TIDAL WAVE

LANDSLIDE – From Sea to Shining Sea

                                     LOOK AT IT !!!

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country !!"

                          YES. WE. CAN !!

Obama Republicans

Ohhhhhhhh, Yes!!  If we build it, they will come !!

The breadth of the blowout literally STUNNED the anchors.

How the MUD slingers were rejected.

•  Al Rodgers. You are one of a kind. Thank You.

  by icebergslim on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:44:30 PM PDT

  •  And thanks for the word LANDSLIDE

    Me thinks this won't be the last time we see it in reference to Future President OBAMA

    by kubla000 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:46:38 PM PDT

    •  Would love to tip you, Al n/t

      by JoeW on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:56:31 PM PDT

      •  Al Rogers IS One Of Many That MAKE DailyKos

        GREAT!

        thank you ...

        by Kdoug on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:12:13 PM PDT

      •  I'll do what you can't

        Too bad I can only do it once.

        by rightiswrong on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:02:28 PM PDT

      •  me too, but I was tased by Kos

        by rapcetera on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 11:26:33 PM PDT

    •  Great Job Al!!

      by rapcetera on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 11:27:17 PM PDT

  •  What a diary wow!

    thanks

    by wuod kwatch on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:49:18 PM PDT

  •  I hate to tell you, but winning a huge number

    of votes in a mostly Black electorate in a state the Democrats cannot possible win in November does not indicate much.

    Feb 5th will tell.  The votes in states where only Democrats can vote will tell (where all his naive talk of inclusiveness with the 30% of the populace that watches Faux News all day and still supports W. won't mean much).

    You're right about a landslide, but it will be Hillary's (all of Kerry's states, plus Ohio [Democratic governor and Democratic Sec of State], Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado and maybe Nevada).

    Obama is a good guy whose time is in 8 years...not now.

    by Blue Wave Cometh on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:22:18 PM PDT

    •  Obama leading in Colorado

      Mason/Dixon poll just came out today showing Obama with the lead now in Colorado over Clinton.

      Last time I checked, Colorado was a pretty white state.  Like Iowa.  And in NH he lost by two fricking points, mainly due to votes of middle aged white women.

      So much for your theory.

      by goblue72 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 10:55:24 PM PDT

    •  Obama managed to turn out more voters on Saturday

      than were at the Republican primary last weekend, and more people voted for him than voted for Huckabee and McCain combined.  If you don't see that as indicative of his tremendous strength for the future of our party, I have no idea what will.

      by psericks on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 11:22:12 PM PDT

      •  WoW! Go Obama! Fire it Up! Awesome diary Al!

        by concerned on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 01:23:02 AM PDT

    •  South Carolina might conceivably

      go Democratic this election cycle. We went for Clinton as I recall, in one of those cycles. I presume probably against Dole.

      by steve davis on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 05:57:30 AM PDT

      •  Carter did it

        I'm sorry, but you have to go way back. Dole won SC 50-44 against Clinton. It was the next door governer who pulled it off in 1976 (56 - 43 against Ford). Before that it was even lost in the landslide Johnson election of 1964. But Kennedy took it in 1960. Like Obama will in 2008.

        by FrankNL on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 06:38:32 AM PDT

      •  No Clinton lost SC twice

        1992

        George Bush  48.02%
        William Clinton   39.88%
        H. Ross Perot   11.55%

        1996

        Robert Dole 49.89%
        William Clinton 43.85%
        H. Ross Perot 5.60%

        by elender on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 06:46:58 AM PDT

        •  oh man. we voted for dole?

          fuck me. I'm taking pills and dying now.

          by steve davis on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 06:55:41 AM PDT

          •  LOL n/t

            by parker parrot on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 08:57:45 AM PDT

          •  Funny!

            But why would we want to FU if you're dying?? ;-)
            Please stick around to vote in November!

            by bethcf4p on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 09:01:42 AM PDT

            •  Because it might be my last chance for awhile?

