew t-baggers and the other right wing heads would explode over someone who is sincere and appreciative of real American values; unlike "you people"
When I saw Rubio on MTP recently, the first word that came to mind was "slimeball." You could tell Rubio was bright, ambitious and telegenic, but you could also see he couldn't give a rat's azz about other people. Rubio is that kind of politician.
Now this Julian Castro seems to have exactly what Rubio lacks - a sense of being a part of a greater community. He's not just ambitious for himself, he wants to do good things for the country as a whole.
Amy you've become as bitter and mean spirited as carrot top! That's a sad thing to see!
Now this Julian Castro seems to have exactly what Rubio lacks
That would be a large "D" after his name.
Right on the mark WCA - As long as the "minority flavor of the month" has a big "D" after his name, he's good. But Amy, with all her wisdom, can "just tell" that Rubio couldn't give "a rat's azz about other people." Tell me Ames...just how can you "tell" that from someone you don't even know?
Talk about freakin' brainwashed sheep....baaa baaa
Tebow15 - how sad you fail to see the diversity of this country as a plus. The Democrats embrace the people of the United States - not just SOME of the people, like the Republicans do. The fact that you make fun of this speaks volumes about you - none of it good.
Talk about sheep and you talk about the uneducated Republicans - like you!
Obama/Biden 2012
Must be Sanity's day to work. No redhead. Rubio a sleezeball, name-calling from the start. Is this really all you guys have left? If MSNBC is going to keep you guys employed you are going to have to have an original thought once in a great while. Can't wait to see what you "LADIES" COME UP WITH NEXT!
And a moral compass. Has Rubio gotten his "I swam to America all on my own" story down yet? How about those pesky credit card purchases?
dogs80 - I work 6 days a week - at a regular job - and manage to multi-task. It's a talent you apparently lack.
I didn't see anyone call Rubio a sleezeball - are you putting your thoughts down?
Obama/Biden 2012
I call it like I see it! My radar is actually pretty good.
Sanity, Do you ever post in a manner that doesn't violate the N.V. COH by belittling those with whom you disagree? You know it says the part about respecting others. You almost always seem to break that rule, which would usually get one suspended. But, somehow you never do.
Toxic - well yes I do as many of my posts today prove. Do you every post ANYTHING or do you just come online to follow me around?
Don't flatter yourself, Sanity. You just stand out to be one of the more vile posters on the vine. You obviously have some insecurities regarding intelligence that you reflect on others.
My lunch break is over now. I have to get back to work. But I'm sure you will continue to post the rest of the afternoon as you are either unemployed (and on the dole), or working at MSNBC.
sanity, I realize you work. Trying to be a mouthpiece for all the left's crap on MSNBC must be a trying occupation!
Toxic and dogs80 - try again. I work at a lucrative job and I realize I'm fortunate in that respect. Sorry Toxic but I have no insecurities really regarding anything. Clearly you and dogs80 do. Keep trying - I'm sure you'll offend someone as insecure as the two of you apparently are.
Obama/Biden 2012
Sanity, I might be a lot of things but insecure isnt one of them. Fifty years old and retired. Have a son in law school and a daughter in med school. I did do things for myself, the prez and the government didnt do it for me or mine. Keep spouting your liberal garbage and if you dont already work for MSNBC, maybe they will take a look at you. Fiesty needs a day off once in a while from spouting her venom!
Aaahhh, what would the day be like without the usual name-calling and venomous attacks from SeekingSanity ? Next thing you know, she will be accusing someone else of doing what she has perfected .... character assassinations. Of course, that does seem to fit the pattern of Obama's campaign strategy which is to attack mercilessly to destroy the opposition.
ToxicChemist, You do realize that because you called attention to her attacking remarks, her first line of "defense" is to imply you are a stalker. Her next attempt will be to declare you are a re-reg of me or Kirk .... another poster her who previously "owned her" one day in a debate ! LOL !!
The "gangsta girls" from Chicago get a free pass with the vitriol. Funny, Chicago is Obama's campaign headquarters. Do you think it is possible that SeekingSanity, Beverly from Chicago and the "Feasty" Redhead are merely paid DNC trolls ???
