Liveblogging the Queer Issues Debate

Welcome! We're getting down to the student debate on Queer Issues between the College Democrats and the College Republicans.

We're represented by Brandon Storm and Barry Weinberg, both CC'12, who will be arguing Barack Obama and Joe Biden's positions. Learned Foote, CC'11, and Lauren Salz, BC'11, will be arguing the Republican side.

7:44: We're just getting down to business.

7:49: Brandon's giving a strong explanation of why Barack Obama is significantly better than John McCain on gay issues.

7:51: First question on gay marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act, a really horrible bill that prohibits gay marriage on the federal level. Barack Obama supports repealing the bill.

7:53: Republicans: "The Judicial Branch should not be involved in creating legislation." Sounds like what conservatives said about abortion and segregation. And in fact, Lauren Salz, for the Republicans, made the link to abortion for us.

Barry's giving a full-throated defense of the Supreme Court's work to protect equal rights. He's absolutely right.

7:56: Learned Foote, for the Republicans, is saying that there's no right to privacy, and so Lawrence v. Texas should not have been ruled as such. Lawrence v. Texas ruled states can't criminalize gay sex. Is that something he really wants to highlight? That John McCain thinks sodomy should be illegal?

Does Learned Foote think that's the right path?

8:00: Oooh, a question on sex ed for McCain. Sarah Palin doesn't believe in contraceptives. But Barack Obama does, and he's fought to support sex ed.

8:04: Learned Foote is again going back to the States' Rights argument. Does he really think that's such a winner? It didn't stop the last Civil Rights Movement in the '60s. Can't imagine it would be popular now.

8:07: So far it's a much quieter debate than the first debate. No one seems like they want to throw punches yet.

8:10: The Dems better go after this. Learned Foote just said that John McCain doesn't support discrimination. Then why does he oppose the Employment Non-Discrimination Act? How can he say that when John McCain supports the horrifically discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy.

8:14: Audience participation. A member of the audience just challenged Barry on why Obama doesn't support gay marriage. She was cut off by the moderator after Barry explained that Obama doesn't have a problem with gay people getting married, but the government institution would be a civil union.

8:17: Barry's absolutely right. John McCain stood up against the religious right in 2000. Now, he's kissing up to them. Learned Foote said that John McCain supports gay adoption. That's absolutely, 100% not true. In a July interview, John McCain said that he was opposed to gay adoption because he was "for the values and principles that two parent families represent".

8:21: Finally! Barry's calling the Republicans on their opposition to the Estate Tax. John McCain might oppose the Estate Tax, but he supports a whole system of federal taxes that discriminates against gays and lesbians.

8:24: Learned Foote just lied. He said that John McCain is okay with ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. That's simply not true. John McCain is on the record as saying:

"The policy is working. And I am convinced that that's the way we can maintain this greatest military. Let's not tamper with them."

Learned Foote lied.

8:27: Barry, in the closing statement: John McCain does not support equal rights. Barack Obama does. John McCain's claim to support equal rights is "laughable".

That about sums it up. John McCain's claims are "laughable", because he says he's against discrimination and votes for discrimination. Barack Obama stands up for LGBT rights. John McCain doesn't. That's the difference in a nutshell.

The First Great Debate- CU College Dems v. CU GOP on Foreign Policy

The debate will start at 8:00pm tonight in Roone Arledge Cinema, Lerner Hall. Michael Spitzer-Rubenstein (CC '12) and Sam Klug (CC '12) will be repping the CU College Dems. Rumor has it, both are wearing American flag pins.

8:06 We're in Roone Arledge, ready to kick some...elephant. Let's see if this starts on time...

8:13 Ok! This could be it! Nick Shea of CPU is enthusiastically introducing the debate. ...Reminding debaters that they're supposed to stick to the platform of both presidential candidates. Expectations are high. Bet all of these Columbia students read newspapers, and can name more than one Supreme Court case.

8:16 Introductions of all debaters. Both Sam and Michael are undeclared majors. Sam loves Aretha Franklin and long walks on the beach.

8:16 Dems' opening statement. Michael is explaining that America is the last hope of mankind. This oil addiction is dangerous. We can't afford 4 more years of bellicose leadership. John McCain won't put us on the right track. Safe to say...he nailed it!

8:20 Now it's the GOP's turn. They're talking about Iran. They think McCain's the most competent person in the United States.

8:23 FIRST QUESTION TO THE DEMS "what are the 'whatever number' biggest threats to the United States?"...hmmm...

Sam's got this one: Americans feel less safe than they have four years ago. We need to focus on securing, or even eradicating nuclear weapons from Pakistan.