              :-)

              by steve davis on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 12:04:46 PM PDT

      •  It might indeed

        Especially when you factor in all the bad news that has yet to break between now and November.

        by Alden on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 08:01:00 AM PDT

      •  We're ready to win the GE in SC

        We have the best grassroots team anywhere, and we aren't done yet!

        by nonprophet on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 09:28:21 AM PDT

    •  There's no way Iowa will vote for Hillary

      Not after she and Bill ridiculed them after they lost. They don't like the Clintons over there.

      by elender on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 06:27:42 AM PDT

    •  You are absolutely right.

      where all his naive talk of inclusiveness with the 30% of the populace that watches Faux News all day and still supports W. won't mean much

      You are right, inclusiveness won't mean much, to the people who watch fox news all day and support Bush.

      and

      (1) they wouldn't vote for ANY democrat anyway.  Not Hillary, not John Edwards, not Joe Lieberman.

      and

      (2) what are there like fifteen of them in the country?

      and

      (3) who needs 'em?  more importantly, who WANTS 'em.

      Obama is a good guy whose time is in 8 years...not now.

      Thanks, Bill.  How many times have we heard that?

      by gossamer on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 07:37:25 AM PDT

      •  A lot of Faux News watchers

        ...will be the ones losing jobs and houses this year.

        by Alden on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 08:02:13 AM PDT

    •  Bet you $5 that Obama carries SC

      I live in Aiken County.  The most republican county if it's size in the nation (my neighbor is the elections commisioner).  He thinks Obama has a shot.  I've said this before elsewhere, but he once told me that if Jesus ran as a Dem he would lose by 15 points in Aiken cty.

      So I'm willing to put up 5 bucks on Obama winning SC in November if he is nominated.  Specially against Mitt.  McCain, you might get my 5 smackers.

      by jaslusher on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 08:53:02 AM PDT

  •  Audio: Fired Up Ready To Go!

    There is a great audio by
    Bergevin Brothers Music
    on MySpace. But I don't know how to download it to embed. It would be great to add to Al's Landslide diary.  If anyone can embed, please do so.
    Great job Al. Thanks.

    by greenchiledem on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:41:08 PM PDT

  •  Thank you for putting this together!

    Well done!!

    by ScottyUrb on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 10:29:55 PM PDT

  •  WOW!!!! What a diary...

    It's been too long Al... where ya' been?  Glad you didn't take off and leave like so many are threatening to do!!!

    We LOVE you Al...

    by victoria2dc on Mon Jan 28, 2008 at 02:44:54 AM PDT

•  Al--Sensational Job

  as always. You're just the best.

  by Yosef 52 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:48:29 PM PDT

  •  2nd that!----just great, Al!

    Terrific!  Inspiring!  Look at the faces of all the people!  They believe in the possibility and promise of Obama.  

    by dotster on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:09:34 PM PDT

    •  The faces of the young people

      who served as the background for the Obama victory speech were a happy mix of black and white. All with big smiles and a much energy.

      Then I saw the speech given by Hillary who had escape from South Carolina and was now in Tennessee. The faces behind her all looked like they had been forced to be there. There was no smile, no energy and no sign of hope.

      The two very different crowds were a universe apart. While Obama easely inspired his supporters, Hillary completely failed to motivate anyone.

      Peace.

      by frostbite on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:42:38 PM PDT

•  I was just re-listening to his SC speech

  And your photos, with the speech in the background, literally brought tears to my eyes.

  Thanks, Al.

  by ChiGirl88 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:49:03 PM PDT

  •  I got a kick...

    ...watching the young people, so demonstrative in the background. So full of life and excited!

    by MichaelPH on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:52:13 PM PDT

    •  yes, that girl flashing the peace sign

      warmed my heart . . .

      by Aquaman on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:48:59 PM PDT

  •  I showed last night's speech to an ex student

    He had come by to visit and tell me he got into a school he wanted.

    I asked if he had made up his mind about the race.

    No.

    So I asked him if he'd ever heard Obama speak.

    No.

    So I showed him last night's speech.