Move over 3 Stooges ..... you have competition from Chicago, crime capital of the world!
dogs80 - Congratulations on your retirement and at 50, impressive. All I ask is since you are able to retire and have two kids in college then I would imagine that you have done pretty well for yourself and would not need any government assistance in the future. Please feel free to return any social security checks that may be sent to you when you reach the appropriate age to collect. Also don't sign up for Medicare and while your at it please don't call the local fire department or police department. We would hate for you to depend on the government for anything. Oh and one more thing please return any tax deductions for education that you may have received from the big bad government over the past years. Thanks and enjoy the retirement.
little jimmie/kirk - you couldn't own a little red wagon if someone fronted the money for you and everyone who has seen your posts knows it. But, you need to tell yourself that to feel good so go ahead. Really pitiable little boy!
Self Educated - great post!
Nice try... I own 6 vehicles and all but one are FORD PRODUCTS ..... you know, the company that is part of the FALSE Democratic claim about "saving the auto industry" when Ford already had their turnaround plan and their long-term financing done .... WITHOUT government bailouts ! Besides, GM went bankrupt anyway and the bailout was to save woefully underfunded union health care plans. Chrysler is now mostly owned by FIAT.
But Kirk "owned you" that day .... and you are still in denial ! LOL !!
Sorry Sanity, I don't. I'm doing just fine in my life, and unlike you, I can express my viewpoints without personal attacks.
Amy B. Portland, ME
Now this Julian Castro seems to have exactly what Rubio lacks - a sense of being a part of a greater community. He's not just ambitious for himself, he wants to do good things for the country as a whole.
Indeed he does Amy.
We must remember selfish T-baggers hate government which is an essential part of this country.
Hi Amy, who writes.
I'm not making any silly comment about Julian Castro. He is young, Hispanic and intelligent. I will have to see his bio, which will be coming soon.
So why would you make such statements about Marco Rubio because you saw him on MTP once, when you do not know anything about him. I will take that back you know he is not a Liberal/democrat so you have to bad mouth him and make up lies.
This folks is the difference between a Liberal and an Independent. I see Bev follows up with the same annoying one time observation just on the premises that he is not a LIB.
Who is the next LIB to go on the wagon?
Concern - how do you know Amy knows nothing about Rubio? Most of us know a lot about him as he has been in the public eye for some time.
Perhaps you should try to make an intelligent post instead of just following the examples of JAS and miked.
Oh, and you're no Independent and trying to pass yourself off as one is an embarrassment to those who are. You're a dyed in the wool Republican who doesn't even try to think for herself - just post the ignorance of the far right every time you post.
Obama/Biden 2012
"Who is the next LIB to go on the wagon?"
Not me, that's for sure. In fact, after reading some of the posts on here today, I could really use a drink. Sanity, are you buying the first round? :)
SeekingSanity,
I knew you would be the next LIB to byte the hook. How sad to be so predictable. I don't have to prove anything to you or anyone else and you just proved my point.
I did not insult anyone prior to this Post by calling them stupid, (you sack of mierda). My vote still counts, stupid or not.
Romney 2012
Hillary 2016.
Obama unemployed.
Concern - and I knew you would follow the nonsense of JAS and njnb with your posts - never an original or intelligent thought. And, you have posted no "points" so you've proved nothing!
You vote will count - as will millions of other Americans. Hopefully most will be more intelligent than you!
Romney gone for good in November!
Amy, I'll buy the first two!!!!
Obama/Biden 2012
SeekingSanity,
Will you ever grow up? What is the difference between you Post and mine?
As we say in spnish " No escupas para arriba, porque te puede caer en la cara"
Go have your drink, I will go out with the girls to lunch.
NO MAS ONOBAMA!!!!!!! Please master forgive me I misspelled OBOMA.
For lunch lets make it Chick-Fil-A. Great company.
Concern and JoAnna ... knock yourselves out at Chick-Fil-A - strip mall dining would be perfect for the two of you.
Concern - you are NOWHERE near Independent and with your making fun of the President's name and JoAnna comparing him to Sandusky, well you two girls have a LOT in common! You can probably catch up your white hood sewing while noshing on your chicken.