GOP responds: Pakistan is a failed State. John McCain don't want to pull out of Iraq. "If we don't do it now, our children will have to do it again" (...really now?)

8:26 Next question to the GOP. Should we promote democracy?
GOP: "Yes. Democracies don't go to war with each other"
DEMS:
Michael- John McCain HASN'T supported democracy. We need safety and stability as a pre-requisite to democratic government.
Sam-Democrats support basic economic needs as a pre-requisite to progress
GOP: We've made progress in Iraq! Lauren Salz of the GOP just claimed that John's "bomb Iran" speech was a "silly joke"!

8:31 New question: "What should be the US' role in the UN and ICC?"
Sam: Globalization is inevitable. America needs to take a leadership role!
Michael: We need to build alliances with our NATO allies. How can we do this if John McCain refuses to meet with one of our closest allies, Spain? (good point!)

GOP doesn't like the UN...they don't think it accomplishes anything. so this is why we need a LEAGUE OF DEMOCRACIES!
DEMS: A League of Democracies wouldn't have any effect on the countries that are not in it.

8:34 New question to GOP: Will McCain do anything to stop the genocide in Darfur?
GOP: The reality of the situation is that democracies have economic power. They could stop oppressive regimes.
DEMS:
Michael- SENATOR OBAMA COSPONSORED THE DARFUR ACCOUNTABILITY ACT! Obama got an A+ on the Darfur score card. John McCain got a C-.

GOP:HEY! JOHN MCCAIN got a C! NOT a C-!!!


8:37 Next quesiton, What will victory in Iraq look like, to the Dems.
Michael- The Iraqi government has endorsed Obama's plan
Sam- 1 to 2 combat brigades/month leaves enough force on the ground, while letting the government know that we can't be there forever. This plan has been endorsed by Malaki.
GOP- Obama wants us to lose this!
Sam's response: Moving away from the ridiculous rhetoric of "defeat", let's talk about the real issues.

8:41 Michael provides some more insight..."Quite frankly, this is ridiculous. John McCain wants to go to the "Gates of Hell" to capture Osama Bin Laden"

8:43 And..We're on to the environment!!!...Dems don't think that offshore drilling will affect gas prices.

8:46 Sam's pointing out that Obama agrees with Thomas Friedman that green energy is going to be the next big industry in the US.

8:47 GOP admits that global warming is due to human activity. (Is that really the McCain/Palin platform?)

8:48 Dems are throwing out great statistics and facts about Obama's strong energy policy.
GOP: "Um, let's not increase taxes."

8:51 Now we're talking about Georgia and Russia.
GOP-We should have said "we are all Georgians, and stood by them"
DEMS- Sam: no one is disputing that Russia's actions were egregious. Right now, we don't have the leverage to force Russia to withdraw, alone. We need to work with our allies in Europe.

8:52 CPU's next GOP question...should we sit down with Iran?
GOP: No! Especially not with Ahmadinejad. But let's meet with lower level officials who can't do anything about the situation.
DEMS: Sam- Clinton said it best... "we're not just going to be sitting around and making tea". [chuckles from the audience] We're going to address the major issues. We need to be prepared.

8:55 How would you respond to a nuclear attack on Israel!
DEMS: We need to protect our allies. John McCain's aggressive foreign policy will leave the whole world unsafe.
Sam- We need to prevent an attack from happening in the first place!

GOP:WE WOULD RETALIATE! (This time, they're NOT joking)

9:00 Now we're talking about Israel and Palestine.

9:01 FINAL QUESTION: Should the US normalize relations with Cuba. What would your policy be?
Dems: Sam- Cuban-American families are our best ambassadors to Cuba, right now. We need to re-engage with our allies. We need to promote economic growth and development. We also want to make aggressive and principled bi-lateral diplomacy with Cuba.
GOP: We don't want to sit down with the Castro brothers and negotiate!
DEMS: John McCain doesn't know how to work with anyone.

9:05 CLOSING REMARKS:

DEMS. Sam's got this one. For John McCain, the world is a binary of good and evil. He believes diplomacy is a concession. Barack Obama sees the world as complicated, nuanced, and inner-connected. The security of America depends on the security of every human being on the planet. We can't afford a saber-rattling foreign policy. Sam believes Barack can restore effective American leadership. (Yayyy!!!! R-E-S-P-E-C-T?)

GOP: We shouldn't leave Iraq. We need nuclear energy. etc. Now they start talking about "experience".

CU Dem Zach Sims Writes Piece For Spectator

CU Dem Zach Sims had a piece published in the Columbia Spectator this week; he one of six people asked to write about the most important issue of this election. You can see all of the responses here. Zach's is posted below:

As much as the rhetoric of a new America and a new American era resounds in politics, the years of American unipolarity are coming to a close. America is no longer the world leader in everything. China’s economy is rapidly growing, as is Russia’s military. Both countries could soon surpass us in those realms.