    About 6 minutes in he asked me to pause it.

    He said that every politician he's ever heard has said, "Elect me and I'll do ______" and it's all bullshit and he's never been interested.  In fact, he only listened to humor me.

    But then he said, with Obama, he felt as though Obama was asking him to roll up his sleeves and solve America's woes with him.

    And then he asked me to finish the speech.

    And when it was over, he told me that I should write the last minute or so on the board, you know, where he says, "out of many we are one" and so on.

    I told him that my students insist that I play an Obama speech a week now, at least my seniors, who are 18 or nearly so and heavily following this are.

    He's sold on Obama.  Done deal.

    by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:01:52 PM PDT

    •  You're a great teacher

      your students are lucky to have you.

      by casperr on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:04:00 PM PDT

      •  Thank you but I wish that were true.

        I strive to be a great teacher.  I strive to be better every day.  I try to listen better, learn more, and articulate better.

        My students teach me at least as much as I teach them.

        It's a fair trade.

        by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:08:06 PM PDT

        •  Yes..

          That's just what makes you a great teacher.  That's good is not good enough.  That we keep going until we all get to our potential and fulfill our destiny.

          Teaching, like parenting, is a faith based profession.  You don't see the results of your daily work, maybe for years.  But you get little glimpses.

          As a teacher, you recognized a moment to educate and lift up your student, and you didn't let it go by.  And if you weren't a great teacher, the student wouldn't have come by in the first place, nor would he have stayed to humor you.

          You work hard.  You do it well.  You make the world a better place.

          I'd say that makes you officially great.

          Sorry, but you will have to accept my kind words, since they are all I have to offer as thanks for your chosen work.

          by Casey Morris on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:49:50 PM PDT

          •  beautiful post! (nm)

            by steveGA on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 11:02:53 PM PDT

    •  You must be in a private school, yes? eom

      by sick of it all on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:08:25 PM PDT

      •  Nope. Public.

        With my style of teaching I'd not last long in a private school.

        I teach democratically.

        I don't do tests.

        I encourage critical thinking.

        I teach English but with my Juniors and Seniors it's heavily laden with politics (though I do it non-partisan).

        I don't dress well.

        I teach self direction and personal responsibility and therefore don't involve parents much because it isn't their education.  

        I do have a very liberal principal who let's me do my thing though.

        by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:12:26 PM PDT

        •  Dang. At my public school

          (I teach middle school, but have taught high school, too)  I 'd be in deep doo-doo if I showed Obama vids...we are not allowed to even appear to promote a candidate directly with the kids.

          I completely agree with your philosophy, but thought you must be in a Waldorf or Montessori environment.

          We have EdLine.  God help us!

          by sick of it all on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:21:30 PM PDT

          •  I began with debates.

            Students engaged in seminars.

            They debated.  They discussed.  They researched.

            But now, all they want to see is Obama.

            Even the ones who fancy themselves Republicans.

            by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:29:58 PM PDT

            •  I love it! I am just

              fascinated with how you get away with it.  Jealous, even! :)

              by sick of it all on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:31:43 PM PDT

              •  I teach English

                In the state of Washington, we're supposed to be responsible for Reading, Writing and Communication skills.

                Further, our constitution states something to the effect of it is the responsibility of public education to "create citizens who can participate in a democracy".

                That requires not just the simple skills they test for on standardized tests, but reason, critical thought, debate, the ability to read between the lines, the ability to synthesize, etc.  

                I create an environment where ALL views and opinions are respected except hate or ignorance based stuff.

                So students, while hesitant at first, slowly begin to test the waters and try out ideas.  And I do my best to keep things civil and I also do my best to argue the opposite point of view of whatever a given student says.  I do so in order to help them strengthen their point of view.

                It is not my job to create a bunch of Obama loving Democrats.  It's tempting but it's unethical.

                It's my job to help these students understand who they are and what they believe and then challange it in a way that they are either more resolved, or they come to look at a myriad of other points of view.