I'm joining JoAnne and Seeking for grown up beverages and grown up conversation . . . . and the rest of us LIBS who aren't "on the wagon" are welcome to join in!
JoAnnaSmith1,
I don't like Chick-Fil-A but I get your point. Freedom of Speech!!! is still alive.
No Obama in 2012,
heck I will vote for a shoe and a sock first.
I see the next LIB got on the wagon. Hi Layton , Let me see, Libs, drinks and Wagons. AA here they come.
Ultimately your gesture will be as symbolic as "Don't Buy Gas This Tuesday".
They must save it up, because they don't bring any of it here. Boilermakers, right?
Concern and JAS - perfect duo - not a complete brain between the two of them!
Concern - a shoe and a sock is the MOST you get by voting for Romney but it doesn't surprise me you'd vote for that combination. You don't understand issues.
Obama/Biden 2012
Seeking, See what I mean? 5 violations just in one small vine. Disagree all you want with the others, but this constant put- down is just not right. Are you one of those who has to put others down just to raise yourself up?
In the end all of this menushia isn't worth the "e-ink" it's written on. Come November it will either be Romney or Obama regardless of all our bickering. Instead, you will have to live with the kind of person you project yourself to be, and if it was me, I would be embarrased.
JAS - I have no idea what a boilermaker is but since you apparently hit the sauce regularly, I guess you do.
I prefer margaritas or a nice red wine.
Toxic - what I see is you focused on me instead of the many COH "violations" of the far right posters. But, that doesn't fit your agenda does it?
Sad little man!
Toxic - you SHOULD be embarrassed!
Good job Toxic as she still doesn't get it. She will check out what the next libs talking point is and get back to you! Such a peach.
dogs80 and Toxic - neither of you get anything but your venom filled ignorant posts which only attack me - no one on the right. You're transparent and out of touch - but go ahead an pat each other on the back. You two deserve each other!
YOU are talking about the "venom filled ignorant posts" of others ? Seriously ? I am ROTFLMAO at your gold-medal winning hypocrisy.
You started your blogs today with attacks and have not let up. You try to attack everyone with a different opinion from you as ignorant or some variation thereof. Then, of course, you try to play the "poor me-victim" when your comments come back to haunt you.
LOL - I see little jimmie/Kirk is here. Am I surprised, nope!
Still Suffering from Delusions of Adequacy aren't you ?
A person with any semblance of real intelligence would be able to discern ( I know, it's a "big" word for you .... but look it up ! ) that our writing styles are substantially different ..... oops, the qualifier I put in here would disqualify you from the start.
little jimmie - you have a "tell" which is obvious to anyone with intelligence - leaves you out!
Pot....Kettle....?
I see your posts day in and day out, your writing style is always the same. Insult, Insult, Insult to try and intimidate those whom you might be able. ......Sorry, but your Kung Fu won't work on me.
I thought he was Fidel's son.
60's veteran.
Please don't start that one. LOL
I love the fact that a politician, especially if he/she can give a good speech, is an "up and coming candidate." Are we that lazy (I know the reporters from NBCrap are) to not even look at his background, previous experience or voting record any more? I mean, look at where we are now with our incompetence in leadership in the WH...but boy, he sure can deliver a speech! Surprised more stand up comedians don't go into politics if that's all it takes.
I'd rather have someone that actually gets things accomplished, leads by example, doesn't blame others and takes it on the chin when needed to -exactly the OPPOSITE of what sits in the WH today.
This would be the point where the inquisitive among us would actually seek to learn a thing or two about Mayor Castro.
...or do you require being spoon-fed all of your information?
Spoon-fed and a sippy cup, Da Noid. It's disgusting how the comments are flying around by the RWNJs who know NOTHING about Julian Castro but are already taking pot shots. He's giving a speech and it appears it will be a very good one based on those he has made in the past. God forbid the Democrats introduce someone young and interesting - probably scares the pants off the GOP with their "heros" like Orrin and Boehner - white, old, and BORING!