This last week has shown just how fragile our economy is. In meetings with the Federal Reserve, Representative Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) noted that “we’re literally maybe days away from a complete meltdown of our financial system, with all the implications here at home and globally.” His words echo the sentiment of the financial world, with insurance giant American International Group (A.I.G.) requiring a government bailout this week. Lehman Brothers, one of the world’s largest investment banks, was forced to file for bankruptcy. Merrill Lynch, another banking giant, was forced to seek a merger with Bank of America in order to stay solvent. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, independently owned mortgage financiers, were taken over by the US government in order to avoid catastrophic losses. This is, as economists Doug Diamond and Anil Kashyap put it, the most “remarkable period of intervention in financial systems since the Great Depression.”

To some, it may seem as if government intervention affects only those with a direct stake in these monolithic financial institutions. Yet, anyone with savings and investments in any financial instruments will be affected. The failure in the upper echelon of our financial world could signal the failure of deregulation and the American flavor of capitalism. It could signal what Pat Buchanan says is “how empires end.”

This November, we need to elect a leader who is focused on the most important issues of our time. The war in Iraq, while a pressing issue for our generation, should take a back seat to repairing the economic stability of our country. Fed Chair Henry Paulson and other members of the American financial elite have noted that this may be the worst crisis our country has seen since the Great Depression. Once solvency is restored, America can rebuild its place as a global leader and pay attention to other pressing issues.

What’s happening now will affect the country and its standing in the world for generations to come. Fixing today’s economic woes should be the focal point of this year’s presidential campaign. While health care, the war, social programs, and other topics were the subject of intense debate earlier in the campaign, fixing any of those will not stabilize America’s standing in the world. We need a president with a plan to get involved and focus his efforts on rebuilding what is essentially a broken system. Not only should the current crisis be solved, but the groundwork should be laid to ensure that Americans never see a crisis like this in their future.

At stake is more than what’s in your wallet. It’s your future—and America’s.

You should also check out Zach's blog.

ServiceNation: Post-Barack Blogging

Probably thousands of people are rushing the security fence in the hope of seeing Barack, even though it seems unlikely he will come by here John McCain is almost an afterthought.

And, just for the record, he didn't come by his thousands of adoring fans.

ServiceNation: Liveblogging Obama Part II

9:42 As Obama ends, he gets an enormous wave of cheers. John McCain must envy him.

9:40 Obama knows his campaign and how intense it is, even for young people. On my first day in the campaign, my boss asked me how much I could work because she'd "work me up to the point where I'd hate Barack Obama." She didn't succeed, but it just proves we young people can handle responsibility if we have it. We can change America, but we can't do it alone.

9:37 Obama delivers a muscular defense of government. It reminds me of Matt Santos' peroration on liberalism in The West Wing. It was great then, and it's excellent now--as evidenced by the applause.

9:35 Obama says that organizing was the best education he got. As a former organizer for his campaign (before I came to Columbia), I can tell you that my several months of organizing rivals Columbia for the best time of my life so far.

9:33 Obama is bringing people of various stripes together, and he says so. There's an outpouring of cheers.

The other post was getting a little long.

ServiceNation: Liveblogging Obama

9:26 Obama mentions veterans again. Why didn't the veteran, John McCain, not care enough about veterans to take note of them?

9:23 The screen is having trouble again.

9:20 Judy Woodruff is smart. She knows that, no matter what John McCain says, military recruitment and retention is not good. Barack Obama supported the new GI Bill that would help veterans get a college education. John McCain, who claims to be a big supporter of the troops?

He opposed it. No wonder many troops are supporting Barack Obama.

9:15 Obama's getting plenty of applause here. You'd almost think he's speaking to a friendly audience out here on the Steps.

9:11 Obama hasn't spent his life working for the government--he's spent his life working to make a difference.

9:09 Rick Stengel challenges Obama on whether unions are a roadblock. But unlike John McCain, Barack Obama, a former organizer, understands that community groups, including unions, work to serve their constituency and want to support positive, effective efforts. They're only an obstacle to bad plans.

9:04 Obama just mentioned his national service plan. You can read it here. (PDF). The audience here is eating it up.

9:00 Obama's laying out exactly what George Bush should have done after 9/11--end our support for foreign dictators and their Middle eastern oil. And he's getting cheers for it.

8:56 Obama clearly got the most cheers. Numerous people are taking photos of the screen, both with camera phones and standalone cameras. There's almost a strobe-light effect from all the camera flashes.

8:51 I think Obama just got more applause than McCain did during his entire appearance.