                And it's a blast.  The more I learn how to do this, the more fun it is.  I really sucked at first but I just kept going and took the heat that came, because I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong.  I wasn't selling my views.

                The worst trouble I got in was one student told his daddy that I said GW was a moron.  I didn't.  But, I did challange this student's blind love for him without backing up what he was saying.

                The father called Sean Hannity's radio show and they both called me out by name for a while.  That attention was fun I can tell you.

                But the principal just quizzed other students, got the truth and I was cool.

                It's a risk but I think it was worth it.

                by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:45:47 PM PDT

                •  It takes courage. That I know.

                  I was called before my Board and was served a Notice to Remedy (a step away from being fired) for talking about standardized tests with the kids.  Actually, I was talking about civil disobedience (around Dr. King's b-day) and unintended consequences - and shared that my daughter got some unintended consequences when she didn't participate in the state testing.  What a freekin' backlash.  Didn't help that I had spoken in front of the Board as a concerned parent numerous times about NCLB and the bullshit AYP.

                  Anyway, maybe that's made me a little gun-shy.  I respect what you are doing.  I had such a hard time doing it on my own - too lonely.  Sadly, I've backed off somewhat, I guess.  I hope to start my own school one day, even though I am a die-hard public school supporter!

                  Blessings.

                  by sick of it all on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:58:32 PM PDT

                  •  What a crappy Board to have to deal with.

                    Sorry about your experience.

                    I can see why you'd back off.

                    Peace.

                    by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:11:13 PM PDT

                    •  Sick of It and Broui

                      thanks for that exchange.  It gives me hope for the future generations.  I wish more teachers were able to be like you, Broui.

                      by sand805 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:13:21 PM PDT

                •  broui

                  You mean......you dont teach to the WASL???!!!!!
                  O MYYYYYY!!!   /snarky snark

                  Bless you...keep doing what you are doing!

                  by fireflynw on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:36:03 PM PDT

        •  Tip...

          ...for education.

          Comeon folks, you know he deserves it. Even if you don't support Obama.

          by maxomai on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:33:12 PM PDT

        •  You'd Have Done Well in My Prep School

          Though you'd sure be locked out of most of the Christian private schools.

          by Gooserock on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:33:58 PM PDT

        •  You are the kind of teacher

          that inspired me in high school and shook me out of apathy. I can only hope that my own kids will be lucky enough to have teachers like you.

          by rightiswrong on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 09:07:25 PM PDT

    •  Thank you for being an excellent teacher!

      by MadAsHellMaddie on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:13:12 PM PDT

    •  You might find the

      University speech he gave last summer.  It was the most inspiring one I think.  It really speaks to students.

      by jalenth on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:16:35 PM PDT

      •  I meant University graduation speech.

        by jalenth on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:17:31 PM PDT

        •  Got it. Thanks.

          by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:30:54 PM PDT

    •  My daughter teaches at a public high

      school in Indy----she reports that all her students are so excited about Obama.  They are thrilled about his success.  In fact, today on the phone, she said, "Everyone's for Obama now.  All my friends. Indy's definately got Obama Fever".

      by dotster on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:31:18 PM PDT

      •  Indy and all of Indiana is deeply Purple now and

        by general election will probably be Blue---just like South Carolina!  

        by drmah on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:46:20 PM PDT

    •  Wow.

      You have some great seniors there! And a terrific ex-student. (Congratulations to him on getting into the school of his choice, btw. :)

      by lirtydies on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:31:37 PM PDT

      •  This student is going to be a heavy machine op

        To some it doesn't sound like much.

        But to this young man, it's huge.  I'm glad for him.

        What a crappy hand he's been dealt.  And to play his way through.  

        I'm proud of him.

        by broui on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:49:59 PM PDT

    •  I Presume He's Too Young to Have Seen Dean

      Because that was one of the frequent observations during that campaign.