No, we are not that lazy - that is a title held by the some GOP and all TP members that get their information from Faux News - kinda like praying mantis Tebow15 whose recap (copied below) of Obama comes straight from the talking points printed by the GOP/TP and the media outlet (Fox) owned by them. Of course, there are also the comments from Rubio - again, straight from the lying GOP/TP talking points memo, as evidenced by the garbage he spews in these speeches. http://freedomslighthouse.net/tag/marco-rubio-speeches/
"I love the fact that a politician, especially if he/she can give a good speech, is an "up and coming candidate"
Okay, he's not an up-and-coming candidate, if you say so. But personally, I'd say this is a pretty good start:
"A 37-year-old San Antonio native, Mayor Julián Castro is the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city. First elected on May 9, 2009, Mayor Castro handily won re-election in 2011 with nearly 82 percent of the vote.
In March 2010, Mayor Castro joined executives from Google and Twitter in being named to the World Economic Forum’s list of Young Global Leaders. Later that year, Time magazine placed him on its “40 under 40” list of rising stars in American politics. Mayor Castro also serves on the board of directors of the National League of Cities, is a member of the Inter-American Dialogue and is an Aspen-Rodel Fellow. In addition to his community service, Mayor Castro has taught courses at The University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, and St. Mary’s University."
"Mayor Castro earned his undergraduate degree from Stanford University with honors and distinction in 1996 and a juris doctorate from Harvard Law School in 2000. In 2001, at the age of 26, Castro became the youngest elected city councilman at that time in San Antonio history."
http://mayorcastro.com/bio.php
JoAnne - I was reading about Mayor Castro too. What an accomplished young man. And, apparently his brother is similarly motivated. What proud parents they must have!
Obama State Run media campaigning again.
If this were the attitude of all our representives, then this country would be going some place,,,,,
Instead we have these lock-step ideologs on the right that have single-handedly STOPPED this countrys' forward progress!!!!!!
It's no use trying to talk facts, or sense to the extremists, but for those of you out there that are reasonable and forward thinking,,,,,,well, this is the kind of politican that can keep this country strong!!!!!!
I am proud to be an American, and I am proud of our president!!!!
I am an independent voter from NH and have been voting since 1968,,,I've been around the block politically, made my mistakes, but was never so set in the ideology, that I couldn't, or wouldn't listen to others views,,,,,,that is exactly what is missing today,,,,everyone has picked a corner, and until that changes, and we realize we are all in this boat together, then all forward movement for this country will stop!!!!!
Have a great day everyone!!!!
Julian Castro will have to keep his shields up as he will receive massive negative trash talk fro the TEA-Republican membership. What a wonderful choice the Democratic party has made to make a major address. Realizing the importance of the Hispanic/Latino vote in November, they have chosen Julian Castro, mayor of San Antonio. Already see questions about his age and Obama comparisons. Every person of color should realize the Democratic party is inclusive of all people.
Julian Castro should make it clear in his speech the importance of the Hispanic/Latino vote in setting America's course and bring to light the differences between the two candidates and their party at the local level. The divisive rancor in the Texas Senate race has shown there is a division in the TEA-Republican race, and that division is marked with confrontational TEA party activist on one side and Governmental shut-down proponent on the other.
There is no doubt the economy has slowly come to life, but the intense blockages from the TEA party segment keeps us from exploding out of the chute. President Obama has steadily made progress in his efforts and shows thought process in international and national relations. Julian Castro's voice in nominating president Obama for his second term will highlight what has to be his entry into national prominence. This is a clear message that the Hispanic/Latino vote will play heavily in this and future political races. Texans should be proud and signal with votes Texas will surely lose it's red luster in national politics.
This should serve as a call to voters of color, of the swing states to vote to keep president Obama president. If you are not registered to vote - Register! Vote! Then get out the vote!
Rudy - you can already see the trash talk - and the righties don't know anything about him. They just hate him because he's a Democrat and has a name a little different than theirs.
Ignorance abounds in the GOP - unfortunately that's all that abounds in the GOP!
Obama/Biden 2012
Rudy.....only if that were true. I have been watching these blogs for years, and the Democratic Party brags it is the party of tolerance and acceptance and "the party of inclusive" as you put it....yet, the very next comment is an obvious liberal who spent the entire post taking about the GOP ignorance, and that comment was mild compared to most.