Just a note: If you're interested, here's Obama's plan for citizen service (PDF)

ServiceNation: Liveblogging McCain Part II

UPDATE VI: McCain got some applause here, but not for himself. He got it for praising Barack Obama. Richard Stengal, Barack Obama, and Judy Woodruff have probably already received about as much applause as John McCain has.

UPDATE V: McCain is getting a decidedly lukewarm response here, probably because he hasn't said much controversial.

UPDATE IV: All these breaks are tiresome for people watching live. Should this type of event really have commercial breaks?

UPDATE III: Judy Woodruff is asking McCain if he thinks organizing is a good thing. Finally. McCain claims to respect community organizers, but why doesn't he tell his runningmate not to belittle them?

Sarah Palin had great responsibilities in Wasilla? Her town was less than a third of the Columbia students who applied to sit in the auditorium and listen to McCain. If she had great responsibilities, the President of the Columbia Student Council is qualified to be President.

UPDATE II: McCain has never seen a war he didn't like. If he wants to go "bomb Iran", as he's proposed, we're going to need more troops. Recruitment is bad enough as is. We'd need a draft, whether McCain admits it or not.

UPDATE I: McCain is getting boos out here for criticizing Columbia. But Columbia, and especially students here take a strong stand against bigotry and the discrimination of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He should be asked about that policy. Thousands of LGBT individuals have been discharged from the military because of that, and many of them were Arab translators. If you don't think that's hurting us in Iraq, I have Low Library to sell to you.

Judy Woodruff is smart and getting cheers for pointing out that many people, especially students, can't afford to volunteer. John McCain seems unable to answer the question. He doesn't know how to help students do community service. Barack Obama understands this--that's why he's proposed giving tax credits to students who volunteer for community service.

ServiceNation: John McCain is Right

Washington needs to be reformed. But is he the right person to do it? He's a creature of Washington--he's spent his entire life in government and has been in Congress since 1982. It's like asking a fox to guard the henhouse.

ServiceNation: It's Starting

And the jumbotron is more or less working, too!

ServiceNation: Technical Problems

As we're listening to these heartwrenching stories of September 11 and the volunteerism that inspired, the jumbotron is still having problems. They're working on it, though.

ServiceNation: The Crowd Gets Larger

As we get closer to the 7 PM start time, the Steps of Low Library are filling up.

We're on the Steps

We're just to the right of Alma Mater (from Butler) at the base of the steps.



We have a great view of the screen, too.



However, just a note: the voter registration is happening outside of Hamilton, and not around the Steps. If you want to register to vote, you can go there or to VoteforChange.com.

ServiceNation: Campus Shuts Down, Prepares for Visitors

Obama and McCain have not yet arrived at Columbia, but already, Columbia is abuzz. The tickets have been distributed, the police is out in force, and the final preparations for ServiceNation's Presidential Forum are in progress. The weather appears gorgeous, perfect for sitting out on the Steps of Low Library to watch on the gigantic screen erected there. Security, as you might imagine, is tight and the sidewalk outside of Lerner is barricaded, in eager anticipation of the arrival of the Presidential candidates.



The jumbotron is already set up in front of the Steps, and later tonight, that will be the focus for all but the lucky few who managed to score a lottery ticket to get inside of Lerner.

The jumbotron, apparently in the process of testing.

Thanks to the Journalism School's blog, we know that McCain will be speaking at 8, followed by Obama at 9, though the program itself begins at 7. But you may want to come a little earlier, both to get seats and take part in the theme of the event.

Before the speeches start, from 4-6, several different campus groups will join us in our push to register every Columbia student, part of our First Tuesday voter registration initiative. Just as Barack Obama will bring the country together, we're bringing together a coalition of student groups that spans the true diversity of Columbia in order to register every voter. It's our way of getting into the spirit of ServiceNation. So if you aren't registered to vote or need an absentee ballot, register online at Barack Obama's voter registration site: VoteforChange.com, or stop by College Walk to sign up.

And if you are registered, why not stop by and register fellow students to vote?

Welcome to the Dems!

A Weekend Message for Barack Obama

After a week in which Senator Obama became the first general election candidate to opt out of the public finance system, broke his vow to filibuster any legislation including telecom immunity, and cut a radio ad for Rep. John Barrow, a conservative Democrat facing a serious primary challenge from the left...

I have only this to say: NO RIGHT HAND TURNS AT THIS LIGHT!