      Obama however has got a lot more support around him.

      by Gooserock on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:35:02 PM PDT

    •  I imagine

      this must have occurred to somebody, but since Obama's set piece speeches clearly have the most immediate, impactful value to people, why not make them the centerpiece of campaign advertising, both TV and radio? I was just watching some commercial for a hospital that tugged on my hearstrings a bit within about 30 seconds. I think they've used his 2004 convention speech in commercials, but he's given some doozies since then.

      My other idea is a commercial starring Michelle. Clearly both of these factors were huge in winning or coming close in states where he had the luxury of time and exposure. He has to distill that down to the essence and project it out to voters who still haven't been exposed to the "magic"--or just remember him from the 2004 speech when he wasn't even in the senate yet.

      by JMS on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:38:26 PM PDT

      •  They used his JJ dinner speech in an Iowa ad

        Fantastic.

        by Fonsia on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:36:21 PM PDT

  •  Jesse Jackson is FROM south carolina

    I just realized this tonight.   In the context of Bill's comment it adds some understanding to what happened in '84 and '88.  Not to diminish what Jackson accomplished at all but its true that candidates tend to do well in their home state.

    Also Jackson won something like 5-10% of the white vote in '88 which was an improvement over '84.  I read this in a Washington post article but i cant find it now.

    by Garbear on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:44:46 PM PDT

    •  Not sure what this has to do with my comment?

      I didn't say anything about Jesse.  

      Did you respond to the wrong person?

      by ChiGirl88 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:51:08 PM PDT

•  Wonderful. Thank you.

  by chicago minx on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:49:18 PM PDT

•  Yes!

  It's overwhelming:

  LOOK AT IT! - 2008

  by ZappoDave on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:49:22 PM PDT

  •  No Really!

    LOOK AT IT!

    by ZappoDave on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:12:34 PM PDT

    •  yes!!!!!!!! LOOk at it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

      by MadAsHellMaddie on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:13:43 PM PDT

      •  YEs! YEs!

        I'm seeing it now ... very clearly - but we must now go out and find others !! Others to:

        LOOK AT IT!

        (disclaimer:I'm a paid consultant of the LOOK AT IT '08 campaign and have nothing to do with the Unity '07, that campaign didn't know what year it is)

        LOOK AT IT!

        by ZappoDave on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:16:45 PM PDT

        •  LOOOOOOOOOOOK at IT! LOOOOOK at OBAMA!

          by MadAsHellMaddie on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:20:05 PM PDT

          •  Funny -- Joe Scarborough

            "I believe!" .... too much.
            
            LOOK AT IT!

            by ZappoDave on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:22:03 PM PDT

            •  I liked what ol' Joe said----an unlikely

              "believer".  But will someone please teach Howard Fineman how to pronounce Barack.  He always says "Bar. Rock".

              by dotster on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:36:35 PM PDT

              •  My favorite is Buchanan trying to say

                "Si, se puede."

                He always puts an "r" in it. "purdee"

                by Fonsia on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:38:03 PM PDT

            •  Joe Scarbourough

              took my breath away in that clip. The earth is moving under our feet, bringing Republicans to the table, with respect. I never thought I would see that in my lifetime. I agreed with everything he said.

              by bruised toes on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 08:57:34 PM PDT

•  Bee-yu-teeful!

  Cool graphics too. Blogs have sure come a long way! So I'm easily impressed...

  by MichaelPH on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 06:49:45 PM PDT

  •  Heh... Al only makes it *look* easy

    but it takes that special touch to do an Al Rodger's diary.

    Al's got it.

    Hey Al!  How you doin'?

    Fired Up! Ready to Go!  Yes, We Can!

    Our... constitutional heritage rebels at the thought of giving government the power to control men's minds. Thurgood Marshall

    by bronte17 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:03:10 PM PDT

    •  Yes, but you know how to do

      that red text thing.

      by casperr on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:04:52 PM PDT

      •  Ah, you noticed huh?

        And that Thurgood is sure good.

        Our... constitutional heritage rebels at the thought of giving government the power to control men's minds. Thurgood Marshall

        by bronte17 on Sun Jan 27, 2008 at 07:40:39 PM PDT

•  Thank you Al.