It seems that every time race is brought up in a blog, its the mindless and baseless claim that a tea-party members are rascist, according to Democrats. If you look at the comments on all of the political blogs on here, there is EQUAL number of moronic ignorance from both sides...and trust me, because the democrats is the party of minorities, that doesn't make them any less rascist. If you don't believe that, just look at the biggest rascists in the democratic party like sharpton and Jackson.
The GOP will hold everything that doesn't help the rich or punish women or the poor hostage. We COULD be rebuilding our infra structure if the Republicans cared about anything other than avenging their hatred of the democratically elected "other" in the white house.
Wow - There will be some lineup on that DNC stage - Barack Obama, Julien Castro, Elizabeth Warren, & Bill Clinton (Black, Hispanic, Faux-Indian, & Sexual Predator)
A far better line up than that Circus put on by the GOP last spring featuring Cain the Black multi-sexual predator; Perry-the man with the invisible brain; Bachmann - the bat@!$%# crazed lesbian lurker; Newt - resident philanderer/moon colonizer; Pawlenty - foamy beer promoter; Santorum - frothy ick-man with a fire down there (VD?); Romney - 1040 evasion man with a bookie on hand to place those $10k bets; Ron Paul - let 'em shoot heroine/let 'em die advocate; and sadly, last on the list, Huntsman - the Harley riding gentleman.
Just another Mexican mayor from a sanctuary city of illegals.
They still have six of those illegals in San Antonio hospitals on the taxpayers nickle from the truck that crashed with 23 illegals packed in it last week and killed most of them running north to San Antonio!
Monday ICE shutdown one of the prominent San Antonio Mexican owned restaurants Sushie Zushie with four locations.
77 of the 80 workers had no I-9 documentation and fled. The Mexican restauranteur had to close all locations and is now trying to find people to work for $2.35 hour plus tips while he argues his tax fraud case for unpaid SSA FICA and undocumented workers.
Oh...the Mexican owner and his wife drive late model Escalades paid for as a "company expense". The IRS is gonna love that!
Yup...this is just the Mayor to support OBummers pandering political agenda. If it isn't pole smoking Hollywood butt pirates, its amnesty for Mexican illegals....
The party of FREE! As longs as its OTHER PEOPLES' MONEY!
jello heads!
Edit: Eight restaurants total were closed and over 100 illegal workers fled fearing deportation.
FOUR locations and 77 illegals of 80 workers were in San Antonio and the other four locations elsewhere in the State.
Don't let the facts get in your way......out the door!
Bye bye OBummer 2012
Jello heads!
Write more stupid @!$%#, you're funny.
So did Romney not pay ANY income taxes for ten years? I guess we may never know. We do know that he wants more tax cuts for the wealthy though. Hey Hispanic looking dudes, get off of my lawn. I can't have illegals mowing my lawn, I'm running for president for Pete's sake!
Congratulations Mr. Mayor. I am sure youwill deliver an extraordinary speech at the convention and make all San Antonians very proud, especially since September 4 is also my birthday! Good Luck Mayor Castro.
cosprons2 - your mayor appears to be an accomplished young man. What a fantastic role model for young people - no matter what their heritage. He shows that with hard work anything can be accomplished. It is great to see someone like this taking a major role at the convention.
Obama/Biden 2012
...
Obama ( and his folks behind the scenes ) realize he cannot muster enough support on his own.
Clinton and now Castro.
This must be humilitating for him.
...
Yeah, can't wait to see who Romney pulls out of his asss to be VP. No matter who it is, Romney will be outclassed! The wimp!
As a resident of San Antonio for my lifetime, I can say Mayor Castro does have substance behind the speeches. He's a bit more liberal than I'd like sometimes but, for San Antonio at least, he's delivered pretty well compared to past mayors here. He still lives in the neighborhood he and his brother were raised in so he's not above it all (at least not yet) and has been successful in keeping the city unified on most major issues. I had always assumed that he would go as far as he wanted to as a politician, even before Obama set his radar on him. If Mayor Castro can actually keep his values intact as he climbs the political ladder (and with politics that's always a big if) he could do some very good things on the national level going forward. And for those who monitor such things he is very popular with whites as well as hispanics. I believe he took 74% of the vote in the last mayoral election.