Press Release: CU COLLEGE DEMOCRATS ELECT NEW E-BOARD

The general body of the Columbia University Democrats elected its 2008-2009 executive board tonight at an elections meeting in Earl Hall. Chris Daniels, CC ’09, was elected the organization’s president. The full 2008-2009 executive board follows:

President: Chris Daniels
Vice President: Anna Brower
Secretary: Nancy Huemer
Treasurer: Linda Magana
Speakers Coordinator: Stef Goodsell
Membership Director: Kaley Hanenkrat
Outreach Director: Lianna Reagan
Media Director: Avi Edelman
Social & Alumni Affairs Coordinator: Greer Feick
Lead Activists: Ross Johnson, Jenna Hovel

The new executive board took office immediately following the elections. Two additional Lead Activists will be elected in May and two Freshman Representatives will be elected in the fall.

Outgoing President Josh Lipsky, CC ’08, thanked the body for the opportunity to serve, and new President Chris Daniels looked forward to the organization’s future: "I'm thrilled with the energy and dedication of the new board members and excited to build on past successes and create new traditions. This fall will present both a challenge and an opportunity for us to engage our members in a constructive manner, and this wonderful group of people will lead the organization to great achievements."

The new executive board is looking forward to the coming year, and hopes to capitalize on the energy generated by this historic election to mobilize the Columbia campus in a way that will keep progressive activity flourishing beyond November.

Columbia University College Democrats Endorse George Krebs and the Experience Columbia Ticket

After hearing from both candidates for Columbia College Student Council tonight, the College Democrats are convinced that, like the Democratic Party, Columbia College is presented with two exciting, well-qualified candidates. However, there are clear differences, and the College Democrats enthusiastically endorse George Krebs and his Experience Columbia party in the CCSC elections for the following reasons:

ü Their superior understanding of, and solutions for, the funding problems that have plagued the College Democrats and all SGB groups this year.

ü Their ideas for increasing transparency in F@CU and the funding apparatus behind campus life at Columbia.

ü Their concrete plan for reforming the unfair Dean’s Discipline process by creating and empowering a Student Advocacy Council.

ü Their proposal to create a Columbia Student Portal to better serve students and campus groups online.

ü Their commitment to ensuring that the Manhattanville expansion pays heed to the needs of the community rather than simply displacing it.

ü Their interest in building community while simultaneously instilling activism in CCSC through the CON+ACT project and the Passport to Columbia.

Experience Columbia demonstrated both an appreciation of the minutiae of campus life and administration and a big-picture vision for Columbia that the College Democrats found appealing. We look forward to working with them next year to implement our shared goals and to ensure that Columbia better serves its students.

Governor Spitzer's Actions

College Democrats,

The Executive Board of the College Democrats has made a commitment to keep you informed of major issues affecting our campus, our state and our country. We've also made a promise to take strong stances on the issues that directly relate to how we move forward as young progressives. Today, we continue to fulfill that promise, in light of the breaking news concerning Governor Eliot Spitzer.

The Columbia University College Democrats condemn the actions of Governor Eliot Spitzer. Governor Spitzer campaigned on cleaning up Albany. His promises to establish robust ethics and campaign reform gave New Yorkers hope that new leadership could create a more effective and more transparent governing system for the state. Today, the Governor's actions have put those goals in jeopardy. His behavior may have torn the rug out from under a strong progressive movement in this state that was headed for success in the state senate elections this Fall. Governor Spitzer's conduct gives the GOP ammunition for the fall campaign in a way that could derail our goal of reforming the way politics works in New York.

We emphasize the word could. Politics in this state is bigger than any one man, no matter how that man has behaved in his personal life. Politics in this state is about reform. Reform of Albany, reform of back room politics and reform of ethics. These are ideas that the Columbia University College Democrats have fought for across the state and will continue to fight for in the months to come. This is the moment as Columbia Democrats to rally behind ideas, and tell the state GOP that our ideas are the right ones for New York and that these ideas WILL prevail in November. This is an organization committed to activism and in that light we provide you with the following opportunities to get involved in state politics. Instead of shaking your head with disgust and saying we want no part in this process, we ask you to shake your head in disgust and then jump in to the process to create meaningful change. We cannot just be participants, we have to be leaders of this party. It is our voices that have been missing from the process and we believe, especially in light of today's news, that it is ONLY our voices that can ever change the way politics is done in the state of New York.

Ways to get involved:

1) Adopt-a-District
The Activist Council of the College Democrats has "adopted" the 15th Senate District of New York, and from now until November we will work toward electing a progressive State Senator over the the incumbent Republican, Serphin Maltese. Email ac.cudems@gmail.com for more information

2) Summer Internship - Students for a New American Politics PAC
(SNAP PAC) is a federal political action committee offering students the opportunity to get progressive leaders elected to Congress next fall. SNAP Fellows will be given full-time field organizing placements on key congressional campaigns across the country, working for progressive candidates who have been endorsed by SNAP and whom we believe can win and can use our help. The deadline for applications is March 15. You can find more information on the fellowship and our organization online at http://www.snappac.org.

3) Work for the State Party
Email Sarah Leonard at srl2126@columbia.edu for more information

4) Lobby in Albany
Join Dems Umbrella Group SAME (Students Allied for Marriage Equality) to lobby on a variety of important pieces of LGBT legislation in Albany on April 29th. For more information, contact Jeremy Constancio at jsc2138@columbia.edu or Chris Daniels at cvd2102@columbia.edu.

If you're a member, keep on working hard and getting involved. If not, this is the time to help us build a stronger Democratic Party. If you have a new idea or are unsure how to get involved, email Josh Lipsky at jsl2120@columbia.edu

Sincerely,

Josh Lipsky
President, Columbia University College Democrats

Chris Daniels
Vice President, Columbia University College Democrats

Weekly Media Roundup

Columbia Dems are making waves this week...

Check out the latest media:

http://columbiaspectator.com/node/29458

http://columbiaspectator.com/node/29440

http://www.bwog.net/articles/food_both_free_and_not_so

And our very own Lydia DePillis wrote this campus progress story about campaign trips:

http://campusprogress.org/fieldreport/2563/grassroots-road-trip

Oh, and Howard Dean is coming on Monday

Get Psyched for Howard Dean!

In case you weren't sure just how much the Columbia Dems love Howard Dean...

On second thought...

Maybe we should let them have it. With the news today that Ben Bernanke elected to slash interest rates by another fifty basis points (making it 125 in eight days), leaving the federal funds rate scraping bottom at three percent, it seems clear to me that the Bush administration is well aware that a Democrat will win the 2008 election. They are so confident of this, in fact, and so politically cynical, that they are trying to wreck the country before that happens so that we have to clean up the resulting economic and political mess. Even Alan Greenspan, who created the real estate bubble by encouraging Americans and America to continue borrowing and spending in good times and bad, never played with our money supply with such cavalier disregard for the long term impacts.

As we plunge into a recession that looks to be longer and deeper than any in recent memory (including the ones that began under Republicans Ford, Reagan, Bush, and Bush--not that that says anything about their economic prowess), due in no small part to Greenspan-backed Republican tax cuts and Greenspan-spawned Republican fiscal policy (the latter continuing unabated under the DLC-spawned Clinton presidency), one wonders why we are trying so hard to win this election. Sure it would be much better for the country, but how have we faired as a party in the past after inheriting Republican recessions? Just ask Jimmy Carter. And the situation he had to deal with in Iran was not nearly so bad as the one Bush appears anxious to create.

Of course I do not truly advocate allowing the Repubicans to win this election and further destroy America, but we should think carefully about how to proceed into the first months of a Clinton or Obama presidency. If Congress continues to drag its feet on key economic and foreign policy reforms under a Democrat as it has under Bush, and if we do not introduce tough policy measures like deep cuts in "defense" spending, speedy withdrawal from Iraq, and higher taxes on the wealthy, we should not expect the "eight years of [insert favored Democratic candidate's name here]" that Democrats inevitably mention when discussing their choice between the two remaining frontrunners.

Columbia Unites Behind Barack

Columbia is getting fired up for Barack Obama with an event-packed week. Students from the law school, the medical school, Barnard, SEAS, and Columbia College are making their voices heard and encouraging others to do the same.

Just in the past week, over 1500 phone calls have been made and more than a hundred new supporters have been signed up by students, who meanwhile still managed to rush to their classes on time. The Students for Barack Obama chapter has reached out to the entire campus, including the African and faith-based communities.

The enthusiasm Columbia students have shown will only grow in this coming week, which brings even more opportunities to participate. There will be tabling on college walk daily, phone banking throughout the campus, and a constant multitude of events and rallies.

Calling to Get Out the Vote

From now until Super Tuesday, students will be phone banking daily. Volunteer coordinators run these informal, intense sessions in order to garner more support and remind people to vote.

Women Throw Their Support Behind Obama

This Saturday, Columbia women will be coming together for a very exciting Women for Obama Rally on Saturday February 2^nd at Central Park. Students will be able to show their support, get out into the neighborhood, and meet other Obama-ites of all ages. These women are going to prove to New York City that this is not Hilary country--they love Obama and are proud of it!

They are going to start out at Barnard Hall bright and early at 10:30 a.m. for donuts, coffee, and sign-making. They will head over to the rally together. This is an exciting part of the GOTV week. The group is inviting all, from diehard devotees to new supporters, from political science students to enthusiastic newbies.