What are you nuts?
40% of the residents are illegals...
40% of the drivers are uninsured...
40% of the drivers after 10PM are drunk...
San Antonio leads the NATION in wrong way drivers in highway deaths! At hundreds!
Have you ever been to a San Antonio city park after a Mexican holiday and seen the white people volunteers picking up the mountains of trash left by the Mexicans?
Have you ever driven on a public road and seen the garbage at both sides?
Have you ever been to a city WalMart or Target and seen the illegals changing and discarding diapers in the parking lots?
Have you ever been to an HEB and seen the lines of "free check cashing" illegals every Friday avoiding SSA and FICA tax?
Have you ever tried to speak to a landscaper or a city worker in ENGLISH?
Did you know San Antonio leads the NATION in PAY DAY LOAN stores per capita!
Did you know San Antonio leads the NATION in CAR TITLE LOAN stores per capita!
Did you know San Antonio leads the NATION in teen and under teen PREGNANCY!
Did you know San Antonio leads the NATION in OBESITY!
You are nuts!
sloppy joe - what a sad individual you are. Do you actually think you post says anything about you that is good?
Don't let the facts get in your way........out the door!
Bye Bye OBummer 2012!
jello heads!
Sloppy - if you're from San Antonio you're lying to those who read this forum. If you're not from San Antonio let's keep it that way. San Antonio's not perfect. It is, though, not even remotely the third-world hell hole you seem to be describing.
Steve - sloppy's agenda is pretty clear and it's not that he hates San Antonio.
Wouldn't you think we - as an educated country - would be past the likes of sloppy?
Which of these is not correct Steveo?
40% of the residents are illegals...
40% of the drivers are uninsured...
40% of the drivers after 10PM are drunk...
Maybe check your facts with USAA.......
Or any of the others.....?
Clearly you have never seen the news on KENS5 or WOAI4 or been to Brackenridge park after the Mexicans trash it on EVERY Holiday and then the white people clean it up!
Or are you saying Sushi Zushi wasn't raided Friday with all restaurants closed and 100 illegals fled and now the Mexican owner is in a major tax jam!
Or are you saying San Antonio is not a "sanctuary city" for illegals sponsored by Julien Castro?
This IS SAN ANTONIO. Every DAY!
Jello heads!
Steve, thanks for the first-hand information! It's so refreshing to garner more knowledge about new people appearing on the political front. I've been to San Antonio a few times and I must say, I enjoyed the people and the river walk!
You must be white... the white people know that... don't leave the River Walk in San Antonio in the evening. Even Charles Barkley will tell you that!
Sloppy Joe: "Which of these is not correct?"
Well, let's see.....here's one: You said SanAntonio leads the nation in obesity. According to this report, they're only #41:
http://www.livescience.com/18886-obese-cities-list-2011.html
Oh, wait - here's another one. Uninsured drivers? Looks like they can't even claim the leadership in Texas, let alone the nation. You said 40%? This says 13.65%:
http://www.kens5.com/news/texas-news/161221325.html
I can see why you didn't post any links to back up your "facts".
Oh, and guess what? If you Google "40% of the drivers after 10PM are drunk...", what do you get? Sloppy Joe's post on Newsvine! Great source!
Affirmative Action works.. Unless you are more qualified for the position, then you need to take a back seat to someone who isnt. Let's stop treating people who are responsible like outcasts and stop lowering the bar to let losers win. We'll be a better country. VOTE FOR ROMNEY IN 2012!
UAW - your post says more about you than it does about Julian Castro - it says you really are out of touch with reality and don't care about your ignorance.
Obama/Biden 2012
Sanity, When you can come up with something to say besides an insult get back to me. The country isnt going to re-elect Obama based on 5 year old antics like that ridiculous Romney singing the national anthem ad either.....
UAW - the country will not elect Romney based on absolutely nothing. He is nothing; he has no plans; no proposals; no nothing!
Your post about Affirmative Action showed total ignorance and you're too small a person to admit it. When you actually have something of value to post - let us know. My guess is that will NEVER happen!
Obama/Biden 2012
Thank God.