Tuning in For Barack

Fellow supporters and intrigued students will watch the Democratic Debate on Thursday night from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. A big screen television, cozy couches, and delicious food will accompany lively discussion on Obama’s policies and potential. Students will meet at Lewisohn Parlor, Brooks Hall Lounge, in the Quad @ Barnard.

For more information contact Students for Barack Obama Director Mary McDonald at mcm2172@columbia.edu, 914.380.2250. Students for Barack Obama is a registered umbrella group of the Columbia University College Democrats.

Enjoy the State of the Union?

Looking for a way to watch the State of the Union tonight without wanting to cry?

I know it's hard, but try this: http://campusprogress.org/opinions/2449/state-of-the-union-drinking-game

Columbia Walks for Obama

In a walk which inspired restauranteurs, market owners, and passer-byers to join in, twenty-two Columbia students marched for Barack Obama this Saturday morning. With a groggy ten o’clock start earlier than any typical college morning, the Students for Barack Obama chapter met and, fortified with coffee and donuts, walked from 130^th Street to the rally point at Columbus Circle. As they walked, they signed up supporters while all the while chanting and cheering for Obama. Everyone felt the same infectious enthusiasm, and the same desire to show people that they cared deeply about Obama’s message. To them, Obama is not just a distant figure or an appealing celebrity, but a person who inspires true passion and who brings a wide variety of people together.

Above all, the walk transcended the political, much as Obama does. Perhaps this is best proven by the grassroots nature of the event, which was run not by the campaign but by various groups from throughout New York City. His broad base was apparent at the rally, where hundreds met to listen to speakers like State Senator Bill Perkins and Harlem Office Director Cordell Cleare. The common thread in the diverse array of speeches was a consistently positive, uplifting message, a characteristic clearly inspired by Obama’s own adherence to the positive politics. One Columbia student expressed the walk and rally proved to him that Obama gives people the faith in the value of doing good, and, as was apparent by the many supporters who came out, in their own ability to do good. With seventy-five new supporters signed up by the Columbia students alone, the journey from uptown to Columbus Circle was a beautiful example of the transcendent quality of Obama’s message.

For more information contact Students for Barack Obama Director Mary McDonald at mcm2172@columbia.edu, 914.380.2250. Students for Barack Obama is a registered umbrella group of the Columbia University College Democrats.

Spaghetti and Obama: Columbia Students Get Out the Vote

For the past two nights, the Students for Barack Obama chapter at Columbia University has met to prove that every vote counts. Out of a small lounge on the sixteenth floor of an unassuming dorm on 115^th Street, they made almost one thousand phone calls in only two nights. Every new person who walked into the lounge, which had been papered over with campaign posters, was excited to see people who shared their enthusiasm for Senator Obama’s message. Over homemade pasta with steaming tomato sauce, they called New Yorkers to identify supporters and to remind them to vote. The student volunteers are drawn from throughout the Columbia community. Some are deeply involved with politics on campus, while others have been so inspired by Obama’s message that they want to help in any way they can. One student put her second semester Spanish to good use, conversing with an interested voter, while another student spoke fluent Mandarin over the phone.

These students’ phone banking in this passionate Get Out the Vote effort defies the false expectation that New York is Clinton territory, and palpably demonstrates the excitement which surrounds Obama’s place in the presidential race. These sessions launch what will be a two week effort which will culminate with the elections on February 5th.

For more information contact Students for Barack Obama Director Mary McDonald at mcm2172@columbia.edu, 914.380.2250. Students for Barack Obama is a registered umbrella group of the Columbia University College Democrats.

CU College Democrats to Host DNC Chairman Howard Dean

Party Leader to Outline Vision for Student Activism

Governor Howard Dean, the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee will speak at Columbia University on February 25, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. in Low Memorial Library. In honor of the Columbia University College Democrats being recognized as the College Democrats of America Chapter of the year for 2007-2008, Dean will speak students about the importance of student activism.

As the head of the Democratic Party, Governor Dean has laid the framework for a 50-state strategy. Under his leadership, the Democratic National Committee has stationed organizers in every state, built strong ties with state Democratic parties, and has become more involved in local politics in an attempt to build new party infrastructure and to uncover the leaders of the future in states in which Democrats have traditionally struggled to compete.

Like Howard Dean, the Columbia University College Democrats believe that the party must make a concerted effort to compete nationwide in local, state, and national elections. Over the past four years, the Columbia University College Democrats have campaigned for candidates in Kentucky, Virginia, and Ohio – states where Democrats have enjoyed newfound electoral success due to a Democratic Party with broader horizons. We believe that the values and ideas of the Democratic Party have great appeal to all Americans, regardless of geographic location. At a time when years of Republican leadership has eroded America’s reputation across the globe, created staggering deficits, and failed to tackle the grave domestic concerns of the day, the Democratic Party can and must assert an alternative policy vision around the country.

Multiple chapters of College Democrats of America exist in each of the 50 states. These clubs contain bright, passionate, and committed leaders who want to change the way politics works in this country. Governor Dean will articulate a vision for how students can lead the way in implementing the 50-state strategy. Students can register to hear Governor Dean speak by sending an email to dean@cudemocrats.com with their full name, school, and year. Press or ticket inquiries should be directed towards Jonathan Backer, who ca be reached at jback87@gmail.com or by phone at 414-840-9199.

###

Get pumped for a great second semester!

Bye Fred, We'll Miss You

This from the forgone conclusions file: Fred Thompson has dropped out of contention for the Republican nomination for POTUS.

As an homage to this political titan and Hollywood phenom, I decided to do a little experiment for you CC buffs. Google the words Fred Thompson and Epicurean, and you get 28,000 hits. No joke!

The Global Primary

Living abroad sucks when it means having to watch Fox News at 4am to get the results from Iowa or New Hampshire, however, this was all before I realized that the DNC has been organizing a global primary....

In the grand old scheme of nomination getting, you need a bit over 2000 delegates to be the nominee (2025 to be exact). States like Iowa have, from what I can see 46, delegates at stake which get divided between the candidates (Obama got 16, Hillary and Edwards each received 15 from that state). New Hampshire has 22, Nevada has 25, Delaware has 15, South Carolina has 45, California has 370, Arkansas has 35... (You can Google the rest...) To add to the confusion of the system there are 842 "super-delegates" thrown into the mix which are the members of congress, and DNC folks who are "un-pledged and free to support the candidate of their choice".

This year, however, the DNC decided to add a "state" into the primary and on February 5th, there will be a 23rd state voting: Democrats Abroad. In 40 cities over the world there will be "voting centers" set up to allow US citizens to come cast their ballot into the international system and register to vote to get ready for the 2008 election. This "Global Primary" will take a week with mail in ballots, online voting, and faxed ballots being accepted until Feb. 12th when the 22 delegates which the international-ites have been given will be divided up by candidate.

What's even stranger as I move into working with an incredible group of people as they coordinate this monumental effort is how the candidates start to break down when there is no campaigning which is going on globally. Without the influence of constant TV ads, or the candidates flying in, voters are left to look at candidate websites, read their platforms and plans, and the news (the British news specifically is obsessed with our race.... granted, they think that Mike Gravel is the most human candidate and there was actually a sidebar in an article wondering why fewer people are voting for such a personable fellow.)

Finally, not that I need to point out the disdain the Republican party has for the rest of the world, but the RNC made a conscious choice NOT to set up a global primary and allow voters who are abroad to vote as a block but threw them into the system of securing a primary ballot abroad (trust me, something that you will never receive no matter how early you register or how many times you call your election board.)

The tens of thousands of votes which come from abroad DO count, as we learned in 2000 (as long as they actually are counted) however, this represents more than just the pure number of votes, this represents a difference between party priorities and an incredible difference in the level of engagement with the world. International voters are naturally focussed on different issues but have a unique perspective on how the US is perceived outside of our rather un-secured borders. The Global Primary won't be responsible for pushing one candidate or another over the edge, but it will certainly have made a difference to the citizens who live abroad and their friends who have no formal voice in the election for the position which shapes world policies.

Columbia Dems in the News

A glance at two Columbia Dems umbrella groups making news before primary day:

http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/42405/

10 Days in Iowa

Hello everyone! I've just gotten back from 10 days of campaigning in Iowa for Senator Christopher J. Dodd, who has now dropped his bid for the Democratic Party's Presidential nomination. While in Iowa, I blogged for veracifier.com and on bwog, and the links to my posts and movies are below:

A Nod to Dodd: Pounding Pavement for Connecticut's Senior Senator

Welcome to the Dodd Squad

News in the Driver's Seat of a Campaign's Final Days

48 Hours and Counting

Retail Politics Come Down to the Wire in Dubuque, Iowa

Iowa Ground Hound Video: Chuck Norris

Dodd's Loss is the Party's Gain

From the Trail (bwog piece)

Columbia Dems Heard Round the World

In the spirit of the campaign season the Columbia Democrats are bringing you updates from Iowa, New Hampshire, New York and anywhere else our fellow dems are fighting the good fight.

Take a look at the stories above and submit your own campaign tale.

Tonight, the Democratic primaries begin and the end of the Bush presidency is in sight.

Get involved and take a stand with the Columbia University College Democrats this spring.

Happy New Year

-Your friendly neighborhood President