Ladies and gentlemen, there is finally proof that there is a shred of hope for America. After 30 years of devolving into a banana republic; after 30 years of failed economic policies that redistributed wealth to the top 1%, indifference to the decline of America's healthcare and education system, and an unbalance in priorities, there is finally hope that the conservative storm is beginning to lift. We already know how minorities will soon overcome the Southern Republican advantage and open it up to Democrats, but the "discovery" of Julian Castro puts it into the spotlight. If the Democrats can lead a blistering campaign in Texas, not in this election cycle but in those to come, we can finally overturn the Republican advantage in Texas and the rest of the South. With a wave of Democratic-leaning voters scheduled to hit the voting booths, the conservative regime in the GOP will soon be overthrown. The Republican Party will once again be brought back to the real center of the political spectrum, and we can finally have a reasonable discussion over America's challenges. The conservative storm may soon end, and clear skies are just over the horizon.
OBAMA BIDEN 2012
Don't get too dreamy, the GOP will find a way to suppress the vote. They hate it when democracy goes democratic.
But they cannot suppress the vote forever. One way or another, the GOP's stranglehold on the South will dissolve. The Democrats will just have to exploit the growing numbers of Hispanics in the South to their advantage, forcing the GOP back to the center (by which I mean the center of the political spectrum circa 1950) and hopefully ending the Age of Polarization. We will just have to wait and see.
This is for Frshiee: Why is it that if you are Chicano or more Politically correct Hispanic, I am supposed to Vote for the Marxist I mean Democrat Party! You liberals and dems think that I am incapable of thinking for myself and that I just have to vote for the dems! Well I happen to be a very conservative Chicano! And I don't have to vote the way that you think or tell me to.
His comment on AA really sums it all up. He couldn't care less about the higher scoring students that were bumped so that he and his brother could attend. Another prime example of liberal selfishness 101 The lunatics on the left are perfectly happy with Anglos and Asians getting the shaft as long as Blacks and Hispanics get an advantage.
MLK would role over in his grave if he knew how his people have spent the last 40 years!
Jello heads!
Godbless - you should be ashamed to put your post up for people to read. You are totally ignorant and pleased to shout it! What a small, pitiable little man!
Obama/Biden 2012
More personal attacks from you ?
He is talking about the "reverse discrimination" effect of "Affirmative Action". You are opposed to racial discrimination aren't you ....... at any time, in any form, and affecting any and all races ?????????????
Castro will be good...anybody the dems have is good....
Hey Mittins, what ya hiding in those 10 years of tax returns?
It's time for President Obama to bring his "jobs bill" up for a vote again and let's show everyone who obstructing job growth.
#offthecliff
Right....OBummers JOBS BILL!!!
The lunacy of Hussein is just amazing. I had to go back and replay his speech but OBummer said it!
"The private sector is doing fine"
"We need more public sector jobs"
Bye Bye OBummer 2012!
Jello heads!
Did an illiterate just say JOBS???
One word for OBummer.... SOLYNDRA!
At least Romney created jobs!
His BAIN strategies "insourced" millions of JOBS!
The libturds would know that but Theyridiots!
AMC Entertainment
Home Depot
Aspen Education Group
Brookstone
Burger King
Burlington Coat Factory
Clear Channel Communications
Domino's Pizza
DoubleClick
Dunkin' Donuts
D&M Holdings
Guitar Center
Hospital Corporation of America (HCA)
Sealy
The Sports Authority
Staples
Toys "R" Us
Warner Music Group
The Weather Channel
Bye Bye OBummer 2012
Jello Heads
None of these do I need or use.
Castro doesn't sound like a Moderate to me, but I guess in comparison to the far, far lefties who have gained control of the Democrat Party, he may seem like a Moderate Democrat.
Hey MSNBC! When do we get the story "Who is Barry Soetoro and wil he ever unseal his college admission papers and transcripts?
This is all one needs to see in order to make an informed decision. Compare Obama and Hillary Clinton in the firs one. Then ask yourself if Bill and Hillary Clinton would have done what you see in the second. This is not about a particular political philosophy! This is about what it means to be an American!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Hai7ZcF6U&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJgWMI0hch8&feature=related